Jain Agamo Ka Arthashastriya Mulyankan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Agamo ka Arthashastriya Mulyankan" by Dr. Dilip Dhing, based on the provided table of contents and excerpted text:

Book Title: Jain Agamo ka Arthashastriya Mulyankan (An Economical Evaluation of Jain Agam Texts) Author: Dr. Dilip Dhing Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur Year of Publication: 2007

Overall Theme:

The book provides a detailed economic evaluation of Jain Agam (canonical) texts, highlighting the economic principles, practices, and philosophies embedded within them. Dr. Dilip Dhing argues that Jain Agams offer a comprehensive and ethically grounded economic framework that is highly relevant even in modern times. The core message emphasizes that true prosperity lies not just in material wealth but in a balanced approach that integrates ethical values, non-violence (ahimsa), and self-control (samyama) into economic activities.

Key Sections and Themes:

The book is structured into six chapters, systematically exploring the economic dimensions of Jain Agamic literature:

Chapter 1: Evaluation of Agam Literature

Agam: Angapravishta and Angabahya: This section introduces the structure and classification of Jain Agam texts, including the distinction between Angapravishta (canonical texts originating from the teachings of Tirthankaras) and Angabahya (texts composed by senior monks).
Mula-Sutra, Cheda-Sutra, Prakirnaka, and Commentary Literature: It delves into the different categories of Agamic literature, such as Mula-Sutras (root texts), Cheda-Sutras (texts dealing with monastic discipline and expiation), Prakirnaka (miscellaneous texts), and the vast body of commentary literature (Niyukti, Bhashya, Churni, Tika).
Shauraseni Agam Literature: This part focuses on the Agamic literature written in Shauraseni Prakrit, which is considered the oldest literary Prakrit. It highlights significant works like Shatkhandagama and the literature of Acharya Kundakunda.

Chapter 2: Economic Thought in Jain Tradition

Economic Concepts: This chapter explores fundamental Jain concepts related to economics, including the ideas of karmabhumi (earth of action) and the significance of labor (shram) in Jain culture. It also touches upon the auspicious dreams of Tirthankaras' mothers, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
Purushartha Chatustaya and Artha: It examines the fourfold aims of human life in Jainism – Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth/economics), Kama (desire/pleasure), and Moksha (liberation) – and their interrelationships, emphasizing the importance of Artha within this framework. It discusses various perspectives on wealth accumulation and its proper use.
Main Sources of Earning: This section details the various means of livelihood and economic activity mentioned in Jain texts, including natural resources like forests, minerals, and water, as well as land ownership and human resources (labor).
Capital and Management: It analyzes the concepts of capital, financial management, commercial skills, and organizational structures as depicted in Jain texts, citing examples of successful lay followers (shravakas).
Currency and Revenue Systems: This part focuses on the economic mechanisms like currency, exchange, revenue generation, and taxation systems prevalent in the Jain worldview, including different types of taxes and state expenditure on public welfare and administration.

Chapter 3: Economic Life in Jain Agamas

Primary Industries and Agriculture: This chapter provides a detailed account of agriculture, including land ownership, crop varieties, farming practices, storage, agricultural tools, irrigation, and the role of the state in supporting agriculture. It also covers animal husbandry, horticulture, forestry, and mining.
Secondary Industries: It categorizes and describes various secondary industries and crafts, highlighting human ingenuity and artistic skills. It mentions industries like textiles, metalwork, construction, and various other businesses.
Trade, Business, and Commerce: This section extensively discusses trade, including local and long-distance trade, the role of merchants (vanik, gathapati, sarthavaha), trade centers, import-export activities, and trade routes. It also mentions women entrepreneurs.
Key Characters related to Economics: It introduces economic figures from Jain texts who exemplify certain economic principles and practices.

Chapter 4: Value-Based Economy

Economics of Anuvratas: This chapter analyzes the economic implications of the five minor vows (anuvratas) and the subsequent vows taken by lay followers. It emphasizes how these ethical principles contribute to a balanced and moral economic life.
Donation, Household Management, and Nation-Building: It explores the economic aspects of charity (dana), household management (grihasthachar), and their contribution to nation-building (rashtra-dharma). It highlights concepts like Varshidaan (annual donation) and the importance of sharing wealth.
Prohibition of Vices and Qualities of a Follower: This section discusses the economic impact of abstaining from vices (vyasan) and cultivating positive qualities, as outlined for followers of Jain principles.

Chapter 5: Economics of Ahimsa and Samyama

Economics of Principles and Philosophy: This chapter links core Jain principles like Anekanta (non-absolutism), Karma theory, and Purushartha with economic thought. It discusses the economic implications of ahimsa (non-violence) through vegetarianism and the conservation of water and resources.
Kashaya-Mukti and Prosperity: It explores how the liberation from passions (kashaya) leads to inner prosperity and its economic manifestations.
Self-Esteem and Humanism: This section examines the concepts of self-reliance and humanism within the context of Jain economic thought.
Dimensions of Ahimsa Economics: It elaborates on the economic aspects of ahimsa, including vegetarianism, its role in resource management, and its impact on reducing animal suffering and optimizing land use.
Dimensions of Samyama Economics: This part focuses on the economic implications of self-control and moderation in consumption and resource utilization.

Chapter 6: Agamic and Modern Economics

Mahavira's Economic Personality: It analyzes the economic principles and persona of Lord Mahavira, highlighting his emphasis on self-reliance, balanced living, and social equality.
Economics of Aparigraha (Non-possession): This section critically examines the concept of aparigraha (non-possession) as a fundamental economic principle in Jainism and its relevance in managing desires and fostering development. It also discusses the influence of Jain economic thought on medieval Indian economies and figures like Chanakya.
Medieval Economies: It provides a historical overview of economic systems during the medieval period, referencing Jain texts like Vasudevahindi and Kuvalayamalakaha.
Modern Economies: This part critically evaluates contemporary economic models like capitalism, socialism, and communism, contrasting them with Agamic economic principles and addressing issues like environmental degradation and consumerism. It draws parallels between Mahavira's teachings and those of Mahatma Gandhi.
Comparative Study: This concluding section offers a comparative analysis of Agamic economics with modern economic theories, emphasizing the ethical and sustainable aspects of Jain economic thought.

Author's Perspective and Contribution:

Dr. Dilip Dhing, through this research, aims to establish the profound economic wisdom embedded in Jain Agam texts. He argues that these ancient scriptures offer practical solutions to contemporary economic challenges by advocating for a value-based economy rooted in principles of non-violence, non-possession, and balanced living. The book seeks to bridge the gap between ancient Jain economic thought and modern economic systems, presenting Jainism not merely as a spiritual or ethical doctrine but as a comprehensive socio-economic philosophy.

The book's publication by Prakrit Bharti Academy underscores its commitment to promoting Jain knowledge and research. The extensive references and detailed chapter breakdown indicate a thorough and scholarly approach to the subject.