Jain Darshan

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jain Darshan" by T. K. Tukol and Chitra P. Shukl:

Overview:

"Jain Darshan" (Jain Philosophy) is a scholarly exploration of Jainism, originally written in English as "Compendium of Jainism" by Justice T. K. Tukol, a retired judge and former Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University, and translated into Gujarati by Chitra P. Shukl. Published by Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, in 1978, it is the seventh volume in the Shri Anandshankar Bapubhai Dhruv Smarak Sarvadharma Darshan Granthmala, initiated by Hari Om Ashram. The book aims to introduce the rich and ancient philosophy of Jainism to the Gujarati-speaking populace, fostering interfaith understanding and respect.

Key Themes and Content:

The book systematically covers the core tenets, history, and ethical framework of Jainism, presenting it as a profound spiritual path rather than just a religion or philosophical system. Justice Tukol, as a devout follower and serious student of Jainism, brings his analytical skills and deep understanding to the subject, clarifying many misconceptions and presenting the principles in an accessible manner.

Summary of Chapters and Concepts:

1. Jainism and its Antiquity:

   • Establishes Jainism as an ancient religion, dispelling the notion of it being a branch of Hinduism or a rebellion against it.
   • Discusses the historical and archaeological evidence supporting Jainism's antiquity, including references in Vedic literature and findings from the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappa and Mohenjo-daro).
   • Contrasts Jainism with Buddhism and Hinduism, highlighting its distinctiveness.
   • Argues that Jainism predates Vedic religion and the arrival of the Aryans in India.

2. The Tirthankaras and Lord Mahavira:

   • Explains the concept of Tirthankaras as spiritual teachers who guide humanity across the cycle of birth and death.
   • Details the lives and teachings of key Tirthankaras, including Rishabhadeva (the first), Parshvanatha (the 23rd), and Lord Mahavira (the 24th and last).
   • Highlights Lord Mahavira's role in revitalizing and reorganizing Jainism in its present form, emphasizing his life as an example of non-violence, self-control, and renunciation.
   • Introduces the concept of Ganadharas, Mahavira's chief disciples.

3. Post-Mahavira Period and Sectarian Divisions:

   • Traces the development of Jainism after Mahavira.
   • Explains the historical reasons and doctrinal differences leading to the division into two major sects: Digambara (sky-clad) and Shvetambara (white-clad).
   • Briefly mentions sub-sects like Yapaniya Sangha.

4. Views on God and Worship:

   • Clarifies Jainism's unique perspective on God, which differs significantly from Abrahamic or many Hindu traditions.
   • Jainism does not believe in a creator God. The universe is eternal and composed of two fundamental substances: Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul).
   • The concept of God in Jainism refers to the liberated souls (Siddhas) who have attained omniscience, infinite bliss, and omnipotence, embodying the highest spiritual ideal. These liberated souls do not interfere with the universe or individuals.
   • Worship is directed towards these perfected souls (Tirthankaras and Siddhas) as ideals and guides, not as divine beings who grant favors.

5. The Universe (Cosmology):

   • Explains the Jain understanding of the universe as eternal, uncreated, and consisting of six substances (Dravyas): Jiva (soul), Pudgala (matter), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
   • Describes the structure of the universe (Loka) and the abode of liberated souls (Siddhashila).

6. The Principle of Jiva (Soul):

   • Defines Jiva as the sentient substance, characterized by consciousness (Chaitanya), knowledge (Jnana), and perception (Darshana).
   • Explains that Jivas are formless, eternal, and possess infinite qualities, but their perception and knowledge are obscured by Karma.
   • Details the classification of souls based on the number of senses they possess, from one-sensed (Ekendriya, like plants) to five-sensed (Panchendriya, like humans).

7. The Principle of Karma:

   • Presents Karma as a subtle, material substance that adheres to the soul due to its activities (Yoga) driven by passions (Kashayas) and the influx of karmic matter (Asrava).
   • Explains the eight types of Karmas:
     • Ghati Karmas (Obscuring Karmas): These veil the soul's innate qualities.
       • Jnanaavarniya (Knowledge-obscuring)
       • Darshanavarniya (Perception-obscuring)
       • Mohaniya (Delusion-inflicting, causing passions and false beliefs)
       • Antaraya (Obstructing, hindering the soul's natural energy and bliss)
     • Aghati Karmas (Non-obscuring Karmas): These do not directly obscure the soul's qualities but determine its worldly existence.
       • Ayushya (Lifespan)
       • Nama (Individuality/Body-forming)
       • Gotra (Social status/Species-determining)
       • Vedaniya (Feeling-producing, pleasant or unpleasant)
   • Emphasizes that Karma is a natural law, not divine punishment, and liberation comes from eliminating karmic bondage.

8. The Principle of Leshyas:

   • Explains Leshyas as subtle karmic matter that colors the soul, influencing its disposition and outward expression.
   • Describes the six Leshyas (colors) – Krishna (black), Nila (blue), Kapota (grey), Peeta (yellow), Rakta (red), and Shukla (white) – correlating them with the state of mind and ethical conduct, from the most negative to the most positive.

