Jain Agam Granthome Panchmatvad

This book, titled "Jain Agam Granthon Mein Panchmatvad" (Theories of Five Doctrines in Jain Agamic Texts), authored by Dr. Vandana Mehta and published by Jain Vishva Bharati Institute, is a comprehensive scholarly work that delves into the philosophical landscape of ancient India as reflected in Jain Agamas. The book critically examines five prominent philosophical theories prevalent during the era of Lord Mahavira (599-527 BCE) and their exposition within the Jain canonical literature.

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Core Objective: The primary aim of the book is to identify, analyze, and critically evaluate five major philosophical doctrines – Panchabhūtavāda (theory of five elements), Ekātmavāda (theory of one soul/monism), Kshanikavāda (theory of momentariness/impermanence), Sāṅkhyamata (Sāṅkhya philosophy), and Niyativāda (theory of determinism/fate) – as they are presented and discussed in the Jain Āgamas and related Jain literature. The study also aims to compare these doctrines with their counterparts in Vedic and Buddhist traditions to understand their historical development, similarities, and differences from a Jain perspective.

Structure and Content:

The book is structured into eight chapters, with the first chapter setting the historical and socio-political context, followed by five dedicated chapters for each of the core doctrines, and the final two chapters for other contemporary views and a concluding synthesis.

• Chapter 1: Social and Political Condition during Mahavira's Time:

  • Mahavira's Era (599-527 BCE): Establishes the temporal framework for the study.
  • Prevailing Doctrines of Mahavira's Time: Provides an overview of the diverse philosophical schools and debates that characterized the period, noting the mention of 363 different doctrines.
  • Social Organization: Discusses the societal structure, including caste system, ashrama system, family life, marriage customs, diet (food and drink), education system (objectives, curriculum, teaching methods, guru-shishya relationships, student characteristics, impediments to learning, centers of learning), scripts, and arts.
  • Political System: Covers the political history of 600 BCE, the sixteen Mahajanapadas (great kingdoms), state administration (king, relationship with princes and officials, council of ministers, judicial system), military organization, and republican governance.
  • Language of Jain Āgamas: Briefly touches upon the linguistic aspects of the canonical texts.
  • Discussions on Pañcamata and Gandhara Debates: Highlights the philosophical dialogues and inquiries that shaped the understanding of these doctrines.

• Chapter 2: Panchabhūtavāda (Theory of Five Elements):

  • Panchabhūtavāda in Jain Āgamas: Examines the Jain perspective on the theory of five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space).
  • Panchabhūtavāda and Four-Element Theory: Discusses the mention of four-element theories (often associated with Charvaka) and contrasts them with the Jain acceptance of five elements.
  • Tajjīva-Tacchīravāda (The Soul is the Body): Analyzes the doctrine that the soul is identical with the body and ceases to exist upon the body's destruction, linking it to materialistic philosophies like Charvaka and Ajita Kesakambali.
  • Distinction between Panchabhūtavāda and Tajjīva-Tacchīravāda: Clarifies the nuances and differences between these materialistic viewpoints.
  • Panchabhūtavāda and Tajjīva-Tacchīravāda on the Criterion of Atheism: Evaluates these doctrines from the perspective of their atheistic or materialistic implications.
  • Panchabhūtavāda and other Materialistic Beliefs in Heterodox Traditions: Explores the presence of materialistic philosophies in Upanishads, Mahabharata, Gita, Arthashastra, and Kamasutra.
  • Critique of Panchabhūtavāda from the Jain Perspective: Offers a critical evaluation, highlighting that adhering to this doctrine leads to bondage by denying the eternal nature of the soul and the significance of spiritual practices.

• Chapter 3: Ekātmavāda (Theory of One Soul/Monism):

  • Etymological Meaning and Definition of Soul: Explores the concept of 'Ātmā' from its linguistic roots and philosophical definitions.
  • Synonyms for Soul in Jainism (Jiva and Brahmā, Jiva and Jīvāstikāya): Discusses the relationship between the individual soul (Jīva) and broader concepts like the universal soul (Brahmā) and the Jain category of 'Jīvāstikāya' (collective soul-substance).
  • Nature of the Soul in Jain Āgamas: Delves into the multifaceted description of the soul's characteristics within Jain scriptures.
  • Various Theories of the Soul during Mahavira's Period: Examines the diverse views on the soul held by Mahavira's contemporaries.
  • Advocacy of Ekātmavāda in Jain Āgamas: Investigates how monistic ideas, possibly influenced by contemporary Vedic thought, are presented and addressed in Jain texts.
  • Critique of Ekātmavāda from the Jain Perspective: Analyzes the Jain rejection of strict monism, emphasizing the doctrine of multiple souls (ananta ātmā) and the individual nature of consciousness. It highlights Jainism's perspective on the soul's unity and multiplicity through the lens of anekāntavāda (non-absolutism).

