Jain Dharma

The provided Jain text, "Jain Dharma" by Bhadrabahuvijay, published by Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust, Mehsana, is a comprehensive guide to Jainism. The book aims to provide a holistic understanding of Jainism to a general audience, covering its core principles, practices, philosophy, and history.

Here's a summary of the key sections and themes covered in the text:

Core Concepts and Philosophy:

• What is Dharma? The text begins by defining dharma not as a sect, sect, or scripture but as the inherent nature of things. It quotes Lord Mahavir's definition: "Vastu sahāvo Dhammo" (Dharma is the nature of a thing). Dharma is described as an ethical code and ideology that elevates life and purifies the soul.
• What is Jain Dharma? It explains that "Jain" refers to followers of Jinas (victors over inner enemies like passion and hatred). Jain Dharma is the path of self-discipline and spiritual liberation shown by the Jinas. It is also known by other names like Arihant Dharma, Anekant Darshan (philosophy of multi-sidedness), and Vitrag Dharma (path of the passionless).
• The Identity of 'Jin': Jinas are defined as those who have conquered internal enemies like attachment (raag) and aversion (dwesh). Other names for Jinas include Arihant (destroyer of inner enemies), Arhat (worthy of worship), Vitrag (free from attachment and aversion), Sarvagna (omniscient), and Parmesthi (one who has attained the highest state of liberation).
• The Development of Jainism: Jainism is presented as an independent and ancient religion with its own unique philosophy and principles, not borrowed from elsewhere. Its origins are traced back to the fundamental principles of time itself, suggesting it is an eternal religion.
• Time Cycles (Kal-Chakra): The text describes the cosmic time cycle as comprising two phases: Avsarpini (descending cycle of time) and Utsarpini (ascending cycle of time). Each cycle is divided into six 'Aaras' (periods), each with decreasing or increasing qualities of happiness, lifespan, strength, etc. The current era is described as the fifth Aara of Avsarpini, characterized by suffering.
• Tirtha and Tirthankara: Tirthankaras are revered as those who establish the fourfold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen). The text clarifies that Tirthankaras are not avatars of God but spiritually advanced souls who attain that status through their own efforts. It mentions that 24 Tirthankaras appear in each half-cycle of time, with Lord Rishabhdev being the first and Lord Mahavir the last Tirthankara of the current Avsarpini period.
• Lord Mahavir: It details Lord Mahavir's birth, his worldly name Vardhaman, his renunciation at age 20, his 12.5 years of ascetic practice, attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience), establishment of the Jain Sangha, and his final liberation (Maha-nirvana).
• The Royal Road of Sadhana (Spiritual Practice): The path of spiritual practice is divided into two: Sarvavirati Dharma (the path of complete renunciation for ascetics) and Deshvirati Dharma (the path of partial renunciation for householders).

Practices and Lifestyle:

• Sarvavirati Dharma (Monastic Life): Jain monks and nuns take five great vows (Mahavratas): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession). The text elaborates on the strict adherence to these vows, including specific rules about touching, eating, and possessions.
• Deshvirati Dharma (Lay Life): Lay followers (Shravakas and Shravikas) practice limited vows (Anuvratas), supplemented by vows of quality (Gunavratas) and vows of training (Shikshavratas). The text details the 12 vows of a lay follower, including their sub-vows and transgressions (Aticharas). It also outlines 14 rules (Niyamas) and 6 essential daily duties (Aavashyakas).
• Fasting and Diet (Aahar Samhita): The text emphasizes the importance of fasting (Tapa) and adhering to strict dietary regulations. It explains the six types of external and six types of internal austerities. It details specific dietary practices like avoiding food after sunset, consuming boiled water, avoiding certain foods (like root vegetables, double-hearted grains), and the rationale behind them from both religious and health perspectives.
• Daily Rituals: It describes daily practices like prayer (morning and evening), chanting (Japa), and meditation (Dhyana). It lists the 18 types of sins (Pap-Sthanak) to be avoided.
• Virtues of a Layperson: The text lists 21 qualities of a virtuous layperson and 35 virtues for a moral life (Margaanusari Guno).

