Jain Drushtie Gita Darshan Part 2

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Jain Drushtie Gita Darshan Part 2" by Santbal, based on the provided text:

This summary covers the main points and themes discussed in the Jain perspective on the Bhagavad Gita, as presented in the provided text.

Book Title: Jain Drushtie Gita Darshan Part 2 Author: Santbal Publisher: Mahavir Sahitya Prakashan Mandir, Ahmedabad

Overall Theme: The book, "Jain Drushtie Gita Darshan Part 2," by Santbal, aims to provide an interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita from a Jain philosophical viewpoint. It seeks to find common ground and harmonious connections between Jain principles and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, particularly focusing on the path to spiritual liberation and ethical living.

Key Concepts and Chapters Covered (Based on the provided index and text):

The text appears to be a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, chapter by chapter, from a Jain perspective, aiming to reconcile and highlight parallels between the two traditions. The summary below is organized by the chapters indicated in the index and the content of the provided text:

• Introduction (Aamukh & Preface): The book is prefaced by Vinoba Bhave, who acknowledges the request to write a prologue for Santbal's Gita commentary. Vinoba highlights the Gita's ability to inspire life and its all-encompassing essence, transcending all doctrines. He also notes that Santbal's work aims to harmonize Gita's teachings with Jain thought, finding common ground in principles like equanimity and non-violence. Santbal, in his preface, likely elaborates on his intention to bridge these traditions.

• Part 1 & Part 2 of Gita Darshan: The book is divided into two parts, covering the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita.

• Chapter 7: Gyan-Vigyan Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge and Discernment):

  • Focus: This chapter emphasizes the importance of a spiritual teacher (Guru) and faith in their guidance, especially for a sincere seeker. It discusses the nature of knowledge and discernment, highlighting that true knowledge of the soul and the universe is crucial.
  • Jain Parallel: The text likely draws parallels with Jain principles of right faith (Samyak Darshan) and the importance of enlightened gurus or Tirthankaras in guiding the soul. The concept of 'I' (Aham) in the Gita is explained in the context of the inner soul (Antaratma) from a Jain viewpoint.
  • Core Ideas: The chapter delves into the relationship between the soul (Atman) and the universe, the cause of the worldly cycle, and the reasons why individuals fail to worship the soul. It explores how seekers, through devotion and proper guidance, can attain the highest states.

• Chapter 8: Akshar Brahma Yoga (The Yoga of the Immutable Brahman):

  • Focus: This chapter elaborates on the concept of Brahman, the eternal and all-pervading reality. It discusses the nature of the soul (Atman), the universe (Prakriti), and the relationship between them. The text likely explains the "higher" (Para) and "lower" (Apara) Prakriti as described in the Gita and finds parallels in Jain concepts of soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva) substances.
  • Jain Parallel: The summary notes that the Gita's explanation of eightfold Prakriti (earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect, ego) is discussed. The Jain perspective might interpret these elements as components of the physical world (Pudgal) and the soul (Jiva) as the distinct entity. The discussion about the soul being the thread in the tapestry of existence likely resonates with the Jain concept of the soul as the fundamental essence of all living beings.
  • Key Terms: Brahman, Atman, Prakriti, Purusha, Jiva, Ajiva, Pudgal.

• Chapter 9: Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga (The Royal Knowledge and the Royal Secret):

  • Focus: This chapter is presented as containing the highest and most confidential knowledge, imparting divine attributes and a direct experience of the divine. It emphasizes devotion (Bhakti) as a primary means to attain this knowledge.
  • Jain Parallel: The text highlights that this chapter's emphasis on devotion and surrendering to the divine aligns with the Jain emphasis on pure devotion to the Tirthankaras and Arihants, and the concept of total surrender to the path of liberation. The description of divine manifestations likely finds resonance in the multifaceted powers and attributes of enlightened beings in Jainism.
  • Core Ideas: The supremacy of devotion, the essence of the divine, and the universal presence of God are discussed.

