Jain Jyotish - Book Summary | JainGPT

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided pages of "Jain Jyotish" by Shankar Pandharinath Randive, published by Hirachand Nemchand Doshi, Solapur, in 1931. The book's central argument is a strong critique of non-Jain astrological texts and practices, advocating for a purely Jain approach to understanding time, celestial bodies, and auspicious moments.

Core Argument and Motivation:

The author's primary motivation for compiling "Jain Jyotish" is the observed detrimental impact of non-Jain astrological beliefs and practices on the Jain community. Randive argues that many Jains have suffered financial ruin, loss of property, and even suicide due to reliance on scriptures and predictions derived from Vedic traditions, which he considers "false" (mithyātvī). He highlights instances where Jains followed the auspicious timings prescribed by non-Jain astrologers for important events like pilgrimages, temple consecrations, and even personal journeys, only to face calamities, illnesses, deaths, and legal troubles.

Critique of Non-Jain Astrology:

Basis in Falsehood: The book explicitly states that texts like Surya Siddhanta, Siddhanta Shiromani (by Bhaskara Acharya), Graha Laghava, Muhurta Martanda, Muhurta Chintamani, Jataka Karana, and Jatka Alankar are based on Vedic principles, which the author deems flawed and created by "wicked people."
Contradiction with Jain Principles: Randive cites Jinacharya's Purana to assert that Vedic statements, even those accepted in religious practices, are not withstand scrutiny and are attributed to malicious creators. This forms the bedrock of his rejection of Vedic astrology.
Specific Examples of Non-Jain Astrological Beliefs and Their Negative Consequences:
- Unfavorable Days for Travel: The book quotes astrological texts that prescribe specific days as inauspicious for travel, claiming they lead to suffering, loss, or danger.
- Specific Constellations for Travel: Similarly, it points out rules about auspicious and inausptuous constellations for journeys, some of which are to be avoided or partially observed.
- Astrological Predictions for Longevity and Misfortune: Numerous quotes from non-Jain texts detail dire predictions based on planetary positions (e.g., difficult life for children, misfortune for parents, immediate death) which the author implies are unreliable and contribute to fear and misdirection.
- Inaccurate Predictions: The author provides examples of prominent non-Jain astrologers whose predictions about public figures (like Bal Gangadhar Tilak's court case or Mahatma Gandhi's release date) proved to be incorrect.
- Contradiction with Reality in Daily Life: Randive points out that trains departing at "auspicious" times don't always arrive safely, and those traveling on "inauspicious" days often reach their destinations without incident, questioning the efficacy of these non-Jain prescriptions.
- Marriage Compatibility (Gana, Nadi, Yoni, etc.): The author dismisses the elaborate systems of matching horoscopes for marriage prescribed by non-Jain traditions, noting that many couples with supposedly "excellent" matches still experience widowhood or widowerhood. He draws a parallel to the self-choice (Swayamvara) in ancient times where personal preference dictated the union, not astrological matching.
- Rejection of Rituals: The book criticizes practices like creating effigies for funeral rites or performing panchamrita abhishek on Jain Tirthankar idols as mandated by some non-Jain astrologers for perceived "karmic" reasons, stating that Jain scriptures do not endorse these.
Cosmological Discrepancies: Randive specifically refutes Bhaskara Acharya's Siddhanta Shiromani, particularly its Goladhyaya (chapter on the sphere), for asserting that the Earth is round and rotates. He highlights Jain cosmology's description of two suns and two moons, which is contradicted by Siddhanta Shiromani. The book also tackles the idea of the Earth being stationary versus rotating, citing the apparent motion of stars as evidence of celestial movement, not necessarily Earth's rotation.

Advocacy for Jain Astrology:

Authenticity and Authority: "Jain Jyotish" is presented as a compilation based on the authoritative texts of Digambara Jain Acharyas. The preface lists prominent acharyas and their foundational works (Tattvartha Sutra, Sarvartha Siddhi, Rajavartika, Lokavartika, Trilokasar, etc.) from which this book is derived.
Correct Understanding of Celestial Bodies and Time: The text delves into the Jain understanding of the celestial realm, detailing the structure of the universe, the movement of celestial bodies (Jyotishkas), their distances from Earth, and their composition as Vimanas (celestial vehicles) inhabited by celestial beings.
Rejection of "Samaya Mudhata": The author strongly condemns "Samaya Mudhata" (delusion or attachment to time/wrong beliefs) as defined by Brahmadeva in his commentary on Brihat Dravya Sangraha. This delusion involves following astrological or mantra-based practices derived from non-Jain sources out of fear, desire, attachment, or greed, while abandoning the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
True Jain Path: The book emphasizes that true Jainism lies in adhering to the teachings of the revered Jain acharyas and abandoning all non-Jain (mithyātvī) scriptures and practices. It equates adherence to non-Jain astrology with falling into the trap of "mithyātvam" (wrong faith), which is considered the greatest sin in Jainism.
Independent Jain Cosmology: The book presents the Jain view of cosmology, which includes detailed descriptions of the structure of the Jambudvipa and other continents, the distances of celestial bodies, and their number (e.g., different numbers of suns and moons in different regions). It discusses the concept of "Vimanas" and the movement of celestial bodies in relation to Mount Meru.
Correct Interpretation of Astronomical Phenomena: The text explains phenomena like eclipses and the variations in daylight and darkness according to Jain principles, attributing them to the movement of celestial bodies and their interaction with Rahu (a celestial body in Jain cosmology) rather than relying on non-Jain explanations.

Key Concepts and Terminology:

Jyotish: Refers to the study of celestial bodies and timekeeping, but here specifically advocating for the Jain system.
Mithyātvī: Non-Jain, false, heretical.
Samaya Mudhata: Delusion related to time, wrong beliefs, or misplaced devotion.
Vimana: Celestial vehicles or abodes of celestial beings.
Acharyas: Highly revered Jain scholars and spiritual leaders.
Digambara: A major sect of Jainism.
Tirthankaras: Spiritual teachers who establish the Jain path.
Meru: A mythical mountain at the center of the universe in Jain cosmology.
Dravya: Substance or category of reality.
Yoga: Union, but also used in contexts of practice or connection.
Karma: Actions and their consequences.

Overall Message:

"Jain Jyotish" is a polemical work aimed at purifying Jain practice by severing reliance on external, perceivedly corrupting astrological systems. It calls for a return to the pure, unadulterated teachings of Jain acharyas, emphasizing that true knowledge of time, celestial events, and auspiciousness is found within the Jain tradition itself. The book serves as a guide and a warning against the adoption of non-Jain beliefs, urging Jains to find spiritual and practical guidance solely from their own scriptures.