Aspect Of Jainology Part 1 Lala Harjas Rai

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Aspects of Jainology Part 1 Lala Harjas Rai," edited by Sagarmal Jain and published by Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi:

Overall Purpose and Context:

This book is a commemoration volume dedicated to Lala Harjas Rai, a significant figure in the Jain community, particularly for his role as the founder, builder, and patron of the Parshwanath Shodhpith (Research Institute) in Varanasi. The publication aims to honor his life, contributions, and ideals by presenting scholarly articles on various aspects of Jainology. It is presented as the first installment in a planned series titled "Aspects of Jainology."

Key Figure: Lala Harjas Rai:

• Philanthropist and Institution Builder: Lala Harjas Rai is lauded for his selfless service to the country, society, and religion. He is credited with being the driving force behind the establishment and continuous functioning of the Parshwanath Shodhpith for 40 years. While Pandit Sukhlal Sanghvi is acknowledged for the academic framework, Lala Harjas Rai is recognized for bringing the institute to fruition.
• Modesty and Detachment: A defining characteristic highlighted is his modesty and detachment from fame and recognition. He worked tirelessly for 40 years as the institute's minister, never seeking personal acclaim. He even refrained from having his portrait displayed during his lifetime.
• Dedication to Education: Lala Harjas Rai had a deep conviction in the transformative power of education for national character building. This led him to establish the Shri Ram Ashram High School in Amritsar in 1923, which was a co-educational institution, emphasizing the importance of educating both boys and girls.
• Commitment to Jain Studies: His passion for Jain studies and literature prompted him to establish the Sohanlal Jain Vidya Prasaraka Samiti in Amritsar in 1936 and subsequently the Parshwanath Shodhpith in Varanasi in 1937. He dedicated his life to the proper functioning of these institutions.
• Broader Interests: Beyond Jainology, he was involved in nationalistic movements, wore Khadi from his student days, and showed interest in sports like hockey, swimming, and scouting. He also had an interest in astrology and contributed to the creation of a Jain almanac.
• Personal Philosophy: His personal reflections, documented in his diary, reveal a broad and liberal outlook on social matters, emphasizing restraint (sanyam) as the foundation of a meaningful life. He advocated for mutual respect and understanding within families and society.
• Family Legacy: He came from a respected and affluent Jain family in Amritsar and was married to Shrimati Labhdevi. His sons continue to be actively involved in social and educational activities, with his second son, Shri Bhupendranathji Jain, currently serving as the secretary of the Parshwanath Shodhpith. The family has also committed to establishing a charitable trust in his memory.

The Book's Content and Structure:

The volume is divided into several sections:

1. Biographical Section: This section includes several articles detailing Lala Harjas Rai's life, personality, and achievements. These articles offer insights into his early life, education, business acumen, social and religious activities, personal philosophy, and family life. Key contributors in this section include Sagarmal Jain and Umesh Chandra Singh, Damsukhbhai Malvania, Gulabchand Jain, Harishchandra Jain, S. L. Khanna, G. R. Sethi, and Jagdish Sahai.
2. English Section: This comprises research papers contributed by scholars on various topics within Jainology. Notable papers include:
   • "Jaina Tradition of Tirthankaras" by Dr. Vilas A. Sangave, which delves into the historical authenticity and significance of the Tirthankara tradition.
   • "Contemporary Relevance of 'Triratna' Ideal of Jainism" by Dr. L. K. L. Srivastava, examining the enduring value of Jainism's core principles in modern society.
   • "Jainas Concept of Substance" by Narendra Kumar Singh, providing a philosophical overview of Jain metaphysical categories.
   • "Jaina Theory of Paroksa-Jnana" by Dr. Gour Hajra, discussing the Jain epistemological framework concerning mediate knowledge.
   • "The Philosophical Foundation of Religious Tolerance in Jainism" by Dr. Sagarmal Jain, exploring the principles of tolerance and non-absolutism within Jain philosophy.
   • "Religion of Man" by Jagdish Sahai, offering a broader perspective on spirituality and human conduct.
3. Hindi Section: This section features research papers in Hindi on diverse Jain topics, including:
   • "A Study of Ancient Agam Texts in the Context of Variants of Visheshavasthaka Bhashya, Inscribed Ancient Inscriptions, and the Language of Isibhasiaim" by Dr. K. R. Chandra, discussing textual criticism and linguistic evolution in Jain scriptures.
   • "Topics of Mathematical Study in Jain Agamas" by Anupam Jain and Suresh Chandra Agarwal, highlighting the mathematical knowledge embedded in Jain texts.
   • "The Nature of Moral and Religious Obligation in Jainism" by Dr. Sagarmal Jain, examining ethical frameworks in Jain thought.
   • "An Introduction to the Unpublished Prakrit Shatakatrayi" by Dr. Prem Suman Jain, introducing a collection of three Prakrit works (Indriya Shatak, Vairagya Shatak, and Adhinath Shatak).
   • "Political Situation in the Pandav Purana" by Kumari Rita Bishnoi, analyzing political concepts within a Jain epic.
   • "Jain Nirvana: Tradition and Transformation" by Ishwar Dayal, exploring the concept of liberation in Jainism.
   • "Name, Form, Establishment, and Symbol in Practical Life" by Vishwanath Pathak, discussing the conventional and symbolic aspects of life.
   • "The Nature and Manifestation of Rasa in Dashrupaka and Natyadarpan: A Comparative Analysis" by Kazi Anjum Saifi, comparing aesthetic theories of rasa in two prominent Sanskrit dramas.
   • "Khajuraho's Parshvanath Temple: A Manifestation of the Synthesis of Brahmanical and Jain Religions" by Dr. Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari, focusing on the syncretic art and religious influences in Jain temple architecture.

Key Themes and Contributions:

• The Interplay of Philosophy and Practice: The volume demonstrates how Jain philosophical concepts translate into practical ethical and social guidance.
• Historical and Textual Analysis: Several papers engage in critical analysis of Jain scriptures, their linguistic evolution, and historical context.
• Jain Contributions to Knowledge: The papers highlight Jainism's rich tradition in various fields, including epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, mathematics, and political thought.
• The Spirit of Tolerance and Inclusivity: Lala Harjas Rai's personal philosophy and the broader Jain tradition of respect for other faiths are evident throughout the volume, particularly in Dr. Sagarmal Jain's paper on religious tolerance and Dr. Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari's study of the Khajuraho temple.
• The Importance of Scholarship: The book serves as a platform for scholars to present their research, fostering the growth and understanding of Jainology.

In essence, "Aspects of Jainology Part 1" is a fitting tribute to Lala Harjas Rai's legacy, offering a deep dive into various facets of Jain tradition through the lens of academic scholarship.