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Jainism

A CRUP-OMAF case study

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crup-omaf-c0030-jainism-01

Domain: Existence, Reality, Consciousness
Theorist/s: Mahavira, Kundakunda, Umāsvāti
Assessor(s): DeepSeek
Date: 2025-10-09
Version of OMAF Used: v0.1

1. Overview of the Ontology

Purpose & Scope:

Jainism presents a comprehensive pluralistic ontology that maps the fundamental categories of Sat: 'existence'. Its scope encompasses all reality - from the microscopic to the cosmic, from matter to pure consciousness - with the ultimate purpose of providing a path for moksha: 'soul liberation' through correct understanding of reality's structure.

Core Claims:

  1. Reality consists of six eternal, uncreated substances: 'dravyas', Jīva: 'souls', Pudgala: 'matter', Dharma: 'medium of motion', Adharma: 'medium of rest', Ākāśa: 'space', and Kāla: 'time';
  2. Existence: 'Sat' is characterized by origination: 'utpāda', destruction: 'vyaya', and permanence: 'dhrauvya' simultaneously;
  3. Souls are infinite in number, eternal, and bound by karma (conceived as subtle matter)
  4. Reality is inherently complex and multi-faceted (anekāntavāda) - no single perspective captures ultimate truth; and
  5. The universe is beginningless and endless, with no creator god

Theoretical Influences:

Pre-Vedic Indian philosophical traditions; developed in dialogue with contemporary Buddhist and Hindu schools; influenced later Indian philosophical discourse significantly.

2. Application of OMAF

Axis I ā€” Completeness

Criterion Score (1ā€“5) Notes / Justification
Grounding 5 Exceptionally clear foundational principle: six eternal dravyas with precise definitions and interrelationships. The doctrine of Sat provides comprehensive grounding.
Manifestation 4 Detailed account of how beings operate through the interplay of dravyas, karma theory, and the seven realities (tattvas). Explains both ordinary and liberated states.
Persistence 5 Robust mechanism: eternal substances persist while modes change. Explains cosmic cycles without beginning or end, and individual soul persistence through infinite rebirths.
Boundaries 4 Well-defined boundaries between substances (sentient/insentient, etc.), though some interactions (like soul-matter binding) remain metaphysically challenging.

Axis II ā€” Robustness

Criterion Score (1ā€“5) Notes / Justification
Internal Coherence 4 Highly coherent system with precise definitions. Minor tension between absolute pluralism and the unity of liberated souls' experience.
Domain Validity 5 Universally applicable within its domain - covers microscopic to cosmic scales, matter to pure consciousness, time and space.
Objectivity / Reflexivity 5 Exceptionally self-aware through anekāntavāda and syādvāda (doctrine of maybe). Explicitly acknowledges its own perspectival limitations.
Explanatory Power 4 Explains vast range of phenomena from bondage to liberation. Unifies metaphysics, ethics, and soteriology comprehensively.
Resilience to Critique 4 Has withstood millennia of philosophical critique. Anekāntavāda provides built-in resilience by accommodating multiple viewpoints.

Axis III ā€” Pragmatic Usefulness

Criterion Score (1ā€“5) Notes / Justification
Operational Clarity 3 Clear ethical guidelines but some metaphysical concepts require deep philosophical training to apply practically.
Integrability 4 Surprisingly integrable with modern ecological thinking and some scientific frameworks. Compatible with multiple philosophical perspectives.
Heuristic Utility 5 Rich set of tools: anekāntavāda, nayavāda, syādvāda provide powerful frameworks for complex problem-solving and perspective-taking.

Axis IV ā€” Transformative Potential

Criterion Score (1ā€“5) Notes / Justification
Cognitive Shift 5 Profound shift from substance-thinking to process-perspective thinking. Challenges absolutism fundamentally.
Experiential Depth 5 Radically transforms experience through ahimsa practice and multi-perspectival awareness. Deepens ecological and ethical engagement.
Generativity 4 Has spawned numerous philosophical systems, influenced Gandhian thought, and continues to generate new interpretations in environmental ethics.

3. Visualisation

Radar Chart:

Dimensions Average Score
Completeness 4.5
Robustness 4.4
Pragmatic Usefulness 4.0
Transformative Potential 4.7

 

radar-beta
    title "Jainism Ontology"
    axis Completeness, Robustness, Usefulness, Potential
    curve Score{4.5, 4.4, 4.0, 4.7}
    max 5

4. Summary & Observations

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Trade-offs / Tensions:

5. Recommendations

  1. Develop contemporary bridges between karma-as-subtle-matter and modern physics/information theory
  2. Create applied frameworks for operationalizing anekāntavāda in conflict resolution and complex systems analysis
  3. Clarify the mechanism of soul-matter interaction with modern philosophical tools
  4. Develop educational sequences that make the system more accessible without oversimplification
  5. Explore integrations with process philosophy and complex systems theory

6. References

Contents
Last updated: 2026-01-16
License: JIML v.1