Dharma Ka Sarvabhaum Rup

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dharma ka Sarvabhaum Rup" by Vinay Rushi Pravartak, based on the provided pages:

The book, "Dharma ka Sarvabhaum Rup" (The Universal Form of Dharma), authored by Vinay Rushi Pravartak, explores the fundamental essence of religion and its universal applicability beyond the confines of specific doctrines and rituals.

The author begins by acknowledging the vast number of religions that have emerged throughout history and their pervasive influence on the world. He states that no corner of the universe remains untouched by religion, and its absence is unimaginable. While religions manifest in various forms and names, the author contends that this diversity, while a sign of human spiritual exploration, can also lead to narrowness, obscuring the universal aspect of Dharma.

The Universal Nature of Dharma:

• Origin and Limitation: Dharma, in its truest sense, emerges universally, but often its proponents later give it a limited form. A true Dharma, the author argues, is one that can influence every aspect of human life, permeate all spheres, and break down walls of discrimination.
• The Quest for Universality: The book addresses the fundamental question within every seeker's heart: what is the universal form of Dharma, and how can it be defined?
• Definitions of Dharma: The text presents various definitions of Dharma from different traditions:
  • Literal: "Dhinvana" (to give assurance), "Dharana" (to protect from suffering), and "Dhiryate yena" (that which sustains the universe).
  • Literary: "Dharmo vishvasya jagatah pratishtha" (Dharma is the foundation of the entire world) and "Chodanalakshano'rtho dharmah" (Dharma is that which is indicated by divine injunctions).
  • Lord Mahavir's Definition: The most profound definition is presented from Lord Mahavir: "Vatthu sahāvo dhammo" (The inherent nature of an object is its Dharma). This highlights that the essence of anything is its true nature – sweetness for sugar, sourness for tamarind.
• Dharma Beyond Rituals: The author emphasizes that Dharma is not about external rituals or dogma. It is an inner experience, a state of mind, a form of devotion. It resides in the human heart and is an integral part of one's nature. True Dharma is self-knowledge and self-reliance, not just prayer or worship.
• Dharma as a Way of Life: Quoting Western thinkers like Professor Whitehead ("Religion is the action a person performs in their solitude") and Matthew Arnold ("Religion is morality tinged with emotion"), the text suggests that Dharma is fundamentally a way of life, an expression of noble and pure human tendencies.
• The True Message of Dharma: Dharma's true message is one of healing, not of inciting conflict. Its aim is to extinguish conflict and spread peace. It teaches equality, brotherhood, and love, urging service to the suffering and the eradication of hatred and malice.

The Core Principles of Jain Dharma as Universal Dharma:

The book specifically highlights the three fundamental principles of Jainism – Ahimsa (Non-violence), Anekanta (Multi-sidedness), and Aparigraha (Non-possession) – as embodying the universal form of Dharma.

• Ahimsa (Non-violence):

  • Ahimsa brings all living beings to the same level, recognizing equality in all creatures.
  • It breaks down distinctions based on self vs. other, hatred vs. enmity.
  • Ahimsa is the foundation of character, the light of self-realization, and the boon of self-reliance.
  • The text quotes Jesus Christ's commandment, "Thou shalt not Kill," and the teachings of Saint Luke to "Be kind to all creatures" and to be merciful, highlighting the universal appeal of non-violence.
  • Lord Mahavir's mantra, "Mitti me savva bhuesu veram majjham na kenai" (Friendliness towards all beings, no enmity with anyone), exemplifies this principle.
  • The concept of seeing oneself in all beings ("Whom you wish to kill, that is you...") underscores the non-dualistic foundation of Ahimsa.
  • Ahimsa is described as the well-being of all beings, both mobile and immobile.
  • Therefore, Ahimsa encompasses all moral, spiritual, and benevolent qualities like friendliness, compassion, love, purity, and generosity. The ancient saying, "Ahimsa Paramo Dharmaḥ" (Non-violence is the highest Dharma), reiterates its importance for global welfare.

• Aparigraha (Non-possession):

  • Possessiveness is identified as the root of all suffering and a form of recognized violence.
  • Lord Mahavir defined possessiveness as attachment or "mumchha" (attachment to worldly things).
  • The practice of giving is presented as the purification of possessiveness, making it the first step towards liberation.
  • Ideological possessiveness, the author notes, leads to dogmatism, and one is advised to refrain from it.

• Anekanta (Multi-sidedness):

  • Anekanta is presented as the life-philosophy for all of humanity.
  • It broadens a narrow and intolerant perspective, fostering harmony, cooperation, goodwill, and coordination.
  • Anekanta is described as the "axis of the natural development of all humanity and the welfare of the world."

The book concludes by stating that Dharma in its true sense is "complete surrender to the highest and most valuable in its highest developed form." It emphasizes that just as a seed requires favorable conditions to sprout, the soul needs favorable environments to manifest its inherent potential. The author uses analogies to illustrate the importance of inner essence over external form, comparing the value of a lamp to its wick, a disciple to their knowledge, and a mother to her love. The text also briefly touches on the qualities of youth (chastity) and femininity (modesty) as virtues.