Jain And Buddha Mata Sankshipta Itihas And Sidhanto

Based on the provided pages of "Jain ane Bauddh Mat: Sankshipt Itihas ane Siddhanto" (A Brief History and Principles of Jainism and Buddhism) by Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, edited by Dr. Kantibhai B. Shah, here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Overall Scope:

This book, published posthumously, offers a concise historical and philosophical survey of both Jainism and Buddhism. It delves into their origins, key figures, scriptures, doctrines, and their comparison with Vedic traditions. The work is a testament to the author's deep scholarship in Jain literature and philosophy.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured into two main parts:

Part 1: Jainism - Brief History and Principles

• Jain Religious Literature (Agamas):

  • Discusses the antiquity of Jain scriptures, highlighting the twelve Angas, with the twelfth (Drishtivada) containing fourteen Purvas being lost. The remaining eleven Angas are considered by Shvetambaras to be preserved.
  • Explains the structure and content of the Angas, including Achārāṅga (describing Jain monastic conduct), Sūtraerutanga (comparing Jain tenets with other philosophical schools), Sthānāṅga (categorizing entities numerically), Samavāyāṅga (numerical compilation), Vyākhyāprajñapti (Bhagavatī Sūtra) containing extensive dialogues between Mahavir and Gautama, Jñāta-dharmakathāṅga (illustrative stories), Upāsaka-daśā (ten lay disciples' conduct), Antakṛt-daśā (lives of ascetics ending their karmic cycle), Anuttaraupapātikadaśā (lives of those born in highest heavens), Praśnavyākaraṇa (ethics and karma), and Vipākasūtra (karma fruits).
  • Details the lost Dvādasanga, its five parts (Prakarma, Sūtra, Pūrvāgata, Anuyoga, and Chūlikā), and the 14 Purvas.
  • Discusses the significant number of Pannas (Prakirṇakas) that supplement the Agamas.
  • Covers the twelve Upangas and their relationship to the Angas, along with the four Mūlasūtras (Āvaśyaka, Daśavaikālika, Uttarādhyayana, and Piṇḍaniryukti/Oghaniryukti).
  • Explains the six Chedasūtras and their compilation by figures like Bhadrabāhu and Jinabhadragani Kṣamāśramaṇa.
  • Mentions the linguistic origins of these scriptures, primarily in Ardhamāgadhī Prakrit.

• Time of Shri Mahavir and Mahavir as a Preacher:

  • Analyzes the political, geographical, social, and religious landscape of India during Mahavir's time, noting the presence of numerous kingdoms and republics.
  • Highlights the influence of Buddhism, mentioning that some kings initially followed Buddhism and later embraced Jainism, as Gautam Buddha predated Mahavir's complete enlightenment.
  • Details the political fragmentation of India and the interactions between kingdoms.
  • Provides extensive narrative accounts of the relationships and conflicts between rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, Chetaka, Pradyota, and Udayana, drawing parallels and contrasts from both Jain and Buddhist texts.

• Principles of Jainism:

  • Three Tattvas (Principles): Discusses Ishvara-tattva (God-principle, viewed as the liberated soul or Arihant), Sadgurutattva (Jina as guru), and Sadharmatattva (Jain Dharma itself).
  • Time: Explains the concept of Kalasvarūpa and the cyclical nature of time.
  • Soul and Karma: Delves into the connection between the soul (Jiva) and karma, the process of karmic influx (Āsrava), its stoppage (Samvara), shedding of karma (Nirjara), bondage (Bandha), and liberation (Moksha).
  • Principles: Covers key Jain doctrines like Samyag-darshana (Right Faith), soul's nature, the six Dravyas (substances), the nine Tattvas, the six Lishyas (states of the soul), the soul's evolution, the fourteen Guṇasthānas (stages of spiritual progress), the five Samavāyas (causes for achieving goals), the Jain yogic path, and the concept of Anekāntavāda (non-absolutism) and Syādvāda (the doctrine of conditionality).
  • Gṛhastha Dharma (Layman's Duty) and Yati Dharma (Ascetic's Duty): Details the principles and practices for both lay followers and ascetics.

