Jain Dharm - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text, "Jain Dharm," authored by Nathuram Dongariya Jain:

Book Title: Jain Dharm (Jain Dharma) Author: Nathuram Dongariya Jain Publisher: Nathuram Dongariya Jain Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034859/1

Overall Purpose and Context: The book "Jain Dharm" aims to introduce the fundamental principles and benefits of Jainism to a general audience. The author expresses concern that a large portion of the public is unaware of Jainism's teachings and its potential to bring peace and well-being to individuals and the world. The book is written in Hindi and is intended to be accessible, addressing the difficulty of accessing original Jain scriptures in Sanskrit and Prakrit. It also acknowledges the decline in Jain religious preachers, leading to misconceptions about the faith. The author's goal is to present the essential, universally applicable principles of Jainism in a modern and accessible way.

Key Themes and Content:

The Need for Jainism in the Modern World:
- The author begins by highlighting the current era's paradox: advancements in knowledge and science on one hand, and increasing conflict, materialism, and societal unrest on the other.
- He argues that India has a crucial role in promoting peace and that Jainism, with its foundational principles of universal love, compassion, and welfare, is uniquely positioned to offer solutions.
The Core Message of Jainism:
- Jainism's message is presented as a call to move away from worldly pleasures and self-interest towards inner peace and spiritual growth.
- It critiques the pursuit of happiness through material possessions and sensory indulgence, stating that this leads to further anxiety and suffering.
- The book emphasizes that true happiness and peace come from within, from the soul, and are achieved through self-discipline and righteous living.
Rejection of External Deities as Creators:
- A significant portion of the text is dedicated to refuting the concept of a creator God. Jainism posits that the universe and its phenomena are eternal and operate according to natural laws, not the will of a divine creator.
- The author argues that believing in a creator God leads to logical inconsistencies and contradicts the observed order of the universe. Instead, Jainism focuses on the inherent potential of the soul to achieve liberation and omnipotence.
The Path to Liberation: Samyagdarshan, Samyagyan, Samyagcharitra (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct):
- The book details the "Three Jewels" of Jainism as the direct path to spiritual liberation.
- Samyagdarshan (Right Faith): This involves understanding the true nature of reality, believing in the soul's potential for liberation, and having unwavering faith in the teachings of the Tirthankaras. It's characterized by specific qualities like absence of doubt, desire for worldly pleasures in exchange for spiritual practice, correct understanding of the self and the universe, and not being swayed by faulty traditions.
- Samyagyan (Right Knowledge): This is the accurate knowledge of the soul, non-soul (ajiva) elements, and the principles of karma and liberation. It's distinct from mere intellectual knowledge; it's the intuitive understanding of the soul's true nature.
- Samyagcharitra (Right Conduct): This involves the practical application of Right Faith and Right Knowledge through ethical living, including vows and disciplines. This leads to the purification of the soul and ultimately to liberation.
Ahimsa (Non-violence) as the Supreme Principle:
- Ahimsa is presented as the cornerstone of Jainism, encompassing not just physical non-violence but also mental and verbal non-violence.
- It explains the different types of violence (Sankalpi - intentional, Arambhi - occupational, Udyogi - livelihood-related, Virodhi - defensive) and how they are to be understood and practiced differently by monks and householders.
- The book emphasizes that true non-violence stems from pure intentions and the absence of harmful thoughts and emotions. It asserts that Ahimsa is a principle for the brave, not the weak.
Syadvada (The Doctrine of Relativism/Many-sidedness):
- Syadvada is highlighted as a crucial Jain principle that promotes tolerance and understanding in a world often divided by conflicting viewpoints.
- It advocates for considering multiple perspectives to gain a more complete understanding of reality, rejecting narrow-mindedness and dogmatism. This doctrine is presented as a solution to inter-religious and interpersonal conflicts.
The Nature of the Soul and Liberation:
- The book explains that the soul (Jiva) is inherently pure, possessing infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and power.
- However, due to attachment (raga), aversion (dvesha), and ignorance (moha), the soul binds itself with karmic particles (karma), leading to suffering and rebirth.
- Liberation (moksha) is achieved by shedding these karmas through the practice of the Three Jewels, leading the soul to its natural state of omniscience and bliss.
True Devotion and Guidance:
- Jainism emphasizes devotion to "Jinas" (those who have conquered their passions) as ideal beings who have attained liberation and show the path to others. These are the Tirthankaras.
- The text defines a true deity as one who is omniscient, detached, and a guide for the welfare of all beings, not as a creator or dispenser of favors.
- Similarly, a true guru is one who lives a life of renunciation, knowledge, and detachment, guiding others towards self-realization. True scriptures are those that accurately reflect reality and lead to spiritual progress.
Ancient Origins of Jainism:
- The author presents arguments and references from Vedic texts, ancient grammarians, archaeological findings (like Indus seals), and scholarly opinions (including those of European scholars) to establish the profound antiquity of Jainism, predating Buddhism and even the Vedas.
- It refutes the misconception that Jainism originated with Lord Mahavir or Parshvanath, highlighting Rishabhdeva as the first Tirthankara and the true founder.
The Importance of Righteous Living for Householders:
- While emphasizing the ideal of complete non-violence for ascetics, the book also outlines how householders can practice Jain principles within their daily lives.
- It stresses the importance of right livelihood, ethical consumption, and avoiding intentional violence. It also highlights the importance of family life, fulfilling duties, and contributing to society.

Author's Intent and Dedication: The book is presented as a gift to the "Jainmitra" subscribers and other well-wishers, with a large number of copies distributed freely, supported by donations. This indicates a strong commitment to spreading the teachings of Jainism. The author, Nathuram Dongariya Jain, expresses gratitude to those who supported the publication and hopes the book will be well-received and beneficial to readers.

In essence, "Jain Dharm" by Nathuram Dongariya Jain serves as an accessible guide to the core philosophy of Jainism, emphasizing its relevance in addressing the modern world's challenges through principles like universal love, non-violence, and the pursuit of self-realization, all rooted in ancient wisdom.