Immortality And Joy - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Immortality and Joy" by Champat Rai Jain:

Title: Immortality and Joy Author: Champat Rai Jain Publisher: Champat Rai Jain

Overview:

"Immortality and Joy" is a treatise that elaborates on the core tenets of Jainism, specifically addressing its approach to worship and the ultimate goal of spiritual attainment. The author positions this work as a successor to his earlier pamphlet, "The Gospel of Immortality," and its themes are further explored in his larger work, "The Key of Knowledge." The book aims to clarify the misunderstood nature of Jain temple worship for non-Jains and to explain how Jainism offers a path to everlasting happiness and victory over death.

Key Themes and Arguments:

Jainism is Not Idolatrous: The text begins by strongly refuting the notion that Jainism is an idolatrous creed. It cites the ancient Jain scripture, the Ratna Karanda Sravakachara, to demonstrate Jainism's explicit condemnation of "fetish worship" (worship of rivers, stones, etc.) and devotion to beings who have not eradicated their passions and imperfections.
The True Nature of Temple Worship: The author explains that the images (pratibimbas) found in Jain temples are not objects of worship in the conventional sense but are representations or "photos" of the Tirthamkaras. Tirthamkaras are spiritual pioneers who have achieved Nirvana (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) and have shown the way for others to follow.
Tirthamkaras as Models of Perfection: The Tirthamkaras are presented as perfect beings who attained their divine attributes (omniscience, bliss, etc.) by curbing their desires and purifying their souls. Their images serve as constant reminders of the soul's potential for perfection and inspire devotees to follow their path.
"Idealatry" vs. Idolatry: The book distinguishes between idolatry and "idealatry." While idolatry is the worship of an inanimate object for its own sake, idealatry is the adoration of an ideal or a symbol that represents higher qualities. The author uses the example of Nelson's statue in Trafalgar Square to illustrate how people can venerate a symbol of a great person's spirit and achievements without being idolators. Similarly, Jain temple worship is presented as idealatry, where devotion is directed towards the divine attributes embodied by the Tirthamkaras.
The Purpose of Worship: Jain worship is not about seeking favors from the Tirthamkaras, as they have no desires and their perfection is beyond praise. Instead, worship is a means to an end for the devotee. It serves to focus the mind, withdraw from worldly attachments, and cultivate spiritual merit, thereby strengthening faith and paving the way for the attainment of godly perfection.
The Role of Mental States: Drawing on the parable of the dead courtesan from the Parast'a Purana, the text emphasizes that external objects (like the Tirthamkara images) can inspire internal mental states. These states, in turn, determine one's future spiritual journey and destiny. The serene depictions of the Tirthamkaras inspire virtuous thoughts, detachment (vairagya), and proper meditation.
The Path of Self-Exertion: Jainism is described as a "scientific Path of Perfection" where results are achieved through one's own exertion. The Tirthamkaras embody this principle, having overcome their karmic bondage. By following their example, individuals can also destroy karmic bonds, gain strength to defy adversities like sickness and death, and ultimately achieve Nirvana.
The Ultimate Goal: Nirvana: The ultimate aim of following the Jain creed is to attain Nirvana, a state of pure bliss, omniscience, immortality, and freedom from all worldly suffering and impurities. Those who follow the Tirthamkaras can achieve a similar state of perfection and reside in eternal peace and joy.
Rewards of Right Faith: The text concludes by highlighting the benefits of Samyak Darshan (Right Faith). Those with Right Faith become lords of splendor, wisdom, and greatness, are born in noble families, and can achieve the highest ideals. They may even attain heavenly states and eventually the supreme status of a Tirthamkara or reach Nirvana.

In essence, "Immortality and Joy" argues that Jain temple worship is a profound practice of idealatry, meant to inspire individuals to cultivate the divine qualities within themselves, emulate the perfected souls of the Tirthamkaras, and ultimately achieve liberation from suffering and the attainment of eternal bliss.