Jain Darshan Ek Adhbhut Vigyan

This document is an excerpt from the book "Jain Darshan Ek Adbhut Vigyan" by Sudhir Shah, which posits that Jain philosophy is a profound and ancient science, predating other Indian philosophies. The author argues that Jainism offers a logical and scientific framework for understanding the world, life, karma, and liberation.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Jainism as a Science:

• Ancient Origins: The text asserts Jainism's antiquity, citing mentions of its first Tirthankar, Rishabhdev, in the Vedas and Puranas, and Tirthankar Parshvanath in the Buddhist Pali Tripitaka.
• Logical and Scientific: Jain philosophy is described as complete, logical, and scientific, providing a clear path for living a good life.
• Core Principles: Key concepts highlighted include the soul (Atma), karma, reincarnation, and a structured path to Moksha (liberation). The doctrine of karma is explained with precision, and Anekantavada (the principle of manifold aspects) is presented as unique.
• Universality and Ethics: Jainism is presented as secular, with the Navkar Mantra being a prime example of its inclusive nature. It also emphasizes environmental balance and the spiritual preparation for death through fasting (Anshan).
• Universal Welfare: Jainism advocates for the welfare of all living beings, both materially and spiritually, encapsulated in the principle "Parasparopagraho Jivanam" (all souls help each other). This path is said to lead to physical, mental, and spiritual health and longevity.
• Potential for Enlightenment: Jainism clearly states that only humans possess the capacity for supreme knowledge, and any soul can attain the highest state.

Lord Mahavir and Modern Science:

• Eternal Truth: Lord Mahavir's teachings are considered eternal and complete truths, still relevant today.
• Supreme Scientist: The author views Lord Mahavir as the "supreme scientist" humanity has ever seen.
• Alignment with Modern Science: The author claims that Lord Mahavir's teachings align with modern scientific principles in fields like physics, biology, mathematics, psychology, anatomy, and medicine. These principles are found in ancient Jain scriptures.
• The "Tripadi": Lord Mahavir's core teachings are summarized in the "Tripadi" (three pronouncements): "Upagghae va," "Vigame va," and "Juhe va." This signifies the eternal nature of substance (dravya) and its transformations (paryaya), with an intermediate state that doesn't deviate from the eternal. This Tripadi forms the foundation of Jain philosophy.

Tattvartha Sutra and its Scientific Content:

• First Science Book: The Tattvartha Sutra, compiled by Umaswati (around the 1st century CE), is considered perhaps the first science book, integrating various scientific principles.
• Cosmology and Biology: It discusses the universe, different realms of existence, classification of living beings, and microscopic and spontaneously generated organisms.
• Physiology and Physics: The text covers the functioning of the body, brain, and mind, and delves into atomic science, particle physics, and the laws of motion.
• Holistic Understanding: The author suggests that reading Umaswati's works would foster respect for ancient Indian society's scientific and spiritual advancements.
• Umaswati as Compiler: Umaswati humbly presented himself as a compiler of existing knowledge, a testament to the scientific and spiritual progress of ancient India.

Comparison with Other Religions and Sciences:

• Vedic and Buddhist Texts: The Vedas and Buddhist texts also contain discussions on science, knowledge, and the soul. The Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, also presents profound knowledge and science.
• Shared Truths: The founders of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, through their spiritual insight, have conveyed similar truths, with minor differences in their descriptions.
• Need for Research: The author emphasizes the need to bring the scientific aspects of these religions to the attention of scientists and experts for further research and the benefit of humanity and all beings.

Specific Scientific Concepts in Jainism:

