Jain Dharm

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharm," based on the provided pages:

Title: Jain Dharm (Gujarati translation of the German work "Jainismus")

Author: Professor Helmuth von Glasenapp (Original German author)

Publisher: Shri Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar

Translation: Narasinhbhai Ishwarbhai Patel (Anand, Gujarat)

Overall Purpose: This book is a Gujarati translation of a German work aiming to provide a comprehensive introduction to Jainism for inquisitive individuals. It seeks to fill a gap in existing literature by consolidating information about Jain history, literature, and art that has been researched in both Europe and India in various languages.

Key Themes and Content:

• Introduction to Jainism: The book establishes Jainism as the third major religion born in India, following Hinduism and Buddhism. It highlights Jainism's significant, though often overlooked, influence on the history, literature, and art of India, as well as its unique philosophical concepts and practices that are of great interest to religious researchers.
• Historical Overview:
  • Origins: Jainism is presented as predating Buddhism, originating in North India centuries before Gautam Buddha. It spread throughout the Indian peninsula.
  • European Encounters: The text mentions early European encounters with Jainism, starting from Alexander the Great's time and Greek historians' descriptions of "naked wise men" (Gymnosophists), though direct Jain references are scarce from these early periods. Later European travelers, explorers (like Vasco da Gama), and officials of the English East India Company provided limited but notable information, often focusing on the Jain practice of Ahimsa and their animal shelters (Panjrapole).
  • Scholarly Research: The summary traces the history of scholarly research on Jainism, starting with H. T. Colebrooke and Horace Hayman Wilson in the 19th century, who laid foundational work. It then details the contributions of various European and Indian scholars who translated Jain texts, researched Jain manuscripts, inscriptions, and temples, and analyzed Jain philosophical principles. Key figures like Albrecht Weber, H. Jacobi, E. Leumann, J. Klatt, G. Buhler, R. Hoernle, E. Windisch, L. Rice, and J. Burgess are mentioned for their extensive research.
  • Historical Debates: The text touches upon early debates and misconceptions regarding Jainism's origins, including attempts to connect it with Janus or Jannes, and the relationship between Jainism and Buddhism. Jacobi's crucial work in establishing Jainism and Buddhism as independent traditions with contemporary founders, Mahavir and Gautama Buddha, is highlighted.
  • Indian Contributions: The book acknowledges the role of Indian scholars like H. T. Colebrooke, Horace Hayman Wilson, and later figures like Bhagwanlal Indrajī, Bhau Daji, Satish Chandra Vidyabhushan, and S. N. Dasgupta in advancing Jain research.
• Jain Philosophy and Doctrine:
  • Tirthankaras: The text explains the concept of Tirthankaras as spiritual leaders who appear in cycles to re-establish the eternal Jain dharma. It mentions the lineage of 24 Tirthankaras, with particularly detailed information about Parshvanath and Mahavir, including their historical timelines and the gradual decrease in lifespan and physical stature across Tirthankaras.
  • Cosmology and Karma: The Jain understanding of the universe, the principles of karma, its impact on rebirth, and the path to liberation (moksha) are discussed. The interconnectedness of actions and their consequences is emphasized.
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa is presented as a central and profound principle, extending to all living beings, including microscopic ones.
  • Syadvada and Anekantavada: The text explains the Jain epistemological principles of "Syadvada" (the doctrine of conditioned predication) and "Anekantavada" (the doctrine of manifold aspects), which emphasize the relativity of truth and the existence of multiple perspectives. The seven stages of classification (Nayas) and the seven-fold prediction (Saptabhangi) are discussed as tools to understand these principles.
  • Dravya (Substance): The fundamental categories of reality – Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul) – are explained. The five types of Ajiva (pudgal, dharma, adharma, akasha, kala) are detailed.
• Jain Literature:
  • Sacred Texts: The book outlines the classification of Jain literature, including Angas (primary scriptures) and Upangas (secondary scriptures), as well as other genres like Purāṇas, Kavyas, Nāṭakas, and periodicals. The evolution and transmission of these texts, including the challenges of fragmentation and loss, are discussed.
  • Language: The use of Prakrit, specifically Ardha Magadhi, by Mahavir and later the adoption of various Prakrit dialects and Sanskrit by Jain scholars are noted.
• Sects and Traditions: The text details the division of Jainism into two major sects, Shvetambara and Digambara, and the historical reasons for this split, often linked to differences in monastic practices like nudity and the interpretation of scripture. The emergence of sub-sects like Sthanakavasi and the "Dhundia" or "Khartar" traditions is also mentioned.
• Religious Practices: The book covers various aspects of Jain religious practices, including:
  • Vratas (Vows): The five Mahavratas for monks and the five Anuvratas for lay followers are discussed.
  • Pūjā (Worship): The forms of worship, including idol worship (Mūrtipūjā) and its controversies with Mūrtivirodhaka groups, are explained. The significance of symbols like Swastika and their interpretation is also touched upon.
  • Festivals: Key Jain festivals like Paryushana and Siddha-chakra Pūjā are described.
  • Pilgrimage: The importance of pilgrimage to sacred sites is highlighted.
  • Rituals: Various life-cycle rituals, from birth to death, are outlined, along with monastic vows and practices.
• Social and Historical Context: The book examines the historical spread of Jainism across different regions of India, its influence during various dynasties (Mauryan, Gupta, Chola, Hoysala, etc.), and its interactions with other religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. It also touches upon the challenges faced by Jainism due to the rise of Hinduism and Islam.
• Contemporary Jainism: The text discusses the current state of Jainism, acknowledging a decline in the number of followers but emphasizing the continued influence and significant socio-economic contributions of the Jain community, particularly in business and philanthropy. It also notes efforts towards religious reform and preserving Jain heritage.
• Key Figures: The book introduces prominent Jain figures, including Tirthankaras, prominent Acharyas like Hemachandra, Acharya Kundakunda, and Samantabhadra, and historical patrons of Jainism.
• Philosophical Nuances: The text delves into the Jain metaphysical framework, including the concepts of Jiva and Ajiva, the nature of karma, the different types of bodies, and the stages of spiritual progress (Gunasthanas). The unique Jain perspective on causality, relativity of truth (Syadvada), and the theory of manifold aspects (Anekantavada) are also highlighted.

Publisher's Note: The publication was made possible by the generous financial assistance of Smt. Lilavati Behan, wife of Seth Kika bhai Premchand, residents of Mumbai.

Overall, the book provides a detailed and scholarly overview of Jainism, covering its history, philosophy, literature, practices, and social impact, presented in Gujarati for a wider audience.