Jain Angashastra Ke Anusar Manav Vyaktitva Ka Vikas

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Angashastra ke Anusar Manav Vyaktitva ka Vikas" (Development of Human Personality According to Jain Angashastra) by Dr. Harindrabhushan Jain. The book, published by Sanmati Gyan Pith, Agra, aims to explore the Jain perspective on personal development by drawing from the sacred Jain scriptures, the Angashastras.

Core Theme:

The central theme of the book is the development of human personality according to the teachings of Jainism, specifically as found in the Angashastras. It posits that Jainism offers a holistic and progressive approach to personal growth, emphasizing spiritual cultivation over external factors like caste, creed, or gender.

Key Areas Covered:

The book is structured into eight chapters, systematically outlining the Jain understanding of personality development:

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Angashastra:

  • Explains the significance of Angashastras in Jainism, comparing their importance to the Vedas in Brahmanism and the Tripitaka in Buddhism.
  • Details the twelve Angas (though only eleven are currently available), their historical context, authenticity, composition, style, language (Ardhamagadhi Prakrit), and contents.
  • Traces the history of the Angashastras, including the challenges faced in their preservation and compilation through various council-like recensions (Vachanas).
  • Discusses the language and scriptural style, highlighting the evolution of Prakrit and the compilation of the texts.
  • Provides a detailed overview of the subject matter of each of the twelve Angas, including their philosophical and practical teachings.

• Chapter 2: Ideal Great Personalities:

  • Discusses the concept of the 24 Tirthankaras, who are considered divine guides and exemplars of spiritual development.
  • Focuses on the historical personalities of Lord Rishabhdev (the first Tirthankara), Lord Parshvanath, and Lord Mahavir, their lives, teachings, and contributions.
  • Explores the philosophy and teachings of these Tirthankaras, including their emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha (non-possession).
  • Examines the societal and religious context of their times, including the prevailing philosophies and practices of other contemporary sects.

• Chapter 3: Jain Philosophy (Tattva-Jnana):

  • Delves into the fundamental principles of Jain philosophy, known as Tattva-jnana.
  • Explains the nine fundamental realities (Navatattvas) of Jainism: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Asrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Samvara (prevention of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Moksha (liberation), Punya (merit), and Papa (demerit).
  • Compares Jain Tattva-jnana with Eastern and Western philosophical traditions.
  • Discusses the nature of Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul), detailing their characteristics, classifications, and the concept of senses, body, consciousness, and karma.
  • Explains the concept of the universe (Loka) and Jainism's unique perspective on God.

• Chapter 4: Development of Human Personality:

  • Defines human personality and its development, outlining the path towards realizing one's highest potential.
  • Discusses the place of humans in the vast cosmos and the significance of obtaining a human life, which is considered rare and precious.
  • Explains the stages of personality development, starting from the aspirant (Upaasak) to the liberated soul (Siddha).
  • Highlights the ideal personalities like Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu as stages or attainments in this developmental process.
  • Introduces the concept of fourteen stages of spiritual progress (Gunasthanas) as a roadmap for personality evolution.

• Chapter 5: The Life of an Upaasak (Lay Follower):

  • Details the life of an Upaasak, who is a householder dedicated to Jain principles.
  • Explains the significance of the Upaasak stage in the spiritual journey, emphasizing the adherence to vows and ethical conduct.
  • Discusses the importance of Right Faith (Samyakdarshan), Right Knowledge (Samyagjnana), and Right Conduct (Samyakcharitra) for the Upaasak.
  • Outlines the various classifications of Upaasaks and their adherence to vows like the Anuvratas (minor vows) and Shiksha Vratas (disciplinary vows).
  • Covers the Upaasak's daily routine, rituals, and ethical responsibilities, including the concept of Marananthika Sallekhana (voluntary fasting unto death).

• Chapter 6: The Life of a Shraman (Ascetic):

  • Explains the life of a Shraman, an ascetic who renounces worldly life for spiritual pursuit.
  • Defines the term "Shraman" and its synonyms, highlighting the ascetic's commitment to intense spiritual practices.
  • Discusses the importance and various classifications of ascetics, their vows (Mahavratas), conduct (Samiti and Gupti), and disciplines.
  • Details the Shraman's daily regimen, including their begging practices, austerity (Tapa), and observances like Sallekhana.
  • Explores the ideals of Shraman culture and contrasts it with Brahmanical culture.

• Chapter 7: Brahmanical and Shramanic Cultures:

  • Compares and contrasts the Brahmanical and Shramanic cultural traditions in ancient India.
  • Examines their respective origins, core philosophies, societal structures, and ultimate goals.
  • Highlights the influence and interrelationships between these two major cultural streams, noting areas of both divergence and convergence.
  • Discusses the concepts of sacraments, education, and the roles of teachers and disciples in each tradition.

• Chapter 8: Conclusion:

  • Summarizes the Jain perspective on human development as outlined in the Angashastras.
  • Reiterates the ideals presented within the Jain tradition.
  • Emphasizes the harmonious integration of different stages of development within Jainism.
  • Includes a bibliography of supporting texts, categorized into Jain Angashastras, other Jain Agam Granthas, Vedic texts, Buddhist texts, and other relevant works.

Key Takeaways:

• Holistic Development: Jainism emphasizes the all-round development of an individual, encompassing physical, intellectual, ethical, and spiritual dimensions.
• Self-Effort and Agency: The development of human personality is seen as a result of one's own efforts, karma, and choices, rather than external divine intervention.
• Path of Liberation: The ultimate goal of personality development in Jainism is Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death), achieved through the purification of the soul from karmic impurities.
• Emphasis on Ahimsa: Non-violence in thought, word, and deed is the cornerstone of Jain ethics and a primary tool for spiritual progress.
• Role of Asceticism and Lay Practice: Jainism provides a framework for both ascetics (Shramans) and lay followers (Upaasaks) to engage in spiritual practices suitable to their respective life circumstances.
• Rationality and Investigation: Jain philosophy encourages rational inquiry and logical reasoning in understanding the nature of reality and the path to liberation.

In essence, "Jain Angashastra ke Anusar Manav Vyaktitva ka Vikas" is a scholarly work that provides a detailed and systematic exposition of how Jain scriptures, particularly the Angashastras, delineate the path of human personality development from a lay follower to a fully liberated soul. It offers a profound and insightful perspective on spiritual growth rooted in ancient Jain wisdom.