Jain Institutions and Festivals:

• Jain Institutions: It discusses various Jain institutions like Derasars (temples), Upashrayas (monastic dwellings), Gyan Mandirs (libraries), Jain Pathshalas (schools), Ayambil Shalas (places for performing specific austerities), Jain Panjrapoles (animal shelters), and Jain Dharamshalas and Bhojanshalas (pilgrim accommodations and dining halls).
• Jain Festivals: A significant portion is dedicated to explaining Jain festivals, including Paryushana Parva (the most important festival of self-purification), Navpad Oli (worship of the nine supreme entities), Mahavir Jayanti, Deepavali (celebrating Lord Mahavir's nirvana), Bhai Beej, and Gyan Panchami. It also describes various Jain celebrations and rituals like Snata Mahotsav (ritual bathing of deities), Atthai Mahotsav (eight-day festivals), and Anjanshalaka Pratishtha Mahotsav (consecration ceremonies).

Jain Philosophy and Cosmology:

• Jain Philosophy (Tattva-Jnana): The text delves into the core philosophical concepts, including the "Tripadi" (three principles of existence: origination, cessation, and continuity), the concept of the universe as eternal and uncreated by any God, the nature of God as an embodied soul who has attained liberation, and the central role of Karma.
• The Nine Tattvas (Nava-Tattva): It explains the nine fundamental principles of Jainism: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punya (merit), Papa (demerit), Aasrava (influx of karma), Samvara (cessation of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).
• Karma Philosophy: It provides a detailed explanation of the eight types of karma (Jnanavaraniya, Darshanavaraniya, Mohaniya, Antaraya, Vedaniya, Ayushya, Gotra, and Namakarama) and their effects on the soul. It also outlines how karma is bound and how liberation is achieved.
• Leshya (Disposition of Mind): The text explains the six types of Leshyas (mental states or colors) – Krishan, Neel, Kapot, Tejo, Padma, and Shukla – and their correlation with actions and future births. It highlights the scientific basis of color therapy and its connection to Leshya.
• Rebirth (Punarjanma): The belief in reincarnation is explained as the transmigration of the soul based on accumulated karma. It also touches upon the concept of "Jatismaran Jnana" (memory of past lives).
• Five Co-efficients of Existence (Panch Samavaya): It discusses the five principles that influence events: Kala (time), Swabhava (nature), Niyati (destiny), Karma (action), and Purusharth (effort).
• Logic and Epistemology (Pramana and Nay): It explains the Jain systems of logic and knowledge, including the seven Nayas (standpoints) and the four Pramanas (means of valid knowledge).
• Syadvada (Anekantavada): The doctrine of multi-sidedness and conditional predication is presented as a unique contribution of Jainism to philosophy, emphasizing that truth is relative and dependent on perspective.
• Aadhyātmaroahaṇ (Spiritual Ascent/Stages of Spiritual Progress): It describes the 14 stages of spiritual progress (Gunasthana) that a soul undergoes in its journey towards liberation.
• Jain Literature: It highlights the vastness and diversity of Jain literature, categorizing it into Agam and Agam-bahya literature. It mentions the importance of the Agamas, the commentaries, and other scriptures.
• Representative Jain Texts: It specifically points out the significance of "Shri Tattvartha Sutra" as a representative Jain scripture that synthesizes Jain philosophy.
• Jain Luminaries: It pays tribute to the contributions of prominent Jain monks, nuns, and lay followers throughout history.
• Jain Sects: It briefly explains the two main sects of Jainism: Shvetambara (white-clad) and Digambara (sky-clad), along with their sub-sects like Sthanakvasi and Terapanth, and outlines their key differences in practice and belief.

The book's structure is logical, moving from foundational concepts to detailed practices, philosophical insights, historical context, and literary heritage, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand Jainism. The inclusion of a detailed table of contents (Vishay Nirdesh) listing over 131 subjects demonstrates the book's extensive coverage.