Dashalakshana Dharma in Jainism and Personality Development

Abstract

Jainism is an ethical realism . The well-knit philosophical principles as newlineAhimsa (non-violence), Anekantvad, (non-absolutism) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) newlinebestow the followers of this religion with spiritual solace. newlineDashalakshana Dharma or the ten virtues in Jainism like forgiveness, modesty, newline newlinestraight-forwardness, purity of mind, truthfulness, self-restraint, penance, renunciation, non- newlineattachment and celibacy form the major part of Jain ethical conduct. These ten virtues are the newline newlineinherent qualities of the soul. These virtues are adored and contemplated by Jain community newlinepeople very auspiciously and devotedly in the Dashalakshana Parva each year in the month of newlineBhadrapada. The righteous people try to practice these virtues in their daily practical life to newlineattain the equanimity and freedom from bondage of Karmas. It is the internal journey of thoughts, newlinespeech and acts to regulate and control the passions like anger, pride, deceit and greed. The right faith newlinein these principles takes the aspirant towards right knowledge and right conduct to walk on the newlinepath of spiritual advancement i.e. the Mokshamarg (Liberation). newlineThe regular practice and conduct of Dashalakshana dharma help curb the newlineinordinate desires and mental clinging to materialistic, worldly things which are the root causes of newlinepain and misery for a mundane soul. The core content of the ten virtues is the opposition to the newlinemalevolent human nature. Lord Mahavir often stressed on these virtues for mutual happy and safe newlineliving of all beings in the universe for sustained peace. He urged that every individual should newlinemake endeavours to conquer anger by forgiveness and tolerance, pride by modesty, deceit by newlinestraight-forwardness and greed by contentedness and purity of mind. The virtues like self-restraint, newlinepenance, renunciation and non-possessiveness glorify one s inner state of personality. The austere newlinepractices such as dharma dhyana (auspicious meditation) help the aspirant for spiritual newlineenhancement and self-realisation which is the real reflection of personality development. newlineThe present research aims to study the contribution of Dashalakshana dharma in newlinethe development of one s personality. It will be an exploratory and qualitative type of research newlinework wherein the experiences, feelings and thoughts of the participants will be studied to know the newlineinfluence of regular and sincere practice and conduct of Dashalakshana Dharma in Jainism on the newlinedevelopment of personality among the practitioners. newline