Jainism: Relativism and Ethics

Historical Background

Jainism is one of the oldest living religions and philosophical traditions of India, with roots going back to at least the 6th century BCE. Unlike many world religions, Jainism doesn’t center around worship of a creator god. Instead, it focuses on the perfection of human wisdom and conduct through a path laid out by enlightened teachers called Tirthankaras (“ford-makers” who help others cross the river of rebirth).

The tradition recognizes 24 Tirthankaras in the current cosmic cycle, with Mahavira (599-527 BCE) being the last and most historically documented. Born as Vardhamana to a ruling family, Mahavira renounced worldly life at age 30 and spent 12 years in deep meditation and asceticism before achieving enlightenment. He then taught for 30 years, establishing the foundations of Jainism that continue today.

Jainism has never been a majority religion in India but has exercised influence far beyond its numbers through its profound philosophical concepts and ethical practices. Its emphasis on non-violence influenced figures like Mahatma Gandhi and, through him, movements for peaceful social change worldwide.

Epistemological Relativism: Anekantavada

One of Jainism’s most distinctive philosophical contributions is its epistemological relativism, expressed through the doctrine of Anekantavada - the “many-sidedness” or “non-one-sidedness” of reality.

The Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant

A famous parable illustrates this concept: Several blind men touch different parts of an elephant. One touches the trunk and says, “An elephant is like a snake.” Another touches the ear and says, “No, an elephant is like a fan.” A third touches the leg and declares, “You’re both wrong. An elephant is like a pillar.” Each perceives only a partial truth based on limited experience.

Similarly, Jainism teaches that reality is multifaceted and complex. Any single perspective captures only part of the truth, never the whole. This doesn’t mean all views are equally valid, but that most contain some element of truth from their particular standpoint.

The Doctrine of Viewpoints (Nayavada)

To systematize this approach, Jains developed Nayavada, the doctrine of viewpoints. This recognizes that an object can be described in different ways depending on the perspective taken. For example, a cup might be described:

  • In terms of its substance (clay or ceramic)
  • In terms of its modification (its cup shape)
  • In terms of its position in space and time
  • In terms of its function (for drinking)

Each description is true from a particular standpoint but becomes false if claimed as the whole truth. Complete understanding requires integrating multiple perspectives.

The Sevenfold Predication (Syadvada)

Jainism further developed Syadvada, often translated as “maybe-ism” or the doctrine of conditional predication. This approach qualifies any statement about reality with “syat” (meaning “in some respect” or “perhaps”) to acknowledge its conditional nature.

The seven predications (saptabhangi) about any entity are:

  1. In some ways, it is (syad asti)
  2. In some ways, it is not (syad nasti)
  3. In some ways, it is and it is not (syad asti nasti)
  4. In some ways, it is indescribable (syad avaktavyam)
  5. In some ways, it is and is indescribable (syad asti avaktavyam)
  6. In some ways, it is not and is indescribable (syad nasti avaktavyam)
  7. In some ways, it is, is not, and is indescribable (syad asti nasti avaktavyam)

This logical framework acknowledges the complexity of reality and the limitations of language. It prevents dogmatic assertions while still allowing meaningful statements about reality from different perspectives.

Intellectual Ahimsa

Jain relativism isn’t merely theoretical but has an ethical dimension - it represents “intellectual ahimsa” (non-violence in thought). By acknowledging the partial validity of different viewpoints, one avoids the intellectual violence of dogmatically dismissing others’ perspectives. This approach promotes dialogue and mutual understanding rather than hostile debate.

However, Jainism doesn’t endorse unlimited relativism. Some views are considered more comprehensive than others, and views that deny basic ethical principles like non-violence are rejected. The goal is to integrate valid perspectives into a more complete understanding rather than accepting all views as equally true.

Jain Ethics: Non-Violence and Self-Restraint

Jainism is perhaps best known for its rigorous ethical system centered on ahimsa (non-violence) and self-restraint. These ethics flow directly from its metaphysical understanding of reality.

The Metaphysical Basis of Jain Ethics

Jainism teaches that all souls (jivas) are intrinsically divine and capable of achieving perfect knowledge and bliss. However, souls become entangled with karma - subtle matter that adheres to the soul due to our actions, emotions, and thoughts. This karma obscures the soul’s natural qualities and traps it in the cycle of rebirth.

The universe is filled with souls in various stages of development, from single-sensed beings like microorganisms to five-sensed beings like humans. All these souls share the same fundamental nature and desire for happiness. Understanding this interconnectedness and equality of all life forms is the basis for Jain ethics.

