Jain Dharm Darshan Part 01

This document, "Jain Dharm Darshan Part 01" by Nirmala Jain, published by Adinath Jain Trust, is the first part of a comprehensive curriculum designed to educate individuals about Jain philosophy and teachings. The book is structured into six divisions, aiming to provide a holistic understanding of Jainism.

The content covers:

• Jain History: Tracing the origins and development of Jainism.
• Introduction to Jainism: Explaining the core tenets and essence of the religion.
• Time Cycle (Kal Chakra): Detailing the Jain concept of cosmic time and its cyclical nature, divided into ascendant (utsarpini) and descendant (avasarpini) periods, each with six stages (aras). This section elaborates on the characteristics of each stage, including human lifespan, physical attributes, societal practices, and the influence of celestial trees (kalpavriksha). The detailed description of the six stages of both avasarpini and utsarpini periods highlights the gradual decline and subsequent rise in human capabilities and virtues.
• Life of Lord Mahavir: A detailed biography of the 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahavir, tracing his spiritual journey through various lifetimes (27 principal lives) leading to his enlightenment and role as a Tirthankara. It includes accounts of his birth, naming, household life, renunciation, severe austerities, overcoming various adverses (upasargas) through steadfastness, achieving omniscience (kevalgyan), and establishing the Jain order. It also mentions key disciples and the concept of Panch Kalyanak (five auspicious events in a Tirthankara's life).
• Jain Metaphysics (Tattva Mimansa):
  • Definition of Tattva: Explains the concept of fundamental principles or realities in Jainism.
  • The Nine Tattvas: Introduces and elaborates on the nine essential realities of Jain philosophy: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punya (merit), Pap (demerit), Ashrav (influx of karma), Bandh (bondage of karma), Samvar (stoppage of karma influx), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation). The text uses the analogy of a boat in a sea to illustrate these concepts.
  • Jiva Tattva: Focuses on the soul (Jiva) as a distinct entity, exploring its attributes, its eternal and unchanging nature, and its journey through various life forms across the four destinies (hellish beings, Tiryancha, human, and celestial beings). It details the classification of souls based on the number of senses, the presence of mind (sanjna), and the stages of development (paryapti). The text also provides a detailed breakdown of the 563 types of souls across the four destinies, including numerous sub-classifications for hellish beings, Tiryancha (with specific descriptions of their types and characteristics), humans (based on karmabhumi, akarmabhumi, and antardvipa, and their developmental stages), and celestial beings (devatas).
• Jain Ethics (Achar Mimansa):
  • Rarity of Human Life: Emphasizes the extreme difficulty of obtaining a human birth, highlighting it as a precious opportunity for spiritual progress, using analogies like the scattering of atom-like particles or the difficult joining of a yoke in a vast ocean. It underscores the importance of using this life wisely for spiritual realization, as other forms of existence (celestial, infernal, or animal) are less conducive to achieving liberation.
  • The Seven Vices (Sapt Vyasan): Discusses seven detrimental habits that lead to spiritual downfall and suffering: gambling (jua), meat-eating (mansahar), intoxication (madhyapan/sharab), illicit sexual relations (veshyagaman/parastrigaman), theft (chori), hunting (shikar), and the enjoyment of prostitutes (often grouped with parastrigaman). The text explains the nature of each vice, its negative consequences, and why it should be renounced.
• Jain Karma Theory (Karma Mimansa):
  • Existence of Karma: Explains that diversity and inequality in the world are due to karma.
  • Soul-Karma Bondage: Describes the inseparable and ancient relationship between the soul and karma, using analogies like milk and ghee, sesame seeds and oil, or the interaction of fire and iron.
  • Five Causes of Karma Bondage: Identifies the five primary reasons for karmic bondage: Mithyatva (false belief/delusion), Avirati (non-restraint/lack of vows), Pramad (negligence/carelessness), Kashaya (passions like anger, pride, deceit, greed), and Yoga (activity of mind, speech, and body).
  • Four Types of Karma Bandh: Details the four ways karma binds to the soul: Prakriti Bandh (type of karma), Sthiti Bandh (duration of karma), Ras Bandh/Anubhag Bandh (intensity/quality of karma), and Pradesh Bandh (quantity of karma). It also briefly mentions the eight types of karma and their effects on the soul's qualities.
• Sutras and their Meanings:
  • Navkar Mahamantra: Explains the significance and meaning of the fundamental Jain mantra, "Namo Arihantanam..." and the 108 virtues associated with the five supreme beings (Navkaravali).
  • Panchindiya Sutra: Details the verses used for establishing the Guru's presence (Guru Sthapana), outlining the virtues of a true Guru, including control over senses, observance of Brahmacharya, freedom from passions, adherence to the five great vows, five types of conduct, and the three controls.
  • Kshamasaman Sutra: Provides the Jain prayer for seeking forgiveness from the Guru.
  • Asking about Guru's Well-being (Suguru ko Sukhshata Puchha): Describes the respectful way disciples inquire about their Guru's health, well-being, and observance of vows.
  • Abbhumthio Sutra: A prayer of submission and seeking forgiveness for transgressions.
  • Tikkutto ka Path: Verses recited during reverence or circumambulation, showing deep respect.
• Life Stories of Great Souls:
  • Guru Gautam Swami: The chief disciple of Lord Mahavir, his intellectual prowess, his initial skepticism, his eventual acceptance of Jainism, and his path to omniscience.
  • Maha Sati Chandanbala: The story of Lord Mahavir's devoted female disciple, her suffering, her unwavering faith, her exceptional act of charity, and her spiritual attainment.
  • Purniya Shravak: A devoted lay follower of Lord Mahavir, illustrating simplicity, contentment, and the true meaning of spiritual practice (samayik) and its value, even beyond material wealth.
  • Sulksha Shravika: A virtuous laywoman whose devotion and steadfastness were tested by celestial beings, showcasing her unwavering faith and the blessings she received.

The book also includes sections on the examination rules for a Jainology course offered by the trust and a bibliography of sources used in its compilation. The overarching goal of this volume is to provide a structured and accessible introduction to the core philosophical and ethical principles of Jainism.