Adhunik Vigyan Ane Jain Dharm

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Adhunik Vigyan ane Jain Dharm" (Modern Science and Jainism) by Charlotte Krause, based on the provided Gujarati text:

The book, authored by Dr. Charlotte Krause (also known as Subhadra Devi, a German Shravika), explores the relationship between modern scientific inquiry and the ancient principles of Jainism. The author posits that fundamental human curiosity, or "jignasa," is a driving force behind all knowledge acquisition, spanning across cultures and epochs. From ancient texts like the Bible and Vedas to the works of philosophers and scientists, humanity has consistently sought answers to profound questions about existence, origins, and the nature of reality.

Key themes and arguments presented in the book include:

• The Universal Nature of Curiosity: The text begins by highlighting "jignasa" (curiosity) as a defining characteristic of humanity. This innate drive to know fuels exploration, philosophical discourse, and scientific discovery across all societies, from those considered "civilized" to those deemed "uncivilized."

• The Limits of Modern Science: A significant portion of the book delves into the limitations and unanswered questions of modern science, particularly in fields like biology, physics, and psychology.

  • Biology and the Soul: While modern medicine and biology have advanced significantly, they still struggle to explain fundamental questions like the origin of consciousness in the womb or the destination of the soul after death.
  • Physics and the Universe: The text questions the origins of heat and motion in the cosmos, the nature of light, and the existence of "aether" as a medium for light and electromagnetic waves. It points out that scientific theories are constantly evolving and subject to doubt.
  • Psychology and the Mind: The book questions how the mind influences the body, the origins of remorse and self-disgust, and the varying timelines for these psychological phenomena. It suggests that science has yet to fully grasp the complexities of the human psyche.

• Darwin's Theory and Jainism: The author critically examines Darwin's theory of evolution, noting its reliance on fossil evidence. However, she points out that the origin of the first single-celled organisms from non-living matter remains unexplained. Furthermore, she highlights the lack of observed instances of one species evolving into another, suggesting a potential contradiction with scientific observation.

• The Philosophical Void and the Search for Meaning: The text references the disillusionment of prominent thinkers like Goethe and Du Bois-Reymond, who expressed doubts about the certainty of knowledge gained through science and philosophy. This intellectual uncertainty leads many to question established religious beliefs, including the existence of the soul and concepts like heaven and hell.

• The Rise of Relativism and its Dangers: In the absence of universally accepted truths, the book notes the dangerous trend of individuals adopting the principle of "Erlaubt ist was gefaellt" (What pleases, is permitted). This leads to moral decay, selfishness, violence, and societal chaos. The author cites Oswald Spengler's "The Decline of the West" to support the idea of a cultural decline in Western civilization due to the erosion of traditional values.

• The Enduring Wisdom of Jainism: Despite the perceived shortcomings of modern science and the dangers of moral relativism, the book argues that Jain principles offer a comprehensive and satisfying framework for understanding the universe and living a purposeful life.

  • Jainism's Comprehensive System: Jainism is presented as a complete and logical system that caters to various intellectual and spiritual needs. It offers profound insights into cosmology, logic, ethics, and the nature of reality.
  • Jainism and Modern Discoveries: The author emphasizes the remarkable alignment between Jain philosophical concepts and recent scientific discoveries. She points to Jain teachings on the existence of countless minute organisms in water, the consciousness of plant life (prithvi kaya), and the concept of atomic divisions (skandhas, deshas, pradeshas, paramanus) which resonate with modern scientific understanding of molecules and atoms.
  • The Concept of Dharmastikaya and Adharmastikaya: The Jain concepts of "Dharmastikaya" (medium of motion) and "Adharmastikaya" (medium of rest) are presented as analogous to scientific attempts to explain gravitation and the nature of light through entities like "aether."
  • The Five Great Vows: The core Jain vows of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession/non-attachment) are highlighted as fundamental to a pure and ethical life, transcending cultural boundaries and even being recognized implicitly in Western societies.

• The Legacy of Jain Acharyas and Institutions: The book pays tribute to the contributions of Jain scholars and institutions in disseminating Jain knowledge. Special mention is made of Acharya Vijaydharmasuri, who played a crucial role in promoting Jainism in Europe through publications and scholarly exchange. The author also highlights the importance of institutions like the Jain Pathashala in Banaras and the Shivpuri Pathashala for training Jain scholars and spreading the Jain message globally.

• The Universal Appeal of Jainism: The author concludes by asserting that Jainism's principles of non-violence, spiritual purification, and universal love are beneficial not only for Jains but for all of humanity. She suggests that by embracing Jain teachings, individuals can contribute to a more peaceful and compassionate world, where violence, greed, and conflict are significantly reduced.

In essence, "Adhunik Vigyan ane Jain Dharm" argues that while modern science has made significant strides, it still grapples with fundamental existential questions that ancient Jain philosophy has already addressed with profound clarity and logical consistency. The book encourages a critical evaluation of both scientific and religious doctrines, advocating for the enduring relevance and scientific validity of the Jain path to spiritual liberation and universal well-being.