Ahimsa: Non-Violence as the Supreme Principle

Ahimsa (non-violence) is the cornerstone of Jain ethics. It goes far beyond merely avoiding physical harm to include avoiding harm through speech and thought as well. Jainism takes this principle to remarkable lengths, with the most devout practitioners:

  • Filtering water before drinking to avoid harming microscopic organisms
  • Sweeping the path ahead while walking to avoid stepping on small creatures
  • Wearing masks to avoid inhaling (and thus harming) tiny organisms
  • Following a vegetarian or even fruitarian diet to minimize harm to plants

While such extreme practices are mainly for monks and nuns, all Jains strive to minimize harm in their daily lives according to their capacity. Importantly, ahimsa isn’t just about avoiding harm but includes positive acts of compassion and kindness toward all beings.

The Five Great Vows

Jain ethics is formalized in five great vows (mahavratas) for ascetics, which are followed in modified form (anuvratas or “small vows”) by laypeople:

  1. Ahimsa: Non-violence toward all living beings
  2. Satya: Truthfulness in speech and thought
  3. Asteya: Non-stealing or respecting others’ property
  4. Brahmacharya: Sexual restraint (celibacy for ascetics, faithfulness for householders)
  5. Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness or limiting one’s attachments and possessions

These vows are interconnected - breaking one often leads to breaking others. For example, attachment to possessions (breaking aparigraha) often leads to untruthfulness or violence to protect those possessions.

The Three Jewels: Right View, Knowledge, and Conduct

Jainism teaches that liberation requires cultivating the “three jewels” (triratna):

  1. Right Faith/View (samyak darshana): Correct understanding of reality based on the teachings of the Tirthankaras
  2. Right Knowledge (samyak jnana): Knowledge free from doubt, delusion, and error
  3. Right Conduct (samyak charitra): Behavior that avoids harm and cultivates positive virtues

These three must work together - right conduct without understanding is blind, while understanding without practice is fruitless.

Self-Restraint and Self-Reliance

Jainism emphasizes self-restraint rather than divine grace or external salvation. Each soul must purify itself through its own efforts. No god or other being can remove one’s karma - this responsibility lies with the individual.

This self-reliance extends to authority as well. While respecting the Tirthankaras’ teachings, Jains are encouraged to verify principles through reasoning and experience rather than blind faith. The ultimate authority is one’s own purified consciousness.

Practical Applications of Jain Philosophy

Jain philosophical principles have profoundly practical applications that continue to influence modern life:

Environmental Ethics

Long before modern environmentalism, Jainism advocated respect for all life forms and careful use of natural resources. Jain principles naturally lead to environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable living. The Jain practice of limiting consumption and avoiding waste resonates with contemporary environmental concerns.

Business Ethics

Traditionally drawn to trade and commerce due to their avoidance of agriculture (which inevitably harms soil organisms), many Jains have been successful business people who applied their ethical principles to commercial activities. Jain business ethics emphasizes honesty, keeping promises, charging fair prices, and generous philanthropy.

Conflict Resolution

The Jain principle of anekantavada offers valuable tools for conflict resolution. By recognizing that conflicting viewpoints may each contain partial truths, this approach encourages looking for common ground rather than insisting on absolute positions. This can help transform win-lose conflicts into win-win solutions.

Personal Development

Jain practices of self-restraint and mindfulness support personal development and mental clarity. By limiting sensory stimulation and practicing regular self-reflection, practitioners cultivate inner peace and emotional stability. These practices have similarities to modern mindfulness techniques increasingly recognized for their psychological benefits.

Contemporary Relevance

Despite its ancient origins, Jain philosophy offers insights remarkably relevant to contemporary challenges:

The Jain emphasis on non-violence inspired Gandhi’s satyagraha movement and continues to inform non-violent activism worldwide. In a world plagued by conflict, the Jain path offers proven methods for peaceful coexistence.

The epistemological relativism of anekantavada provides a framework for navigating today’s polarized discourse, helping us recognize partial truths in opposing viewpoints without falling into extreme relativism.

Jain environmental ethics, with its respect for all life forms and emphasis on minimizing harm, offers wisdom for addressing ecological crises. The Jain concept of living with limited possessions challenges modern consumerism’s environmental impact.

Finally, in an age of information overload and constant distraction, Jain practices of self-restraint and mindfulness offer pathways to mental clarity and inner peace that don’t depend on external circumstances.

While some aspects of traditional Jain practice may seem extreme to outsiders, the core principles of non-violence, multiple perspectives, and self-restraint offer timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of modern life.