Jain Bhugol Vigyanam - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Jain Bhugol Vigyanam" by Abhaysagar, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Bhugol Vigyanam (Jain Geography Science) Author: Late Muni Abhayasagar Publisher: Z_Sadhviratna_Pushpvati_Abhinandan_Granth_012024.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/210825/1

This excerpt from "Jain Bhugol Vigyanam" by the late Muni Abhayasagar, published in the "Sadhviratna Pushpvati Abhinandan Granth," presents a critical perspective on contemporary science and champions the scientific insights contained within Jain scriptures, particularly concerning geography and cosmology.

Critique of Contemporary Science and Western Influence:

The author begins by acknowledging that science has always evolved but argues that modern science is often presented as inherently superior due to technological advancements.
He laments the dominance of Western science in India, attributing it to historical foreign rule. This rule, he contends, deliberately fostered a reliance on Western thought, undermining faith in the wisdom of Indian Rishis (sages) and their yogic powers.
Indians, impressed by visible Western inventions, complex instruments, and the allure of material pleasures, became subservient to Western scientific paradigms.
A further tactic, he claims, was the destruction or removal of ancient Indian scientific texts (manuscripts) to foreign lands.
Despite this, he asserts that the seed of Indian science remains, and some modern Indian scientists have successfully refuted Western theories and validated ancient Indian principles.
However, he criticizes those who, driven by arrogance and the desire for self-promotion ("we are the scientists"), try to obscure the truth of ancient Indian science, portraying ancient thinkers as mere speculators lacking practical evidence.

The Essence and Importance of Jain Geography and Cosmology:

Jain Acharyas have always held profound faith in the Agamas (Jain scriptures). The word of Jinendra (the enlightened ones) is their ultimate authority.
Science in the Agamas is presented in the form of Shastra (scriptural treatise), not as applied Shilpa (craft/technology). While the lexicon defines "vigyan" as both science and craft, Jain Acharyas focused on the scriptural aspect.
Ancient Acharyas were not ignorant of instruments; they simply prioritized scriptural understanding over technological display. The text argues that the Agamas contain descriptions that, when understood, reveal that modern scientists are merely novices in comparison.
The Acharyas' pursuit of knowledge about the world's structure and movement was driven by Dharma (righteousness) and a selfless desire for the welfare of the world, not by personal gain or fame.
Contemplation of worldly phenomena, including the celestial sphere (Jyotish Chakra) and the continent of Jambu Dwipa, is prescribed as an essential practice in Jainism.
The ability of ancient Rishis to comprehend the entire universe, like an amla (gooseberry) in their hand, is highlighted. Knowledge revealed without selfish motives is for the benefit of the world.

Spiritual Significance of Jain Cosmology:

The study of geography and cosmology in Jainism has a deep spiritual significance. Understanding the nature of the universe and the specific world where a human is born leads them to realize their past lives in every region of the Earth, experiencing countless births and deaths.
This realization prompts a desire to escape the cycle of birth and death. Knowledge of different types of lands (Bhumi) like Bhogabhumi (land of enjoyment), Karmabhumi (land of action), Mlechchhabhumi (land of barbarians), and Naraka bhumi (hellish realms) helps individuals understand the consequences of good and bad deeds, encouraging them to refrain from negative actions.
The scriptures' detailed descriptions of continents like Jambu Dwipa are crucial. Without this knowledge, one's understanding of self and the path to liberation would be incomplete, and faith in self-knowledge would diminish.

Critique of the Spherical Earth Theory:

The text then delves into specific criticisms of modern scientific theories, particularly the concept of a spherical Earth, presenting counter-arguments and evidence from Jain perspectives:

Ship on the Horizon: The argument that the top part of a ship is seen first due to Earth's curvature is dismissed. If viewed through a telescope, the entire ship is visible, implying the curvature argument is flawed.
Lighthouse Argument: A lighthouse 20 krosh away is visible, contradicting the idea that Earth's curvature would obstruct it. Even with the lighthouse's height (300 feet) and the calculated curvature at that distance (600 feet), it should be hidden if the Earth were truly spherical.
Three Pillars (Vamsha) Setup: The experiment of placing three pillars a mile apart, with the middle one appearing higher, is called hypothetical and impossible to verify.
Horizon's Convexity: The perceived meeting of Earth and sky on a flat plain is attributed to an optical illusion caused by the eye's structure, not Earth's curvature. The eye, it is suggested, forms a 45-degree angle with objects, creating the illusion of a spherical shape.
Circumnavigation: The idea that travelers return to their starting point due to Earth's spherical shape is deemed unproven. Travelers use the North Star or the sun for navigation, and circular journeys are merely perceived as westward travel.

