Jain Dharm Darshan Part 04

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharm Darshan Part 04":

This document is the fourth part of a series titled "Jain Dharm Darshan" (Jain Philosophy), compiled by Dr. Nirmala Jain and published by Adinath Jain Trust, Chennai. It is intended for personal and private use only. The guiding light for this publication was Dr. Sagarmal Jain, and it was a collection by the compassionate Shri Kumarapalbhai V. Shah.

Key Sections and Content:

The book is structured with an index outlining its various topics, covering a broad spectrum of Jain philosophy and practice.

1. Introduction and Trust Activities (Pages 6-7):

• Aadininath Jain Mandal/Trust: Established in 1979, the trust has been actively serving the Jain community and society for 31 years, following the teachings of Lord Mahavir. Their work focuses on devotion, animal welfare, compassion, human service, and helping fellow Jains.
• Aadininath Jain Seva Kendra: Inaugurated in 2001, this multi-story building serves as a hub for various free services. It has impacted approximately 7 lakh people, including helping 1 lakh individuals adopt vegetarianism.
• Free Services Offered:
  • Permanent Artificial Limb Assistance Center for disabled individuals.
  • Free Eye Clinic for vision correction and operations.
  • Monthly free grain distribution and livelihood support for needy Jain families.
  • Free sewing and embroidery training for women.
  • Free General Clinic for daily health checks and medicine.
  • Free meals for destitute and mentally unstable individuals.
  • Free Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, and Naturopathy clinics.
  • Distribution of school fees, books, and uniforms for needy students.
  • Yoga and meditation classes.
  • Homeopathic clinic.
  • Emergency relief services.
  • Spoken English classes.
• Future Plans for 'Aadininath Jinshasan Seva Sansthan': The trust has acquired land for a new institute aimed at promoting Jain principles through:
  • A residential school for training priests, scholars, temple servants, and musicians.
  • A comprehensive library with profound Jain texts.
  • Programs to inspire youth towards Dharma.
  • Provision for Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. degrees in Jainology.
  • Support services for elderly or sick monks and nuns.
  • Arrangements for various austerities (like Varshitap and Ayambil).
  • Dharmashala facilities.
  • A pure Jain vegetarian eatery.
  • Supporting Jain families in establishing home-based industries.
  • Conducting Jainology courses through correspondence.
  • Initiatives for animal welfare, including building pigeon shelters.

2. Endorsements (Pages 8-9):

• Pandit Ajay Sagar: Praises Dr. Nirmala Jain's effort and dedication, highlighting the book's accuracy and its potential to fulfill the quest of knowledge seekers.
• Shri Kumarapalbhai V. Shah: Emphasizes Jain philosophy as a comprehensive worldview and a part of the ancient Shraman culture. He notes the book's clear and simple presentation of essential Jain knowledge and practices.

3. Foreword and Editorial (Pages 10-11):

• Foreword by Dr. Sagarmal Jain: Explains the book's objective to educate the general public about Jain Dharm Darshan. It divides the subject into six sections: Jain History, Tattva Mimamsa (Metaphysics), Achara Mimamsa (Ethics), Karma Mimamsa (Karma Theory), Religious Rituals and their meanings, and Biographies of Great Souls. The curriculum is designed to be introductory, focusing on descriptive rather than critical analysis, based on authentic texts. It acknowledges the author's Shvetambara tradition but aims to avoid controversial aspects. The foreword details the content of the third and fourth semesters, covering topics like the Seven Nihnavas, Jain Agam literature, the principles of Nirjara (shedding of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Moksha (liberation), Shat-Avashyak (six essential duties), Tapa (austerities), worship rituals, and the Namkarma (name-karma).
• Editorial by Dr. Nirmala Jain: Stresses the importance of "Jin Agama" (Jain scriptures) for human welfare in a materialistic age. The three-year correspondence course aims to disseminate Lord Mahavir's teachings to the masses, especially the youth, and reach remote areas. The book, "Jain Dharm Darshan," is divided into six parts, covering history, metaphysics, ethics, karma, sutras, and biographies. The editorial also acknowledges the guidance and corrections received from scholars and mahatmas like Pt. Ajay Sagarji, Sadhvi Hemapragyashriji, Dr. Sagarmalji Jain, and Shri Kumarapalbhai V. Shah.