• Chapter 10: Vibhuti Yoga (The Yoga of Divine Manifestations):

  • Focus: This chapter explores the divine glories and manifestations of the Supreme Being. Krishna reveals the many forms through which He expresses His supreme essence in the universe.
  • Jain Parallel: The text likely connects the Gita's "Vibhutis" (manifestations) to the Jain concept of Anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints) and the various divine qualities or powers attributed to Tirthankaras and Siddhas. The idea that all existence emanates from a single source can be related to the Jain understanding of the soul's potential for infinite knowledge, perception, power, and bliss.
  • Key Terms: Vibhuti, manifestations of the divine, Anekantavada.

• Chapter 11: Vishwaroop Darshan Yoga (The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form):

  • Focus: This chapter describes Arjuna's awe-inspiring vision of Krishna's cosmic form, revealing the totality of the universe within the divine. This vision is meant to instill awe, overcome doubt, and deepen faith.
  • Jain Parallel: The text likely connects this cosmic vision to the Jain understanding of the vastness of the universe and the interconnectedness of all beings (Maha Vira) as perceived by enlightened souls. The concept of seeing the divine in all forms might relate to the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) and reverence for all life.
  • Core Ideas: The chapter emphasizes the transcendental nature of the divine, its immanence in all creation, and the transformative power of true divine vision.

• Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga (The Yoga of Devotion):

  • Focus: This chapter extols the path of devotion (Bhakti) as a highly effective means to attain the divine. It contrasts devotion to a personal God with the worship of the impersonal Absolute (Brahman).
  • Jain Parallel: The summary highlights that Jainism, while emphasizing right knowledge and conduct, also values pure and unwavering devotion to the Tirthankaras and Arihants. The book likely explains how this devotion, when directed towards the ultimate spiritual goal, aligns with the Gita's Bhakti Yoga. The distinction between impersonal and personal forms of worship is also a point of potential reconciliation.
  • Core Ideas: The superiority of devotion, the different paths of worship (personal vs. impersonal), and the qualities of a true devotee are discussed.

• Chapter 13: Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Discrimination of the Field and the Knower of the Field):

  • Focus: This chapter distinguishes between the "field" (Kshetra - the body/matter) and the "knower of the field" (Kshetrajna - the soul/consciousness). It explains their relationship and the nature of true knowledge.
  • Jain Parallel: This is a key chapter for Jain interpretation, as it directly relates to the Jain understanding of Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul) as fundamental tattvas. The concept of Kshetrajna's pervasiveness and immutability is likely linked to the Jain description of the soul's pure, eternal, and omniscient nature, even when bound by karma. The text notes the discussion of the eightfold Prakriti and its relation to the soul, drawing parallels with Jain cosmology and the interaction of soul with matter.
  • Key Terms: Kshetra, Kshetrajna, Prakriti, Purusha, Jiva, Ajiva.

• Chapter 14: Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Three Gunas):

  • Focus: This chapter elaborates on the three modes of material nature—Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance)—and their influence on human action, character, and destiny. It also discusses the characteristics of one who transcends these gunas.
  • Jain Parallel: The summary points out that Jain philosophy also discusses concepts akin to the three gunas, perhaps through the lens of karmic passions (Kashayas) like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, which bind the soul. The idea of transcending these influences to achieve liberation is central to both traditions. The text notes that Jain scriptures analyze the subtle elements of the soul and its interactions with matter, which can be correlated with the Gita's discussion of the gunas.
  • Core Ideas: The nature and effects of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, and the path to transcending them.

• Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga (The Yoga of the Supreme Person):

  • Focus: This chapter describes the Supreme Being (Purushottama) as the source of all existence, the ultimate reality beyond both the perishable (Kshara) and the imperishable (Akshara). It emphasizes surrender to this Supreme Being.
  • Jain Parallel: This chapter is particularly significant for finding parallels with the Jain concept of the ultimate reality and the path to liberation. The description of the Purushottama likely relates to the Jain understanding of the liberated soul (Siddha) in its pure, omniscient, and blissful state. The idea of surrendering to the ultimate truth resonates with the Jain path of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
  • Key Terms: Purushottama, Para-Prakriti, Kshara, Akshara, Para-Brahman.

• Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Distinction Between the Divine and the Demonic Natures):

  • Focus: This chapter outlines the divine (Daivi) and the demonic (Asuri) qualities, explaining how the former leads to liberation and the latter to bondage. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating divine virtues.
  • Jain Parallel: This chapter strongly aligns with Jain ethics, which meticulously detail the qualities that lead to spiritual progress (e.g., non-violence, truthfulness, non-attachment, self-control) and those that lead to karmic bondage (e.g., anger, pride, deceit, greed). The book likely draws explicit parallels between the "divine" qualities and the vows and virtues emphasized in Jainism, and the "demonic" qualities with karmic impurities.
  • Core Ideas: The importance of virtuous living, the detrimental effects of negative qualities, and the path to spiritual liberation through divine attributes.

• Chapter 17: Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Threefold Faith):

  • Focus: This chapter discusses the three types of faith—Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic—corresponding to the three gunas, and how they influence one's actions, choices, and ultimate destiny. It highlights the importance of right faith.
  • Jain Parallel: This chapter can be directly correlated with the Jain emphasis on Samyak Shraddha (Right Faith) as the first jewel of liberation. The text likely explains how faith, when aligned with right knowledge and right conduct, purifies the soul and leads to liberation, while misdirected faith or lack of faith leads to further karmic bondage.
  • Core Ideas: The role of faith, the different types of faith, and their impact on spiritual progress.

• Chapter 18: Moksha Sannyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Liberation and Renunciation):

  • Focus: This concluding chapter summarizes the path to liberation, emphasizing renunciation, detachment, and the ultimate realization of the Self (Atman). It likely ties together the various yogic paths discussed throughout the Gita.
  • Jain Parallel: This chapter would highlight the Jain path to Moksha (liberation) through the practice of Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra), which involves detachment from worldly possessions, passions, and the cycle of birth and death. The ultimate goal of achieving an eternal, blissful, and omniscient state of the soul aligns with the Jain concept of Moksha.
  • Core Ideas: Renunciation, detachment, the ultimate goal of liberation, and the synthesis of various spiritual paths.

Jain Perspective Integration: Throughout the commentary, Santbal likely integrates Jain philosophical concepts such as:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): As a cornerstone of Jainism, Ahimsa would be a recurring theme, potentially interpreted through the Gita's emphasis on non-violence in action, thought, and speech.
• Anekantavada (Multiplicity of Viewpoints): The Jain principle of seeing things from multiple perspectives could be used to understand the diverse teachings within the Gita.
• Tapas (Austerities) and Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Control of senses): Jainism places great emphasis on these practices for spiritual purification, and parallels would be sought in the Gita's discussions on asceticism and self-control.
• Karma: The Jain doctrine of karma, which explains the soul's bondage and liberation through actions, would likely be a significant point of comparison with the Gita's concept of karma and its fruits.
• The Nature of the Soul (Jiva): The eternal, conscious, and pure nature of the soul in Jainism would be contrasted and harmonized with the Gita's descriptions of the Atman and Brahman.
• Liberation (Moksha/Nirvana): The ultimate goal of transcending the cycle of birth and death and achieving a state of pure consciousness would be a central theme, with Jain parallels drawn from the concept of Moksha or Nirvana.

Overall Significance: "Jain Drushtie Gita Darshan Part 2" by Santbal serves as a bridge between two profound spiritual traditions, offering a synthesized understanding of the Bhagavad Gita through the illuminating lens of Jain philosophy. It emphasizes the universal pursuit of truth, virtue, and liberation, finding common threads of wisdom that can guide spiritual seekers from both paths.