The author then lists further evidence questioning Earth's sphericity:

Rivers flowing south from the Himalayas.
Simultaneous observation of solar eclipses in America and Asia.
The construction of the Suez Canal without considering Earth's curvature.
The uniform level of water everywhere.
The possibility of traveling from the equator to the North Pole, entering North America, and then proceeding to South America and the South Pole, then back to the equator.
Journeys undertaken only in the East-West directions.
Travel accounts of Captain J. Rasmus, the International Survey Company, Captain Miel, and others observing the North Star.
The difference between day and night in polar regions.
The journey of Father Jones.

Critique of the Earth's Motion Theory:

The text then critiques the theory of Earth's motion, particularly its rotation and revolution around the Sun:

The modern scientific view of Earth's motion is seen as leading to a sense of purposelessness and inertia.
The heliocentric model (Earth revolving around the Sun) is heavily promoted, but Indian scripture scholars disagree, asserting that the Earth is stationary and the Sun revolves.
Modern science posits three motions for Earth: axial rotation, revolution around the Sun, and movement with the Sun. They even introduce concepts of varying speeds and elliptical paths to support their theories.
The concept of gravity attracting Earth to the Sun is questioned. The idea that the atmosphere moves with the Earth is also challenged, as are the implications of such rapid movement:
- How can objects remain stable on Earth moving at speeds of 720,000, 66,000, or 1,000 miles per hour?
- If the Earth moves west to east, why isn't there constant friction with the air?
- How can a bird flying in the sky return to its nest if the Earth is moving so fast?
- How can a hunter hit their target?
- The argument that the atmosphere moves with the Earth is deemed impossible, as no vehicle carries its atmosphere with it.
- Sir C.V. Raman's research suggests the atmosphere does not move with the Earth, implying different motions for each.
- If the Earth moves, how can an airplane hover and then land at a desired location? The necessity of the airplane's own propulsion becomes redundant.
- The gravitational pull of the Sun on Earth and the Sun's gravitational pull on other planets are analyzed. The author questions how Earth can be pulled closer to the Sun from December to June and move away from December to June simultaneously if the Sun itself is moving.
- The author concludes that these arguments highlight inconsistencies and lack of depth in modern scientific understanding.

Call for Reconsideration and Emphasis on Jain Truths:

The author believes that by presenting these contradictions, they are not creating conflict but prompting modern scientists to reconsider, re-examine their beliefs, and refine their understanding.
The text reiterates that the Earth is stationary and not spherical.
It questions the explanation for six-month day/night cycles in polar regions, the reason for seasonal differences between Australia and India, the source of the moon's light, and the cause of ocean tides. It also questions the mystery of gravity, the nature of the current universe, the applicability of relativity, the positions of polar stars, and the weaknesses in scientifically proclaimed theories.
The author mentions that they have published numerous books to clarify these points and have built a replica of Jambu Dwipa in Palitana based on scriptural evidence, along with publishing a quarterly magazine named "Jambu Dwipa."
The text concludes with a plea to the curious to seek knowledge and truth, emphasizing that scriptures are never wrong, and it is flawed human perception that errs. It urges scholars to examine and understand the superior science propounded by Jinendra.

In essence, the excerpt is a strong advocacy for the scientific accuracy of Jain scriptures concerning cosmology and geography, presenting a robust critique of prevailing modern scientific theories, particularly the spherical Earth and heliocentric models, and calling for a re-evaluation based on what the author considers to be deeper, more fundamental truths found in the Jain tradition.