Essence Of Jainism

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Essence of Jainism" by Jyoti Prasad Jain, based on the provided pages:

This booklet, published by Shuchita Publications in Varanasi, aims to provide a concise introduction to Jainism for those seeking a quick understanding of its core principles. The publisher's note highlights the vastness of Jain philosophy and ethics, acknowledging the author's efficiency in condensing it into this introductory format, with a particular hope that it will be welcomed by foreign visitors and foster feelings of non-violence and love.

Preface: The preface emphasizes religion's role in uplifting humanity and reintegrating personality. Jainism, an ancient Indian religion rooted in the Shramana tradition, is presented as a comprehensive ethical system prioritizing self-discipline and self-control for peaceful coexistence and self-realization. The book includes a brief sketch of Lord Mahavira and excerpts from his teachings, with a recommendation for further reading from various established Jain scholars. The author expresses gratitude to Jamnalal Jain for inspiring and undertaking the publication.

Essence of Jainism:

• Definition and Origin: Jainism is the creed followed by Jains, named after the "Jina" (conqueror of self). It is an indigenous Indian religion distinct from the Brahmanical tradition, representing an ancient Indian cultural current. It's a fully developed system with sects and a rich heritage, spread throughout India and in foreign lands.
• The Tirthankaras: Jainism recognizes 24 Tirthankaras, who are individuals who have attained liberation and paved the path for others. The first was Adinatha Rishabhadeva, and the last three were Arishtanemi, Parshvanatha, and Vardhamana Mahavira (599-527 B.C.).
• Nature of the Jinas: Tirthankaras were born as ordinary humans who renounced worldly pleasures and, through self-discipline, asceticism, and meditation, achieved self-realization and perfected their divine potential. They then preached their experiences for the well-being of all beings. Jainism is not a revealed religion.
• Cosmology and Reality: Jainism starts with the scientific assumption that nothing is destructible and that the universe is uncreated, real, and eternal, composed of animate (souls) and inanimate objects (space, time, motion, rest, matter). Spirit and matter are distinct, eternal, and pluralistic substances that undergo constant change in their qualities and modes while their essential nature remains permanent.
• Samsara and Karma: The soul's association with matter from time immemorial leads to "Samsara" (the cycle of rebirth). This is explained by the Jaina theory of Karma, based on the law of cause and effect. Every action has consequences, and individuals are solely responsible for their deeds, which determine their transmigration. There's no need for an external agency for reward or punishment.
• Individual Responsibility and Liberation: Man is the master of his destiny, with the power to achieve spiritual evolution and ultimate godhood through willpower and conscious personal effort to overcome karmic influences.
• The Seven Tattvas (Essentials): The path to spiritual evolution requires understanding seven essentials: Soul, Matter, Influx of Karma (due to passions like anger, pride), Karmic Bondage, Stoppage of Influx (through self-control), Partial Annihilation of Karma (through penance and austerities), and Moksha/Nirvana (complete liberation of the soul).
• The Path to Liberation: Liberation is achieved through the trio of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct. This path involves piety, charity, renunciation, self-discipline, penance, meditation, and self-realization.
• Nirvana and Divinity: Jaina "nirvana" is not annihilation but the soul's complete liberation from karma, leading to a state of absolute purity, omniscience, bliss, and beatitude, while retaining individuality. Divinity in Jainism refers to the state of liberated souls. While the collective state of divinities is one, each liberated soul is individually divine. The ultimate divinities are the Arhantas (all-knowing, compassionate beings who attained liberation in life) and Siddhas (bodiless, liberated pure souls). There are also celestial beings, but they are not considered ultimate divinities.
• Anekanta and Syadvada: The Jaina theory of knowledge is comprehensive, acknowledging reality as manifold and complex. This led to the philosophy of Anekanta (non-absolutism or relative pluralism) and Syadvada (the doctrine of perhaps, or conditional predication). This philosophy promotes sympathetic understanding, tolerance, cooperation, and coexistence, opposing blind faith and fanaticism.
• Universal Brotherhood and Ahimsa: The belief that every living being has a soul fosters a sense of brotherhood, leading to respect for all and the practice of "live and help others to live." Ahimsa (perfect non-violence) is the keynote of Jainism's ethical system and the essence of the soul's nature, pervading all conduct.
• The Four-Fold Order (Sangha): The Jaina community consists of ascetics (monks and nuns) and the laity (laymen and laywomen). Ascetics renounce worldly life for spiritual pursuit. Householders live pious lives within society, integrating Dharma into their activities, ensuring lawful means of production and enjoyment.
• Lawfulness and Ahimsa: Ahimsa is the foundation of lawfulness, forbidding intentional injury to others by thought, word, or deed, or by approving of such acts. This leads to amity and coexistence between individuals, communities, and nations.
• Faith in Deva, Shastra, and Guru: Jains place faith in the Deva (Jina, the ideal), Shastra (teachings of the Jina), and Guru (ascetic following the Jina's path).
• Dietary and Moral Conduct: Jains abstain from alcohol and animal food (including fish and eggs, but often allowing milk products). They prefer simple, healthy meals eaten only during the day. They shun fornication, adultery, prostitution, hunting for sport, stealing, and gambling.
• The Five Vows (for Laity):
  1. Abstinence from intentional killing of life.
  2. Abstinence from lying and harsh speech.
  3. Abstinence from stealing.
  4. Abstinence from sexual misconduct (limiting to one's lawfully wedded spouse).
  5. Abstinence from excessive acquisition and possession (limiting needs and using surplus for the common good). Ascetics observe these vows absolutely.
• Ten Differential Virtues of Dharma: Forgiveness, humility, integrity, truthfulness, greedlessness, discipline, penance, renunciation, possessionlessness, and continence.
• Six Daily Duties: Devotional worship, reverence to Guru, study of scriptures, self-discipline, observing fasts, and charity (providing food, medicine, education, and security).
• Bhavanas (Pure Thoughts): A significant emphasis is placed on cultivating pure thoughts and pious aspirations, wishing for the well-being of all.
• Sects: Jainism is divided into two main sects: Digambara (sky-clad ascetics) and Shvetambara (white-clad). The Digambaras have subsects like Terahpantha, Beespantha, and Samayya. The Shvetambaras include temple worshippers and Sadhumargis (further divided into Sthanakavasis and Terapanthis). Differences primarily lie in codes of conduct and worship, not core doctrine.
• Literature: Jaina scriptures (Agama) are codified in the Twelve Angas and other texts. The literature is vast, written in Prakrit, Sanskrit, and other languages, classified into four Anuyogas (Prathamanuyoga, Charananuyoga, Karananuyoga, Dravyanuyoga). Jains also produced secular literature and contributed significantly to Indian languages.
• Holy Places and Monuments: Numerous pilgrimage sites across India are associated with Tirthankaras or important religious events, featuring impressive architectural and sculptural examples.
• Festivals: Jaina festivals include regular fast days, Ashtanhikas, Dashalakshanis (including Paryushana), and anniversaries of Tirthankaras, characterized by fasting, worship, discourse, and charity.
• Summary: Jainism is a rational creed with a rich heritage, emphasizing self-control, non-violence, and tolerance. Jains exhibit high literacy and contribute significantly to social welfare.