9. The Seven Tattvas (Realities) and the Path to Liberation:

   • Elaborates on the seven fundamental realities (Tattvas): Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Asrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Samvara (stoppage of karma influx), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).
   • Details the process of liberation through the "Three Jewels" (Ratnatraya):
     • Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): Correct perception of reality, faith in the Tirthankaras, scriptures, and principles.
     • Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge): Accurate and complete knowledge of the soul, non-soul, their interaction, and the path to liberation.
     • Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Ethical behavior and discipline in daily life, including the observance of vows.

10. The Nine Padarthas (Substances/Categories):

    • The text lists nine categories of existence: Jiva, Ajiva, Punya (merit), Papa (demerit), Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, and Moksha. Punya and Papa are seen as types of karma that bind the soul, leading to experiences of pleasure and pain respectively.

11. The Fourteen Stages of Spiritual Progress (Guna-sthanas):

    • Presents a detailed map of the soul's journey from the lowest state of spiritual ignorance (Mithyatva) to the highest state of liberation (Samyak Kevali/Vitraraga).
    • Each stage represents a gradual overcoming of karmic bondage and the manifestation of the soul's inherent pure qualities.

12. The Three Jewels (Ratnatraya):

    • Reiterates the fundamental path to liberation: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, emphasizing their interconnectedness and the necessity of all three for achieving Moksha.

13. Jain Ethics or Way of Life:

    • Explores the ethical principles that guide both monastic (Sadhus/Sadhvis) and lay followers (Shravakas/Shravikas).
    • Details the five Great Vows (Mahavratas) for ascetics and the five lesser vows (Anuvratas) for householders, including Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession/non-attachment).
    • Discusses the supplementary vows (Gunavratas and Shikshavratas) that support the primary vows for householders.
    • Highlights the paramount importance of Ahimsa in all aspects of life, extending even to microscopic beings.

14. The Eleven Stages of Progress for Householders (Pratimas):

    • Outlines a progressive path for lay followers to cultivate spiritual discipline and ethical conduct, moving through eleven distinct stages towards a more renounced lifestyle.

15. The Ten Virtues (Dasha Dharma):

    • Focuses on ten cardinal virtues that form the bedrock of Jain ethical practice: Uttam Kshama (forbearance), Uttam Mardava (humility), Uttam Arjava (straightforwardness), Uttam Satya (truthfulness), Uttam Shaucha (purity), Uttam Samyama (self-control), Uttam Tapa (austerity), Uttam Tyaga (renunciation), Uttam Akinchanya (non-possession), and Uttam Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity).

16. Ethical Rules for Monastics:

    • Details the rigorous ethical codes and practices followed by Jain monks and nuns, emphasizing detachment, austerity, and complete renunciation of worldly possessions and attachments.

17. Sallekhana (Voluntary Fasting unto Death):

    • Explains Sallekhana as a practice of voluntary fasting undertaken by advanced souls in anticipation of death, often due to old age, incurable illness, or severe famine. It is viewed as a dignified and spiritually significant end to life, aimed at shedding the remaining karmic impurities and achieving liberation. It is distinguished from suicide as it is undertaken with equanimity and spiritual resolve.

18. The Path to Moksha (Liberation):

    • Summarizes the ultimate goal of Jainism: Moksha, the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).
    • Reiterates that Moksha is attained through the threefold path of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, coupled with rigorous spiritual discipline and the shedding of all karmas.

19. Anekantavada (Non-absolutism / Pluralism) and Syadvada (Conditional Predication):

    • Explains Anekantavada, the Jain doctrine of manifold aspects, which posits that reality is complex and can be viewed from multiple perspectives. No single viewpoint can capture the entirety of truth.
    • Introduces Syadvada, the logical framework that expresses Anekantavada through conditional statements, typically using the term "Syad" (perhaps/maybe) to indicate that a statement is true from a particular perspective but not necessarily from all perspectives. This promotes intellectual humility and tolerance.

20. Jainism and Modern Thought:

    • Connects Jain principles with contemporary philosophical and scientific ideas, highlighting the relevance of concepts like non-violence (Ahimsa), non-attachment (Aparigraha), and pluralism (Anekantavada) in addressing modern global challenges such as conflict, materialism, and social inequality.
    • Emphasizes Jainism's emphasis on personal responsibility, ethical conduct, and the potential for every soul to achieve perfection, aligning it with ideals of self-reliance and inner transformation valued in modern thought.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Darshan" is a valuable resource for understanding the philosophical depth, historical trajectory, ethical rigor, and spiritual aspirations of Jainism. It presents a nuanced view of a tradition that has profoundly influenced Indian culture and offers timeless wisdom applicable to contemporary life. The book's commitment to explaining complex ideas clearly and its emphasis on interfaith harmony make it an important contribution to religious and philosophical literature.