Ethics in Jainism

Syllabus
GS Paper IV – Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

Context
Prime Minister inaugurated the 2550^th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav in celebration of Mahavir Jayanti.

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Ethics in Jainism

Introduction

Jainism, one of the world’s ancient religions, is both a spiritual path and a profound philosophical system enriched with ethical values. Jain ethics offer a detailed guide for living a life of virtue, compassion, and non-violence. This discussion will explore the fundamental principles of Jain ethics, their importance, evolution, and relevance in today’s society.

Evolution of Jain Ethics

The ethical foundations of Jainism trace back to the teachings of Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara, who lived around the 6th century BCE. Mahavira highlighted Ahimsa (non-violence) as the central tenet of Jain ethics. Over time, Jain ethical philosophy has been shaped by the contributions of various scholars and thinkers, notably Acharya Umasvati, who authored the Tattvartha Sutra, a key text that delineates the core principles of Jainism.

Principles of Jain Ethics

Tri Ratna (Three Jewels)

• Right Faith (Samyagdarsana)
  • Belief in Enlightened Teachings: Right faith involves trust in the wisdom imparted by Jain enlightened beings. This faith grows through meditation and becomes perfect with complete knowledge.
• Right Knowledge (Samyag Jnana)
  • Understanding Jain Teachings: Right knowledge goes beyond basic faith, involving a deep understanding of the fundamentals of Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul). It eradicates ignorance.
• Right Conduct (Samyak Caritra)
  • Adopting Virtuous Actions: Right conduct includes engaging in beneficial activities and avoiding harmful ones, freeing the soul from Karmas. It encompasses virtues like forgiveness, simplicity, truthfulness, cleanliness, and sacrifice.

Panch Vrata (Five Moral Vows)

• Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
  • Central Tenet of Jain Ethics: Ahimsa is the core of Jain ethics, advocating non-violence in thought, word, and deed. Jains practice compassion and avoid harming any living being, whether human or animal.
• Satya (Truthfulness)
  • Commitment to Honesty: Truthfulness emphasizes honesty, integrity, and sincerity in all aspects of life. Individuals should strive to speak the truth, avoid deceit, and uphold transparency and authenticity in their interactions.
• Asteya (Non-Stealing)
  • Respecting Others’ Property: Asteya instructs Jains to refrain from stealing or coveting others’ possessions. It extends to respecting intellectual property, avoiding exploitation, and fostering a culture of generosity and sharing.

• Brahmacharya (Chastity)
  • Practicing Self-Restraint: Brahmacharya advocates moderation in physical and emotional desires. While traditionally linked to celibacy, it also emphasizes ethical conduct in relationships, promoting respect, fidelity, and harmony.
• Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness)
  • Detachment from Materialism: Aparigraha teaches detachment from material possessions and worldly attachments. Jains believe in living a simple, minimalist lifestyle, free from greed and the pursuit of excessive wealth or possessions.

Application of Jain Ethics in Daily Life

• Environmental Stewardship
  • Respect for Nature: Jainism emphasizes environmental stewardship and sustainability, advocating for respect towards nature and minimizing ecological harm through practices like vegetarianism, conservation efforts, and eco-friendly lifestyles.
• Promoting Social Justice
  • Compassion and Equality: Jain ethics encourage social harmony, equality, and compassion for marginalized and disadvantaged groups. Jains actively engage in philanthropy, charitable activities, and community service to alleviate suffering and promote social welfare.
  • Anekantavada: This principle of considering multiple viewpoints encourages respect for diverse beliefs.
• Ethical Business Practices
  • Honesty and Integrity: In the business realm, Jain principles of honesty, integrity, and fair dealing guide ethical conduct. Jains prioritize ethical business practices, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development, valuing principles over profits.
  • Satya: Emphasizes honesty, integrity, and transparency in communication and actions, which are crucial for building trust and fostering healthy relationships.

Application of Jain Principles in Governance

• Ahimsa in Governance
  • Fostering Peace and Harmony: Civil servants embodying Ahimsa contribute to a culture of peace, harmony, and social cohesion.
    • Conflict Resolution: By promoting dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation, they can mitigate conflicts, address grievances, and build trust between communities.
    • Non-Violent Policy Making: In policy-making and implementation, civil servants can prioritize non-violent approaches to address socio-economic disparities, promote social justice, and ensure inclusive development for all sections of society.
• Satya and Asteya: Foundations of Integrity and Accountability
  • Upholding Honesty and Transparency: In pursuing truthfulness (Satya) and non-stealing (Asteya), civil servants uphold principles of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in their official duties.
    • Transparent Decision-Making: Ensuring transparency in decision-making processes, accountability for actions, and integrity in upholding the rule of law is essential for maintaining public trust and confidence in governmental institutions.
• Aparigraha: Guiding Ethical Leadership
  • Promoting Ethical Leadership: The principles of Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) guide civil servants towards ethical and servant leadership.
    • Detachment from Materialism: Aparigraha promotes detachment from power, privilege, and material possessions, encouraging civil servants to prioritize public service over personal gain and to serve with humility, compassion, and empathy.

Ethical dilemmas in Jainism

Ethical dilemmas in Jainism arise when the principles of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possessiveness conflict with practical decisions in areas like medical treatment, environmental conservation, dietary choices, business practices, and reproductive ethics, challenging adherents to balance their values with real-world situations.

• Medical Treatment and Ahimsa: Jainism’s principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) can create dilemmas in medical contexts. For instance, deciding whether to undergo or administer treatments that may harm microorganisms or involve animal testing can be challenging for Jains.
• Environmental Conservation vs. Daily Practices: Jains are committed to environmental stewardship, but everyday activities like using electricity or driving cars can harm living beings. Balancing modern conveniences with the principle of Ahimsa can be a significant ethical challenge.
• Dietary Choices: While Jains practice strict vegetarianism, the use of root vegetables like potatoes and onions, which involve killing the entire plant, poses a dilemma. Some Jains avoid these foods to minimize harm, but this can limit dietary options.
• Business Ethics and Profit: In the business world, Jains strive to uphold honesty (Satya) and non-stealing (Asteya). However, competitive pressures and the pursuit of profit can sometimes lead to ethical conflicts, such as deciding whether to engage in aggressive marketing tactics or cut corners.
• Reproductive Ethics: Issues like abortion and in vitro fertilization present ethical dilemmas for Jains. The principle of Ahimsa makes it difficult to reconcile these practices with the commitment to non-violence, leading to complex moral decisions.

Conclusion

The principles of Jain ethics are highly relevant for both moral citizens and civil servants, guiding them towards ethical behavior, moral leadership, and service-oriented governance. By embracing these values, civil servants can maintain the highest standards of integrity, compassion, and non-violence in their duties. This commitment fosters ethical governance, social justice, and the common good, truly reflecting the essence of public service.

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Related PYQ

What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss. [UPSC CSE – 2020 Mains]

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Practice Question

Discuss the core principles of Jain ethics and their relevance in contemporary public administration. How can these principles guide civil servants in ethical decision-making? (150 words)

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