Jain Dharm Vishayak Prashnottar

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided Gujarati text and catalog link for "Jain Dharm Vishayak Prashnottar" (Jain Dharma Regarding Questions and Answers) authored by Jain Atmanand Sabha.

Book Title: Jain Dharm Vishayak Prashnottar (Jain Dharma Regarding Questions and Answers) Author: Jain Atmanand Sabha (compiled/published by) Publisher: Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034862/1

Overall Purpose: "Jain Dharm Vishayak Prashnottar" is a question-and-answer format book designed to explain the core tenets, history, practices, and philosophy of Jainism. It aims to dispel ignorance and provide clear, accessible knowledge about the Jain faith for both followers and those seeking to understand it. The book emphasizes the importance of diligent study, contemplation, and practice of Jain teachings.

Key Themes and Content:

1. The Nature of Jainism:

   • The book clarifies that Jainism is an eternal religion, existing from time immemorial, distinct from and preceding other religions.
   • It highlights the importance of eradicating mithyatva (false beliefs/delusion) through knowledge, emphasizing the role of spiritual leaders like Pujya Guru Shri Vijayanandam Suri (Atmaramji) in authoring such beneficial works.

2. Core Jain Concepts Explained Through Q&A:

   • Jina and Jinshasan: It defines a Jina as one who has conquered internal enemies like raag (attachment), dwesh (aversion), krodh (anger), maan (pride), maya (deceit), and lobh (greed). Jinshasan is defined as the teachings and path prescribed by the Jinas, which leads to welfare.
   • The Essence of Jinshasan: The book states that the essence of Jinshasan is Acharyaang, and its essence is understanding its meaning, which leads to imparting it to others, ultimately leading to charitra (righteous conduct) and nirvana (liberation).
   • Tirthankaras: It details who Tirthankaras are, how they attain their status (through specific virtues and practices), their divine birth knowledge, their renunciation, their path to becoming Kevalis (omniscient beings), and their role in establishing the Jain path. It lists the twenty-four Tirthankaras of the current era and their parents.
   • The Nature of the Soul and Karma: The text delves into the soul's eternal nature, emphasizing it is neither created nor destroyed. It explains that karma, not an external God, is the cause of one's destiny and rebirth. It discusses the cycle of birth and death, the causes of rebirth, and the remedies to break this cycle.
   • Deities and Worship: It clarifies the nature of deities in Jainism, their role, and the nature of their worship. It specifically addresses the worship of Jina idols as a means to remember and venerate the qualities of the Tirthankaras, not as idol worship in a polytheistic sense.
   • Jain Cosmology and Geography: The book touches upon Jain cosmology, mentioning various regions like Mahavideha, and discusses the geographical expanse of Bharatkshetra.
   • The Life of Lord Mahavir: A significant portion is dedicated to Lord Mahavir, explaining his birth, names (Vir, Vardhaman, Mahavir, etc.), his parents, his renunciation, the obstacles (upargas) he faced, his penances, his attainment of Kevalgyan, his first and subsequent sermons, his disciples (Gansharas), his family, and his eventual nirvana. It clarifies the "unusual" nature of his first sermon, which was attended but did not yield immediate spiritual results for the listeners, calling it an "achera" (wonder).
   • Knowledge (Gyan): It classifies knowledge into five types: Matigyan, Shrutgyan, Avadhigyan, Manahparyavagyan, and Kevalgyan, briefly explaining their scope.
   • Pauropakar (Altruism): The book highlights the importance of doing good for others.
   • Caste System and Jainism: It addresses the existence of different castes within the Jain community, explaining that these social divisions are largely based on customs, professions, and historical circumstances rather than strict scriptural injunctions. It advocates for treating all Jains as brothers.
   • Jain Scriptures: It discusses the lineage of Jain scriptures, the challenges in their preservation due to calamities, and the efforts made by acharyas to compile and record them. It lists the 45 principal Agamas (scriptures) and their components (Mul Sutra, Niyukti, Bhashya, Churni, Tika), along with the estimated number of verses for each.
   • Theories of Creation vs. Jain Cosmology: The text refutes the idea of a creator God, explaining that the universe is eternal and operates according to natural laws of time, nature, destiny, karma, and conscious souls. It critiques the concept of a creator God, highlighting the contradictions and limitations that would arise.
   • Siddhis and Powers: It describes various siddhis (supernatural powers) and the conditions under which they manifest, emphasizing that these are generally attained through intense spiritual practices and are more prominent in earlier eras.
   • Comparison with Other Religions: The book draws comparisons with Buddhism and Brahminism, refuting claims that Jainism borrowed from them and asserting Jainism's antiquity and independent origin. It analyzes the lives of Buddha and his teachings, highlighting perceived inconsistencies and the adoption of certain concepts from Jainism by other traditions.
   • Historical Figures and Events: It mentions historical figures like King Kumarpal and his adherence to Jain vows, and the propagation of Jainism in various regions.

3. Structure and Presentation:

   • The book is structured as a series of questions and answers, making complex philosophical and historical information digestible.
   • It includes a detailed table of contents outlining the topics covered.
   • The language is primarily Gujarati, with some use of Sanskrit terms.
   • The text also includes a "Shuddhi Patra" (errata sheet) to correct any printing mistakes.

Key Takeaways:

• Emphasis on Knowledge and Practice: Jainism is presented as a path of knowledge, right conduct, and asceticism, with an emphasis on personal effort and spiritual discipline for liberation.
• Rejection of External Deities as Creators: The concept of an all-powerful creator God is rejected, with karma and the eternal nature of the universe being central to Jain philosophy.
• Historical Depth of Jainism: The book asserts the deep historical roots of Jainism, predating many other major religions, and showcases the contributions of Jain acharyas in preserving and disseminating its teachings.
• Ethical Foundation: The core principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), chastity (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha) are implicitly and explicitly emphasized.
• Value of Scriptures: The immense body of Jain scriptures is presented as invaluable, despite the challenges of preservation over time.

In essence, "Jain Dharm Vishayak Prashnottar" serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding Jainism, addressing fundamental questions and providing a foundation for spiritual growth and adherence to Jain principles.