Symposia & Conferences
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Item A Critical Examination of Epistemology in Jainism(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2017) de Zoysa, H.N.Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss is to live a life of harmlessness and renunciation. It began in the 6th century as a reformation movement within Hinduism. Vardhaman Mahavir was the founder of Jainism religion. According to Jainism teachings knowledge is the essential quality of each individual soul. Jain epistemology thus becomes vital in Jain philosophy. This study is a different prevailing views in Jainism and Jaina Philosophy regarding the epistemology, perception, intelligence, standpoints, Nayas and viewpoints. The main objective of this paper is to identify the main characteristics of epistemology in Jainism religion. Research methodology used in the study was largely based on qualitative approach which analyses the relevant documentary sources from books, journals and web sites relating to this area. A descriptive research design with survey method was applied in this study.According to the study can be identified Jainism knowledge is of five kinds as Mati, Sruthi, Avadhi, Mahaparyaya and Kevala. The first two kinds of knowledge are regarded as indirect knowledge and remaining three as direct knowledge. The essential nature of jiva is consciousness which is made up both perception and discerning knowledge. Jain philosophers identify five stages to perception such as Vyanjanagraha, Arthvagraha, Iha, Avaya and Dharana. The Jain religion preaches the doctrines of Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya and Aparigraha. The Nayas are classified in various ways. This can be concluded by epistemology in Jainism is a critical doctrine in India which have discussed several different prevailing views.Item Ethical Issues Pertaining to Tamed Elephants in Sri Lanka: A Philosophical Study(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) de Zoysa, H.N.The entwined history of humans and elephants is fascinating but often sad. People have used elephants as beasts of burden and war machines, slaughtered them for their ivory, exterminated them as threats to people and ecosystems, turned them into objects of entertainment at circuses, employed them as both curiosities and conservation ambassadors in zoos and deified and honored them in religious rites. The main objective of this paper is to identify the ethical issues pertaining to tamed elephants in Sri Lanka. The sub objectives are to find out how humans use elephants as tools and entertainment and examine the ethics of training and legal protection actions needed. Research methodology used in the study was largely based on qualitative approach which analyses the relevant documentary sources from books, journals and web sites relating to this area. A descriptive research design with survey method was applied in this study. The findings reveal that there are issues related to the tamed elephants in Sri Lanka. They can be identified as management practices, poaching for ivory, logging elephants, using occasions and capture of elephants for captivity. Animals also have their rights. There are accepted codes of practice for the keeping of tamed elephants, which include the ‘Five Freedoms’ a captive elephant must enjoy. They are the freedom from Malnutrition, Terminal physical discomfort, Injury and disease, Fear and stress and the freedom to express normal patterns and behavior. So it is important to take some actions to protect the ethics related to the tamed elephants to safeguard the future of these valuable animals.