A  Philosophical Basis     

202. A wrong notion prevails in some quarters that religion and philosophy are different.
203. Jainism is an ism, claiming to base itself on its philosophy. A religion cannot be divorced from its philosophy.
204. Jainism asserts that a soul, in it pure nature, is free from attachment and hatred.  To attain the purity of the soul, the necessary practices need to be adopted.
205. Jainism states that a ‘Jina’ is free from love and hatred.  Therefore, a soul wishing to be free from love and hatred ought to be constantly kept before its mind, the ideal stage of freedom from love and hatred.  It can be achieved by worshipping ‘Jinas’ who have attained that stage.
206. An idol reminds a worshipper of the attributes of the Jinas.  Idol-worship is therefore, an essential part of spiritual progress, based on the philosophy of Jainism.
207. Jainism adores knowledge.  Therefore, a devout Jain worships scriptures, which represent true knowledge.
208. Jainism preaches no abhor sin.  It, therefore, recommends real repentance.  Jainism, therefore, welcomes the practice of confessing one’s sins. This prevents further sinning.
209. Jainism recommends freedom from food, to the extent possible. Jainism, accordingly, preaches the practice of penance.
210. Jainism wants a person, not be a slave to his tongue. It, therefore, recommends a diet of tasteless articles of food.  It is a kind of penance.
211. These practices are based on Jain philosophy.  It is not ‘de hors’ to the Jain philosophy.
212. Detesting a religion is an irrational approach.  The practices observes by Jains are rational.  They are based on the Jain philosophy.