In Indic culture, attaining Self-realisation is the most important aspect of spiritual life. Temples, mosques, gurdwaras and other places of worship are only symbolic; they help us in attaining the highest state of being by awakening inner energy. However, in the present, all this has come to be associated with politics; people have linked these with their ego. We should not interfere with people’s faith. Such issues should be dealt with through dialogue, and we should focus on Indic values of universal brotherhood, maitreya, friendliness and unity in diversity. Through these values we can worship the inner Self through outer means.
How important is Rama in the context of Jainism?
Rama is a Mahapurusha, who not only belonged to India, but to the whole world. Principles and ideals don’t belong to a specific people; they are for everybody. Rama is important in Jain philosophy, he is considered Bhagvan; among Hindus, he is worshipped as Raja Rama, when he became the king.
In Jain tradition, when Rama leaves material comforts, his palace, and attains the pinnacle of purna sadhana, full spiritual practice, he attains divya jyoti kevalya jnana, atindriya jnana; he attains wisdom that helps him know padarthas, material substances of the three lokas. Jains believe in giving up everything and attaining the highest knowledge, by coming face-to-face with the Truth and that’s when Rama becomes sublime, according to Shramana beliefs. In Vedic culture, he is invoked as an avatar. In Jain tradition, every person can attain enlightenment.
Are Rama and Sita relevant today?
Rama and Sita make an ideal couple and there was no question of divorce between them. If both husband and wife become stubborn then it will be difficult for them to continue in the relationship. Rama accepted exile to follow his father’s order. Today, joint families are breaking and nuclear families are on the rise. We say ‘one who does seva, gets meva’ that is one who offers selfless service gets rewarded.
Sita was so tolerant; even when her husband was sent to exile, she went with him; she was courageous enough to give the agni pariksha, trial by fire.
Can dharma help us realise inner peace and become nirgrantha, free of desires?
Dharma is associated with insaniyat, humanism; it is eternal. Don’t harm anybody; practise karuna, daya and maitreya. Dharma stays with us always; it is awakening; it changes our negative thoughts into positive ones. All religions preach peace and harmony; dharma is not restricted to scriptures and rituals. What brings you bliss is dharma; ignorance is adharma. Dharma is not just related to saints and moksha, it is connected to your life. When you think of maryada purushottam, you become calm and stress free. To think of someone who has renounced everything, can help you realise inner peace; his aura will have a positive effect on you.
You have to first understand what is a granthi, knot. ‘Granthi’ means ‘desires, accumulation, and division’; one gets entangled in a web of needs. The one who is able to disentangle himself from these knots is a nirgrantha. Nirgrantha means living close to nature, in a detached manner. Sagrantha is to lead an artificial life. A nirgrantha leads a simple, natural, blissful life.