Jain Darshan Ka Samikshatmak Anushilan - Book Summary

Certainly! Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Darshan ka Samikshatmak Anushilan" by Sadhvi Naginashreeji, based on the provided pages and catalog link:

Book Title: Jain Darshan ka Samikshatmak Anushilan (A Critical Study of Jain Philosophy) Author: Sadhvi Naginashreeji Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun (Rajasthan) Publication Year: 2002 (First Edition)

Overview:

"Jain Darshan ka Samikshatmak Anushilan" is a scholarly work by Sadhvi Naginashreeji that critically examines various tenets of Jain philosophy. The book aims to present the profound and complex aspects of Jainism in a way that is accessible to the general public, while also offering deep insights for those who wish to delve further. Sadhvi Naginashreeji's approach is marked by her extensive study and deep contemplation of the subject. The book is dedicated to the memory of Smt. Ramila Ben Champaklal Mehta.

Key Themes and Chapters:

The book is structured into seven chapters, each delving into a specific area of Jain philosophy, often in dialogue with other Indian and Western philosophical traditions.

Chapter 1: The Philosophical Background of the Soul: An Evaluation of Existence

Etymology and Meaning of "Darshan" (Philosophy): Explores the origin and scope of the term philosophy.
Relationship between Philosophy and Science: Discusses how both disciplines seek truth through different methodologies.
The Soul (Atma/Jiva):
- Origin and Etymology: Investigates the meaning and derivations of the term "soul" in Jainism.
- Attributes and Categories: Differentiates between various types of souls.
- Jiva's Origin: Explores how the soul comes into existence or its eternal nature.
- Substantiation of Existence: Provides the strong foundational arguments in Jainism for the existence of the soul.

Chapter 2: The Nature of the Soul: A Review of Jain Philosophy

Comparative Analysis: This chapter extensively compares Jain philosophical views on the soul with other major Indian schools of thought:
- Buddhism: Contrasting the Jain concept of an eternal soul with the Buddhist doctrine of anatta (no-soul).
- Samkhya: Comparing the Jain soul with the Samkhya Purusha.
- Mimamsa: Examining the Jain perspective in relation to Mimamsa philosophy.
- Advaita Vedanta: Differentiating Jainism's view of the soul from the Advaita concept of Brahman.
- Upanishadic Thought: Highlighting similarities and differences with Upanishadic concepts of the soul.
- Charvaka: Contrasting Jainism with the materialistic Charvaka school.
- Dialectical Materialism and Theistic Philosophies: Broadening the comparative scope.

Chapter 3: Western and Jain Philosophy: A Basis for Synthesis

Engagement with Western Philosophers: Critically analyzes the concepts of key Western thinkers in relation to Jain philosophy:
- Descartes: His dualism of mind and body, and the concept of "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am).
- Hume: His skepticism regarding the substantiality of the self and the concept of the mind as a bundle of perceptions.
- Kant: His transcendental idealism and the idea of the soul as a unifying principle of consciousness.
- Berkeley: His idealism and the concept of "esse est percipi" (to be is to be perceived).
The Mind-Body Problem: Discusses the enduring philosophical question of the relationship between the mind (soul) and the body.
Interactionism, Occasionalism, Parallelism, Pre-established Harmony: Examines various Western theories that attempt to explain the mind-body connection.
Western vs. Jain Perspective on Mind-Body Relation: Synthesizes and contrasts the Jain approach with Western theories.

Chapter 4: Karma Theory: Its Nature and Scientificity

Karma in Indian Philosophy: Surveys the concept of karma across various Indian philosophical systems.
Psychology and Karma: Explores the parallels and divergences between modern psychology and the Jain theory of karma.
States and Processes of Karma: Details the various stages and mechanisms of karmic influence.
Modern Science and Karma: Investigates how contemporary scientific discoveries (e.g., quantum mechanics, genetics) might relate to or support aspects of karma theory.
Karma Shastra and Body Science: Links karmic principles to physiological and biological phenomena.
Jain Karma Theory: Presents the unique characteristics and development of the Jain karma doctrine, including concepts like cloning and its relation to karma.

Chapter 5: Rebirth: Concept and Basis

Karma and Rebirth: Establishes the fundamental connection between karma and the cycle of rebirth in Jainism.
Rebirth in Indian Philosophies: Compares the Jain concept of rebirth with those found in other Indian traditions.
Causes of Rebirth: Explains the factors that lead to rebirth.
Basis of Rebirth: Provides the philosophical and experiential grounds for believing in rebirth.
Transmigration and Perkaaya Pravesh: Discusses the phenomenon of entering another's body, a concept related to transmigration.
Death and Modern Science: Examines the scientific understanding of death and how it intersects with concepts of post-mortem existence.
Western Scholars and Death: Reviews perspectives from Western thinkers on mortality and the afterlife.
Leshya and Rebirth: Explores the role of leshya (subtle soul-colors or states) in the process of rebirth.

Chapter 6: Evolution: An Ascent

Biological Evolution in the Context of Time: Discusses the Jain concept of cosmic cycles and the evolution of life within these frameworks.
Jain Perspective on Soul's Evolutionary Journey: Traces the development of the soul through various life forms.
Biological Evolution: Compares Jain evolutionary ideas with Darwinian evolution and other scientific theories.
Mind in Indian Tradition and Western Thought: Contrasts the understanding of mind in Indian philosophies (including Jainism) with Western psychological and philosophical approaches.
Moral and Spiritual Development: Examines the progression of ethical and spiritual consciousness according to Jainism.
States of Consciousness: Details the different levels of spiritual development.
Mohaniya Karma and its Effects: Analyzes the role of Mohaniya Karma (delusion-inducing karma) in obstructing spiritual growth.
Spiritual Development in Other Traditions: Briefly touches upon spiritual development concepts in other religious and philosophical systems.

Chapter 7: The Nature of Moksha (Liberation): A Discussion

Moksha in Various Philosophies: Presents the concept of liberation as understood by different philosophical schools.
Definition and Meaning of Moksha: Explains the precise meaning and implications of Moksha in Jainism.
Synonyms and Parallels: Lists various terms used to describe liberation.
The Process of Liberation: Details the path and stages involved in achieving Moksha.
The Ascent of Liberated Souls: Describes the movement of liberated souls to the highest realm.
Siddha Shila and its Attributes: Explains the abode of the liberated souls.
Fundamental Qualities of the Siddhas: Enumerates the characteristics of liberated beings (e.g., omniscience, omnipotence, bliss).
The Scope of the Liberated Soul: Discusses the nature and extent of the soul after liberation.
The Path to Moksha: Outlines the practices and principles leading to liberation.
Stages Preceding Moksha: Details the preparatory phases for attaining liberation.

Overall Contribution:

Sadhvi Naginashreeji's "Jain Darshan ka Samikshatmak Anushilan" serves as a valuable resource for understanding Jain philosophy in its depth and breadth. By engaging with diverse philosophical traditions, the book highlights the unique contributions of Jainism, particularly its emphasis on anekanta (multi-perspectivism) and its comprehensive understanding of karma, the soul, and liberation. The text reflects a deep commitment to clarifying these complex spiritual and philosophical concepts for a wider audience.