Jain Darshan Me Achar Mimansa - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Darshan me Achar Mimansa" (Investigation into Conduct in Jain Philosophy) by Chhaganlal Shastri, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

"Jain Darshan me Achar Mimansa" (Investigation into Conduct in Jain Philosophy) is a profound exploration of the ethical and behavioral dimensions of Jainism, written by Chhaganlal Shastri and published by Mannalal Surana Memorial Trust, Kolkata. The book, presented as the seventeenth publication in the Jain Darshan Granthamala, delves into the core principles of Jain conduct, emphasizing its centrality to spiritual liberation and the purification of the soul. It highlights that mere knowledge is insufficient; true spiritual progress lies in the practical application of knowledge through righteous conduct.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured around several key themes, elucidated through a blend of philosophical inquiry and scriptural exposition, often framed through dialogues or teachings attributed to Bhagavan (Mahavira) to Gautam Swami. The main sections covered in the provided pages include:

Jigyasa (Curiosity/Inquiry): This introductory section sets the stage by posing fundamental questions about life, purpose, and the nature of reality, highlighting the Jain emphasis on seeking true knowledge and its practical application.
Lok-Vijay (Conquest of the World): This section defines true victory not as external conquest but as the internal conquest of the self, particularly the subjugation of passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed. It emphasizes that overcoming moha (delusion) is the key to conquering the "world."
Lok-Sar (Essence of Life): This chapter probes the ultimate purpose of life, identifying it as the realization of the soul's true nature. It contrasts the transient pleasures of the external, material world (bahir-jagat) with the eternal bliss found in the internal, spiritual realm (antar-jagat), attained through the Ratna Trayi (Three Jewels): Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
Sadhana-Path (Path of Practice): This section outlines the path to liberation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct as essential components. It also touches upon the significance of tapas (asceticism) in purifying the soul, while cautioning against its misuse as self-deception or self-harm.
Sansar aur Moksha (Worldly Existence and Liberation): This part explains that worldly existence (samsara) is driven by raag-dwesh (attachment and aversion), which stem from moha (delusion). It explains the causal chain of darshan-moha (delusion about truth) and charitra-moha (delusion about conduct) leading to karma bondage and the cycle of birth and death.
Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): This extensive section forms a significant portion of the text. It defines Samyak Darshan as the correct perception and faith in fundamental truths, contrasting it with mithya-darshan (wrong faith). It details:
- Types of Faith: Onefold, twofold (Samyak and Mithya), threefold (Samyak, Mithya, and Samyak-Mithya), and fivefold (Paushmik, Kshayopashmik, Kshayik, Saswadan, Vedak).
- Causes of Samyak Darshan: Natural inclination and learned understanding.
- Mithya Darshan: Its ten forms, stemming from misidentification of Dharma with Adharma, Marg with Amarg, Jiva with Ajiva, Sadhu with Asadhu, Mukta with Amukta.
- The Relationship between Knowledge and Faith: Right Faith is the result of Right Knowledge, but Right Knowledge stems from Right Faith.
- Practical Identification: Fivefold characteristics of a person with Samyak Darshan (Shama, Samveg, Nirveda, Anukampa, Astikya).
- Results and Significance: The importance of shedding delusions and the transformative power of true faith.
Achar aur Atichar (Conduct and Transgressions): This discusses the positive (achar) and negative (atichar) aspects of conduct, listing eight āchārs and five atichārs related to Samyak Darshan.
Dhruva Satya (Eternal Truths): The book outlines fundamental Jain principles, including the existence of the soul, its eternity, its role as a doer and experiencer, the concepts of bondage and liberation, rebirth, karma, the distinctness of soul and non-soul, the principles of movement and rest, and the spatial structure of the universe.
Asambhavya Karya (Impossible Actions): Certain actions are deemed impossible within the Jain framework, such as transforming the non-soul into the soul, or vice versa, speaking multiple languages simultaneously, altering the fruits of karma, breaking atoms, or traversing the non-void (aloka).
Paramarthik Satta (Ultimate Reality): This delves into the nature of ultimate reality, emphasizing the eternal existence of the soul and the knowable, the authentic reflection of knowledge in speech, and the co-existence of the knower and the known.
Shraman Sanskriti aur Shramanya (Shraman Culture and Asceticism): This section highlights the distinct path of Shraman culture, its emphasis on self-discipline, and its divergence from Vedic traditions in certain aspects. It discusses the development of monasticism, the importance of tapas (asceticism) and samadhi (meditation), and the role of the Triratna (Three Jewels) in the pursuit of liberation. It also contrasts the paths of Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha.
Achar aur Vichar (Conduct and Thought): This emphasizes the interconnectedness of actions and thoughts, with actions stemming from thoughts and thoughts being refined by actions.
Nihshastrikaran (Disarmament): This section connects the Jain principle of non-violence (ahimsa) to the modern concept of disarmament, arguing for internal disarmament of passions as the true path to peace.
Samya-Darshan (Philosophy of Equanimity): This discusses the importance of equanimity in achieving inner peace and universal harmony, advocating for a balanced approach that avoids extremes.
Vyakti aur Samuday (Individual and Community): The text explores the relationship between individual responsibility and societal well-being, stressing that true progress lies in the harmonious coexistence of both.

Core Principles Highlighted:

Achar (Conduct) is paramount: The book repeatedly emphasizes that right conduct is the practical manifestation of right knowledge and faith, essential for spiritual progress.
Moha (Delusion) is the root of suffering: Overcoming delusion, particularly regarding the true nature of the self and the world, is central to liberation.
Self-Conquest: True victory is achieved by conquering internal passions and attachments, not through external means.
The Ratna Trayi: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct are the indispensable pillars of the Jain path to salvation.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is presented as the supreme principle, encompassing not only physical non-harming but also mental and verbal non-violence, extending to all living beings.
Tapas (Asceticism): While recognized as a means of purification, tapas must be practiced with wisdom and moderation.
Jiva and Ajiva: The fundamental distinction between the soul (jiva) and non-soul (ajiva) is crucial for understanding the path to liberation.
The Importance of Understanding the Nuances (Nayas): The Jain philosophy of Syadvada and Naya (standpoints) is implicitly highlighted, suggesting that truth is multifaceted and can be understood from various perspectives.

Overall Message:

"Jain Darshan me Achar Mimansa" serves as a comprehensive guide to ethical living within the Jain tradition. It underscores that the ultimate goal of life is the purification and liberation of the soul, achievable through rigorous adherence to righteous conduct, grounded in right faith and knowledge. The book advocates for a life of discipline, self-control, and universal compassion, urging readers to internalize these principles for their spiritual upliftment.