Jain Dharm Ek Zalak

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jain Dharm Ek Jhalak" by Anekant Kumar Jain:

Book Title: Jain Dharm Ek Jhalak (Jain Dharma: A Glimpse) Author: Dr. Anekant Kumar Jain Publisher: Shantisagar Smruti Granthmala (and Shrut Samvardhan Sansthan, Meerut)

Overall Purpose: "Jain Dharm Ek Jhalak" aims to provide a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the Jain religion and philosophy. It is written in simple language to be accessible to both Jains and non-Jains, educated individuals, and the general public. The book serves as an introductory guide, aiming to illuminate the core principles, history, and significance of Jainism.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Jainism as a Religion for the 21st Century: The book begins by highlighting testimonials from prominent figures like Bernard Shaw and Rev. Father. They suggest that Jainism, with its philosophical depth and emphasis on a way of life rather than just rituals, is poised to be the religion of the 21st century. It's presented as a "philosophy of living" and an "open university" offering solutions to human suffering and global upliftment through its unique principles.

2. Influence and Originality: The text emphasizes the profound impact of Jainism, particularly the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) advocated by Lord Mahavir, on Indian thought. It cites scholars like Devrishi Kalanaath Shastri and Dr. Herman Jacobi, who attest to Jainism's originality and its distinctiveness from other religions, making it crucial for understanding ancient Indian philosophical and religious life.

3. The Nature of Dharma (Religion): The book defines Dharma as that which liberates from suffering and leads to ultimate happiness. It describes Dharma as Ahimsa, compassion, ethical conduct, right faith, duty, the natural state of an object, and ultimately, supreme conduct. Jain Dharma is presented as eternal, scientific, and empowering, believing each soul has the potential to become divine. It rejects the idea of a creator God, emphasizing self-reliance and personal karma.

4. Core Principles for Global Peace: The text asserts that principles like Ahimsa, truth, non-stealing (Achaurya), non-possession (Aparigraha), and Anekantavada (non-absolutism/multi-sidedness) are essential for global peace in the modern era.

5. Historical Context and Jainism's Origins:

   • First and Last Tirthankaras: The book mentions Lord Rishabhdev as the first Tirthankara and Lord Mahavir as the last, with an image of Rishabhdev from the British Museum.
   • Ancient Roots: It highlights Jainism's deep antiquity, predating the Vedic period. Evidence cited includes yoga-like figures from the Indus Valley Civilization and mentions of Rishabhdev and Arishtanemi in the Rigveda, as well as narratives in the Bhagavata and Vishnu Purana.
   • Founder: Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara, is described as re-establishing the Jain way of life millions of years ago in the "Karma Bhoomi" (land of action) after the end of the "Bhoga Bhoomi" (land of enjoyment). He taught agriculture, trades, arts, and sciences, emphasizing effort and righteous living. After ruling, he renounced his kingdom and became a Digambara monk, achieving omniscience (Kevalgyan) and teaching the path to liberation (Mokshamarga).
   • Bharatvarsha: The country is named "Bharatvarsha" after Lord Rishabhdev's eldest son, Bharat, who conquered six continents. India was also known as "Ajnabarsh" after Rishabhdev's father, Nabhi. The 57-foot statue of Bhagwan Bahubali (Bharat's brother) in Shravanabelagola is mentioned.

6. The Tirthankara Tradition:

   • 24 Tirthankaras: The text outlines the lineage of 24 Tirthankaras, each of whom re-established the Jain Dharma.
   • Key Tirthankara Terms: It clarifies the distinctions between Jinendra, Arihant, Tirthankara, and Siddha.
     • Jinendra: One who has conquered their senses (a general term applicable to all Arhats, Tirthankaras, and Siddhas).
     • Arihant: One who has destroyed the four Ghatiya (destroyable) karmas and attained omniscience.
     • Tirthankara: An Arihant who, due to special Tirthankara name-karma, establishes and propagates the "Tirtha" (path of liberation) and holds religious assemblies (Samavasharan). There are 24 Tirthankaras.
     • Siddha: One who has destroyed all eight karmas, attained liberation, and resides in the liberated soul's abode (Siddhashila) in a formless, eternal state of bliss, omniscience, and omnipotence.
   • Lord Mahavir: Lord Mahavir is identified as the 24th and last Tirthankara, born around 599 BCE. He is not the founder but the propagator of the ancient Jain Dharma. His teachings were delivered in Prakrit, the language of the masses, a linguistic innovation.

