Jain Dharma Darshan Ek Samikshatmak Parichay - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharma Darshan Ek Samikshatmak Parichay" by Dr. Mohanlal Mehta, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Dharma Darshan Ek Samikshatmak Parichay (Jain Religion and Philosophy: A Critical Introduction) Author: Dr. Mohanlal Mehta Publisher: Seth Mutha Chhaganlal Memorial Foundation, Bangalore Publication Year: 1999

Overall Scope: This book, "Jain Dharma Darshan Ek Samikshatmak Parichay," authored by the renowned Jain scholar Dr. Mohanlal Mehta, aims to provide a critical and comprehensive introduction to Jainism. It covers a vast range of topics within Jainism, from its historical origins and philosophical tenets to its rich literary tradition and ethical practices. The book is structured into seven main chapters, each delving into specific aspects of Jainism, supplemented by a collection of essays on related subjects.

Key Aspects and Chapters:

Historical Introduction to Jain Tradition:
- Explores the historical lineage of Jainism, highlighting its ancient roots, separate from Vedic traditions.
- Discusses the influence of both Brahmin and Shraman cultures on Indian civilization.
- Examines the antiquity of Jain culture, linking it to the Indus Valley civilization, and points to the presence of image worship and nudity as early features.
- Addresses the concept of "Arhats" and their followers, the "Vratyas," who practiced an independent, non-Vedic religion.
- Traces the historical progression of Jainism, mentioning key figures like Parshvanath, Neminath, Mahavir, and rulers like Kharavel.
- Explains the origins and differences between the Digambar and Shwetambar traditions.
Literature of Jain Religion and Philosophy:
- Provides an overview of the vast Jain literary corpus, starting with the Agamas (sacred scriptures).
- Discusses various commentaries and important texts like the Karmapraabhrita, Kashayapraabhrita, Dhavala, Jayadhavala, and Tattvarthasutra.
- Highlights the contributions of prominent Jain scholars like Siddhasena, Samantabhadra, Mallavadi, Akalanka, Haribhadra, Vidyānanda, Shakatayana, and Hemachandra.
Metaphysical System of Jain Philosophy:
- This extensive chapter (pages 95-245) delves into the core metaphysical principles of Jainism.
- Indian Thought Currents: Discusses the two major currents of Indian thought – Brahmin and Shraman – and the significance of the Shraman tradition.
- Nature of Worldly Existence (Lok Sat): Explains the Jain perspective on the nature of the world.
- Substance and Its Modes (Dravya and Paryaya): Discusses the fundamental Jain concept of substance and its transformations.
- Non-Difference within Difference (Bhedabhedvad): Explores the principle of unity within diversity.
- Classification of Substances: Details the categorization of substances.
- Spiritual and Material Souls (Rūpī and Arūpī): Discusses the nature of the soul and its distinction from matter.
- Independent Existence of the Soul (Ātmā kā svatantra astitva): Affirms the soul's separate and enduring existence.
- Nature of the Soul (Ātmā kā svarūp): Elaborates on the inherent qualities of the soul.
- Knowledge-Specific Usage (Jñānopayoga): Discusses the aspect of the soul related to knowledge.
- Perception-Specific Usage (Darśanopayoga): Discusses the aspect of the soul related to perception.
- Worldly Soul (Sansārī Ātmā): Explains the soul bound by karma and the cycle of birth and death.
- Matter (Pudgal): Details the nature of matter, including its fundamental particle (anu), aggregates (skandha), its functions (word, bond), and its various attributes (color, smell, taste, touch), and its manifestations like bodies (audārika, vaikriya, āhārak, taijasa, kārmana).
- Principles of Motion and Rest (Dharma, Adharma): Explains the concepts of Dharma (medium of motion) and Adharma (medium of rest).
- Space (Ākāśa) and Time (Addhāsamaya): Discusses the nature of space and time.
- Structure of the Universe (Viśva kā svarūp): Describes the three realms of the universe (Adholoka, Madhyaloka, Ūrdhvaloka) and the beings residing in them (Narakī, Dev, Manuṣya, Tiryanch, Tīrthaṅkara).
Epistemology and Logic of Jainism (Jñān-mīmāṁsā):