4. Jain History (Pages 12-23):

• Seven Nihnavas (Sectarian Dissidents): This section details the emergence of seven dissenting views or individuals who deviated from the original teachings of Lord Mahavir.
  • Jamali and Bahuratvaad: Jamali, Lord Mahavir's nephew and son-in-law, propounded the doctrine that ongoing actions (kriyamana) are not considered accomplished until the very last moment. He was ultimately reborn as a Kilvishika deva.
  • Tishyagupta and Jiv-Pradeshikvaad: Tishyagupta misinterpreted the concept of the soul's extensive nature (pradeshvaad), believing only the last or "final" part of the soul was truly the soul. He was later enlightened and rejoined the fold.
  • Aashadh's Disciple and Avyaktvaad: This doctrine stated that nothing can be known with certainty, as everything is "avyakta" (unmanifest or uncertain). This view was also eventually corrected.
  • Ashvamitra and Samucchedikvaad: This view argued that things are destroyed immediately after origination (paramaparyayavada), leading to questions about the continuity of karma. Ashvamitra was enlightened and rejoined the order.
  • Gang and Dvikriyavaad: Gang believed in experiencing two actions simultaneously, contradicting the Jain principle of one action at a time. He was corrected by a Naga deity and rejoined the order.
  • Rohagupta and Trairashikvaad: Rohagupta proposed a tripartite classification of existence (Jiva, Ajiva, and No-Jiva), which was refuted by his teacher and led to his expulsion. He eventually established the Vaishyashika doctrine.
  • Goshthamahil and Abaddhikvaad: Goshthamahil believed that karma only touches the soul but does not bind it, thus contradicting the principle of bondage. He and Jamali and Rohagupta remained steadfast in their dissent.
• Jain Agam Literature: This section discusses the importance and authenticity of Jain scriptures, comparing them to the sacred texts of other religions. Agams are considered the compilation of the Tirthankaras' teachings, compiled by their Ganadharas. The text highlights the evolution of Agam literature through five major compilations (Vachanas) due to historical events like famines and the decline of memory. It mentions the original language as Ardhamagadhi.

5. Jain Tattva Mimamsa (Metaphysics) (Pages 24-42):

• Nirjara Tattva (Shedding of Karma): Nirjara is the seventh principle, focusing on the gradual shedding of accumulated karma. It's explained as a process of removing impurities, like cleaning dirty clothes.
  • Two Types of Nirjara:
    • Akama Nirjara (Unintentional Shedding): Karma shed due to unavoidable circumstances, suffering, or without the specific intent of liberation.
    • Sakama Nirjara (Intentional Shedding): Karma shed through deliberate austerities and equanimity, with the goal of liberation.
  • Tapa (Austerities) as a means: The text elaborates on various forms of internal and external austerities that lead to Nirjara. It emphasizes that austerities should be performed with the right intention (for purification, not for worldly gain) and within one's capacity.
• Bandha Tattva (Bondage of Karma): This explains how the soul, in its pure state, becomes bound by karma due to passions (kashayas), ignorance (mithyatva), non-restraint (avirati), carelessness (pramada), and activities (yoga).
  • Causes of Karma Bondage: Mithyatva, Avirati, Pramada, Kashaya, and Yoga.
  • Two Types of Bandha:
    • Dravya Bandha: The actual connection of karmic particles to the soul.
    • Bhava Bandha: The internal passions and states of mind that lead to karma bondage.
  • Four Types of Bandha: Prakriti Bandha (nature of karma), Sthiti Bandha (duration of karma), Anubhaga Bandha (intensity of karma), and Pradesha Bandha (quantity of karma).
• Moksha Tattva (Liberation): Moksha is the ultimate goal, the complete annihilation of all karma, leading to the soul's pure, inherent state of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and power.
  • Definition: Moksha is the complete destruction of all karma, achieved through Samvara (prevention of new karma) and Nirjara (shedding of existing karma).
  • Process: The shedding of Ghati Karmas (karma that obscures the soul's qualities) leads to omniscience and omniscient perception. The remaining Aghati Karmas are shed at the end of the lifespan, leading to liberation.
  • State of Liberated Souls: Liberated souls reside in the Siddhashila, the abode of the Siddhas, at the apex of the universe, in their pure, formless state.
  • Types of Moksha: The text categorizes Siddhas into 15 types based on their life circumstances and path to liberation.
  • Means to Moksha: Knowledge, Perception, Conduct, and Austerities are the four paths to liberation.

6. Jain Achara Mimamsa (Ethics) (Pages 43-65):

• Shat-Avashyak (Six Essential Duties): These are foundational practices for Jain spiritual life.
  • Samayika: Cultivating equanimity and sameness of mind towards all beings. It involves controlling senses and mental states.
  • Chaturvinshtistava: Praising the virtues of the 24 Tirthankaras.
  • Vandana: Showing respect and reverence to Gurus and virtuous individuals.
  • Pratikramana: Confession and repentance of sins committed through mind, speech, and body.
  • Kayotsarga: Non-attachment to the body and stillness of physical actions.
  • Pratyakhyana: Taking vows of abstinence and renunciation of certain actions or objects.
• Jina Darshan Pujan Vidhi (Method of Worship): This section details the rituals and attitudes for worshipping Jina idols. It emphasizes the importance of purity (of body, clothes, mind, place, utensils, substances, and ritual), proper posture, and the inner devotional attitude. It explains the symbolic meaning behind the worship of different parts of the Jina's body and various offerings like water, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamps, rice, food, and fruits. The practice of "Das Trik" (ten sets of three related actions) for a proper temple visit is also elaborated.