Tirthankara Mahavira:

• Ahimsa and Human Evolution: The conflict between himsa (violence) and ahimsa (non-violence) is ancient. The awakening of the ahimsa attitude in primitive humans marked their transformation into civilized beings.
• Mahavira's Role: Lord Mahavira, the last of the 24 Tirthankaras, was a significant proponent of ahimsa and peaceful coexistence. He was a contemporary of the Buddha and a key figure in the Shramana tradition.
• Life and Teachings: Born in 599 B.C. into a respected Kshatriya family, Mahavira lived a detached life even amidst luxury. At 30, he renounced worldly possessions for 12 years of severe austerities, achieving enlightenment (Arhat/Jina). For the next 30 years, he tirelessly preached the path of liberation. He attained Nirvana in 527 B.C.
• Core Message: Mahavira embodied courage and emphasized non-violence in thought, word, and deed. He taught that life is sacred, advocating universal well-being and brotherhood. His central teaching is to treat all creatures as one's own self. "The end can never justify the means," and "Good cannot come out of evil."
• Equality and Spiritual Potential: Mahavira believed every living being has a soul, possessing inherent goodness and the potential for spiritual perfection, irrespective of external conditions. This understanding fosters love and respect for all life.
• The Path: The path of spiritual evolution is a harmonious blend of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, with ahimsa, truthfulness, honesty, celibacy, and non-covetousness as key components.
• Critique of Exploitation: Mahavira recognized that those in power exploit the weak due to a focus on personal pleasure and the "survival of the fittest" mentality, which creates division and conflict.
• Ahimsa as the Root of Piety: Mahavira identified Ahimsa as the foundation of all virtue and universal peace, achievable through rational control of senses, curbing desires, and practicing the golden rule.
• Key Teachings Summarized:
  1. Inclusivity: All are entitled to the path of liberation, judged by virtue, not birth. Sermons were delivered in the common dialect.
  2. Ahimsa: Abstain from harming others by thought, word, or deed; "live and help others to live."
  3. Catholicity: Be broad-minded and judge from all viewpoints; practice tolerance.
  4. Responsibility: Reaping what you sow; individuals are responsible for their actions and destiny.
• Modern Relevance: Jainism's emphasis on equality and a catholic outlook is crucial for modern times, promoting coexistence, correct behavior, and non-violence for peace and happiness.

Excerpts from the Jina's Teachings: This section provides direct quotes from the Jina, emphasizing:

• Adherence to truth leading to immortality.
• Dharma as auspiciousness through Ahimsa, self-control, and penance.
• Consequences of one's own deeds in this life.
• Avoiding sinful acts and sensual pleasures without self-control.
• Viewing all creatures as one's own self.
• Understanding the universe through recognizing others as oneself.
• Harm to others is harm to oneself.
• Self-conquest is the greatest victory.
• Overcoming vices (anger, conceit, deceit, avarice) through virtues (calmness, humility, straightness, contentment).
• True happiness is found within, not outside.
• Virtue, not body, family, or caste, is adorable.
• Complete absence of ill-will and goodwill for all.

The book concludes with a prayer and a request to contact Abhaya Book Agency for literature on religion and philosophy.