7. Jainism as a Religion, Not a Caste: The book strongly refutes the notion that Jainism is a caste. It is a universal religion open to all beings, regardless of species or social standing, emphasizing that adherence is based on principles and conduct, not birth. Even animals can attain spiritual realization.

8. Jainism and Hinduism: The text distinguishes between "Hindu Culture" (derived from the Indus civilization) and "Hindu Dharma." While Jain culture is intrinsically part of Hindu culture (as both originated in India), Jain Dharma is presented as an independent and distinct religion, separate from Vedic traditions. The political co-opting of Jainism into a broader "Hindu" identity is critically examined.

9. Sects: Digambara and Shvetambara: The two major sects, Digambara (sky-clad, representing total renunciation) and Shvetambara (white-clad), are explained as arising from circumstances, particularly a famine around 160 years after Mahavir's Nirvana. The Digambaras maintained the practice of nudity as originally taught, while the Shvetambaras adopted white clothing due to hardship and adherence to a different interpretation of the scriptures. Despite differences in practice, both sects share fundamental philosophical tenets. Sub-sects within Digambara (Terapanth, Bispanth, Taranpanth) and Shvetambara (Murti-pujak, Sthanakvasi, Terapanth) are briefly mentioned.

10. Jain Agam Literature: The vastness and importance of Jain scriptures (Agam) are discussed, composed in Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsha, and Hindi. The transmission of Mahavir's teachings through an oral tradition (Shruta Parampara) is explained, followed by its eventual codification into written texts. The divergence in the acceptance of scriptures between Digambara (who believe most original Agams are lost, with Shatkhandagama and Kashayapahuda preserving key elements) and Shvetambara (who believe their 11 Angas and other texts are the original teachings) is highlighted.

11. Key Jain Texts: Important introductory texts for understanding Jainism are listed, including:

    • Tattvartha Sutra by Acharya Umaswami
    • Ratnakarand Shravakachara by Acharya Samantabhadra
    • Dravya Sangraha by Nemichandra Siddhantichakravarti
    • Pariksha Mukha Sutra by Acharya Manikyanandi
    • Samana Suttam (compiled) Modern influential books are also recommended.

12. Mantra and Prayer: The Namokar Mahamantra (Navkar Mantra) is presented as the central and most sacred mantra in Jainism, revering the virtues of Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus. It is unique for not praising any specific person but rather the inherent qualities of enlightened beings. The Meri Bhavna prayer by Pt. Jugalkishor Mukhtar is also included as a beautiful expression of devotion and ethical aspiration.

13. Six Substances (Shat-dravya) and World Order: Jain philosophy posits that the universe is eternal, uncreated, and indestructible, composed of six fundamental substances (dravyas):

    • Jiva (Soul): Sentient beings, possessing consciousness.
    • Ajiva (Non-soul/Inert Matter):
      • Pudgala (Matter): Possesses touch, taste, smell, and color.
      • Dharma (Medium of Motion): Aids in motion.
      • Adharma (Medium of Rest): Aids in rest.
      • Akasha (Space): Provides room for substances.
      • Kala (Time): Facilitates change and evolution. Jainism asserts that no external creator God exists; the universe operates according to its own inherent laws.

14. The Path to Liberation: Ratnatraya (Three Jewels): Liberation (Moksha) is achieved through the combined practice of:

    • Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): Firm conviction in the existence and nature of the soul and other truths as expounded by the Jinas.
    • Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge): Accurate and complete knowledge of reality, free from doubt and error.
    • Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Living in accordance with the teachings, practicing vows, and controlling passions and senses. These three are collectively called the Ratnatraya (Three Jewels).

15. Seven Truths (Sapta-tattva) and the Method of Liberation: Jainism explains the process of worldly existence and liberation through seven fundamental truths:

    • Jiva: Soul.
    • Ajiva: Non-soul (matter and other inert substances).
    • Asrava: Influx of karmas into the soul due to passions and activities.
    • Bandha: Bondage of karmas to the soul.
    • Samvara: Cessation of karmic influx through restraint and vows.
    • Nirjara: Shedding of accumulated karmas through austerities.
    • Moksha: Liberation from all karmas and attainment of the soul's pure, blissful state.

16. Anuvrata (Minor Vows): The text details the five Anuvrata (minor vows) undertaken by householders: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Achaurya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession). These are partial observances of the Mahavrata (major vows) practiced by monks and nuns. The concept of Ahimsa is explored in depth, differentiating between Bhava Hinsa (mental violence) and Dravya Hinsa (physical violence), with the former being considered more significant.

