Jagat Aur Jain Darshan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jagat aur Jain Darshan" (The World and Jain Philosophy) by Acharya Vijyendrasuri, translated by Pandit Hiralal Dugad, and published by Yashovijay Jain Granthmala:

The book "Jagat aur Jain Darshan" is a collection of three lectures or essays delivered by Acharya Vijyendrasuri at different times and to different audiences. The primary aim of these presentations was to explain Jain philosophy and its principles to a non-Jain, and often academic, audience, thereby fostering understanding and dispelling misconceptions.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured around three main lectures, each with a distinct focus:

Lecture 1: The Concept of "Arya" (Virtuous/Noble)

Context: Delivered at Vrindavan Gurukul, likely as a presidential address to an academic council.
Core Argument: Acharya Vijyendrasuri emphasizes that the Jain understanding of "Arya" is not limited to any specific sect, society, or nationality. Instead, it is a universal concept defined by the renunciation of what is worthy of abandonment (vices) and the acceptance of what is worthy of acceptance (virtues). This expansive definition makes the path to "Arya-hood" open to all human beings.
Jain Classification of Aryas: The lecture delves into the detailed classifications of "Aryas" as found in Jain scriptures, particularly the Prajnapana Sutra. These are broadly divided into:
- Riddhiman Arya (Possessing Spiritual Powers): Six types, including Arhat, Chakravarti, Baldev, Vasudev, Janghacharan, and Vidyacharan.
- Anriddhiman Arya (Lacking Spiritual Powers): Nine types, such as Kshetrya (of a particular region), Jatya (of a particular lineage/caste), Kularya (of a noble family), Karmarya (by profession), Shilparya (by craft), Bhasharya (by language proficiency), Gyanaarya (by knowledge), Darshanaarya (by insight), and Charitraarya (by conduct).
Universality and Inclusivity: The Acharya argues that since there are numerous ways to attain "Arya-hood," one cannot definitively label any individual as "Anarya" (non-virtuous) in an absolute sense. Therefore, it is important to accept and embrace anyone who demonstrates "Arya-hood" in any form.
Societal Evolution: The lecture touches upon how societies naturally differentiate over time due to the evolution of customs and traditions, comparing it to the widening circles of kinship. However, it stresses that in the current era, the emphasis should be on individual upliftment and the adoption of virtues, regardless of one's background.

Lecture 2: Jain Philosophy, History, and Key Concepts

Context: Delivered at a religious council in Mathura during the Shrimad Dayanand Birth Centenary.
Jainism as an Original System: The lecture strongly asserts that Jainism is an original, independent, and distinct philosophical system, not a branch of Buddhism or Brahmanism, nor founded by Mahavir Swami (who was a propagator). This point is supported by references to German scholar Dr. Hermann Jacobi, who recognized Jainism's distinctiveness and importance for understanding ancient Indian thought.
Historical Antiquity: The lecture presents evidence for Jainism's antiquity, citing mentions of Jain Tirthankaras in ancient texts like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and even the Vedas. The description of Adinath Rishabhdev in the Bhagavat Purana and the identification of Tirthankaras in Vedic literature are highlighted as proof of Jainism's existence predating many other major religions.
Philosophical Depth: The core philosophical tenets of Jainism are discussed:
- Reality: The universe consists of two fundamental substances: Jad (inert) and Chetan (conscious/soul).
- Soul (Jiva): The soul is conscious, possesses knowledge, and is the experiencer. Jainism posits that even elements like earth, water, fire, air, and plants are living beings (Jivas), a concept later echoed by modern science and figures like Professor Jagadish Chandra Bose.
- Karma: The entire Jain philosophy is centered around the concept of karma. The soul (Jiva) is eternally bound by subtle karmic particles (pudgala). The shedding of karma leads to liberation. The eight main types of karma (Jnanavarniya, Darshanavarniya, Mohaniya, Antaraya, Vedaniya, Ayushya, Nam, and Gotra) are briefly explained.
- Liberation (Moksha): Moksha is achieved through the annihilation of all karma. The path to liberation is the Ratna Traya (Three Jewels): Right Belief (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
- The Nature of God: Jainism's concept of God is unique. God is not a creator but any soul that has achieved perfection by destroying all its karmas. All liberated souls are considered gods, equal in their divine attributes. Jainism posits that God does not intervene in the world's affairs, nor does God have likes or dislikes, being entirely free from passions.
- Syadvada (Doctrine of Conditionality): This is a crucial principle of Jainism, explaining that reality is multifaceted and can be viewed from multiple perspectives. Every statement is conditionally true ("Syat" means "perhaps" or "in some way"). It emphasizes that no single viewpoint captures the absolute truth of any object. This is contrasted with skepticism, highlighting that Syadvada acknowledges truth from various relative standpoints.
- Six Dravyas (Substances): The fundamental substances of the universe are identified as Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akash (space), Pudgala (matter), Jiva (soul), and Kala (time). Their nature and functions are briefly described.
- Navatattva (Nine Fundamentals): The nine fundamental principles of Jainism are Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punya (merit), Pap (demerit), Asrava (influx of karma), Samvara (cessation of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).