• Chapter 4: Kshanikavāda (Theory of Momentariness):

  • Presentation of Kshanikavāda in Jain Āgamas: Discusses the Buddhist doctrine of momentariness, particularly the concepts of Pañcaskandhavāda (theory of five aggregates) and Chaturdhātuvāda (theory of four elements).
  • Critique of Kshanikavāda from the Jain Perspective: Refutes the doctrine of momentariness, arguing that while phenomena undergo change (paryāya), the underlying substance (dravya) remains eternal. It critiques the Buddhist denial of a permanent self and the implications for human endeavor and liberation.

• Chapter 5: Sāṅkhyamata (Sāṅkhya Philosophy):

  • Presentation of Sāṅkhya in Jain Āgamas: Examines how Sāṅkhya concepts like Akārakavāda (doctrine of non-doer soul) and Ātmasaṣṭavāda (theory of the soul as the sixth element) are discussed.
  • Sāṅkhyamata in Mahavira's Era (Parivrājaka Tradition): Discusses the historical context of Sāṅkhya followers (parivrājakas) during Mahavira's time, their practices, attire, and doctrines.
  • Critique of Sāṅkhyamata from the Jain Perspective: Evaluates Sāṅkhya's emphasis on the soul's non-action (akartva) and the role of Prakriti (primordial matter) as the creator, arguing that this view leads to inaction and negates personal effort, ultimately hindering spiritual progress. It highlights the Jain emphasis on the soul's agency and the concept of cause and effect.

• Chapter 6: Niyativāda (Theory of Determinism/Fate):

  • Nature of Niyativāda (Historically): Traces the concept of Niyativāda, often associated with Makkhali Gosala and the Ājīvika sect.
  • Discussion of 'Mankhali' and 'Ājīvika' Words: Analyzes the etymology and meaning of these terms.
  • Presentation of Niyativāda in Jain Āgamas: Details the Jain exposition of Niyativāda, emphasizing its depiction as a doctrine where all worldly activities are governed by an unchangeable cosmic force (Niyati), rendering personal effort futile.
  • Comparative View of Ājīvika Practices in Jain and Buddhist Traditions: Compares the ethical and ascetic practices attributed to Ājīvikas in both Jain and Buddhist literature.
  • Other Principles of Makkhali Gosala: Explores additional doctrines attributed to Gosala, such as the concept of gradual purification through rebirth cycles.
  • Niyati-related Concepts in Indian Thought: Briefly touches upon similar ideas in Vedic traditions.
  • Critique of Niyativāda from the Jain Perspective: Argues that strict fatalism negates individual responsibility, effort, and the possibility of liberation, contrasting it with the Jain emphasis on the interplay of Niyati (destiny, influenced by past karma) and Puruṣārtha (individual effort).

• Chapter 7: Other Doctrines of Mahavira's Era:

  • Reason for Mentioning Various Doctrines in Jain Āgamas: Explains why Jain texts discuss heterodox philosophies, often for the purpose of refutation and clarification.
  • Śramaṇa Culture: Introduces the broader Śramaṇa tradition and its classification into five main groups: Nirgranthas (Jains), Śākyas (Buddhists), Tapas (ascetics), Parivrājakas (wandering ascetics), and Ājīvikas. It briefly outlines their practices.
  • Concept of Four Samavaśaraṇa: Discusses the classification of doctrines into Kriyāvāda (activism), Akriyāvāda (non-activism), Ajñānavāda (agnosticism), and Vinayavāda (devotion/obedience).
  • Various Theories of Creation in Jain Āgamas: Presents different cosmogonic theories mentioned in the texts, such as creation by gods, Brahma, Ishvara, Prakriti, Svayambhu, or an egg.
  • Contemporary Doctrines to the Pañcama: Touches upon other prevalent theories like Karmopachaya (accumulation of karma) and Avatāravāda (incarnation theory).

• Chapter 8: Conclusion:

  • Critique and Jain Perspective Review of Various Doctrines: Synthesizes the findings, offering a comprehensive critique of the discussed doctrines from the Jain viewpoint and highlighting the superiority and comprehensiveness of the Jain philosophical framework.

Key Contributions and Approach:

• Meticulous Research: The book is praised for its meticulous research, citing original references extensively and presenting the full text of source material rather than abbreviated forms, as noted in the Foreword by Prof. Satya Ranjan Banerjee.
• Comparative Analysis: A significant aspect is the comparative study of these doctrines across Jain, Buddhist, and Vedic traditions, aiming to trace their origins and evolution.
• Jain Perspective: The work consistently evaluates these theories through the lens of Jain principles, particularly highlighting their refutation or reconciliation with Jain philosophy.
• Filling a Gap: The book addresses an area previously untouched in Jain scholarship, providing a crucial comparative understanding of Jainism within the broader Indian philosophical context.
• Chronological Understanding: It aims to provide readers with a chronological understanding of the doctrines prevalent during Lord Mahavira's time.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Agam Granthon Mein Panchmatvad" is recognized as a valuable contribution to the study of ancient Indian philosophy, particularly for scholars interested in the intellectual milieu of the Mahavira period and the comparative analysis of philosophical schools from a Jain perspective. The author's detailed research and clear presentation are highly commended.