Jain Dharm Darshan Ek Jankari

The book "Jain Dharm Darshan Ek Jankari" (An Introduction to Jain Dharma and Philosophy), authored by Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain, published by the authors themselves, serves as a comprehensive guide to Jainism. The text begins with acknowledgments, expressing gratitude to Lala Sri Ram Ji Jain, a prominent devotee of Acharya Shri Devendra Muni Ji Maharaj, and his sons for their support in publishing the book. It also thanks Dr. B.K. Jain and Dr. Johnny Jain for their patronage.

The book highlights the antiquity and multifaceted nature of Jainism, emphasizing the crucial role of Acharyas in its development in the absence of Tirthankaras. It introduces Acharya Shri Devendra Muni Ji Maharaj as a significant figure in the current era, a prolific Hindi author of over 350 books, who has actively propagated Jainism across India. The year 1994 is noted as important for Jain history, marking the centenary of Acharya Shri Atma Raj Ji Maharaj's initiation and the presence of Acharya Shri Devendra Muni Ji Maharaj in Punjab.

The author's note explains the motivation behind writing the book: to dispel misconceptions about Jain Dharma, philosophy, literature, and culture. It aims to provide concise information for college students and those seeking a basic understanding of Jainism, addressing common misunderstandies such as its relation to Vedic or Buddhist religions and the role of Bhagwan Mahavir as its founder. The book also acknowledges the need to explain Jain philosophical terms, which are provided in a glossary at the end for better comprehension. The Punjabi translation was undertaken to make Jain teachings accessible to the Punjabi-speaking community.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to introducing the lineage and contributions of Acharya Shri Devendra Muni Ji Maharaj. It details his life, including his early initiation at the age of nine under Upadhyaya Pujya Gurudev Shri Shri 1008 Shri Pushkar Muni Ji Maharaj. His mother, Shri Mati Teejabhai, and his elder sister, Mahasadhvi Shri Pushpavathi Ji Maharaj, also embraced the ascetic path. Acharya Devendra Muni Ji is praised for his intellectual prowess, profound knowledge of Jain Agamas, and his extensive literary contributions across various genres, including history, literature, philosophy, and culture. The book also mentions his appointment as the third Acharya of the Shraman Sangh Sthanakvasi Jain Sangh.

The text also provides brief biographies of Acharya Shri Devendra Muni Ji Maharaj's gurus and revered female ascetics, including Upadhyaya Pushkar Muni Ji Maharaj, Mahasadhavi Shri Pravati Ji Maharaj, and Mahasadhavi Shri Pushpavathi Ji Maharaj, highlighting their spiritual accomplishments and literary works.

The book then delves into the core tenets of Jainism:

• Jain Dharma: Historical Information: It asserts Jainism's position as one of the world's most ancient religions, emphasizing its scientific philosophy and belief in the highest development of the soul. It highlights Jainism's rejection of casteism and its focus on spiritual potential. The text traces Jainism's origins to pre-Vedic times, linking it to the Indus Valley Civilization (Indus-Sarasvati culture) and the "Arhat" tradition mentioned in the Vedas. It discusses the evolution of the term "Jain Dharma" and emphasizes that Jainism is the religion of the Arhats, not solely attributed to any single Tirthankara.
• Tirthankaras: It explains the concept of Tirthankaras as creators and propagators of the "Dharma Tirth" (path of righteousness), who establish the principles of Ahimsa, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha. The book lists the first 24 Tirthankaras, including Bhagwan Rishabhdev, Bhagwan Parshvanath, and Bhagwan Mahavir, providing details about their birthplaces, parents, birth and nirvana dates, and their respective monastic lineage (nirvana places). It mentions the legend of Rishabhdev's 100 sons, including Bharat (after whom India is named) and Bahubali. It highlights Lord Nemi Nath's compassion in abstaining from marriage after witnessing the slaughter of animals. Bhagwan Parshvanath is presented as an historical figure whose teachings influenced Buddhism. Bhagwan Mahavir is discussed as a reformer who preached Ahimsa, Aparigraha, and Anekantavada, promoting equality and social reform.
• Jain Sects: The book briefly touches upon the historical development of different Jain traditions, primarily the Svetambara and Digambara traditions, stemming from differences in interpretation and practice, particularly regarding clothing and the liberation of women.
• Jain Philosophy: It elaborates on key Jain philosophical concepts:
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Jainism's profound emphasis on Ahimsa is discussed, extending it to all living beings, including microscopic organisms.
  • Anekantavada (Multi-faceted Reality): This doctrine is presented as the foundation of Jain philosophy, asserting that truth is relative and can be viewed from multiple perspectives. It explains that each object possesses infinite qualities, and understanding them from various viewpoints is crucial.
  • Syadvada (Conditional Predication): Syadvada is explained as the linguistic expression of Anekantavada, using the prefix "Syat" (perhaps, may be) to indicate that statements are true from a particular perspective. The seven Syat-bhangas (logical syllogisms) are presented to illustrate this concept.
  • Naya (Standpoints): The role of different standpoints (Nayas) in understanding reality is discussed, categorizing them into valid (Sunaya) and invalid (Durnaya) perspectives. Seven types of Nayas are explained: Naigamanaya, Sangrhanaya, Vyavaharanaya, Riju Sutranaya, Shabdhanaya, Samabhiruḍhanaya, and Evam Bhuta Naya.
  • Pramana (Valid Knowledge): Pramana, as the means to acquire true knowledge of an object, is described as having two main types: Pratyaksha (direct perception) and Paroksha (indirect perception). Paroksha is further divided into Mati Jñāna (sensory knowledge) and Shruta Jñāna (scriptural knowledge), while Pratyaksha includes Avadhi Jñāna (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya Jñāna (telepathy), and Kevala Jñāna (omniscience).
  • Leshyas: The concept of Leshyas, which are subtle colorations of the soul influenced by karmic matter, is explained. The six Leshyas (Krishṇa, Nīla, Kapota, Teja, Padma, and Shukla) are described, with the first three being considered inauspicious and the latter three auspicious.
  • Karma Theory: The intricate Jain doctrine of Karma is detailed, explaining how actions create karmic matter that binds the soul. The eight types of karmas (Jñānāvaraṇīya, Darśanāvaraṇīya, Vedanīya, Mohanīya, Āyuṣka, Nāma, Gotra, and Antarāya) are described, along with their effects. The book emphasizes that liberation (Moksha) is achieved by shedding all karmas through rigorous spiritual practice.
  • Tapa (Austerities): The importance of austerities in Jainism is highlighted, divided into external and internal types. External austerities include fasting, reduced intake, renunciation of certain foods, begging for alms, endurance of physical hardships, and control over senses. Internal austerities involve repentance, humility, service, scriptural study, meditation, and detachment.
• Jain Literature: The book provides an overview of Jain literature across various languages:
  • Prakrit: It discusses the ancient Jain canon in Prakrit, including the Angas, Upangas, Cheda Sutras, and Mula Sutras, according to Svetambara tradition. It also mentions the Digambara tradition's canonical works like Shatkhandagama and Kashaya Prahrita.
  • Sanskrit: It highlights significant Jain works in Sanskrit, starting with the Tattvartha Sutra and the contributions of various Acharyas like Siddhasena Divakara, Samantabhadra, Akalanka, Vidyānanda, Hemachandra, and Haribhadra Suri.
  • Other Languages: It briefly touches upon Jain literature in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, and Rajasthani, acknowledging the vastness and richness of these traditions. It also notes the presence of Jain literature in Punjabi, with translators Ravindra Jain and Purshottam Jain actively contributing to its dissemination. The book also acknowledges the limited but existing Jain literature in Hindi and its global spread through translations in English and other foreign languages.
• Jain Culture: The book describes Jain culture as humanity-centric, aiming for the development of human virtues like truth, righteousness, bravery, morality, compassion, friendship, and generosity. It emphasizes the Navkar Mantra as the supreme mantra, signifying reverence for the Arhats, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus. The inclusive nature of Jainism, open to all irrespective of their background, is stressed.
• Jain Art: It mentions the significant contribution of Jain artists to painting, script, sculpture, and architecture, citing examples like the Dilwara temples and the Ranakpur temple.
• Jain Festivals: Key Jain festivals are explained:
  • Oli Parva: Celebrated twice a year, this festival involves worshipping the Navapada and observing strict dietary discipline, symbolizing control over the senses.
  • Mahavir Jayanti: Celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi, marking the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir.
  • Akshaya Tritiya: Associated with the first Tirthankara, Bhagwan Rishabhdev, and the practice of fasting for a year.
  • Raksha Bandhan: Linked to the story of Vishnu Kumar Muni protecting Jain monks.
  • Paryushana Mahaparva: The most important festival, dedicated to spiritual discipline, forgiveness, and reconciliation, culminating in Samvatsari.
  • Diwali: Celebrated in remembrance of Bhagwan Mahavir's nirvana.
  • Gyan Panchami: Dedicated to the worship of knowledge, commemorating the compilation of Jain scriptures.
  • Maun Ekadashi: Emphasizing the importance of mindful eating and adherence to Jain dietary principles.

The book concludes by reiterating the scientific and rational basis of Jain principles, suggesting their relevance in solving contemporary global issues. It quotes George Bernard Shaw expressing a desire to be reborn in a Jain family for spiritual pursuit. A glossary of Jain terms is provided at the end to aid understanding.