Ha Main Jain Hoo

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The book "Ha Main Jain Hoo" (Yes, I am Jain) by Paripurnanand Varma, excerpted from the Z_Nahta_Bandhu_Abhinandan_Granth, is a profound exploration of Jain philosophy and its perceived commonalities with broader Hindu traditions. The author asserts his identity as a Jain despite being a devout follower of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), emphasizing that this is not a contradiction but a recognition of shared core principles.

Key Arguments and Themes:

• Rejection of Superficial Religious Practices: Varma criticizes those who outwardly identify with a religion but engage in deceit, consumption of meat, and other unvirtuous actions. He contrasts this with true spiritual seekers who bow before Jain Tirthankaras like Mahavir and Parshvanath, seeking liberation from attachment and illusion, not material boons. He highlights the irony of people asking for worldly things from deities who are themselves detached.

• Core Principles of Jainism and Hinduism:

  • The Five Mahavratas: Varma points out that the five great vows of Jainism – Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-possession), and Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity) – are not exclusive to Jainism. He argues that any Hindu who truly understands their tradition would embrace these principles. He cites a Vedic saying that even the gods conquered death through Brahmacharya.
  • Nature of Dharma: The author posits that "Dharma" is not merely "religion" (as in English "religion" or Muslim "mazhab") but rather "Kartaavya Shastra" (scripture of duty). He asserts that true Dharma lies in following the path of great souls, and this essence is found in the wisdom of the Tirthankaras.
  • Experience-Based Philosophy (Darshan): Varma distinguishes between Western "philosophy" (based on logic and argument) and Indian "Darshan" (based on direct experience and realization by Rishis, Munis, and Tirthankaras). This experience-based foundation, he believes, has allowed for the continuous creation of profound spiritual texts throughout history.

• Comparison of Moksha (Liberation):

  • Hindu Perspective: Varma describes the Hindu belief that liberation occurs when the karmic bond is broken, leading to the soul merging with the Supreme Brahman.
  • Jain Perspective: In Jainism, the soul, after shedding karmic matter (pudgala), attains its original, blissful state (Kevalya).
  • Common Ground: Varma notes the similarity between the Hindu concept of Brahman being neither masculine nor feminine ("Napunsaka Ling") and the Jain understanding of the soul achieving a state beyond description. He acknowledges that the exact nature of this state is known only to the liberated.

• The Concept of "Syadvada": Varma explains Syadvada as the Jain principle of viewing things from multiple perspectives, akin to the Upanishadic "Neti Neti" (not this, not that). He likens it to recognizing that all perceived differences in the world (like pots, clothes, days, or relationships) are merely superficial, and ultimately, everything is one. This is a "sight defect" that can be overcome.

• The Importance of Brahmacharya: Varma expands the definition of Brahmacharya beyond merely abstaining from sexual activity. It encompasses the practice of "knowledge acquisition" and, more broadly, not causing harm through thought, word, or deed.

• The Nature of the Soul and Matter: Varma briefly touches upon the Jain understanding of the universe being composed of "Jiva" (soul) and "Ajeeva" (non-soul/matter). Both are eternal and indestructible. The soul is bound by elements like Pudgala (matter), Dharma (principle of motion), Adharma (principle of rest), Akash (space), and Kala (time).

• The Greatness of Jainism: Varma expresses his surprise and sadness that the profound spiritual depth of Jainism, which does not rely on the existence of a creator God, is not more widely recognized and revered. He highlights the Tirthankaras' ability to achieve the highest spiritual states through self-realization, without external divine intervention.

• Critique of Superficial Spiritualism: He uses the example of Alexander the Great to illustrate that material wealth and power are transient and do not accompany one after death, emphasizing the need to learn from Jain teachings about what truly matters.

• The Role of Gurus and Followers: Varma mentions that the task of explaining and living by the teachings of enlightened beings falls to their followers, and that true spiritual progress requires self-awareness and understanding of one's own desires and intentions.

In essence, "Ha Main Jain Hoo" is a defense and explanation of Jainism by a deeply spiritual individual who sees its core tenets as universal principles of righteous living, closely aligned with the highest ideals of Hinduism. The author advocates for a deeper, experiential understanding of spirituality over superficial rituals and outward religious labels.