Jain Dharm - Book Summary | JainGPT

This document is a comprehensive introduction to Jainism titled "Jain Dharm" (Jain Religion), authored by Muni Vatsalyadeep. Published by Vatsalyadeep Foundation, Ahmedabad, in September 1993, it aims to provide a foundational understanding of Jain philosophy and principles.

The book is structured into fourteen chapters covering various aspects of Jainism:

Jineshwar Prarupit Jain Dharm (Jainism Propounded by Jineshwara): Introduces Jainism as an ancient Indian religion focused on liberation of the soul from karma. It explains the meaning of 'Jin' (victor over senses, passions) and lists the 24 Tirthankaras of the last cycle, highlighting Lord Mahavir as the 24th Tirthankara and the establisher of the current Jain tradition. It also explains the Chaturvidh Sangha (four-fold community: monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) and the eleven Ganadharas (chief disciples of Lord Mahavir). The Navkar Mantra and the Four Sharanas (refuges) are presented as core elements of Jain practice.
Jain Dharm ka Gnan-Vigyan (Knowledge-Science of Jainism): Details the five types of Jain knowledge: Mati (sense-based), Shrut (scriptural), Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyav (telepathy), and Keval (omniscience). It explains the role of senses and mind in knowledge acquisition and the limitations of worldly knowledge compared to Keval Gyan.
Jain Dharm ka Tattva Gyan (Philosophical Knowledge of Jainism): Introduces the nine fundamental tattvas (principles) of Jainism: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punya (merit), Paap (demerit), Asrava (inflow of karma), Samvara (stoppage of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), and Moksha (liberation). It briefly explains each tattva and emphasizes the importance of understanding and faith in these for spiritual progress.
Jain Dharm ka Jiv Vigyan (Biology of Jainism): Discusses the nature of the Jiva (soul) as eternal, formless, and inherently possessing infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy. It classifies souls into Mukta (liberated) and Samsari (worldly), and further categorizes Samsari souls into Trasa (mobile) and Sthavara (immobile) based on the number of senses and their characteristics.
Jain Dharm ka Ajiv Vigyan (6 Dravyas) (Non-soul Science of Jainism - Six Substances): Explains the Jain concept of the universe being composed of six eternal substances (Dravyas): Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akash (space), and Kaal (time). It clarifies that Dharma, Adharma, Akash, and Pudgala (matter) are Ajiva, and highlights Pudgala as the only material substance, with its subtle form being Paramanu (atom). It also elaborates on the nature of Dharma, Adharma, Akash, and Kaal.
Jain Dharm ki Achar Samhita (Code of Conduct in Jainism): Outlines the ethical guidelines in Jainism, dividing them into two main categories: Sadhu Dharm (monastic conduct, emphasizing Sarva Virati - complete renunciation) and Grihasth Dharm (layperson's conduct, emphasizing Desh Virati - partial renunciation). It details the five Mahavratas (great vows) for monks and nuns and the twelve Vratas (vows) for lay followers, which include five Anuvratas (minor vows), three Gunavratas (qualitative vows), and four Shikshavratas (training vows). It also lists forbidden occupations (Karma Daan) and eighteen categories of sinful activities (Paap Sthanak). Daily duties (Aavashyak) like Samayik, Vandan, Pratikraman, etc., are also described.
Jain Dharm ki Aahar Vihar Samhita (Dietary and Conduct Code of Jainism): Discusses the importance of regulated diet and conduct for spiritual practice. It emphasizes consuming boiled or filtered water, abstaining from meat, root vegetables (Kandmool), and alcohol. It also advocates for avoiding night meals. The chapter then delves into the practice of Tap (austerities) as a means of karma annihilation, categorizing it into Bahya Tap (external austerities) and Abhyantar Tap (internal austerities), listing their respective six types. Special Taps like Varshi Tap and Navpad Oli are also mentioned. It further elaborates on Vihar Samhita (conduct rules) like the Asht Pravachan Mata (five Samitis and three Guptis) and Vichar Samhita (contemplation of sixteen Bhavanas).
Jain Dharm ka Karma Vigyan (Science of Karma in Jainism): Provides a detailed explanation of the Jain theory of Karma, which posits that karma is composed of subtle matter (Pudgala) that adheres to the soul due to passions. It describes the eight types of karmas and their subcategories, explaining how they influence one's life, rebirth, and spiritual progress. The text explains the causal relationship between actions, passions (Kashayas - anger, pride, deceit, greed), and karma formation. It also discusses the four stages of Kashayas (Anantanubandhi, Apratyakhyani, Pratyakhyani, Samjvalan) and the three methods of controlling them (Upashaman, Kshaya-upasham, Kshaya). The concept of Leshyas (subtle soul states manifested as colors) and their impact on one's destiny is also explained, categorizing them into six types from darkest (Krishna) to purest (Shukla).
Jain Dharm ka Tattva Gyan (Philosophical Knowledge of Jainism) - Continued: This section revisits philosophical concepts, elaborating on Samyakva (right faith/perception) as the cornerstone of spiritual progress. It defines Samyakva as having unwavering faith in the true nature of reality, particularly the nine tattvas. It also explains Mithyatva (false belief) and its detrimental effects. The principles of Syadvada (the doctrine of conditioned predication) and Anekantavada (non-absolutism, the doctrine of manifold aspects) are introduced as Jainism's unique approach to understanding reality. The concept of Nayavada (theory of standpoints) and the five Samavayas (causes of phenomena) are also discussed.
Jain Dharm mein Dhyan (Meditation in Jainism): Explains the concept of meditation (Dhyana) in Jainism, categorizing it into four types: Art (sorrowful), Raudra (fierce), Dharma (righteous), and Shukla (pure). It outlines the characteristics and outcomes of each type of meditation, emphasizing that Shukla Dhyana leads to liberation (Moksha).
Jain Dharm ka Maran Vigyan (Science of Death in Jainism): Discusses the Jain perspective on death, emphasizing that death is also an art to be mastered. It mentions different types of death and distinguishes between Akam Maran (involuntary death) and Sakam Maran (voluntary and conscious death, achieved through practices like Anashan/Santhara). Sakam Maran is considered a path to spiritual progress.
Jain Dharm mein Moksha (Liberation in Jainism): Defines Moksha as the complete annihilation of all karmas, leading to the soul realizing its inherent pure nature of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy. It describes the state of liberated souls (Siddhas) and their abode (Siddhashila), emphasizing that Moksha is attainable through the combined practice of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra), along with austerities.
Parishisht: Jain Sahitya - Ek Chhabi (Appendix: Jain Literature - A Glimpse): Provides an overview of the vast and rich Jain literary tradition, mentioning prominent authors and their contributions across various genres like Angas, Upangas, Prakirnakas, Chedasutras, philosophical texts, commentaries, poetry, drama, and scientific works. It highlights the importance of the Agamas as the sacred scriptures of Jainism.
45 Agamas: Lists the 45 extant Agamas (canonical texts) and briefly mentions the subjects covered within them, along with a list of prominent Jain logicians and their works, texts on Yoga and Spirituality, Karma literature, literature in general, epic poems, dramas, stories, and works on arts and sciences.

The book concludes with a list of other works by Muni Vatsalyadeep and information on Jain bookshops.