2. Bioethics
JAINA PERSPECTIVE: VIOLENCE
Types of violence
• Intentional (that cause some harm)
• Relating in daily life (Like cooking food to
sustain life)
• Business related (like farming)
• Relating to protection of nation,
society & family.
3. Bioethics
Virtues for monks (Major Vows)
Same virtues followed at the maximum
limits possible:
• Non-Violence
• Non-Stealing
• Truthfulness
• Limiting Possessions
• Limited celibacy (No Adultery)
4. Bioethics
Gunavrata, Shiksha – Vrata& Ten Moral
Dharma
• Vows supporting the minor vows
(Gunavrata)
• Vows that stimulates householders
towards monk hood (Shiksha – Vrata)
• Ten moral Dharma
5. Bioethics
Fundamental Jain Principle
All life is interdependent (Parasparop-
gravo-jivanan) from one sensed plant life
to fully developed five sensed human life
with analytical and reasoning ability. This
elicits feelings of gratitude and
responsibility.
6. Bioethics
Bioethical Application
• Most vaccines are produced by injecting
offending organisms into horses, for antigen
antibody reaction and from that serum, vaccines
are produced. Horses are basically not harmed.
• Some animal serum is used in making medicines
or anti venoms.
Can this be considered under
interdependence?
7. Bioethics
Fundamental Jain Teaching
All living beings are created equal with
respect to their soul. All souls have
capability of reaching liberation-moksha
8. Bioethics
Theory of Karma
• Jainism defines cause of disease or
suffering to be past or present action
(Karma).
• There are eight different karma described.
• Feeling (Pain and pleasure) producing
karma
• Body determining karma (e.g. disability
caused by Naam karma)
9. Bioethics
JAINISM EXPLANATION OF DISABILITY
Karmas are stored in the subtle body called the
“Karmic Body” that remains attached to the soul.
They are like files stored in the computer, which
are downloaded for writing the text of each and
every act of ones mind, speech and body in the
present life and each new life to come, in
accordance with your karma. Once a batch
Of karma particles have produced an action, they
are shed. Old karma particles leave and new
arrive on a regular basis.
Jainism can explain disease
& disability on this basis.
10. Bioethics
Concept of existence of soul and
belief of reincarnation
• In Jainism concept of existence of Soul within
each living being.
• This soul is polluted with karmic particles from
the time infinite and that this soul will continue
to occupy a new body up on death of the present
body.
• This process of reincarnation will continue till
soul is free of all karmic particles leading to
liberation –Moksha.
• Therefore in Jainism the importance of body & its
health is temporary.
11. Bioethics
Concept of Destiny
KarmbaddhaParyay&Five Samvaya
Destiny is described in Jainism very differently than
commonly expected definition. In Jain concept one
is destined to
pain, pleasure, disease, disability, death and so on
according to previous and present karmas and there
fruitations. This destiny is in one’s own control as
one’s deeds are at there free will.
Therefore indirectly one can control their
own disease & disability.
12. Bioethics
JAIN PRINCIPLES: Five Samvaya
For any act or process to be completed,
following five things will come in to play:
1. One’s own efforts (Pursharth)
2. Proper time (Kala)
3. Ability of one’s own soul (Upadana)
4. Destiny (Niyati)
5. Presence of catalyst(s) (Nimita)
WE ONLY CONTROL OUR EFFORTS.
13. Bioethics
Conference Details
Plenary sessions take place in Mudd Auditorium, Claremont
Lincoln University, 1325 N. College Ave., Claremont, CA 91711
(on the campus of Claremont School of Theology).
There is an inexpensive registration fee and a discount for
students. Early registration at a reduced rate will close on July
15th.
All meals at the conference will be creative and tasty Jain
vegetarian/vegan fare.
Register Here
14. Bioethics
Travel and Hotel Information
AIRPORTS
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is 15 minutes from Claremont. Taxis are
available outside the baggage area (approx. $20-25 for a ride to campus) or you
can book a shuttle here.
Los Angeles International Airport is 50 miles from Claremont. During peak traffic
hours (7am-9am; 3pm-6pm), this can be a very lengthy ride. You can book a shuttle
here.
HOTELS
The conference hotel is the Claremont DoubleTree, 555 W. Foothill Blvd. in
Claremont; (909) 626-2411. You can make reservations (at a reduced rate) at the
Jain Conference Group Page. The DoubleTree Hotel is 0.5 miles from campus, or a
10-minute walk.
Other accommodations can be found at Hotel Claremont; (909) 621-4831 (3 miles
from campus) or Casa 425; (866) 450-0425 (in Claremont Village, 1.3 miles from
campus). There are also lodgings in nearby cities.
15. Bioethics
August 24th and 25th , 2012
Venue:
Claremont Lincoln University
Mudd Auditorium,
1325 N. College Avenue,
Claremont CA 91711
Co-Sponsored by:
Claremont Lincoln University, the International School for Jain
Studies, Jain Center of Southern California, and the Federation of Jain
Associations in North America (JAINA)