Lecture 3: Jain Philosophy, Literature, and History (Detailed)

Context: Delivered at the Indian Philosophical Congress in Calcutta.
Reinforcing Antiquity and Independence: This lecture reiterates Jainism's ancient and independent status, using further evidence and quoting scholars like Dr. Hermann Jacobi, Dr. L.P. Tessitori, and others who recognized Jainism's unique philosophical foundation and its scientific basis.
Jain Literature: The vastness and richness of Jain literature are emphasized, covering various subjects. The 45 primary scriptural texts (Agamas) are mentioned, along with the four main divisions of Jain literature: Dravyanuyoga (metaphysics), Ganitanuyoga (mathematics/astronomy), Charana-Karana-Anuyoga (conduct/ethics), and Kathanuyoga (narrative/stories). Prominent works in different genres (poetry, logic, yoga, grammar) are cited.
Jain History and Art: The lecture highlights the significant contribution of Jains to the history and art of India, particularly in Gujarat. It mentions Jain kings and ministers, as well as architectural marvels like the temples on Mount Abu and the caves of King Kharvel.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is presented as Jainism's most profound and unique contribution to the world. The lecture defends Ahimsa against criticisms that it leads to cowardice, stating that true Ahimsa possesses immense inner strength and universal love. It credits Jainism with influencing Brahmanism to abandon animal sacrifices in rituals. The global relevance of Ahimsa for solving future problems is stressed.
Five Causes of Action: Beyond karma and effort, Jainism recognizes five causal factors for any event: Kala (time), Svabhava (nature), Niyati (destiny), Purushakara (effort/willpower), and Karma (action/past deeds). The interplay of these factors is explained through examples.
Syadvada and Anekantavada: The lecture elaborates on Syadvada and Anekantavada (the doctrine of non-one-sidedness), explaining that reality is complex and can be understood from multiple, sometimes seemingly contradictory, perspectives. This principle is illustrated with examples of familial relationships and the nature of substances, emphasizing that things possess multiple qualities simultaneously.
The Six Substances (Dravyas) in Detail: A more detailed explanation of the six Dravyas is provided, including their subdivisions and functions.
The Nine Fundamentals (Navatattva): A more detailed explanation of the nine fundamentals is given, including the classification of souls into worldly (samsari) and liberated (mukta), and the various types of living beings (Ekendriya, Tras, etc.) and their subdivisions.
Moksha and its Universal Path: The lecture concludes by reiterating that liberation (Moksha) is the ultimate goal of all philosophies. It highlights the Jain path of the Three Jewels as a universally accessible means to achieve this, emphasizing that one's origin or sect does not preclude liberation, but rather the cultivation of equanimity (Samabhava) is key.

Overall Message:

The book "Jagat aur Jain Darshan" serves as an eloquent exposition of Jain philosophy, aiming to:

Educate non-Jains about Jainism's profound teachings and its historical significance.
Promote understanding and tolerance between different religious and philosophical traditions.
Emphasize the universality and practicality of Jain principles, particularly Ahimsa and the path to liberation, for the benefit of all humanity.

The author, Acharya Vijyendrasuri, skillfully presents complex Jain concepts in an accessible manner, making the book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand Jain thought and its relevance in the modern world. The translation by Pandit Hiralal Dugad ensures that these profound teachings are available to a Hindi-speaking audience.