17. Anekanta and Syadvada (The Core of Jain Philosophy):

    • Anekanta (Multi-sidedness): This principle states that reality is multifaceted, and no single viewpoint can grasp the entirety of truth. It encourages considering multiple perspectives, fostering tolerance and understanding.
    • Syadvada (Conditional Predication): This is the linguistic expression of Anekanta. It asserts that all statements about reality are conditional, qualified by context and perspective, often expressed through the Saptabhangi (seven-fold predication) system (e.g., "Syadasti" - in some way it exists, "Syadnasti" - in some way it does not exist, etc.).
    • Naya (Standpoint): Naya refers to specific standpoints or approaches used to understand different aspects of reality, acknowledging that a complete understanding requires integrating multiple Nayas.

18. Heaven and Hell (Lokas): Jain cosmology describes a universe divided into three realms: the Upper World (Urdhva Loka / Heaven), the Middle World (Madhya Loka / Earthly realm), and the Lower World (Adho Loka / Hell). Souls are born into these realms based on their karmic balance. However, Jainism views all worldly existence, including heavens, as temporary and ultimately part of the cycle of suffering. The ultimate goal is liberation (Moksha), transcending all these realms.

19. Dshalakshan Dharma (Ten Spiritual Qualities): The ten days of the Dashlakshan festival are dedicated to cultivating the soul's innate qualities: Uttam Kshama (supreme forgiveness), Uttam Mardava (supreme humility), Uttam Arjava (supreme straightforwardness), Uttam Satya (supreme truth), Uttam Shaucha (supreme purity), Uttam Samyama (supreme self-control), Uttam Tapa (supreme austerity), Uttam Tyaga (supreme renunciation), Uttam Akinchanya (supreme non-attachment), and Uttam Brahmacharya (supreme chastity).

20. Barah Bhavna (Twelve Reflections): These are contemplative practices aimed at developing detachment and spiritual understanding: Anitya (impermanence), Asharana (helplessness), Samsara (cycle of birth and death), Ekatva (aloneness), Anyatva (otherness), Ashuchi (impurity), Asrava (influx of karma), Samvara (cessation of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Loka (the universe), Bodhi Durlabha (rarity of spiritual awakening), and Dharma (righteousness).

21. Karma Science: The book explains Jainism's intricate Karma theory, where actions create karmic particles that attach to the soul, influencing present and future experiences. It details the eight types of karmas and their effects on knowledge, perception, feelings, lifespan, physical form, social status, and obstacles. The emphasis is on personal responsibility for one's destiny through one's own actions.

22. The Nature of the Human Mind and Gunasthana (Soul Stages): Jain philosophy categorizes the soul's spiritual progression into 14 stages (Gunasthana), outlining the development from ignorance and delusion (Mithyatva) to omniscience and liberation (Samyog/Ayog Kevali). This provides a scientific framework for spiritual evolution.

23. Jain Festivals: Various Jain festivals are described, including Mahavir Jayanti, Rishabhdev Jayanti, Dipavali (commemorating Mahavir's Nirvana), Raksha Bandhan (related to the protection of monks), Shruta Panchami (celebrating the compilation of scriptures), Akshaya Tritiya, Dashlakshan, Kshama Vani (day of forgiveness), and Ashtahnika.

24. Atheism vs. Theism: The book addresses the misconception that Jainism is atheistic. It clarifies that Jainism does not believe in a creator God but reveres Arihants and Siddhas as perfected souls (Paramatma). It argues that the definition of "atheist" based on rejecting a creator God is insufficient, and Jainism's acceptance of the soul, afterlife, and karma makes it fundamentally theistic in its own way.

25. The Art of Dying: Sallekhana: Jainism offers a unique perspective on death, viewing it not as an end but as a transition. Sallekhana (also known as Santhara, Samadhimarana) is a practice of voluntary, mindful, and equanimous fasting and renunciation of worldly attachments towards the end of life, seen as a dignified and spiritually significant departure, distinct from suicide.

26. Jain Yoga: The ancient tradition of Jain yoga is highlighted, emphasizing meditation, Kayotsarga (a posture of self-observation), and spiritual discipline as taught by Tirthankaras like Rishabhdev and Mahavir. This yoga focuses on achieving Ahimsa and Samvara (karma stoppage).

Conclusion: "Jain Dharm Ek Jhalak" successfully presents Jainism as a profound, ancient, and relevant philosophy and way of life. It emphasizes its scientific approach to ethics, spirituality, and cosmology, offering practical guidance for achieving personal peace and contributing to global harmony. The book serves as an accessible gateway for anyone seeking to understand this rich tradition.