Jain Dharm Bharatiyo Ki Drusti Me

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Jain Dharm Bharatiyo ki Drusti me" (Jainism in the View of Indians) by Swami Prabhavanand:

This text, presented as part of the "Jain Education International" series, offers a detailed overview of Jainism from an Indian perspective, highlighting its origins, core principles, philosophy, and societal impact.

1. Origins and Terminology: The word "Jain" is derived from the Sanskrit root "ji," meaning "to conquer." A Jain is one who believes in conquering the elements that obstruct the attainment of supreme purity, which bestows infinite knowledge, bliss, and strength. Jainism is considered as ancient as Vedic religion. While Vardhamana Mahavir is deeply associated with Jainism, he was the last of the 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) in the current era. Early Western scholars mistakenly believed Jainism was a branch of Buddhism due to the contemporaneity of Mahavir and Buddha and the significance of Ahimsa (non-violence). However, both religions developed independently. Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, is mentioned in the Rigveda and his stories are found in the Vishnu and Bhagavat Purans, where he is described as a great saint.

2. Core Philosophy and Cosmology: Jainism does not believe in a creator God or the beginning and end of the universe. It posits that the universe and its conscious and unconscious elements are eternal and uncreated. It does not rely on theology to explain the universe's nature. The universe is viewed in cycles of progress (utsarpini) and decline (avasarpini). The current era is in the avasarpini cycle, during which 24 Tirthankaras have appeared, with Rishabhadeva as the first and Mahavir as the last. Jainism's emphasis on the inherent spiritual potential of the soul leads it to believe that every soul can become a "Paramaatma" (Supreme Soul). This belief prevents Jainism from being considered atheistic, as it focuses on the soul's infinite power and its potential to achieve divinity.

3. Key Principles and Practices: The main tenets of Jainism are uniform across its sects. The two major divisions are Digambara and Shvetambara, arising from differences in monastic conduct, particularly regarding nudity (Digambara) versus wearing white robes (Shvetambara). The core goal of Jainism is liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death. This is achieved by breaking the bondage of karma.

• Karma: Jainism views karma as a subtle, material substance that attaches to the soul, trapping it in the cycle of rebirth due to desires like attachment and aversion (raga-dwesha). Karma is the first step towards karmabandha (bondage of karma), where karmic particles form the soul's subtle body (karmic body), which persists even after physical death.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is the paramount principle, applying to all living beings, including micro-organisms and elements. It is considered the highest virtue.
• The Three Jewels (Triratna): Samyak Darshan (Right Faith/Belief), Samyak Gyana (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct) are the path to liberation.
  • Samyak Darshan involves firm faith in Jain teachings and freedom from superstition and blind beliefs.
  • Samyak Gyana is the correct understanding of Jain principles, progressing through five stages: Mati (sense perception), Shruti (scriptural knowledge), Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya (telepathy), and Keval (omniscience).
  • Samyak Charitra is the practical application of Jain principles through the five vows: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession/non-attachment). When these vows are practiced without limitations, they become Mahavratas (great vows), primarily observed by monks.
• Asceticism: Jainism recognizes a distinction between the conduct of laypeople and ascetics. Ascetics renounce worldly possessions, family, and worldly comforts to pursue spiritual liberation.

4. Jain Cosmology and Soul: The Jain worldview includes six eternal and infinite substances (dravyas): soul (jiva), non-soul (ajiva), medium of motion (dharma), medium of rest (adharma), space (akasha), and time (kala). Jiva is conscious, while ajiva is unconscious. Soul is considered distinct from physical attributes, and it has the potential to exist independently of matter. Souls are infinite and eternal; birth and death are not inherent qualities of the soul but states of karmabandha. The universe is populated by four types of souls: gods (in heavens), humans, animals/plants, and hellish beings. The quality of one's actions determines their rebirth in these realms.

5. Mahavir's Life and Teachings: Vardhamana Mahavir was born in the 6th century BCE near Vaishali. He was born into a Kshatriya family, married, and had a daughter. At 28, he renounced worldly life and, after 12 years of severe asceticism and meditation, attained Keval Gyan (omniscience). He preached Jain principles for 30 years until his nirvana. His life bears similarities to Buddha's. Mahavir popularized the principle of Ahimsa, significantly contributing to Jainism's spread. He divided society into householders and ascetics and opened his religion to all, regardless of caste or gender.

6. Jain Philosophy and Logic: Jain philosophy emphasizes the doctrine of Anekantavada (multi-sidedness), which posits that reality is complex and can be viewed from multiple perspectives. This is exemplified by the Saptabhangi (seven-fold predication), a logical system that allows for contradictory statements about an object based on different standpoints. This is seen as a precursor to modern theories of relativity. The Jain view of atoms (paramanu) also differs from that of the Nyaya-Vaisheshika schools.

7. Jainism in Indian Society: Jains are a peaceful community with no significant conflict with Hindus, leading many to perceive them as Hindus. Jainism is not considered the supreme religion by Jains; they believe other religions can also lead to liberation and advocate for tolerance. Historically, Jainism received patronage from rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and the Hoysalas. Jains have significantly contributed to art and architecture, with temples like those at Ranakpur and Dilwara being renowned examples. Jain idols are distinct, characterized by serenity and lack of emotional expression, serving as mirrors for contemplation.

8. Modern Jainism and Influence: The text notes that the Jain community, though small, has had a considerable impact due to its relative prosperity and high literacy. Prominent industrial families in India are Jain. Mahatma Gandhi was deeply influenced by the Jain principle of Ahimsa, adapting and propagating it on a national and political level. Efforts to organize the Jain community have led to the formation of All India Jain Conference and later the Bharat Jain Mahamandal.

In summary, the text provides a comprehensive exploration of Jainism, detailing its ancient roots, its profound philosophical underpinnings centered on soul liberation through karmic purification and ethical conduct, the life and teachings of Mahavir, its unique cosmological framework, and its enduring influence on Indian culture and thought.