Jain Darshan Me Dhwani Ka Swarup - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text on the nature of sound (Dhwani):

Book Title: Jain Darshan me Dhwani ka Swarup (The Nature of Sound in Jain Philosophy) Author: Nandighoshvijay Publisher: Z_Jain_Dharm_Vigyan_ki_Kasoti_par_002549.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229232/1

This text explores the concept of sound (dhwani) within Jain philosophy, drawing parallels with both ancient Indian traditions and modern scientific observations.

Core Tenets of Sound in Jain Philosophy:

Sound as Matter (Pudgal): Jainism views sound as being produced from a collection of pudgal (matter) atoms. Consequently, sound possesses subtle qualities that are inherent in pudgal atoms. The revered Jain scripture, Tattvartha Sutra, states that pudgal atoms have attributes of color (varna), smell (gandha), taste (rasa), and touch (sparsha). Therefore, sound, being derived from pudgal, also possesses these subtle attributes.
Perception of Sound's Attributes: While the touch of sound is universally experienced (e.g., through vibrations), Jain philosophy suggests that highly evolved beings with ati-indriya jnana (super-sensory knowledge) can perceive the subtle color, taste, and smell of sound, much like they can perceive the color of rain.

The Phenomenon of Sound's Color and Modern Parallels:

Ancient Traditions: Ancient Jain philosophical and tantric literature acknowledges that sound has color. These traditions even attribute specific colors to sounds.
Modern Cases: The text highlights individuals like Shri Ashok Kumar Dutt, who possess the unique natural ability to directly perceive the colors of sound. This ability is seen as a manifestation of special powers, known as "labdhis" in Jainism.
Scientific Correlation: The author connects Shri Dutt's experience to the modern scientific understanding that the atmosphere can be "charged" with musical ions, influencing the environment with subtle energies. An article in "The Times of India" is cited, describing people witnessing colorful shapes dancing in the air during certain types of music, suggesting a perception of sound's color.

Sound and Jain Mysticism (Labdhis):

Special Powers: Jain tradition speaks of specific ascetics attaining extraordinary powers (labdhis) through intense penance. One such labdhi is "Sammbhinnasrotas", which allows an individual to perceive all sensory experiences (sight, smell, sound, taste) through just one sense, like touch.
Shri Dutt's Ability as a Labdhi: Shri Dutt's ability to see sound's colors is presented as a potential form of such a specialized, perhaps unknown, labdhi.
Karma Theory Connection: According to Jain karma theory, this perception of color might be a result of the "mati-jnanavaraniya karma" (karma obscuring knowledge obtained through senses and mind) being attenuated (kshayopashama). When the obscuring layer of this karma is removed, direct sensory perception becomes effortless.

Variations in Perceived Colors and Their Significance:

Discrepancies and Confirmation: While there might be variations in the perceived colors of Sanskrit letters between Shri Dutt's experiences and ancient tantric texts, and even within tantric texts themselves, the common thread confirms that ancient sages and accomplished practitioners had experiences related to the colors of sound.

The Origin and Propagation of Sound (Language):

Acharanga Sutra: The text refers to the Acharanga Sutra, a sacred Jain text, for an explanation of how language (sound) originates and propagates in the universe.
Four Types of Sound: The text outlines four types of sound (bhasha - language):
1. Utpattijata: Sound created by a living being (jiva) by taking in and transforming "bhasha varganas" (matter particles specifically for language) and emitting them.
2. Paryavajata: Sound generated when the emitted sound particles collide with surrounding, unarranged "bhasha varganas," transforming them into sound.
3. Antarjata: Sound created when the emitted sound particles collide with and transform arranged "bhasha varganas," becoming a part of them.
4. Grahanajata: Sound perceived by the ear, where sound particles enter the ear canal and affect the auditory center in the brain.
Characteristics of Sound Particles: These sound particles are described as being infinite in substance (pradeshatmaka), occupying innumerable space-points, having an indefinite lifespan in time, and possessing various colors, smells, tastes, and touches.

The Power of Sound and Mantra:

Vibration and Music: Modern science attributes the power of sound to its frequency (kampasankhya). Higher frequency implies greater power. When sound is organized musically, it can be highly beneficial. Modern science acknowledges the "inconceivable power" within pudgal atoms.
Mantra Science: Mantra science utilizes sound in specific ways. A mantra is defined as a combination of specific words or letters, imbued with the energy of a deity or great person, for a particular purpose.
Mantrartha Drishta (Seer of Mantra's Meaning): Ancient great beings perceived the specific meanings and subjects of mantras with their super-sensory vision. Shri Ashok Kumar Dutt uses the term "Mantrartha Drishta" for those who could see the specific colors of these sounds/mantras.
Experience of Mantra Chanting: Shri Dutt describes his experience with chanting mantras and divine names, observing brown and white particles that strengthen beings and enhance the luminosity of the subtle body. He concludes that divine name chanting and mantra recitation are fundamentally scientific.

Mantra, Yantra, and Tantra:

Spandan (Vibration): Laying emphasis on vibrations, the text quotes Col. C.C. Bakshi, who states that every sound, whether mental or spoken, creates specific vibrations. Even in thought, there's an unclear origin of sound, termed "sphota" by Sanskrit grammarians, with associated mental forms of letters.
Research in the West: There is ongoing research in the West regarding mantras, yantras, and tantra, presenting their secrets scientifically.
Yantra as a Visual Form of Mantra: A Yantra is described as the visual form of the combination of letters within a mantra.
Sriyantra and Sri Suktam: The text cites an example from an English book, "Yantra," where a scientist used a device called a "Tonoscope" to project the sound of the Sri Suktam, which transformed into the visual form of the Sri Yantra. This demonstrates the Yantra as the pictorial representation of the mantra.
Mutual Transformation: Just as sound is recorded on a gramophone record, the sound of a mantra can be captured in its visual form (Yantra). It's also believed that just as sound can be reproduced from a record, the mantra can be revived from the Yantra. This suggests a reciprocal transformation between mantra and Yantra, akin to the conversion between energy and matter in modern physics.
Origin of Yantras: Ancient sages might have visualized the Yantras (visual forms) of the mantras they worshipped, or the presiding deities might have revealed these forms. These visual forms were then inscribed on palm leaves, passing down through tradition.
Geometric Combinations: Yantras are essentially combinations of various geometric shapes, just as mantras are formed by combinations of consonants and vowels.
Purpose of Yantras: Both mantra chanting and Yantras are capable of fulfilling desired objectives because the Yantra is, in essence, the form of the mantra.

In conclusion, the text elucidates that sound, a manifestation of matter in Jainism, possesses subtle attributes perceived by advanced practitioners. It links these ancient insights with modern scientific observations and emphasizes the profound power of sound, particularly in the form of mantras and their visual representations, Yantras, for spiritual and worldly fulfillment.