Jain Dharma Vigyanni Kasotie Ke Vigyana Jain Dharmni Kasotie - Book Summary

This document is the Gujarati book "Jain Dharma Vigyanni Kasotie Ke Vigyana Jain Dharmni Kasotie" (Is Jainism Tested by Science, or is Science Tested by Jainism?) authored by Nyayavisharad Pannas Shri Nandighoshvijayji Gani. It was published by Bharatiya Prachin Sahitya Vaigyanik Rahasya Shodh Sanstha in Ahmedabad, India.

The book explores the deep connections and potential compatibility between Jain philosophy and modern science, drawing parallels and presenting Jain principles from a scientific perspective. It argues that Jainism, with its ancient wisdom and principles, offers a framework that aligns with and even anticipates many scientific discoveries.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and chapters discussed in the provided pages:

Central Question: The book grapples with the relationship between Jainism and science, posing the question: "Is Jainism tested by science, or is science tested by Jainism?" This suggests a perspective where Jainism might not only be compatible with science but potentially foundational or more comprehensive in its understanding.

Author and Lineage: The author, Panthas Shri Nandighoshvijayji Gani, is a disciple of Acharya Shri Vijay Suryodayasuriji Maharaj, who is himself a disciple of the esteemed Acharya Shri Vijaynemisurishwarji Maharaj. This highlights a tradition of scholarly pursuit within the Jain monastic order.

Publisher's Vision: The publishing institute, RISSIOS (Research Institute of Scientific Secrets from Indian Oriental Scriptures), aims to conduct practical scientific research based on ancient Indian scriptures, covering fields like ecology, physics, mathematics, mantra, music, diet, meditation, and alternative medicine. Their goal is to instill faith and provide scientific validation for religious principles to the younger generation, fostering spiritual and moral development.

Key Chapters and Concepts:

Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir: A Universal Scientist: This chapter likely presents Lord Mahavir's teachings and life as embodying scientific principles and a universal understanding of existence. It touches upon the concept of "Aigya" (a spiritual and material power) and the "Kalyanakas" (auspicious events in a Tirthankar's life) as manifestations of immense energy, potentially correlating with modern scientific concepts like bio-electromagnetic energy.
Scientific Significance of Jainism: This section posits that Jainism is a science in itself. It contrasts Jain science, which is qualitative and rooted in Tirthankar's pronouncements, with modern science, which is largely quantitative. It quotes Albert Einstein on the interconnectedness of science and religion, suggesting that Jainism represents the fusion of both.
Atoms in Jainism: This chapter delves into the Jain concept of "Parmanu" (atom), describing it as the fundamental, indivisible unit of matter. It contrasts this with modern science's understanding of atoms, which are seen as divisible into subatomic particles. The Jain idea of an atom being the building block of all substances and knowing one atom leading to knowing the entire universe is explored. The concept of "Vargana" (groups of atoms) and their various types (Audarik, Vaikriya, etc.) is also discussed.
Jainism and Einstein's Relativity: This chapter compares the Jain concept of "Anekantavada" (non-absolutism, manifold perspectives) with Einstein's theory of relativity. It highlights the philosophical nature of Anekantavada while acknowledging the mathematical and physical basis of Einstein's theories. The author questions Einstein's postulates about the speed of light, citing recent research that suggests particles can travel faster than light, thus challenging the finality of Einstein's theories.
Jainism and Our Body: This chapter discusses the Jain classification of the body into five types (Audarik, Vikriya, Aharak, Tejas, Karma). It connects the concept of the "aura" (aura) to the bio-electromagnetic field and discusses how the purity of the subtle body (Tejas body) influences it, ultimately linking it to one's thoughts and karmas.
The Secret of the Tirthankar's Golden Lotus Progression: This section addresses the practice of Tirthankaras walking on golden lotuses instead of directly on the earth. It explores the idea that Tirthankaras emit immense energy that the earth cannot withstand, and gold, being a good conductor, helps dissipate this energy.
The Nature of Sound in Jainism: This chapter explores the Jain understanding of sound (Dhvani) as being particulate in nature, with even colors attributed to it. It connects this to the concept of "labdhi" (supernatural powers) and how certain sonic vibrations or mantras can influence matter.
Types of Mantra Chanting and Their Scientific Significance: This chapter examines the different forms of mantra chanting (Vachik, Upaanshu, Manas) and their relative effectiveness. It draws parallels with modern physics concepts like wave-particle duality and the relationship between energy, frequency, and wavelength, suggesting that the subtle power of mantra chanting can be understood through these scientific principles.
Lord Mahavir - The Guru of Three Worlds: This chapter focuses on the importance of the Guru in Indian spiritual tradition and presents Lord Mahavir as the ultimate Guru. It discusses the spiritual transfer of energy (Shaktipat) and how the Guru's teachings, as a form of mantra, lead to liberation. It also touches upon the concept of bio-electromagnetic fields influencing disciples.
Celibacy (Brahmacharya): A Scientific Analysis: This chapter discusses the scientific benefits of celibacy, linking it to the preservation of vital energy and the functioning of endocrine glands. It outlines nine rules for practicing Brahmacharya as described in Jain scriptures, explaining their physiological and psychological rationale.
Lord Mahavir Swami's Asceticism and Its Scientific Mystery: This section examines the rigorous ascetic practices undertaken by Lord Mahavir, such as fasting and abstaining from certain foods. It explores the scientific benefits of these practices for physical and spiritual purification, connecting them to concepts like intermittent fasting and dietary discipline.
Why Abstain from Green Vegetables on Festival Days? This chapter explains the Jain practice of abstaining from green vegetables on specific festival days. It provides two reasons: 1. To avoid harming nascent life in vegetables and any small creatures that might be on them, and 2. To prevent attachment to the sweeter taste of greens, which can lead to further karmic entanglement. It also touches upon the seasonal and Ayurvedic benefits of this practice.
Water: Living and Non-Living: Problems and Solutions: This chapter addresses the Jain belief that water is a living entity ("Jivavat"). It discusses the need to purify water by boiling it, not just for scientific reasons of killing germs but also from a Jain perspective of minimizing harm. It also touches upon the process of making water "achitt" (non-living) according to Jain regulations and the debate around different types of water.
Root Vegetables and Multi-Seeded Fruits: This chapter discusses the Jain dietary restrictions regarding root vegetables and multi-seeded fruits. It explains that root vegetables are often considered "Anantkay" (containing infinite life) because of their potential for regeneration and the numerous souls within them. It also touches upon the concept of "dosha" (flaws) and how certain fruits or vegetables are considered "abhakshya" (inedible) due to inherent flaws or the inability to be made "niradosh" (flawless) through normal preparation.
The Five Essentials (Panch Aavashyak): A Scientific Analysis: This chapter focuses on the six daily obligatory duties in Jainism (Aavashyakas) and their scientific significance. It explains how these practices, such as Samayika (meditation), Chaturvinshati Stava (praise of 24 Tirthankaras), Vandana (salutation), Pratikramana (repentance), Kayotsarga (standing meditation), and Pratyakhyana (renunciation), are designed to purify the soul and lead to spiritual progress, aligning with principles of mindfulness, ethical conduct, and self-discipline. The choice of Ardhamagadhi language for scriptures is also discussed from a scientific perspective, relating to the gentle and harmonious nature of its sounds.
Indriyas (Senses) and Sensory Knowledge: From the Perspectives of Modern Science and Jainism: This chapter compares the Jain understanding of the five senses and the acquisition of knowledge with modern scientific theories. It discusses the concepts of "Dravya Indriya" (physical sensory organs) and "Bhava Indriya" (mental faculties related to senses), drawing parallels with the "hardware" and "software" of a computer. It uses the example of Mike May, a blind person who regained sight, to illustrate how the brain's processing of sensory information is crucial for true perception.
Devanagari Script and its Scientific Significance: This section highlights the scientific basis behind the Devanagari script and the Sanskrit language. It discusses the precise pronunciation of vowels and consonants, their origin points in the vocal tract, and the potential scientific influence of these sounds on matter, as suggested by research in phonetics and acoustics. It mentions the work of Ernst Chladni and Hans Jenny in demonstrating how sounds can create physical patterns.

Overall Theme: The book strongly advocates for the scientific validity of Jain principles. It aims to demonstrate that ancient Jain wisdom, far from being mere superstition, is deeply rooted in scientific understanding and offers profound insights into the nature of reality, the human body, and the cosmos. The author and the publishing institute are dedicated to bridging the gap between spirituality and science through rigorous research and making this ancient wisdom accessible to the modern world.