The Ideal of Service in Jainism

Although Jainism is often perceived as a path for personal liberation through asceticism, the article ‘The Ideal of Service in Jainism’ argues that social service is integral to the religion. It opens by noting that society can only progress when individuals recognise their obligations to support each other and that many world problems such as poverty, oppression and disease result from the neglect of these obligations. While Jainism emphasises spiritual salvation, it also insists that lay followers must practice charity, service and the virtues of non‑violence, truthfulness, non‑stealing, chastity and non‑possessiveness. These five vows form the core of Jain ethics; if everyone observed them, there would be little need for social service. The author analyses the responsibilities of monastic leaders and monks. Spiritual heads and preceptors are expected to maintain the moral fabric of the community, preach and protect the sangha, encourage benevolent activities and care for fellow monks and nuns. Monks who practise the vow of non‑possession cannot accumulate material goods, yet they contribute to society by preaching, counselling householders, inspiring followers to cultivate virtues and making them fearless through spiritual instruction. Lay devotees, on the other hand, have duties toward family, friends, society and particularly towards monks and nuns. They must provide food, shelter, clothing and medicines, build rest houses and footpaths, arrange for water, plant trees, protect animals, educate the poor and contribute to hospitals and educational centres. A substantial portion of the article discusses charity (dāna). The author lists four types of donations: giving food and water, giving medicines and scriptural knowledge, giving fearlessness (abhayadāna) by protecting living beings, and giving goods out of compassion. He notes that while monks focus on preaching and freeing people from fear, householders are expected to supply material necessities for the welfare of society. Several case studies illustrate how Jain institutions run libraries, hospitals, schools, and camps to provide free books, medical treatment and scholarships; these organisations are funded by wealthy merchants and serve all communities without sectarian bias. The article emphasises that service (vaiyavṛtta) is an internal austerity in Jainism: it relieves suffering through right means and must be performed without expectation of reward. Service includes taking care of monks and nuns, attending the sick, rescuing animals, rendering assistance during famines and natural disasters, and protecting pilgrims. By connecting service to the doctrine of non‑violence and the vows, the author shows that Jain ethics recognise social responsibility as a step on the ladder to self‑realisation. Selfless service purifies one’s karma, removes selfishness and attachment, and thereby contributes to individual spiritual growth. The article concludes that the ideal of service promoted by Jain scriptures is not much different from ancient Hindu society but is rooted in the principle that spiritual liberation goes hand in hand with compassion. Even renunciates, who cannot handle money, serve by sharing knowledge, fearlessness and guidance; householders must thus complement the monks by supporting social welfare and practising charity.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.