Jain Dharm Ka Jivan Sandesh - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jain Dharm Ka Jivan Sandesh" by Devendramuni:

Book Title: Jain Dharm Ka Jivan Sandesh (The Life Message of Jainism) Author: Upacharya Devendramuni Publisher: Shri Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay, Udaipur

This book, authored by Upacharya Devendramuni, presents the core life-affirming principles of Jainism as a message for humanity. It emphasizes that life's true essence lies not in isolation but in interconnectedness and mutual upliftment.

Key Themes and Life Messages:

Interdependence and Mutual Help (Parasp-opagraho Jivanam): The fundamental message of Jainism, derived from the sutra "Parasp-opagraho Jivanam" (Jivas help each other), is that all living beings are interconnected and mutually supportive. This is illustrated by the example of the human body exhaling carbon dioxide, which plants utilize, and plants releasing oxygen, essential for human and animal life. Water supports vegetation, and vegetation enriches the land, demonstrating a universal cycle of mutual benefit.
"Live and Let Live" (Jio Aur Jine Do): Lord Mahavir's principle of treating everyone as oneself ("Ay tules payasu") is interpreted not just as refraining from causing harm but actively supporting others to live a happy and prosperous life. This message encourages harmonious coexistence and mutual assistance.
The Vastness of Life and Human Responsibility: Life permeates the universe, from flowing rivers to gentle breezes. Humans, with their superior intellect and capable bodies, have a special responsibility to cooperate with and protect all living beings, avoiding their destruction. This aligns with principles found in other religious texts, such as the Quran, emphasizing the use and protection of Earth's resources.
The Multifaceted Nature of Human Life and Jainism's Relevance: Unlike other creatures that primarily live on a physical level, humans live on physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual planes. Jainism provides a comprehensive life message to guide this complex existence, promoting not just living but living a pleasant, prosperous, and elevated life, seeking respect and recognition in society.
The Three Jewels (Ratnatraya): Right Knowledge, Right Faith, Right Conduct: These are paramount in Jainism for both spiritual and practical life. They are self-illuminating and bring light to one's life and conduct. This concept is compared to a gem that shines on its own, illuminating the life. It emphasizes the need to integrate knowledge, faith, and action in all aspects of life, just as a successful doctor needs knowledge, belief in their diagnosis, and the ability to apply treatment.
Morality and Religiosity: Jainism bases morality and religiosity on Ahimsa (Non-violence). Truth, non-stealing, and celibacy are considered essential for the completeness of Ahimsa. Truthfulness is important, but it must be free from causing pain or harm, meaning truth that is hurtful is not considered true Jain truth. Ahimsa is seen as mental purity and gentleness of heart, which naturally leads to pure speech, actions, and senses.
Environmental Protection and Pollution Prevention: The book strongly connects Jain principles to environmental concerns. It highlights how human actions, driven by materialism and consumerism, lead to pollution of land, water, and air. The text draws a direct link between these actions and ecological imbalance, natural disasters, and the depletion of natural resources. Jainism's emphasis on Ahimsa, even towards microscopic life forms (like in earth, water, fire, air, and plants), inherently prevents pollution. It advocates for the protection and preservation of all life forms.
Mental and Verbal Pollution: Beyond environmental pollution, the book addresses mental pollution caused by negative thoughts like envy and anger. It emphasizes that thoughts have powerful vibrations that affect others. Similarly, verbal pollution arises from harsh, rude, or divisive speech. Jainism advocates for sweet, constructive, and considerate speech, avoiding negativity that creates conflict.
Noise Pollution: The book also identifies noise pollution from vehicles, machinery, and media as a form of pollution that negatively impacts well-being and hearing.
Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): This is presented as another crucial life message. It means limiting one's possessions and attachments. True non-possession is about detachment of the mind from possessions, not necessarily renouncing them entirely. Greed and excessive desire are seen as the root of suffering. Contentment is the antidote to greed. Accumulation of wealth by a few creates scarcity for many, leading to social unrest.
Anagraha (Non-insistence/Respect for Others' Views): This principle emphasizes simplicity and openness in presenting one's beliefs or views without forcing them on others. It respects individual autonomy and decision-making. Insistence and forceful persuasion lead to conflict, while Anagraha fosters peace and mutual respect. This is likened to the scientific approach of understanding different perspectives.
Anekanta (Multi-perspectivism/Syadvada): This is presented as a unique contribution of Jainism to the world's philosophical thought. Anekanta recognizes that reality is multifaceted, and truth depends on perspective. Syadvada (the mode of expression of Anekanta) means speaking from a particular viewpoint. This principle helps resolve conflicts and understand complex issues by acknowledging multiple valid perspectives. The example of a child understanding relative size illustrates this concept.
Samata (Equanimity/Balance): This message emphasizes treating all beings equally, eliminating the concepts of high/low, big/small. It fosters a sense of universal brotherhood ("Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - the world is one family). Samata protects individuals from pride and inferiority complexes, promoting inner stability and reducing envy, hatred, and conflict. It advocates for facing happiness and sorrow with equanimity.
Karma Theory (Karmana Siddhanta): Jainism views karma as energy that attaches to the soul due to actions, producing results. Good actions lead to good karma and positive results, while bad actions lead to negative karma and suffering. This doctrine emphasizes personal responsibility for one's actions ("You reap what you sow"). It acts as a moral compass, encouraging ethical behavior, and fosters patience and resilience in the face of adversity. It helps individuals remain humble in times of happiness and hopeful in times of distress.
Self-Reliance and Liberation (Atma-swatantrya): The ultimate message is that the soul (Atma) is its own master and has the potential to become divine (Paramatma) through self-effort and the practice of the Three Jewels. This is achieved by shedding karmic impurities. Unlike some other philosophies that rely on divine grace, Jainism emphasizes individual effort and the inherent power of the soul for liberation.
Addiction-Free Life (Vyasan-mukt Jeevan): Jainism strongly advocates for a life free from addictions (gambling, meat-eating, alcohol, hunting, theft, etc.). Addictions are depicted as pitfalls that lead to ruin, causing physical, mental, and social degradation. The book outlines seven major vices and warns against their destructive consequences.

Conclusion:

The book concludes by reiterating that while Jainism is primarily a path to spiritual liberation (Moksha) and its core principle is Ahimsa, its scope is vast, encompassing every aspect of life, from micro-thoughts to macro-actions. The message of "Live and Let Live" is central, promoting cooperation not only among living beings but also with the inanimate world. Jainism offers practical solutions for pollution, ethical living, health (through practices like fasting), conflict resolution (through Anagraha and Anekanta), social order (through Aparigraha), and ultimately, a happy and fulfilling life for all humanity.