Dwandwa Aur Unka Nivaran - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text "Dwandwa aur Unka Nivaran" (Conflict and its Resolution), authored by Dr. Ramnarayan and Dr. Ranjankumar:

The book "Dwandwa aur Unka Nivaran" explores the psychological phenomenon of conflict (Dwandwa) and its resolution, drawing upon psychological theories and connecting them with Jain philosophy.

1. Defining Conflict (Dwandwa):

Core Meaning: Conflict is defined as a psychological problem arising from the clash of opposing motives, desires, or goals. It occurs when an individual faces a situation where mutually contradictory drives are activated, and not all of them can be satisfied.
Causes: Conflict arises from various sources, including frustration, the inability to adjust to circumstances, and the inherent multiplicity of human desires, needs, and interests that cannot all be fulfilled simultaneously.
Scholarly Perspectives: The text references definitions from scholars like Marks, Lazarus, and Ruch. Lazarus highlights conflict arising when an individual attempts to adjust to conflicting situations unsuccessfully. Ruch emphasizes situations where a person is forced to choose between two goals or holds contradictory feelings towards a single goal. Freud views mental conflict as a lack of harmony between the Id, Ego, and Superego.
Etymology: The word "Conflict" originates from the Latin "Conlictus," meaning "to strike together," reflecting the essence of opposing forces clashing.

2. Classification of Conflicts:

The book categorizes conflicts based on their sources and the level of consciousness:

Based on Sources:
- Conflict between internal needs and external resistances: This occurs when external environmental factors (traditions, values) prevent the fulfillment of internal biological needs and urges.
- Conflict between two external demands: Society often presents individuals with contradictory roles and demands that are difficult to reconcile.
- Conflict between two internal needs: Individuals often find themselves caught between conflicting personal desires and requirements.
Based on Consciousness (Lewin & Ruch):
- Approach-Approach Conflict: The dilemma of choosing between two equally attractive goals, where selecting one means forfeiting the other.
- Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict: The situation where an individual must choose between two undesirable or negative outcomes, both of which are to be avoided.
- Approach-Avoidance Conflict: The conflict arising when an individual is drawn to a goal but also fears its negative consequences.
- Double Approach-Avoidance Conflict: A complex situation involving multiple goals, each with both positive and negative aspects, leading to a dilemma of approach and avoidance for each.
Based on Unconsciousness (Freud's Theory):
- Conflict between Id and Ego: The clash between the Id's pleasure-seeking impulses and the Ego's realistic demands.
- Conflict between Ego and Superego: The struggle between the Ego's desire to satisfy impulses and the Superego's moral and ethical standards.
- Conflict between Id and Superego: The direct conflict between the Id's instinctual urges and the Superego's rigid moralistic demands.

3. Examples from Jain Tradition:

The text illustrates these concepts with examples from Jain scriptures and philosophy:

Chullashatak (Upaasakadashaanga): Portrays conflict between internal desires (spiritual practice) and external threats (loss of wealth), leading to the transgression of vows.
Suradev (Upaasakadashaanga): Another example of a householder struggling with the threat of illness versus the desire for spiritual purity.
Meghmuni: His conflict between renouncing worldly comforts and adhering to monastic discipline, highlighted by the discomfort of his sleeping arrangement.
Rathnemi and Rajimati: Rathnemi's internal conflict between his lustful desires (Id) and the teachings of Rajimati (Superego), representing the Id-Superego conflict.
Mallinath: The conflict faced by Princess Malli, who felt attraction towards the kings seeking her hand but also feared the consequence of their attack on her father's kingdom (Approach-Avoidance).

4. Defense Mechanisms (Defense Strategies/Mental Constructs):

The book discusses various defense mechanisms, also referred to as mental constructs (manorachna), that individuals employ to cope with conflict and reduce psychological tension. These include:

Repression (Daman): Pushing unpleasant thoughts or desires into the unconscious mind.
Projection (Prakshepan): Attributing one's own faults or weaknesses to others.
Reaction Formation (Pratikriya Sanrachna): Behaving in a way that is opposite to one's true feelings or desires.
Rationalization (Yuktikaran): Justifying one's failures or actions with logical but often untrue reasons.
Displacement (Visthapan): Redirecting impulses from a threatening target to a less threatening one.
Intellectualization (Bauddhikaran): Dealing with emotional situations by focusing on intellectual aspects rather than feelings.
Compensation (Kshatipurti): Making up for a deficiency in one area by excelling in another.
Identification (Tadaatmeekaran): Adopting the characteristics of another person or group.
Sublimation (Udaattikaran): Channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable or constructive activities.

5. Limitations of Defense Mechanisms:

While defense mechanisms help manage psychological stress, the book also points out their limitations:

They often operate unconsciously, making individuals unaware of their use.
Over-reliance on conscious use can lead to artificiality and a disconnect from reality.
They provide only a temporary solution, not a true resolution of the underlying conflict.
Excessive use can lead to maladjustment and psychological disorders.

6. Jain Perspective on Conflict Resolution:

The text links psychological conflict resolution with Jain principles:

Samvar (in Jainism): Analogous to repression, Samvar involves preventing the influx of karmic matter through control over mind, speech, and actions, aiming to purify the soul.
Aupashamik Bhava: Referring to the pacification of karmic obstructions, leading to mental clarity and reduced internal conflict.
Emphasis on Reality: Jainism stresses facing reality rather than escaping it, advocating for conscious effort and ethical conduct to resolve inner turmoil.

In essence, "Dwandwa aur Unka Nivaran" provides a comprehensive overview of psychological conflicts, their various classifications, and the coping mechanisms individuals employ. It skillfully integrates these psychological concepts with the ethical and philosophical teachings of Jainism, offering a framework for understanding and navigating internal struggles, ultimately guiding towards spiritual well-being and liberation.