Jain Darshan Me Moksh Ki Avadharna

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jain Darshan me Moksh ki Avadharna" by Amrutlal Gandhi, based on the provided pages:

Jain Darshan me Moksh ki Avadharna (The Concept of Moksha in Jain Philosophy)

This text, authored by Dr. Amrutlal Gandhi, delves into the fundamental Jain concept of Moksha, or liberation. It begins by stating that the Jain faith is inherently linked to the Namaskar Mahamantra, which first salutes the Arhats (Tirthankaras) and then the Siddhas. These exalted beings are those who have followed the path laid down by the Tirthankaras and attained liberation. Moksha, also known as Mukti, is the ultimate goal for all souls trapped in the cycle of birth and death due to karmic bondage.

The Meaning of "Jain" and the True Enemy:

The text clarifies that "Jain" is not a term referring to a caste or individual, but rather a descriptor of specific virtues. It derives from "Jin," meaning "one who has conquered." The crucial point is understanding what is to be conquered. Citing the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, the author states that the true enemy is not external but the "unconquered self" – the soul itself, clouded by attachment (Raga) and aversion (Dwesha), and the resulting impulses like anger, lust, and greed. Conquering these internal enemies is the greatest victory. One who achieves this mastery over their desires and impulses becomes a "Jin," a conqueror, and their path is the "Jain Dharma." This dharma emphasizes self-control, restraint of the senses, and control of the mind.

The Nature of Moksha and the Pursuit of Happiness:

The author explains that the inherent desire of every soul is for happiness. While various philosophies propose different paths to happiness, Jainism, alongside other Indian schools like Buddhism, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, and Sankhya-Yoga, recognizes Moksha as the ultimate state of liberation from suffering. For Jainism, Moksha is explicitly the cessation of all karmas. This includes both positive and negative karmas, as both act as bonds. Just as golden or iron handcuffs bind a person, so too do good and bad karmas keep the soul bound. Therefore, Moksha is the complete annihilation of Raga and Dwesha, and the shedding of all karmic encumbrances.

Moksha as the Soul's Pure State:

Moksha is not the annihilation of the soul but its re-establishment in its pure, intrinsic nature. In the cycle of rebirth, the soul exists in a state of transformation due to karmic influences. However, through self-effort, by shedding karmas, it is freed from the cycle of birth and death and settles into its natural, unadulterated state. This is described as the ultimate development of the soul. Upon achieving Moksha, the soul resides eternally in a state of infinite bliss, never returning to the cycle of worldly existence. The text highlights that in this liberated state, the soul possesses no physical body and no desire for material pleasures.

The Path to Moksha: Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct:

Jain philosophy identifies the path to Moksha as Darshan (Right Faith), Gyan (Right Knowledge), and Charitra (Right Conduct). The text emphasizes that these must be "Samyak" or "Right" in nature. Right knowledge provides understanding of the true nature of reality, Right faith involves firm conviction in these truths, and Right conduct entails preventing the influx of new karmas. In addition to these, Tapa (Austerities) is also crucial, as practiced by Tirthankaras, to shed accumulated karmas (Nirjara).

Individual Responsibility and the Absence of External Intervention:

A key tenet highlighted is that each soul is responsible for its own bondage and liberation. The soul is its own master, and its destiny is not determined by divine grace or displeasure, but by its own actions and efforts. The text rejects the idea of an external creator or controller. The soul's liberation is achieved through its own spiritual development and the manifestation of its inherent virtues.

The Siddhashila and the Soul's Natural Ascent:

Once freed from karmas, the soul, becoming lighter, naturally ascends to the Siddhashila, the highest point of the universe. This upward movement is inherent to the soul's nature, akin to the upward movement of a lamp's flame. The text likens the soul's inherent nature to the sun, temporarily obscured by clouds (karmas). When the clouds (karmas) are removed, the sun (soul) shines with its full radiance, and unlike the sun, the soul, once liberated, is never again obscured by karmic clouds.

Moksha: A Unified Goal:

The concept of Moksha is presented as a unified goal, with terms like Nirvana and Parinirvana being synonymous. The text asserts that the significance lies in the qualities of the soul, not in external factors like birth, lineage, or sect.

Syadvada and its Role in Harmony:

The text concludes by touching upon the concept of Syadvada, Jainism's unique philosophy of manifold perspectives. Syadvada is presented as a tool to uncover hidden truths and foster understanding. In today's world, marked by ideological divisions and conflict, Syadvada, along with the principle of Anekanta (non-absolutism), can promote harmony, unity, and brotherhood, offering hope for a new humanity.

The Role of Tirthankaras:

Finally, the text emphasizes the importance of Arhats (Tirthankaras) as guides. They not only embody the perfected state of Moksha but also illuminate the path to it. By following their teachings and meditating on their lives, individuals can understand their true nature and strive towards the ultimate goal of liberation.

In essence, "Jain Darshan me Moksh ki Avadharna" provides a clear and concise explanation of Moksha in Jainism, underscoring the importance of self-effort, ethical conduct, the shedding of karmas, and the ultimate realization of the soul's pure, blissful nature.