7. Jain Karma Mimamsa (Karma Theory) (Pages 81-97):

• Namkarma (Karma related to physical manifestation): This extensive section details the 103 sub-types of Namkarma, which determine the soul's physical characteristics and experiences in the cycle of birth and death.
  • Types of Bodies: Audarika (gross body), Vaikriya (transformable body), Aharaka (body for spiritual transmission), Taijasa (fiery body for digestion), and Karmana (karmic body).
  • Other Categories: This includes classification based on Gati (destination - hellish, animal, human, divine), Jati (species - one-sensed to five-sensed), Angopanga (limbs and sub-limbs), Bandhana (connection of bodies), Sanghatana (joining of bones), Samyanana (bone structure), Samsthana (body shape), Varna (color), Gandha (odor), Rasa (taste), Sparsha (touch), Anupurvi (sequence of birth), and Vihayogati (mode of locomotion).
  • Specific Karmas: It describes 10 Trasa (mobile) and 10 Sthavara (immobile) karmic dispositions.
  • Tirthankara Namkarma: A special emphasis is placed on Tirthankara Namkarma, which is acquired through intense devotion and service to the 20 fundamental principles and the five Tirthankara-binding factors (Arhant, Siddha, Pravachana, Acharya, and Stavir/Upadhyaya).
  • Causes for Binding Shubha (Auspicious) and Ashubha (Inauspicious) Namkarma: The text outlines the virtues like simplicity, humility, non-violence, and righteous conduct that lead to auspicious Namkarma, while arrogance, deceit, and violence lead to inauspicious Namkarma.

8. Sutrartha (Meaning of Sutras) (Pages 98-118):

• This section provides the pronunciation and meaning of several important Jain sutras (verses/chants) according to both the Mandir Margi (temple-worshipping) and Sthanakvasi (non-idol-worshipping) traditions.
  • Mandir Margi:
    • Sarvassavi Sutra: A prayer for expiation of daily transgressions.
    • Ichhami Thami Sutra: A prayer for Kayotsarga (meditative posture) and confession of transgressions.
    • Pukharvaradivaddhe Sutra: A devotional verse praising Tirthankaras and the Jain Dharma.
    • Siddhan Buddhan Sutra: A verse of salutation to the liberated souls (Siddhas) and omniscient ones (Buddhas).
    • Veyavachchagarana Sutra: A verse acknowledging and showing reverence to those who serve and support the Jain order.
    • Suguru Vandana Sutra: A prayer for respectful salutation to the Guru.
  • Sthanakvasi Tradition: This section includes the equivalent prayers and practices followed by the Sthanakvasi tradition.

9. Biographies of Great Souls (Pages 115-133):

• Acharya Shri Haribhadrasuri: A renowned scholar, philosopher, and influential figure who composed numerous works. His life story highlights his intellectual prowess, initial arrogance, eventual submission to Jain teachings under Sadhvi Yakini Mahattara, and his profound contribution to Jain literature, particularly his critical commentaries and works on Yoga.
• Sadhvi Sunanda: This narrative illustrates the powerful impact of attachment and the consequences of impure thoughts (mind and eye karma) and their karmic repercussions over multiple lifetimes, leading to suffering. It also highlights the transformative power of repentance and adherence to Jain principles for liberation.
• Paramarhat Maharaja Kumarpal: A righteous and devout king of Gujarat who, under the guidance of Acharya Hemachandrasuri, spread the principles of Ahimsa and Jainism throughout his kingdom. His life demonstrates deep devotion, adherence to vows, and the influence of a virtuous king on societal transformation.
• Anjana Sati: The story of Anjana and her husband Pavananjaya, filled with misunderstandings, separation, and eventual reunion, illustrates the long-term karmic consequences of past actions and the importance of purity of intention and faith in overcoming adversities.

10. Examination Rules (Page 135):

• Details regarding eligibility, exam centers, subjects (Parts 1-6), examination timing, grading system (categories of distinction), and certificate issuance.

In essence, "Jain Dharm Darshan Part 04" is a comprehensive guide that delves into the historical background, philosophical tenets, ethical codes, karmic principles, devotional practices, and the lives of exemplary figures within Jainism. It aims to provide a structured and accessible understanding of these concepts for students and practitioners.