Jain Dharm Evam Sahitya Ka Sankshipta Itihas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharm evam Sahitya ka Sankshipta Itihas" by Sagarmal Jain, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Dharm evam Sahitya ka Sankshipta Itihas (A Brief History of Jainism and Jain Literature) Author: Dr. Sagarmal Jain Publisher: Prachya Vidyapith, Shajapur (M.P.) Publication Year: 2014-15

This book, part of the Prachya Vidyapith Granthamala series, aims to provide a concise historical overview of Jainism and its associated literature. Dr. Sagarmal Jain, an acclaimed scholar in Jain studies, authored this work with significant effort. The book is praised for its fluid, simple, and easily understandable language, making it accessible to a broad audience.

Core Themes and Arguments:

The book delves into several critical aspects of Jainism, its philosophy, and its historical development:

1. The Modern Human Predicament and the Role of Religion:

   • The author begins by highlighting the contemporary human condition characterized by restlessness, stress, and internal conflict, despite advancements in intellectual development and material comforts.
   • He argues that scientific progress and material wealth have failed to address humanity's spiritual, mental, and social deficiencies.
   • Modern education, while vast, hasn't curbed selfishness and materialistic desires.
   • Increased connectivity has paradoxically led to emotional distance between people, often fueled by religious, caste, or sectarian divides.
   • Humanity's aggressive tendencies, amplified by destructive weaponry, pose an existential threat.
   • The book critiques the superficiality of modern civilization, where artificiality and pretense mask inner turmoil and primal instincts.
   • It posits that humanity is at a critical juncture, needing to create a "new spiritual human" rather than reverting to a primitive past.

2. Spirituality vs. Materialism:

   • The book argues that a materialistic worldview is inadequate for resolving human suffering because it views humans primarily as developed social animals, neglecting their spiritual nature.
   • Jainism, conversely, recognizes humanity's potential for intellect and self-control.
   • Materialism posits that fulfillment lies in satisfying physical and psychological needs, making the pursuit of possessions a primary goal, leading to social ills like theft, exploitation, and conflict.
   • Jainism advocates for an spiritual perspective, where true happiness is found within oneself, not in external objects.

3. The Root of Suffering: Attachment (Mamatva/Aasakti):

   • Lord Mahavir's teachings are presented, emphasizing that the root of all suffering (physical and mental) is attachment (kama-anusiddhi) and possessiveness (mamatva-buddhi).
   • Jainism, like many other religions, identifies attachment, desire, and possessiveness as the cause of suffering.
   • To alleviate humanity's problems (selfishness, violence, exploitation), a shift in perspective is needed, recognizing that material comforts are not life's ultimate goal.

4. The Nature of Dharma (Religion/Duty):

   • The book explores the multifaceted meaning of "dharma," differentiating between the inherent nature of an object (vastusvabhava), duty (kartavya), and faith/belief (shraddha).
   • The Jain definition of dharma as "vastusvabhava" (the inherent nature of a thing) is central. This means one's true dharma is one's own nature.
   • Dharma is distinguished from "adharma" (non-dharma) by identifying natural, inherent qualities (like water's coolness) versus acquired or external influences (like water becoming hot when heated).
   • The author uses the example of anger versus peace to illustrate this: anger is external and dependent on causes, while peace is inherent and can be cultivated by shedding external influences.
   • Therefore, peace (shanti) is presented as the human swadharma (own dharma), while anger (krodh) is considered vidharma (adharma).

5. The Human Being: Two Dimensions and the Path to Religion:

   • Human existence is described as two-dimensional: body and consciousness (cheta). The essence of existence lies in consciousness, which transforms a "body" into a "living being."
   • True dharma is derived from the nature of consciousness, which is defined as "samattva" (equanimity/balance).
   • Samattva is presented as a fundamental characteristic of conscious life, promoting internal and external balance.
   • Activities that create disturbance and tension in consciousness are considered adharma, while those that reduce or eliminate them are dharma.
   • The book concludes that peace, equanimity, and freedom from desire and worry are the true hallmarks of religious life.

6. The Historical Evolution of Jainism and its Interplay with Other Traditions:

   • The book emphasizes that Jainism is a living and dynamic religion, subject to historical and temporal changes, contrary to the belief that it has remained static.
   • It traces the origins of Jainism within the broader "Shraman" or "Arhat" tradition, which also includes Buddhism. This tradition focuses on renunciation and liberation from worldly suffering.
   • The author notes the significant influence of the Shraman tradition on Indian religions, including Upanishadic and Sankhya-Yoga streams within Hinduism.
   • The term "Jain" itself is relatively recent, with earlier terms like "Nirgranth Dharma" and "Arhat Dharma" being used.
   • The book highlights the deep integration and mutual influence between the Vedic (Pravartak - those who initiate action) and Shraman (Nivartak - those who desist) traditions throughout Indian history.
   • It discusses how the Vedic tradition, initially focused on rituals and worldly prosperity, absorbed elements of renunciation, asceticism, and liberation from the Shraman tradition, particularly from the Upanishadic period onwards.
   • Conversely, Jainism and Buddhism also absorbed elements from the Vedic tradition, including rituals, deities, and philosophical concepts over time.
   • The book argues against viewing Jainism and Buddhism as purely antagonistic to Vedic traditions, emphasizing their shared roots and syncretic development within the broader Indian cultural fabric.

7. The Historical Development of Jain Practices and Sects:

   • The text traces the historical evolution of Jain practices, including the development of idol worship, the influence of Vedic rituals, and the emergence of various monastic orders and traditions (e.g., Digambara, Shvetambara, Yapaniya).
   • It discusses the historical context of the Caste system (Varna Vyavastha) and its influence on Jainism, noting how Jainism initially rejected it but later, under societal pressure, incorporated elements of it.
   • The book touches upon the impact of Islam on Jainism, leading to the rise of "amurti-pujak" (iconoclastic) movements like Sthanakvasi and Terapanth, which opposed idol worship and elaborate rituals.
   • It also highlights the significant literary contributions of Jain scholars in Prakrit and Sanskrit, covering a wide range of subjects from scriptures and commentaries to philosophy, grammar, poetry, and history.

Key Takeaways:

• Holistic Approach to Life: Jainism, as presented, offers a comprehensive approach to life that addresses the modern crisis by integrating spiritual and ethical principles with practical living.
• Inner Transformation: The emphasis is on inner transformation, detachment, and self-awareness as the path to liberation from suffering, rather than external rituals or material pursuits.
• Interconnectedness of Traditions: The book underscores the interconnectedness of Jainism with other Indian spiritual and philosophical traditions, highlighting its role in shaping and being shaped by the broader cultural landscape.
• Dharma as Inherent Nature: The core definition of dharma as the inherent nature of an entity provides a universal and practical framework for understanding one's true duty and purpose.
• Dynamic Nature of Religion: Jainism's history is presented as a continuous process of adaptation, reform, and intellectual engagement, demonstrating its resilience and relevance across centuries.

In essence, "Jain Dharm evam Sahitya ka Sankshipta Itihas" by Dr. Sagarmal Jain serves as an insightful and accessible guide to understanding the foundational principles, philosophical depth, and historical journey of Jainism, emphasizing its enduring relevance to contemporary human challenges.