Question- What are the aims of education according to Jainism. 

Answer -

Jainism is one of the major ancient religions of the world. Scholars believe that it originated as a reaction to the cumbersome ritualism (Karma kanda) and as revolt against animal sacrifices in the name of religion, which were prevalent in Hinduism. According to Jainism education is that which provides real life to individual. Aims of education according to Jainism are as follows :

(1) To promote Non-violence : Jainism cherish non-violence as a necessary condition for achieving ultimate salvation. Hence, it reflects one of the aims of education as promotion of non-violence.

(2) To Promote Righteousness : According to Jainism there are three remedies to overcome attachment and hatred and to attain liberation, these are : (i) Samyag Drashan (Right Faith), (ii) Samyag Jnan (Right Knowledge) and Samyag Charitra (Right Conduct). For eternity we have been revolving in the cycle of birth and death. When we obtain these three jewels of our faith in the teachings of the Jin, obtaining knowledge about the self as experienced and explained by the Jin, and instill these teaching into our behaviour, our liberation becomes a certainty. Hence, one of the aim of Jainism is to promote righteousness in the society.

(3) To Develop the Character : Jainism lays the greatest stress on the necessity of character and purity of conduct (Samyakacharitra). Jain text reads as ‘Money does not pay nor name; fame does not pay nor learning. It is love that pays; it is character that cleaves through the adamantine walls of difficulties’. In fact, character building was the very basis of Jainism as a practical plans of action. It defined education as the man-making, character-making assimilation of ideas and established development of the character as a major aim of education.

(4) To Eradicate Social Evils : Jainism was and is noted for its largeness of heart. It has flung its door open to all irrespective of caste; color and creed. So, it has no problem of untouchability. Personalities like Harkeshbhali and Matarya could embrace Jainism and attain the goal of mortal life even though down trodden and in servitude. Today, the citizens are tempted to lead a free life, eat and drink without restrictions and indulge in all sorts of sensual pleasures as a want of following five Magavratas according to Jainism. For laxity in life, dress, drinks, foods etc. is even visible of religious occasions like Paryusana also. In the same sense Jainism develops one of its educational aim to eradicate social evils.

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