Episode 60: A Jain Perspective on the Origin and Cause of Coronavirus
Episode 60: A Jain Perspective on the Origin and Cause of Coronavirus This is the final episode—Episode 60—of the “Gagar Ma Sagar” series. Though the words may be few, the insights they hold are infinite. Today’s episode reflects on the current and relevant topic: Coronavirus—through the lens of Jain philosophy. Let us set aside scientific explanations and examine the root cause of Coronavirus from a spiritual and karmic perspective. I’m not going to use scientific terminology. Instead, I’ll simplify this topic through a Jain lens. Clear your mind, and listen with openness. What is Coronavirus According to Jain Philosophy? Coronavirus is a two-sensed living being—just like bacteria. Scientists call it a “virus”, but from a Jain perspective, it is a sentient life form with two senses: touch and taste. There are 2 lakh (200,000) types of environments, or yonis, where two-sensed beings can take birth. When such an environment is created—full of certain atoms and molecules—these beings manifest. For example, if leftover bread becomes stale overnight and turns sticky, it becomes a yoni capable of generating two-sensed beings. Coronavirus is born out of such a yoni—an environment full of pollution and filth. As these conditions multiply, so do the beings. When pollution increases, the yonis suitable for these viruses also increase. Pollution: The Breeding Ground According to Jain scriptures, Earth emits stench like a sewer during this fifth era of time (Pancham Kaal). This level of pollution and foul smell is why celestial beings (devas) do not descend here—it’s unbearable for them. We humans don’t realize it because we’ve become used to it. Where there is filth, disease multiplies. We all know that where there’s garbage, pests arise, and we need pesticides. Similarly, Coronavirus thrives in polluted environments. Vaccines may help your body adapt, but they will not eradicate the virus from Earth because the yoni still exists. Until pollution ends, the virus won’t disappear. How Modern Science Misled Us Modern science, through repeated experiments, has dismissed ancient Jain wisdom. They told us cow dung causes pollution, but scriptures say the opposite. Cow dung and urine actually purify the atmosphere. Cow dung, cow urine, and ghee form a sacred combination called panchagavya—used in purification rituals. For example, when my monsoon stay began in one town, there were many mosquitoes. After a few days of cleaning with cow urine, they vanished. That’s the power of purity. Meanwhile, modern technologies have created a massive waste crisis—medical waste, nuclear waste, e-waste, etc., all contributing to environmental degradation. Ganga: Nature’s Purifier India’s Ganga river is considered the world’s largest natural purifier. Any pollutant that enters Ganga is neutralized. Yet due to ignorance, we’ve turned away from such natural resources and embraced destructive modern practices. We keep asking, “When will coronavirus end?” But do we really want it to end? Because we continue with our factories, overproduction, greed, and pollution. Unless we reduce pollution, more dangerous viruses than Corona will emerge. The Jain Solution Jain Dharma offers the real solution—not vaccines or boosters. Here’s the spiritual roadmap: Jain Dharma doesn’t tell us to adopt these practices because of Coronavirus. Rather, it teaches us that if we follow Dharma sincerely, Corona won’t come in the first place. Conclusion This pandemic is a wake-up call—not to fight viruses externally but to transform ourselves internally. Jain Dharma shows us the path: Live with purity, simplicity, and compassion. Embrace non-violence not just in action, but in lifestyle. Only then can we hope for real healing—not just from coronavirus, but from the karmic pollution we’ve inflicted on Earth. Let us walk the path of Jain Dharma—not out of fear, but out of faith—and make our lives truly meaningful.