Il Jainismo

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Il Jainismo" by Claudia Pastorino, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Il Jainismo (Jainism) Author(s): Claudia Pastorino and Massimo Tettamanti Publisher: Edizioni Cosmopolis Subtitle: La più antica Dottrina della Nonviolenza, della Compassione e dell'Ecologia (The Oldest Doctrine of Nonviolence, Compassion, and Ecology)

Overall Theme: "Il Jainismo" presents Jainism as the most ancient doctrine emphasizing nonviolence (Ahimsa), compassion, and ecology. The book aims to introduce this little-known, yet profound, spiritual tradition to an Italian audience, highlighting its relevance in contemporary times, particularly concerning animal welfare and environmental consciousness.

Key Concepts and Themes:

Part One: The Ancient Doctrine of Nonviolence, Compassion, and Ecology

• Jainism's Ancient Origins: The text emphasizes that Jainism is one of the oldest existing spiritual traditions, predating written history and distinct from other Indian philosophical systems.
• Core Beliefs:
  • Reincarnation and Karma: Like Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism believes in reincarnation and the theory of Karma, where actions (driven by intentions) influence future lives.
  • Liberation (Moksha/Nirvana): The ultimate goal is to liberate the soul from the cycle of birth, death, and suffering by detaching from material existence and purifying the soul.
  • Self-Effort: Liberation is achieved solely through personal effort and self-purification, not through divine grace or intermediaries.
  • "Three Jewels": The path to liberation involves Right Faith (Samyak-darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak-jnan), and Right Conduct (Samyak-charitra).
  • Six Universal Substances (Dravyas): The universe is composed of six eternal entities: Jiva (soul), Pudgal (matter), Dharmastikay (medium of motion), Adharmastikay (medium of rest), Akasastikay (space), and Kal/Samay (time).
  • Anekantavada (Doctrine of Many-Sidedness): This philosophy stresses that truth is relative and can be viewed from multiple perspectives. It encourages open-mindedness, acceptance of different viewpoints, and resolution of conflicts.
• Concept of God: Jainism is described as an atheistic spiritual doctrine in the sense that it does not believe in a creator God who sustains the universe. However, it reveres Jinas – fully liberated human beings who have achieved perfect knowledge and self-control – as divine. There are infinite Jinas, and all souls have the potential to become one. The Tirthankaras (like Mahavira) are those who have established the religious order.
• The Founders: Lord Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, reiterated and formalized the existing Jain doctrine, introducing specific behavioral codes and observances. He is presented not as a founder of a new religion but as a reformer of an ancient one.
• The Path to Liberation: This involves Right Faith, Right Knowledge (understanding the six substances and nine principles), and Right Conduct, which includes Ahimsa, detachment, self-purification, austerity, and meditation.
• Nine Tattvas (Principles): These are crucial for spiritual progress and are linked to the theory of Karma. They explain the relationship between the soul and Karma, covering aspects like the soul (Jiva), non-living substances (Ajiva), the inflow of Karma (Asrava), bondage (Bandha), virtue (Punya), sin (Papa), the cessation of Karma inflow (Samvara), the exhaustion of accumulated Karma (Nirjara), and total liberation (Moksha).
• Ethical Code (Five Vows):
  1. Ahimsa (Nonviolence/Compassion): The supreme duty and true nature of every living being. It extends beyond human beings to all of nature, including plants and even elements. It means not harming, abusing, oppressing, tormenting, or killing any living being through body, mind, or speech. It also involves active care and compassion.
  2. Satya (Truthfulness/Honesty): Speaking truthfully and innocently.