- Analyzes the theory of knowledge in Jainism, discussing the nature of valid knowledge (pramāṇa).
- Details the five types of knowledge: Mati (sense perception), Shruta (scriptural knowledge), Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya (telepathy), and Kevala (omniscience).
- Explains the classification of knowledge into direct (pratyakṣa) and indirect (parokṣa).
- Discusses the role of sense organs and the mind in perception.
- Elaborates on the stages of perception: Avagraha, Īhā, Avāya, and Dhāraṇā.
Relativism (Syādvāda - Anekāntavāda):
- This crucial chapter (pages 335-412) is dedicated to the core Jain principles of Syādvāda (conditional predication) and Anekāntavāda (non-absolutism).
- Explains these concepts as a means to understand reality from multiple viewpoints, avoiding dogmatic or one-sided assertions.
- Discusses the interplay of permanence (nityatā) and impermanence (anit'yatā), finitude (sāntatā) and infinity (anantatā), unity (ekatā) and plurality (anēkatā), existence (asti) and non-existence (nāsti).
- Analyzes the Seven-Pointed Predication (Saptabhangī) as a method to express the multifaceted nature of reality.
- Explores the concept of Naya (standpoints) and their role in understanding different aspects of a substance.
Jain Theory of Karma (Karma Siddhanta):
- Provides an extensive and detailed analysis of the Jain doctrine of karma.
- Explains karma as a subtle matter (pudgala) that adheres to the soul due to passions (kashayas) and actions (yoga).
- Discusses the different types of karma (ghāti and aghāti), their durations (sthiti), intensity (anubhāga), and quantities (pradesha).
- Highlights that karma is the primary cause of the soul's transmigration and suffering.
- Explains the processes of bondage (bandha), subjugation (udaya), and destruction (nirjara) of karma, which leads to liberation (moksha).
- Contrasts Jain karma theory with other Indian philosophies, emphasizing its unique aspect of karma being a material substance.
Jain Ethics (Jain Ācāra):
- Outlines the ethical conduct prescribed for ascetics (Śramaṇācāra) and lay followers (Śrāvākācāra).
- Śramaṇācāra: Details the Five Great Vows (Mahāvratas) – non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession – which ascetics practice in their absolute form. It also mentions the six daily duties (aushikas) and regulations for ascetics.
- Śrāvākācāra: Describes the twelve vows (Vratas) for lay followers, which are practiced in a modified, less stringent form (aṇuvrata), along with supporting vows (guṇavrata, śikṣāvrata). It emphasizes ethical conduct in daily life, including charity, fasting, and ethical business practices.

Key Themes and Contributions:

Comprehensive Coverage: The book systematically covers the historical, philosophical, literary, ethical, and cosmological aspects of Jainism.
Critical Analysis: As suggested by the subtitle, Dr. Mehta offers a critical perspective, analyzing concepts and comparing them with other philosophical traditions.
Scholarly Depth: Dr. Mehta's extensive background in Jain and Buddhist philosophy shines through in the detailed explanations and historical context provided.
Emphasis on Core Principles: The book strongly highlights the central Jain tenets of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekāntavāda (non-absolutism), and Syādvāda (relativism) as foundational to Jain thought and practice.
Literary and Philosophical Heritage: It underscores the depth and richness of Jain literature and the philosophical sophistication of Jain thinkers throughout history.
Relevance to Modern Thought: The author often draws connections to modern philosophical and scientific ideas, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Jain principles.

Author's Credentials: Dr. Mohanlal Mehta was a distinguished scholar of Jainism and Buddhism, having served as a professor and research director. His works have received recognition and awards from the governments of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, indicating their academic merit and cultural significance.

This book serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a thorough understanding of the Jain religion and philosophy.