Ethnicity And Religious Heritage - Book Summary

The book "Ethnicity and Religious Heritage" by T. U. Mehta, a former Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, is a compilation of essays exploring various facets of Indian culture, religion, and philosophy, with a particular focus on Jainism. The author draws on his extensive career and a correspondence course in Indian culture and religion from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan to present a nuanced perspective on these complex topics.

Here's a summary of the key themes and chapters:

Overall Theme: The book aims to explore the rich tapestry of Indian cultural and religious heritage, emphasizing the interconnectedness and evolution of different philosophical and religious traditions within India. It highlights the unique contributions of Jainism and its philosophical underpinnings, while also touching upon broader aspects of Indian history, religion, and interfaith dialogue.

Chapter Summaries:

Chapter 1: Pre-historical beginning of culture in India: This chapter delves into the early history of Indian culture, distinguishing between "Pre-History" and "Proto-History." It discusses archaeological evidence from the Indus Valley Civilization and the contributions of various early inhabitants like the Negritos and Proto-Australoids to Indian culture. The chapter also touches upon the early signs of "Shramana" thought, which predates the Aryan arrival and later influenced Jainism and Buddhism.
Chapter 2: Outlines of Sankhya: The author presents Sankhya as one of India's earliest systematic philosophical attempts, highlighting its dualistic concept of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter), and the role of the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas). It notes the similarities between Sankhya and Jain philosophy, particularly in their rejection of a creator God and their emphasis on self-reliance. The chapter also mentions Patanjali's Yoga system, which integrated God into the Sankhya framework.
Chapter 3: Jainism - A Goddess Creativity: This chapter focuses on the core tenets of Jainism, particularly its rejection of a creator God. It explains that in Jainism, a liberated soul is considered omniscient and omnipotent, mirroring the concept of "God." The author clarifies that Jainism is not atheistic but "transtheistic," emphasizing the inherent potential of the soul to achieve divinity through its own efforts. The concept of Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul) as the fundamental constituents of the universe is explained.
Chapter 4: Brief Outlines of Jainism: This chapter provides a concise overview of Jainism, categorizing it within the "Shramana" tradition, distinct from the Vedic tradition. It reiterates the Jain understanding of the universe as a self-propelling cosmic mechanism and explains how concepts like Ahimsa (non-violence), Truth, etc., stem from this understanding. The chapter further elaborates on the Jain dualistic view of Jiva and Ajiva, the theory of Karma, and the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha). It introduces the crucial Jain doctrines of Nayavad and Syadvad (Anekantvad).
Chapter 5A & 5B: Anekantvad and its importance in life (Parts I & II): These chapters are dedicated to the profound Jain doctrine of Anekantvad, meaning "many-sidedness" or "non-absolutism." The author explains how Anekantvad, rooted in Nayavad (standpoint) and Syadvad (relativity), promotes tolerance and understanding by encouraging the consideration of multiple perspectives. It emphasizes that truth is often relative to one's viewpoint and circumstances. The author connects Anekantvad to modern scientific theories like Einstein's theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He highlights its practical application in daily life, conflict resolution, and even political movements, citing Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha as a prime example.
Chapter 6: Jainism and Democracy: This chapter explores the concept of "Cosmic Democracy" within Jainism, arguing that every sentient being, regardless of its form or size, has an equal right to exist and attain salvation. It emphasizes the Jain belief in the equality of all souls and the potential for every soul to achieve the highest spiritual state. The chapter also discusses Jainism's rejection of caste distinctions and sex discrimination, and its promotion of self-reliance, seeing the law of Karma as a democratic principle of cause and effect.
Chapter 7: Jainism and Buddhism: This chapter compares Jainism and Buddhism, both belonging to the "Shramana" tradition. It highlights their shared rejection of a creator God, their belief in self-reliance, the theory of Karma, and their opposition to caste systems. The chapter also discusses their differences, particularly in their views on the nature of the soul and the concept of impermanence.
Chapter 8: Some Eternal Values of Life - Vipashyana: This chapter discusses the concept of "Sanatan Dharma" (eternal religion) versus "Yuga Dharma" (temporal religion) and emphasizes the importance of eternal values like truth, non-violence, and contentment. It then delves into Vipashyana, a meditation technique originating from ancient India and revived by Buddha, which focuses on self-observation through breath awareness. The author shares his personal experience of attending a Vipashyana retreat.
Chapter 9: Hindutva Concept and Relevance: This chapter explores the concept of "Hindutva" as the essence of Hinduism, emphasizing its underlying principles of tolerance and the acceptance of diverse philosophical and religious viewpoints. The author argues that true Hindutva lies in unity and the discarding of communal conflicts, suggesting that the Jain doctrine of Anekantvad can guide this process.
Chapter 10: Is Buddhism A Religion which is Distinct and Apart from Hinduism?: In this chapter, the author engages with the question of whether Buddhism and Jainism are distinct from Hinduism. While acknowledging commonalities due to shared cultural roots, he argues that in fundamental ontological, epistemological, and metaphysical aspects, Jainism and Buddhism stand apart from the "Vedic Tradition." He points to their rejection of a creator God, their dualistic approach (compared to some Hindu schools), and their philosophical foundations as evidence of this distinction.
Chapter 11: Sufism - The Essence of Islam: This chapter examines Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam. It highlights the Sufi emphasis on absolute surrender to God, love, and devotion. The author draws parallels between Sufi ideas and Indian philosophies like Jainism and Vedanta, noting shared concepts of pantheism, the knowledge of the soul leading to the knowledge of God, and the practice of asceticism and meditation. It also touches upon the persecution faced by some Sufi saints for their unconventional interpretations.

In essence, "Ethnicity and Religious Heritage" is a scholarly yet accessible exploration of India's spiritual and philosophical landscape, advocating for a deeper understanding of its diverse traditions and promoting the universal values of tolerance, rational inquiry, and self-reliance, with Jainism serving as a central pillar of the author's discourse.