• Miscellaneous (Prakīrṇa): Discusses divisions within Jainism, the concept of Tirthas (holy places), Jain population statistics, and a comparison between Buddha and Mahavir, refuting the notion of Jainism being a branch of Buddhism or Vedic Dharma.

Part 2: Buddhism - Brief History and Principles

• Buddhist Religious Literature:

  • Explains the origin of Buddhist scriptures in Pali, mentioning the council held after Buddha's Parinirvana to compile his teachings into the Tripitaka (Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidharma Pitakas).
  • Highlights the evolution of Buddhist schools, mentioning the Theravada and Mahāsānghika, and the subsequent eighteen divisions.
  • Discusses the compilation of the Tripitaka in Pali and later its translation into Sanskrit for Mahayana Buddhism.

• Gautam Buddha:

  • Covers Buddha's life from birth in Lumbini, his childhood, youth, renunciation (Mahabhinishkramana), asceticism and search for truth, attainment of enlightenment (Bodhi), and his subsequent life and Parinirvana.
  • Includes a detailed biographical account, touching upon his family, early life, and his quest for liberation.

• Principles of Buddhism:

  • Rise of Buddhism: Explains the religious and philosophical climate of India at the time of Buddha's advent.
  • Core Philosophy: Discusses the uniqueness of Buddhist philosophy, focusing on the Four Noble Truths, Dharma, the nature of the universe, and the characteristics of Arhats, Pratyekabuddhas, and Buddhas.
  • Four Noble Truths: Explains the fundamental Buddhist teachings: Dukkha (suffering), Samudaya (origin of suffering), Nirodha (cessation of suffering), and Magga (the path to the cessation of suffering).
  • Eightfold Path: Details the path to enlightenment and the cessation of suffering, emphasizing Right Understanding, Right Resolve, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
  • Karma and Rebirth: Explains the Buddhist understanding of karma and its influence on rebirth.
  • Nirvana: Discusses the ultimate goal of Buddhism, the state of liberation from suffering.

• Miscellaneous: Touches upon the position of women in Buddhism, the concept of severe asceticism, the role of action, personal effort, and patriotism in Buddhist thought, the discipline of monks, and the prevalent form of Buddhism today.

Comparative Aspects:

• Jainism vs. Buddhism: The book implicitly and explicitly compares Jainism and Buddhism, highlighting their shared emphasis on ahimsa (non-violence) and ethical conduct but also their distinct metaphysical and soteriological views.
• Jainism vs. Vedic Dharma: The text explores how Jainism and Buddhism offered alternatives to the prevailing Vedic rituals, caste distinctions, and philosophical ideas of the time.
• Doctrinal Similarities: The book notes commonalities in ethical teachings and the pursuit of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Philosophical Differences: It contrasts the Jain concept of a permanent, individual soul (Jiva) with the Buddhist doctrine of anatta (no-soul or impermanence of self). It also discusses the divergent views on cosmology and the nature of reality.

Author's Contributions and the Book's Genesis:

• The book highlights that Mohanlal Dalichand Desai's work was originally an award-winning essay submitted in 1914 to the Forbes Gujarati Sabha.
• It remained unpublished for 84 years until Shri Mahavira Jaina Vidyalaya took on the project.
• The son of the author, Jayasukhbhai, played a crucial role in preserving the manuscript and facilitating its publication.
• The editing and consultation process involved scholars like Dr. Kantibhai B. Shah, Acharya Vijaypradyumnasuriji, and Dr. Esther Solomon, who contributed to refining the philosophical and textual aspects.
• The editor notes the challenges faced in editing a manuscript from 1914, including deciphering handwriting, clarifying archaic terms, and integrating supplementary material.
• The book includes maps of ancient India and Buddhist-related images, originally intended for publication by the author.

Overall Impression:

"Jain ane Bauddh Mat: Sankshipt Itihas ane Siddhanto" appears to be a foundational text for understanding Jainism and Buddhism, particularly for Gujarati readers. It is praised for its comprehensive approach, balancing historical context with in-depth philosophical explanations of core doctrines. The book serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in these ancient Indian religions.