  3. Asteya (Non-stealing): Not taking what is not freely given.
  4. Brahmacharya (Chastity/Marital Fidelity): Abstinence from sensual pleasure or fidelity in marriage.
  5. Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): Complete detachment from people, places, and material objects.
• Ahimsa in Detail: Described as the pillar of Jainism ("Ahimsa Parmo Dharma"). It emphasizes active compassion, universal friendship (maitri), universal forgiveness (kshama), and universal fearlessness (abhaya). Violence is defined by intent and lack of compassion.
• Anekantavada in Detail: Explained through the parable of the blind men and the elephant. It highlights the importance of considering multiple perspectives to understand reality and resolve conflicts, promoting peaceful coexistence even with those holding different views.
• Non-Possession and Non-attachment: Ascetics possess nothing, and lay followers are encouraged to minimize possessions and personal pleasures. Generosity, community service, and a restrained lifestyle are emphasized. Causing pollution is considered an act of violence (Himsa).
• Relevance in Modern Times: Jainism's principles offer universal friendship, peace, reconciliation of different faiths and groups, ecological preservation, self-limitation, austerity, and a path to contentment and spiritual development leading to liberation.
• Sallekhana (Sacred Death): A practice of gradually ending one's life through fasting under specific, strict conditions when spiritual progress is severely hindered by health issues. Jainism is against suicide and euthanasia.
• Followers and Major Sects: Mahavira attracted diverse followers, advocating equality for men and women. The order was structured into monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. Over centuries, two main sects emerged: Digambara (sky-clad ascetics) and Svetambara (white-clad ascetics), with shared fundamental beliefs but differences in certain practices and interpretations.
• Jain Scriptures (Agam Sutras): Teachings passed down orally and later compiled. They emphasize reverence for life, vegetarianism, asceticism, compassion, and nonviolence. There are different canons and interpretations between the Digambara and Svetambara traditions.
• Spiritual Practices and Festivals: Involve celebrating Tirthankaras, reciting scriptures, religious discourses, sensory control, and acts of compassion. Key festivals include Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan, and Das Lakshan. Daily observances are also prescribed for both Svetambara and Digambara traditions.
• Jain Temples: Known for intricate art and architecture, featuring meditative (Digambara) or prayerful (Svetambara) images of the Tirthankaras.
• Jain Symbolism: Includes the full moon (Moksha region), three dots (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct; also the three worlds), the Swastika (four forms of soul existence), the Om/Aum (salute to the five revered personalities), the palm of the hand (fearlessness), and the overall symbol representing the universe and the principle of mutual help.
• Greetings: Common greetings include "Jai Jinendra" (Honor to the Supreme Jina) and "Michhami Dukkadam" (I ask for forgiveness).
• Jain Prayer (Namokar Mantra): A central prayer paying homage to the five supreme souls: Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus.
• Sutras of Forgiveness and Universal Friendship: Prayers for confession, seeking forgiveness, and wishing peace for all beings.
• Life of Lord Mahavira: Details his princely life, renunciation, long period of meditation and asceticism, attainment of Kevala-jnana (perfect enlightenment), and his 30 years of teaching the path to liberation.
• Significant Teachings of Mahavira: Emphasizing the importance of human life, positive attitude, the five vows, the inner nature of the soul, and the equality of all living beings. He rejected the concept of a creator God and emphasized personal effort.

