Jain Jivan Darshan Ki Prushtabhumi

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Jivan Darshan ki Prushtabhumi" by Dayanand Bhargav, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Jivan Darshan ki Prushtabhumi (The Background of Jain Life Philosophy) Author: Dr. Dayanand Bhargav Publisher: Shri Ranvir Kendriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Jammu Publication Year: 1975

This book, "Jain Jivan Darshan ki Prushtabhumi," by Dr. Dayanand Bhargav, delves into the foundational principles and philosophical underpinnings of Jainism, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of its life philosophy. The work is structured around a series of "Chintan-Sutra" (Thinking Principles), which serve as thematic anchors for the discussions.

Core Themes and Arguments:

The book begins by identifying a fundamental problem: Inconsistency (Asangati) within the individual. The author highlights the fragmented nature of human personality, where thoughts, emotions, ingrained sanskaras, reason, faith, desires, and external influences create a multiplicity of conflicting selves. This internal disarray, the author argues, is the root of all human problems, leading to constant internal struggle and a lack of self-understanding. The search for an authentic "self" amidst this internal chaos is presented as a primary philosophical quest.

The Nature of Dharma:

A central theme is the definition of Dharma as the intrinsic nature of an object (Vastu-swabhav). This object-centric definition, when applied to the individual, translates to the Self-Nature (Atma-swabhav) being Dharma. The book contrasts this with Western concepts like "ethics," which are seen as derived from customs and habits (ethos) rather than inherent nature. Dharma, in its true Jain sense, is not acquired but inherent. This leads to a critique of rigid traditionalism (rudhivad) and the establishment of sects (sampraday) that divide rather than unite.

The book acknowledges the role of scriptures (shastra) in understanding Dharma, citing pronouncements from Mahavir, Jaimini, the Bhagavad Gita, and Manu Smriti. However, it emphasizes the need for reason and discernment (vivek), especially in the modern age. While Dharma ultimately transcends logic, logic is crucial in analyzing and discarding false or superficial elements that obscure the true nature of Dharma. The ultimate truth is described as beyond logical analysis (tarkateet), existing in the realm of inherent nature.

The Quest for Happiness and the Role of Karma:

The book identifies happiness (sukha) as a fundamental human desire. This desire is considered the ultimate goal (sadhy), not a means to an end. The author critiques the common human tendency to mistake the means (sadhan) of happiness for happiness itself, leading to dissatisfaction and disappointment. This naturally leads to a discussion of Karma. The book asserts that both meritorious (punya) and demeritorious (paap) actions bind the soul. While good deeds may bring temporary happiness, they do not lead to liberation. The true path lies in transcending both, moving towards a state beyond the dualities of virtue and vice. The book highlights that even seemingly virtuous acts can be driven by underlying desires for pleasure or recognition, making them a form of bondage.

The Importance of Knowledge and Conduct:

The book emphasizes that knowledge (gyan) is an internal quality, not merely the accumulation of information. True knowledge stems from self-realization, not external data. Misguided knowledge or mere information can be detrimental. The author draws a parallel with Buddha's approach, prioritizing the understanding of the self and the eradication of suffering over abstract philosophical debates.

The Concept of Liberation (Moksha):

Liberation is presented as freedom (swatantrata). It is the state of self-realization, where the individual's intrinsic nature is fully manifested. The path to liberation is through the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya): right faith (samyak darshan), right knowledge (samyak gyan), and right conduct (samyak charitra). These are not separate entities but an integrated whole.

Addressing Various Philosophical Perspectives:

The book systematically analyzes various philosophical viewpoints and their relevance to Jain life philosophy, including:

• Causality and Determinism: Discussing the interplay of cause and effect (karmavada), the influence of time (kalavada), inherent nature (swabhavavada), destiny (niyativada), chance (yachhavada), and the role of birth (yonivada). The Jain perspective emphasizes a balance, asserting that while external factors (like time, past karma) exist, individual effort (purusharth) and self-reliance (purush) are paramount in shaping one's destiny. The idea of "man creates his own destiny" (purush apna bhagya nirmata) is strongly advocated.
• Materialism and Hedonism: Critiquing materialism (bhautikvad) and hedonism (yachchhavad) that focus solely on worldly pleasures and the absence of a higher purpose.
• Theology (Ishwar and Brahma): Examining the concepts of God and Brahma, particularly as found in other Indian philosophies, and contrasting them with the Jain understanding of the liberated beings (Siddhas) and the Five Supreme Beings (Panch Parameshti) as ideals of spiritual attainment rather than creators or controllers of the universe.
• Syadvada (Anekantavada): Highlighting the Jain doctrine of manifold perspectives (Syadvada) as a means to achieve dialogue and understanding, cautioning against dogmatism and the tendency to absolutize one's own viewpoint.
• The Role of Conduct and Inner State: Discussing how external actions (behavior) are important but are ultimately manifestations of the internal state. The book emphasizes the necessity of inner purity and transformation, warning against mere ritualism or superficial adherence to practices.
• The Nature of Desire and Suffering: Analyzing the pervasive nature of desires and how they lead to suffering, and how true happiness comes from understanding and transcending these desires.

Key Jain Principles Discussed:

• The Four Passions (Kashayas): Anger (krodh), ego/pride (man), delusion/deceit (maya), and greed/lust (lobh) are identified as negative forces that obscure one's true nature.
• The Five Great Vows (Panchmahavrata): Non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy/chastity (brahmacharya), and non-possession/non-attachment (aparigraha) are presented as the practical, observable manifestations of overcoming the kashayas and achieving inner transformation.
• The Five Supreme Beings (Panch Parameshti): Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu are presented not as objects of blind worship but as embodiments of spiritual realization and as guides on the path. The emphasis is on self-reliance (atmanishtha), with the realization of the divine within (purush mein Brahma) as the ultimate goal.
• Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Ratnatraya): These are presented as the unified path to liberation, where each element supports and integrates with the others.

Conclusion:

"Jain Jivan Darshan ki Prushtabhumi" aims to guide the reader towards a deeper understanding of Jain philosophy as a practical guide for life. It advocates for a holistic approach that integrates knowledge, conduct, and right perspective, leading to self-realization, inner harmony, and ultimately, liberation. The book encourages a life of balance, self-effort, and continuous self-improvement, emphasizing that true freedom lies not in external circumstances but in the mastery of one's inner self.