Ishu Khrist Par Jain Dharm Ka Prabhav

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "ईशुखीस्त पर जैन धर्म का प्रभाव" (The Influence of Jainism on Jesus Christ) by Bhushan Shah:

This book argues that Jesus Christ's teachings and life were significantly influenced by Jainism, particularly Jain ascetic culture and philosophy. The author, Bhushan Shah, draws upon various sources, including the writings of Dr. Notovitch, a Russian scholar, and other historical and religious texts, to support this thesis.

Key Arguments and Content:

• The Universal Struggle of Truth vs. Falsehood: The book begins by framing Jesus's life as an example of an individual who challenged deeply ingrained societal superstitions and dogmas through his "experiential, observed, and balanced wisdom." Like other reformers, Jesus faced doubt and opposition from the established order who found it difficult to accept new ideas.
• Jesus's Life and Sacrifice as a Reflection of Jain Principles:
  • Challenging Religious Dogma: Jesus's critique of the corrupt priestly class and their exploitative practices in the Jerusalem temple, particularly the animal sacrifices, is presented as a parallel to Jainism's rejection of ritualistic violence and emphasis on inner purity.
  • Non-Violence (Ahimsa): The author highlights Jesus's teachings on "turn the other cheek" and overcoming evil with good as deeply resonating with the core Jain principle of ahimsa. The text suggests that Jesus's core message of non-violence was a translation of Lord Mahavir's teachings into the Palestinian context.
  • Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): Jesus's emphasis on detachment from wealth, as exemplified by the saying "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God," is directly linked to the Jain principle of aparigraha.
  • Truthfulness (Satya), Non-stealing (Achaurya), Celibacy (Brahmacharya): The book posits that Jesus's teachings on these virtues are also aligned with the Jain five anuvratas (vows).
  • Compassion and Service: Jesus's actions of helping the poor, orphans, and the disabled are seen as a manifestation of compassion, a cornerstone of Jain ethics.
• The Indian Connection and Jain Influence:
  • Jesus's Travels in India: The book strongly advocates for the theory that Jesus traveled to India in his youth, spending a significant period (around 17 years) studying in various Indian centers of learning, including those influenced by Buddhism and Jainism. Dr. Notovitch's research, particularly the discovery of an ancient manuscript in Pali, is cited as evidence of Jesus's travels through Tibet and India, and his study of Buddhist and Jain literature.
  • Jain Monasteries and Ascetics: The text mentions Jesus spending time with Jain monks and gaining spiritual knowledge and ethical principles from them. Specific references are made to his inspiration for fasting being derived from his time with Jain ascetics in Palitana, Gujarat.
  • The Name "Palestine": The author even suggests that the name "Palestine" might be an etymological transformation of "Palitana," a sacred Jain site, reflecting a deep connection and respect.
• Jesus's Teachings as Echoes of Jain Philosophy:
  • "Kingdom of God on Earth": Jesus's concept of the "Kingdom of God on Earth" is likened to the Indian concept of Ram Rajya, a state of righteousness and peace achieved through adherence to principles like non-violence, compassion, charity, and purity.
  • Self-introspection: Jesus's advice to "remove the plank from your own eye before you remove the speck from your brother's eye" is presented as an exhortation to self-introspection, a key element in Jain spiritual practice.
  • Rejection of Ritual and Emphasis on Inner Purity: Jesus's condemnation of the wasteful practices and animal sacrifices in the temple is paralleled with Jainism's focus on internal purification and the rejection of external rituals that cause harm.
  • Forgiveness: Jesus's dying words, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," are presented as a profound expression of forgiveness, deeply rooted in the Jain concept of Kshama (forgiveness) and echoing the sentiments of Jain saints like Lord Mahavir and Mahatma Gandhi.
• The Legacy and Spread of Jainism: The book laments that Jainism's potential for wider influence has been limited by its followers, suggesting that a lack of missionary zeal has led to a decline in its numbers and the dilution of its principles. It contrasts this with the missionary efforts of Christianity.
• Jesus's Persecution and Victory: The author concludes by stating that while Jesus was ultimately martyred, his teachings, deeply influenced by Jainism, have endured and his followers are the largest religious group in the world today. The sacrifice of Jesus is seen as a testament to the power of truth that ultimately triumphs.

In essence, "ईशुखीस्त पर जैन धर्म का प्रभाव" argues that the ethical and philosophical core of Jesus's message—his emphasis on non-violence, compassion, detachment, and inner purity—was not an isolated phenomenon but was deeply rooted in and significantly shaped by the ancient wisdom and practices of Jainism, particularly its ascetic traditions. The book aims to highlight this cross-cultural influence and promote a greater understanding of Jainism's impact on global spirituality.