Jain Darshan Ane Mahatma Molinas

This document, titled "Jain Darshan ane Mahatma Molinas" (Jain Philosophy and Mahatma Molinos) by Nemchand M. Gala, an Advocate of the High Court, explores the philosophical connections between Jainism and the teachings of a 300-year-old Italian thinker named Molinos.

The author begins by invoking the spiritual significance of Acharya Hemchandracharya and his composition, the "Yogashastra." He then introduces Mahatma Molinos, noting the scarcity of definitive biographical information and the limited availability of his original works.

The central thesis of the article is that Western thinkers, including Molinos, were significantly influenced by the ancient Indian, particularly Jain, cultural and philosophical traditions. The author cites examples like Pythagoras, who is believed to have studied Jain principles such as the soul, reincarnation, and karma in India, and subsequently promoted vegetarianism in Greece. Lord Alfred Tennyson's emphasis on self-confidence, self-knowledge, and self-control is also presented as echoing Jain ideals. Similarly, Emanuel Swedenborg's articulation of Jain principles is mentioned.

The article posits that Molinos was likely drawn to Jainism, leading to the manifestation of Jain philosophy in his own unique style. The author expresses joy at this connection, emphasizing that the projection of eternal life values is central to human dignity.

Key points of comparison and overlap between Jainism and Molinos's thought are highlighted:

• Rejection of a Creator God: Despite being in a Christian-influenced environment, Molinos did not believe in a creator God. He used the term "Bhagwan" (God) to refer to the supreme reality or truth. He believed that when a soul focuses on truth, observes the world with peace and silence, doesn't overthink, doesn't seek validation from intellect, and desires, trusts, and finds joy in truth, a state of "prayer of faith" arises. Molinos also stated that thoughts, however divine they may seem, are not God, and God has no name or form.
• The Nature of Truth and the Supreme Being (Sat): Molinos's assertion that "Sat is not delusion, it is beyond mere imagination" aligns with Jainism's concept of 'Sat' (existence or reality). The author emphasizes that 'Sat' is simple, accessible everywhere, and timeless, serving as the foundation for everything. Different spiritual paths aim for this singular 'Sat,' with variations in expression due to its ineffable nature.
• Eternal Happiness: Molinos stated that lasting happiness is achieved by finding something that is permanent. He considered this an otherworldly attribute of God. This resonates with Jain scriptures, which teach that the complete annihilation of attachment and aversion leads to the soul's attainment of solitary bliss (moksha). Moksha is described as the soul's natural state, achievable through the eradication of desires and aversion. The article quotes Acharya Virasen Swami on the necessity of self-control for attaining higher spiritual states and manifesting inherent bliss. The article contrasts the fleeting, gross happiness derived from sensory pleasures with the superior peace and bliss found in renunciation and self-control, defining 'sanyam' (restraint) as willingly accepted discipline for a higher goal.
• Divine Knowledge (Samyak Darshan/Jnana): Molinos described divine knowledge as an inner, eternal knowing of God's perfection and of things, which is not imagination but direct realization. This is equated with Samyak Darshan (right perception) and Samyak Jnana (right knowledge) in Jainism. The pursuit of this knowledge is called Bodhi Durlabh Bhavna (contemplation on the rarity of enlightenment). The soul, in its pure essence, is consciousness, knowledge, and bliss, existing beyond dualities.
• Prayer and Silence: Molinos interpreted the word "prayer" as Mauna Bhavna (contemplation of silence), encompassing devotion and meditation, along with faith and sense control. He identified three types of silence: verbal, intentional, and mental. The first leads to righteousness, the second to peace through relinquishing desires, and the third to introspection. Combining these leads to the "silence of the soul" where the divine communicates and imparts profound knowledge.
• Path of Knowledge vs. Path of Devotion: Molinos observed that some follow the path of knowledge and others that of devotion. Those on the knowledge path may find surrender difficult due to a sense of separateness. They focus on preventing worldly influences from entering them but, in their effort to control their minds, their hearts can become closed to divine love. True connection with God, he believed, comes not from excessive thought but from profound love, expressed through complete surrender and inner silence.
• The Pursuit of Supreme Happiness: Molinos advocated for seeking the highest form of happiness, even if it requires enduring suffering. This aligns with Lord Mahavira's acceptance of extreme hardships for the attainment of Vitaraga (passionless) moksha, which is the highest happiness.
• The Pitfalls of Sadhana: Molinos cautioned against practicing spiritual disciplines solely to satisfy one's habits or curiosities. He noted that many seek God but fail to find Him because their purpose is selfish rather than pure and true. They desire spiritual happiness but not God's will. Lord Mahavira also emphasized performing austerities without any desire for worldly or otherworldly pleasures, or for fame, dedicating the practice solely to self-purification and detachment.
• Non-Possessiveness (Aparigraha): Molinos succinctly stated that one who does not seek to possess is not truly empty. Spiritual aspirants should use external possessions with wisdom and discretion, favoring simplicity. He considered attachment and infatuation to be forms of possessiveness. Internal possessiveness, he argued, is the root from which external possessiveness arises. This is supported by the Sutrakritanga, which attributes sin, violence, fear, and untruth to possessiveness.
• Introversion (Antarmukh Drishti): Molinos stressed the importance of abandoning external tendencies and cultivating inner stability and introversion, which holds immense power. This inward journey fosters surrender, faith, and silence, leading to divine grace. He believed that spending a few hours daily in introspection brings one closer to God, a sentiment echoed by many spiritual leaders. True prayer is the soul's reflection of the soul, a path inward.
• The Importance of Inner Transformation: The article emphasizes that observing and reflecting upon the lives of great souls, loving them, and thinking about them is crucial. This process purifies the heart and fosters inner virtues. External asceticism (tapas) alone is insufficient; internal purity is paramount. While external practices are a starting point, true fulfillment lies in the inward journey.
• Dealing with Mistakes and Defects: Molinos advised not to dwell on mistakes but to learn from them and strive to reduce them. Anger arising from a mistake indicates residual pride. He also suggested that one improves through defects as well as virtues, viewing defects with a virtuous perspective. Self-observation and a nature that appreciates virtues are essential.
• Tapas (Asceticism) and its Pitfalls: Molinos cautioned against pride in ascetic practices. He pointed out that those who perform less rigorous tapas but have divine grace can be envied by others. External displays of austerity without inner contemplation are discouraged. He highlighted that fasting should be done for the soul and not publicized. The fear of tapas and the pride associated with it can lead to negative outcomes.
• The Nature of the Soul: Molinos described the soul as separate from karma, detached, yet connected to karma. The soul's inherent detached nature becomes known through knowledge, and its inherent sense of self-ownership arises from divine grace. Ultimately, only this self-ownership remains, which is accompanied by detachment.
• Karma and Free Will: Molinos discussed the independent nature of performing actions and the importance of not desiring the fruits of labor, as stated in the Bhagavad Gita. He further suggested transcending even the idea of having the right to act, as this also contains ego.
• The Essence of Jain Practices: The article reiterates key Jain principles like Mithyatva (false belief), Avirati (non-restraint), Pramada (negligence), Kashaya (passions), and Yoga (action of mind, speech, and body) as causes of karma and rebirth. Negligence is a significant factor. The author emphasizes that time is relative to human tendencies, and mental service can bring divine grace. Negligence, even for a moment, should be avoided, as it hinders spiritual progress.
• Meditation and Faith: Molinos highlighted that meditation requires more effort than faith, while faith reaps what meditation sows. Meditation searches, faith obtains. Meditation prepares the food, faith consumes it.
• Perspective and Reality: Molinos asserted that the world appears as it is perceived by the observer, influenced by their ego and perspective. The world is not bound by absolute space and time; the observer's viewpoint shapes their reality. This concept is supported by Einstein's theories.
• The Nature of Prayer and Meditation: True prayer is the soul's reflection of the soul, leading to calmness. While miracles can occur, they should not be encouraged. Meditation involves contemplation and understanding the truth of the world.

In essence, the article "Jain Darshan ane Mahatma Molinas" argues for the profound and subtle connections between Jain philosophy and the teachings of Mahatma Molinos. It highlights shared principles regarding the nature of truth, the pursuit of ultimate happiness, the importance of inner transformation, detachment, and the rejection of ego-driven spiritual practices. The author presents these parallels as a testament to the universal appeal and enduring relevance of Jain wisdom across different cultures and times.