Part Two: The Book of Compassion - Reverence for Every Form of Life

• Introduction by Claudia Pastorino: Highlights the modern term "vegan" and its alignment with Jainism's commitment to nonviolence. It stresses that Jainism has gone further in its doctrine by advocating the avoidance of all animal products (milk, eggs, dairy) due to the inherent suffering and exploitation involved in their production, especially in industrial farming. This is seen as a courageous and consistent adherence to Ahimsa in the modern context, even challenging traditional rituals.
• Introduction by Massimo Tettamanti: Reflects on the gap between ancient Eastern philosophies and Western practical life. He emphasizes the Jaina commitment to nonviolence and how their principles, especially regarding the exploitation of animals in modern society, have led to a courageous re-evaluation of practices, even within their own traditions. He notes that the book focuses on the harsh reality and the practical, Western-applicable alternatives.
• Dedications: The book is dedicated to spiritual leaders who promoted Ahimsa and to Acharya Shri Hemchandra-suri, who influenced King Kumarpal's vegetarian reforms.
• Universal Declaration of Animal Rights: This section presents a declaration outlining fundamental rights for all animals, emphasizing their right to existence, respect, and protection from cruelty and exploitation.
• Collection of Articles:
  • "Dairy Cow Farming" by Pravin K. Shah: Details the cruelty in dairy farms, including artificial insemination, separation of calves from mothers, use of drugs and hormones, confined living conditions, and the eventual slaughter of cows and calves for meat. It shares personal experiences and reflections on becoming vegan.
  • "Dairy Cows: Life, Exploitation, and Suffering": Discusses the economic aspects of the meat industry and the various parts of a cow that are utilized.
  • "Recycling of Slaughterhouse Waste" by Pravin K. Shah: Explains how animal carcasses, pet remains, and supermarket waste are processed into animal feed, highlighting the reuse of blood, bones, and fats, and the presence of toxic waste in this recycling process. It also touches on the "mad cow disease" and contamination issues.
  • "Milk and its Impact on Health, Cruelty, and Pollution" by Pritish Nandy: Critiques milk as unhealthy, difficult to digest for many, linked to cancer (IGF-1), osteoporosis, and digestive issues. It questions traditional beliefs and highlights the cruelty in the dairy industry, the contamination of milk with pesticides and heavy metals, and the ethical implications of milk consumption.
  • "Is There Nothing Sacred? Cruelty to India's Sacred Animals" by Maseeh Rahman: Exposes the cruel practices in transporting and slaughtering cows in India, despite their sacred status for Hindus. It details illegal transport, mistreatment, and the impact on the leather industry.
  • "Vegetarianism, a Compassionate Approach to Life" by Pramoda Chitrabhanu: Argues for vegetarianism as a compassionate choice, emphasizing the sentience of animals, the negative effects of consuming animal products (including meat, eggs, and dairy) on health and the environment, and the ethical imperative to minimize violence. It distinguishes between different types of vegetarians and advocates for veganism.
  • "Varakh (Silver Leaf)" by Pramoda Chitrabhanu: Explains how silver leaf, used in Indian sweets and religious contexts, is produced using animal intestines and skin, highlighting the hidden cruelty in seemingly harmless traditions.
  • "Egg Data" by Pramoda Chitrabhanu: Debunks the myth of vegetarian eggs, explaining that eggs are potential life forms and their production and consumption involve exploitation and cruelty, particularly in industrial poultry farms.
  • "The Story of Silk" by Pramoda Chitrabhanu: Details the process of silk production, which involves killing silkworms to obtain the silk threads, making it a violent practice.
  • "The Story of Pearls" by Pramoda Chitrabhanu: Explains how pearls, both natural and cultivated, are formed as a reaction to irritation within oysters, and their extraction often causes suffering to the mollusks.
  • "The Myth of Milk" by Pramoda Chitrabhanu: Further elaborates on the health and ethical issues surrounding milk consumption, reiterating the cruelty in the dairy industry, the fate of calves, and the potential health risks.
  • "Puppy Mills" from a PETA leaflet: Describes the inhumane conditions in puppy mills where dogs are bred for profit, suffering from neglect, disease, and psychological distress, and highlights the inadequacies of regulations and inspections.
  • "Alternatives to Animal Abuse" by Pramoda Chitrabhanu: Provides practical alternatives to animal-derived products in food, clothing, cosmetics, entertainment, and medicinal contexts, emphasizing ethical consumption and the importance of informed choices.
  • Reader Feedback: Includes letters from readers who were moved and inspired by the articles, sharing their personal journeys towards veganism and vegetarianism.
  • Jainist Internet Sites: A list of websites for further exploration of Jainism.

Conclusion: "Il Jainismo" by Claudia Pastorino and Massimo Tettamanti serves as a comprehensive introduction to Jainism, positioning it as the "oldest doctrine of Nonviolence, Compassion, and Ecology." The book meticulously outlines Jain philosophy, ethics, and practices, with a particular focus on the ethical implications of consuming animal products in the modern world. The second part, "The Book of Compassion," strongly advocates for veganism as the ultimate expression of Ahimsa, presenting detailed information on the cruelty inherent in various industries and offering alternatives for a compassionate lifestyle, thereby bridging ancient spiritual principles with contemporary ethical concerns.