• Physics:
  • Atom (Anu): Jainism describes the atom (anu) as the indivisible particle of matter, even subtler than the modern atom, and indivisible. It possesses qualities like color, smell, taste, and touch.
  • Time (Kaal): The indivisible part of time is called "samay," subtler than a moment.
  • Space (Aakash): The indivisible part of space is called "pradesh."
  • Matter (Pudgala): Matter is composed of atoms and clusters (skandhas). Skandhas are formed through fusion and fission. Atoms are indivisible and have properties.
  • Existence (Sat): Existence is characterized by origination, decay, and permanence.
  • Permanence (Nitya): Substance remains constant in its own nature across all three times.
  • Bonding: Atoms bind through qualities of sliminess (snigdhata) and dryness (rukshata). Binding occurs between atoms with more than two constituent parts, not with those of identical qualities. This suggests early understanding of chemical bonding and charges.
  • Matter and Energy: The text touches upon charged and uncharged matter, possibly alluding to concepts like photons and gravitons. The concepts of Dharmastikaya and Adharmastikaya are linked to modern scientific ideas like ether.
  • Laws of Motion: Jainism posits that motion is naturally in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force, echoing Newton's laws of motion centuries earlier.
• Biology (Jeev Vigyan):
  • Life in Plants: Jain scriptures state that plants have life and consciousness, a concept later scientifically proven by Jagadish Chandra Bose.
  • Types of Life: Jainism classifies life into one-sensed (ekendriya) to five-sensed (panchendriya) beings, including stationary (sthavar) and mobile (trasa) life forms. It even suggests consciousness in seemingly inanimate objects like water and air.
  • Sentience: The defining characteristic of life is the sentient application of knowledge and experience.
  • Interdependence: The principle of mutual help ("Parasparopagraho Jivanam") implies the interconnectedness of all beings, similar to Mach's Principle in physics. Harming one being affects the entire universe.
  • Plant Consciousness: Jain texts describe inherent instincts and sensations in plants, and even their "aura" (veshya) reflecting their emotions.
• Mathematics (Ganit Vigyan):
  • Ancient Jain texts like Ganitasara Sangraha contain advanced concepts in algebra, geometry, and arithmetic, including square roots, cube roots, fractions, time, decimal systems, and calculations of Pi.
• Psychology (Manas Vigyan):
  • Jain scriptures discuss knowledge, memory, perception, thought, and decision-making, linking them to the senses and mind.
  • Mind's Materiality: The text suggests that thoughts and emotions are physical (pudgalik) and can be recorded, as evidenced by modern techniques like SPECT scans.
  • Mental Health: Ancient Jain texts offered insights into psychotherapy, comparable to modern psychoanalysis.
• Vows, Penance, and Dietetics:
  • The practices of vows, austerities (tapasya), and dietary rules are presented as scientifically beneficial for physical and mental health.
  • Fasting: The scientific benefits of fasting are acknowledged.
  • No Night Meals: The Jain practice of abstaining from night meals is supported by modern science, which suggests that food consumed after sunset is converted into fat and disrupts metabolism.
  • Lunar Cycles and Diet: Dietary recommendations are linked to lunar cycles and their effects on the body.
• Medicine (Chikitsa Vigyan):
  • Jain scriptures contain detailed information on anatomy and embryology.
  • Holistic Health: Jain principles like sattvic diet, renunciation of certain foods, penance, mental control, positive outlook, meditation, and introspection are seen as effective in managing chronic diseases like heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.
• Other Sciences:
  • Sound and Mantra Science: Jainism explores the effects of sound, music (ragas), and mantras, with the Navkar Mantra being highly influential and inclusive.
  • Environmental Science: Lord Mahavir emphasized environmental balance and non-violence, contributing to ecological harmony.
  • Economics: Jain economic principles are presented as a way to eradicate poverty.
  • Alchemy and Metallurgy: Mentions of alchemy and metallurgy, including the preparation of mercury and the achievement of gold, are found in Jain texts.
  • Astrology: Jain astrology is widely recognized.

Karma, Anekantavada, and Modern Physics:

• Karma Theory: Jain karma theory explains minute events and individual destinies, suggesting a connection to genetic coding but arguing for its superior logic and precision.
• Anekantavada (Non-absolutism): This principle, considered the "brain" of Jainism, is presented as more accurate than relativity and better able to explain universal laws. It is compared to quantum theory.
• Quantum Physics: Many principles of Jainism, such as non-violence, anekantavada, the theory of karma, and sequential transformations, can be explained through concepts in quantum physics, causality, entanglement, determinism, and Mach's Principle.

Conclusion:

The author concludes that Jain philosophy is a living science with principles that resonate with modern scientific discoveries. The deeper understanding of Jain scriptures, with the advancement of science, will continue to reveal the profound wisdom embedded within them. The text encourages further research into Jain dietary science and lifestyle to benefit humanity and fulfill the dream of world welfare and peace as envisioned by Jainism. The author expresses gratitude to experts and scholars who aided in understanding the scientific depth of Jain scriptures and apologizes for any unintentional misinterpretations or deviations from Jinagya (teachings of the Jinas). The ultimate goal is self-realization and liberation for every soul.