Handbook Of Jainology

"A Handbook of Jainology" by Acharya Bhuvanbhanusoorishwarji, published by Divya Darshan Trust, is a comprehensive guide to the fundamental principles and doctrines of Jainism. The book, translated into English by Prof. K. Ramappa, aims to provide spiritual awakening and enlightenment, particularly for the younger generation, by presenting scriptural knowledge in a simple and accessible style.

The foreword highlights the concern over materialistic education neglecting spiritual aspects and emphasizes the need for scriptural knowledge to counteract these trends. It introduces Acharya Bhuvanbhanusoorishwarji as a highly knowledgeable and dedicated scholar committed to preserving and disseminating Jain teachings. The book is presented as a clear and comprehensive text, revised with new material, and enriched with pictorial illustrations to aid understanding of concepts like Ajivtatva, Navtatva, and Karmachakra.

The "Handbook of Jainology" asserts the independent and ancient origin of Jainism, refuting claims of it being a reformist movement within Hinduism. It cites legal acts and scholarly opinions to establish Jainism's distinct religious identity. The book delves into core Jain philosophies, including:

• The Ancient Origin of Jainism: Tracing its roots to immemorial times, predating the Vedas and Puranas, and citing evidence from various scriptures and scholarly opinions.
• The Universe: Describing the universe as composed of conscious (Jiva) and inert (Ajiva) substances, governed by the interplay of Jivas and Karmas.
• The Soul (Jiva): Explaining its independent existence, its inherent qualities, its journey through the cycle of birth and death (samsara) influenced by karmas, and its ultimate potential for liberation (moksha).
• The Six Dravyas: Detailing the fundamental substances that constitute the universe: Jiva, Pudgala (inert matter), Akash (space), Dharmastikay (medium of motion), Adharmastikay (medium of rest), and Kala (time).
• The Creator of the Universe: Asserting that the universe is not created or ruled by an external God but operates according to the principles of Jivas and Karmas.
• Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya: Differentiating between substances, their inherent qualities, and their transient modifications.
• The Nine Principles (Navtatva): Explaining Jivatatva, Ajivatatva, Punya (merit), Pap (sin), Asrav (influx of karma), Samvar (blocking influx), Bandha (bondage of karma), Nirjara (destruction of karma), and Moksha (liberation) using the analogy of a lake.
• The Original and Distorted Forms of the Jiva: Illustrating how karmic coverings distort the soul's inherent pure qualities.
• The Kinds of Jivas: Categorizing souls based on their number of senses (Ekendriya to Panchendriya), their states of existence (heavenly beings, hellish beings, humans, animals), and the concept of Nigodhas (bodies containing countless souls).
• The Pudgals (Inert Substances): Describing the various combinations (Varganas) of matter that form different aspects of the universe and bodies.
• Asrav: Detailing the causes of karmic bondage, including false belief (Mithyatva), vowlessness (Avirati), passions (Kashayas), psychophysical activities (Yogas), and negligence (Pramad).
• Karma Bandha: Explaining how karmas bind the soul, determining their nature (Prakriti), duration (Sthithi), intensity (Rasa), and quantity (Pradesh), and the processes that modify these karmic effects.
• The Path of Salvation: Outlining the journey towards liberation through right faith (Samyag Darshan), right knowledge (Samyag Jnan), and right conduct (Samyag Charitra), emphasizing the role of the "Marganusari" (approaching the path) life.
• Samyag Darshan (Right Faith): Highlighting its foundational importance and the various qualities and practices that lead to its attainment.
• Desh Virathi (Partial Renunciation) and the Twelve Vows: Describing the practical application of Jain principles for householders, including five Anuvratas and seven Guna/Shiksha Vratas.
• Prohibited Food (Abakshya) and Discarding Certain Occupations (Karmadan): Detailing specific foods and professions that entail harm to living beings and should be avoided.
• Bhava Shravak (A Shravak at Heart): Differentiating between true adherence to Jain principles and mere outward show, emphasizing the importance of inner purity and conduct.
• Daily Activities and Special Duties of a Shravak: Providing a detailed schedule of daily practices, including morning rituals, temple visits, Vratas, and evening reflections.
• The Namaskar (Navkar) Mantra and the Panch Parameshti: Explaining the significance of the central Jain mantra and the veneration of the five supreme beings: Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus.
• Vratas and Niyamas (Vows and Rules): Elaborating on various forms of vows and rules, including Pachchakkan (renunciations), 14 daily rules, and special observances for festivals and life stages.
• Devotion for the Jin and Salutation to the Spiritual Head: Emphasizing the importance of sincere devotion to the Tirthankaras and reverence for spiritual guides, outlining temple rituals and Guruvandan practices.
• Spiritual Activities During Chaturmas, Annually, and Throughout Life: Detailing the specific duties and austerities recommended for householders during the rainy season, on annual occasions, and as a lifelong commitment.
• Festivals and Celebrations: Highlighting the spiritual significance of Jain festivals and the austerities associated with them, including Kalyanaks and observances during Chaturmas and Paryushan.
• Sadhu Dharma: Describing the path to becoming a monk, the vows taken, and the rigorous daily life of a Sadhu, emphasizing detachment, austerity, and service.
• Samvar: Explaining the crucial principle of preventing karmic influx through various practices like Samithis (right conduct in movement, speech, etc.), Guptis (restraints of mind, body, and speech), Parishaha (endurance of hardships), Yatidharma (duties of ascetics), and Bhavanas (contemplations).
• Nirjara: Detailing the process of destroying accumulated karmas through both external and internal austerities.
• Dhyan (Meditation): Discussing auspicious and inauspicious forms of meditation and their impact on spiritual progress, outlining Dharmadhyan and Shukladhyan.
• Salvation (Moksha): Describing the ultimate goal of Jainism – the liberation of the soul from karmic bondage and its attainment of infinite knowledge and bliss.
• The Gradual Way of Spiritual Development: Explaining the fourteen stages (Gunasthanas) of spiritual progress, from the lowest state of false belief to the highest state of liberation.
• Pramana (Knowledge and Jain Scriptures): Discussing the sources of valid knowledge, including various types of knowledge (Mathijnan, Shrutajnan, Avadhijnan, Manahparyaya Jnan, Kevaljnan) and the structure and content of Jain Agamas and scriptures.
• Naya and Nikshepa: Explaining the different perspectives (Nayas) through which reality can be understood and the classification of terms and concepts (Nikshepas) in Jain philosophy.
• Anekantvad (Syadvad) and Sapthabhangi: Delving into the core Jain principles of multi-faceted reality and the seven-fold predication used to describe it, emphasizing that truth is relative to the viewpoint.
• Anuyog (Inquiry and Research): Outlining the classification of Jain scriptures into four categories: Dravyanuyog, Ganitanuyog, Charankarananuyog, and Dharmakathanuyog, covering their respective subject matters.

The book aims to provide readers with a thorough understanding of Jain philosophy, ethics, and practices, guiding them towards spiritual growth and ultimate liberation.