Dharmik Rahasyawad Me Dik Kal Bodha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Dharmik Rahasyawad me Dik Kal Bodha" by Virendra Sinha, in English:

The book "Dharmik Rahasyawad me Dik Kal Bodha" (Understanding Space-Time in Religious Mysticism) by Dr. Virendra Sinha explores the concept of space-time (Dik-Kal) within the framework of religious mysticism. The author argues that religion, from its earliest origins, has been a means for humanity to move from the mundane, worldly experience of space-time towards a grander, cosmic, or transcendental understanding of reality.

Key arguments and concepts presented in the text:

From Worldly to Cosmic: Religion originates from primitive man's fear and curiosity towards natural forces, leading to symbolic interpretations. This process gradually elevates human consciousness from the everyday experience of space-time to a cosmic or transcendental perception of "vastness." This journey is interconnected and understood through various disciplines like religion, philosophy, science, sociology, and history. Religion, therefore, facilitates an experience of this transcendent "vastness" of space-time, both individually and collectively.
Reaching the "Vast" or Truth: Whether theistic or atheistic, all religions aim to reach the "Vast" or ultimate truth. Religious experience and mysticism begin with the worldly, four-dimensional level of space-time and encompass the vastness of the universe to reach the ultimate power or reality.
Duality of Systems: The journey from the worldly to the transcendental involves navigating the dialectical relationship between two systems: the system of worldly space-time and the system of "Infinity." Through worship, spiritual practice (sadhana), and devotion, individuals transcend their "self" in relation to the relativity of space and time. This transcendence implies that both systems – worldly space-time and transcendental space-time – are simultaneously present. The system of "Infinity" exists in some form in every religion.
Interplay of Worldly and Infinite: The author asserts that both systems of space-time are complementary or have a cause-and-effect relationship. He disagrees with the notion that God or Brahman is entirely independent of space-time. The perception of space-time is a relative connection between the worldly and the infinite; whether we move from worldly space-time to infinity or from infinity to space-time, the space-time experienced in both contexts is crucial for understanding the vastness or infinite truth. This "divine" system is expressed by saints and devotees through various forms.
The "Point of Intersection": The author identifies a "point of intersection" of time and timelessness, a concept similar to the "present moment." This "point" is the mystic's experiential or perceptual point where worldly and philosophical realities are connected. Without this "point of perception," the understanding of the infinite or eternal is impossible. The eternal or timeless involves a subtle transformation of space and time, not their negation. This present perceptual point or moment from which one experiences infinity is not limited to saints and mystics but also serves as a motivating factor for scientists, philosophers, and artists.
Mysticism and Epistemology: Mysticism holds a significant place in epistemology, connecting worldly space-time with a broader cosmic or infinite understanding. The mystic's experience of the infinite is a matter of intuitive knowledge or realization, a psychobiological process that modern parapsychology terms "Extra-Sensory Perception."
Metaphorical Representation: The understanding of the infinite is metaphorical. Mystics use metaphors to indicate this relationship, expressing the journey from the worldly to the transcendental through linguistic symbols and forms. These forms (symbols, images, "I," "you," etc.) are derived from worldly space-time and are used to convey transcendental meanings. These linguistic forms are means to express truth or the infinite relationship, but their basis is the given worldly level of space-time.
Micro and Macro Forms: These forms are of two types: "micro" (individual) and "macro" (cosmic or infinite). Micro forms are related to the worldly level, and macro forms (even if drawn from the world) relate to the transcendental. Mystics use the power of metaphor and suggestion to elevate these worldly forms to transcendental meanings, expressing the transcendental from the present point of time and from objects of space. These forms are as important for religious mystic sentiment as they are for creativity, as creators also use them to reveal deeper meanings.
Universality of Mystical Tendencies: Mystical tendencies are common among Indian saints, Sufis, and Christians, who, in their own ways, highlight the duality and then achieve a state of equipoise between the limited and the limitless. Examples like Kabir's use of the husband-wife metaphor and Rumi's use of "I" and "you" illustrate this intersection of the two systems.
Russell's Stages of Mysticism: Bertrand Russell viewed the mystical process as relative rather than absolute, a logical process with four stages: faith, insight, unity of mind and matter, and finally, the subtle and vast transformation of worldly space-time. These stages are also present in scientific and philosophical investigations, leading the seeker closer to "truth" but perhaps not to its ultimate form.
Balance is Key: The author concludes by emphasizing that accepting the system of the infinite or divine does not mean dismissing worldly space-time as false or illusory. Conversely, accepting worldly space-time does not mean negating the infinite or divine as mere fantasy. Extremes in either direction lead away from truth. The need is for balance and meaningful determination of both systems. This essay serves as an introduction to this idea.