Glory Of Jainism - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided text from "Glory of Jainism" by Chimanlal J. Shah:

The book "Glory of Jainism" by Chimanlal J. Shah highlights the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of Jainism to Indian culture and history. The author laments that while much remains to be studied in Jainism, the limited efforts made stand in stark contrast to the vastness of the subject.

Key Contributions and Characteristics of Jainism:

A Synthesis of Indian Culture: Shah emphasizes that Jainism played a vital role in the "thirty centuries of human culture and progress" in ancient India, offering a solid synthesis of developments in art, architecture, religion, morals, and sciences.
The Ideal of Ahimsa (Non-Violence): The most significant achievement of Jaina thought, according to the author, is the ideal of Ahimsa. Jainas believe that the present world is moving, albeit imperceptibly, towards this ideal, which serves as a unifying principle amidst diversity. It was considered the ultimate goal of both practical and theoretical pursuits.
Ancient Origins and Historical Figures: The text addresses the difficulty in pinpointing Jainism's exact origin. While Jainas believe it has been revealed repeatedly through Tirthankaras, modern research confirms the historicity of Pārśva, the 23rd Tirthankara. Mahāvīra, the last Tirthankara, is presented not as the founder but as a reformer within a long lineage of enlightened beings. The outdated theories suggesting Jainism is an offshoot of Buddhism or Brahmanism are dismissed as misinformed.
Social Reform and Equality: Mahāvīra's reformed Jaina Church was a powerful protest against caste privileges, promoting a religion of equality. Mahāvīra's teachings aimed to uplift the humble and oppressed, viewing Brahmanas and Shudras equally. His religion of love welcomed all to achieve salvation through a holy life. Jainism spread slowly, akin to early Christianity in Europe, gaining patronage from rulers like Sreņika, Kūņika, Candragupta, Samprati, and Khāravela.
"Atheistic" Nature (Denial of a Creator God): Jainism is described as "atheistic" in the sense that it denies the existence of an eternal, supreme God as the creator and lord of all things. Instead, Jainas believe in the eternity of existence, the universality of life, the immutable Law of Karma, and supreme intelligence as the means of self-liberation.
Syadvada/Anekantavada (Doctrine of Standpoints): This doctrine is highlighted as a unique and outstanding contribution of Jainas to Indian logic. Syadvada, or the doctrine of Nayas (standpoints), acknowledges that truth can be viewed from multiple perspectives, avoiding dogmatism and recognizing reality from restricted points of view. This demonstrates the clarity, subtlety, and profundity of Jaina intellect.
Rich Literary and Artistic Contributions: Jainas have made extensive contributions to Indian literature across religious, ethical, poetic, and scientific genres. Their literary output includes canonical writings, history, legend, epics, romances, and sciences like astronomy, astrology, and divination. In art, their contributions are evident in elaborately carved cave temples, richly decorated Ayagapatas and Toranas, free-standing pillars, and temple architecture (e.g., Mount Abu). Jaina art is characterized by a "Triune Entity" of the purely decorative, the realistic, and the purely spiritual. Dr. Guerinot is quoted as stating that Hindi art owes many remarkable monuments to Jainism, particularly in architecture, where they reached unparalleled perfection.

Core Jaina Philosophy Summarized:

In conclusion, the book posits that:

Ahimsa is the fundamental ethical virtue.
Syadvada is the central and unique feature of Jaina metaphysics.
The explicit denial of a pre-ordained perfect being, coupled with the message that "Man! thou art thine own friend," forms the core of Jaina ritual.

These combined ideals teach a philosophy of universal love and compassion, as exemplified by the Jaina prayer: "I forgive all souls; let all souls forgive me. I am on friendly terms with all; I have no enmity with anybody." This reflects the profound ethical and philosophical depth of Jainism.