Jain Nitishastra Ek Parishilan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Nitishastra Ek Parishilan" (A Study of Jain Ethics) by Upacharya Devendramuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Nitishastra Ek Parishilan (A Study of Jain Ethics) Author: Upacharya Devendramuni Publisher: Shri Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay (Publication No. 265) First Edition: July 1988 (Vikram Samvat 2045, Ashadha) Price: Rs. 70/- (Cost Price), Rs. 35/- (Subsidized Price)

Core Theme and Purpose:

The book, "Jain Nitishastra Ek Parishilan," is a comprehensive treatise on Jaina ethics, offering a comparative study of Jaina ethical thought with other philosophical and ethical traditions. Its primary purpose is to fill a perceived gap in available literature, presenting a holistic and well-researched exploration of Jain ethics. The author aims to elucidate the unique and complete form of Jain ethics, highlighting its distinctiveness from other Indian ethical systems.

Key Aspects and Structure:

The book is structured into four main parts:

1. Part I: General Survey of Ethics (Pages 1-186): This section provides a broad overview of ethics, its background, origins, and development. It explores:

   • The fundamental principles of ethics, with the Jain perspective emphasizing the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (as attributed to Acharya Samyagdarshi).
   • The origin and development of ethics, tracing it from pre-historic times through Vedic, Buddhist, Chinese, Greek, and Muslim traditions, and concluding with the evolution of Western ethics.
   • The ethical concepts of Lord Mahavir, emphasizing his unique contributions like Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekanta (non-absolutism), Yatana (carefulness), Samata (equanimity), Anugraha (compassion), and disciplined conduct.
   • The definition and nature of ethics, its relationship with other sciences (physics, biology, politics, sociology, psychology, economics, theology, philosophy).
   • Key ethical concepts like justice, duty, virtue, value, and moral reasoning.
   • Ethical systems and methodologies, including rationalistic, naturalistic, and deductive approaches.
   • Moral beliefs and their philosophical underpinnings, such as the nature of truth, karma, free will, and the existence of God.
   • The process of moral decision-making, influenced by psychological factors, social norms, personal reactions, and logical reasoning.

2. Part II: Different Dimensions of Jaina Ethics (Pages 187-374): This section delves deeply into Jain ethical principles:

   • The Foundation: Samyagdarshan (Right Faith): This is presented as the bedrock of Jaina ethics, emphasizing its role in shaping a correct worldview and ethical conduct. The text details the nature of Mithyatva (false beliefs) and its twenty-five types, highlighting the importance of understanding reality as it is.
   • Impact on Ethical Life: How Samyagdarshan influences ethical living is discussed, including its fivefold classification and its eight essential qualities (Anuvrattas, etc.).
   • Stages of Moral Ascent: The book outlines the path of ethical progress, starting with a life free from addictions (Vyasanas), which are identified as gambling, meat-eating, alcohol, prostitution, hunting, theft, and adultery.
   • Practical Ethics for Householders (Shravakas): This extensive section details the practical ethical guidelines for lay Jains, covering thirty-five virtues and principles related to justice in wealth, etiquette, marriage, fear of sin, adherence to social customs, avoiding censure, ideal home management, associating with virtuous people, service to parents, abandoning problematic places, renouncing detestable behavior, balancing income and expenditure, appropriate dress, listening to religious discourses, dietary discretion, moderate enjoyment of wealth and pleasures, hospitality, concentration, appreciation of virtue, judging situations appropriately, distinguishing capability from incapability, serving the learned and virtuous, fulfilling responsibilities, foresight, expertise, gratitude, popularity, modesty, compassion, gentleness, and philanthropy.
   • Ethical Zenith (Shramana Ethics): This section focuses on the rigorous ethical conduct of monks and nuns, including the twenty-seven virtues, the concepts of utsarg (general rule) and apavada (exceptionary rule), the five great vows (Mahavratas), control over senses, managing passions, the three types of truth (Bhavas), forgiveness, detachment, and control over mind, speech, and body.
   • Psychological Ethics of Self-Development (Gunasthana): This part explores the fourteen stages of spiritual and ethical development (Gunasthana) from a psychological perspective, linking them to the purification of the soul and the gradual shedding of karmic veils.

3. Part III: Comparative Evaluation of Jaina Ethics with other Ethical Thoughts (Pages 375-446): This section provides a comparative analysis of Jaina ethics with various other ethical systems:

   • Jaina Ethics and Ethical Theories: The book compares Jaina ethics with skepticism, hedonism, utilitarianism, evolutionary hedonism, rationalism, self-perfectionism, deontology, intuitionism, and humanitarianism. It highlights the emphasis of Jainism on holistic well-being (physical, mental, spiritual) and its core principles of Ahimsa, Anekanta, and Aparigraha.
   • Rights, Duties, and Crime/Punishment: It discusses the relationship between rights and duties, the moral obligations of individuals, and examines theories of crime and punishment, with a particular focus on the reformative approach advocated in Jainism.
   • Relativity and Non-Relativity of Morality: This section explores the philosophical debate on whether moral principles are absolute or relative to time, place, and person, aligning the Jain perspective with a balanced approach that upholds absolute principles while allowing for contextual application.
   • Contribution of Jaina Ethics to Solving Problems: The book argues that Jain ethics offers practical solutions to personal, familial, social, political, and economic problems, emphasizing principles like self-discipline, detachment, non-violence, and mutual respect.

4. Appendix: Policy Suhakti Kosh (Collection of Ethical Maxims) (Pages 445-507): This section offers a rich collection of ethical maxims and sayings from various literary sources, including:

   • Prakrit Jain Literature
   • Buddhist Literature
   • Vedic Literature
   • Hindi Literature
   • English Literature

Author's Intent and Contribution:

Upacharya Devendramuni, an accomplished scholar with over a hundred books to his credit, undertook this extensive research over approximately 12 years. He acknowledges the societal request for a comprehensive and comparative work on Jaina ethics, particularly for university curricula. The book is praised for its originality, depth, and systematic presentation, filling a significant void in the field of Jaina studies. The author's aim is to present Jain ethics not just as a religious doctrine but as a universal system of life applicable to all humanity. The comparative study with Western and other Eastern philosophies aims to demonstrate the timeless relevance and universal appeal of Jain ethical principles.

Overall Summary:

"Jain Nitishastra Ek Parishilan" is a monumental work that systematically outlines the vast landscape of Jain ethical philosophy. It establishes the foundational role of Samyagdarshan (Right Faith) and then systematically details the ethical progression from basic renunciation of vices to the rigorous conduct of monks. The book emphasizes the practical applicability of Jain ethics to everyday life and its solutions to modern-day problems, while also highlighting its comparative strength against other global ethical traditions. The inclusion of a vast collection of ethical maxims from diverse sources further enhances its value as a reference work. The author's deep scholarship, meticulous research, and clear presentation make this book an indispensable resource for anyone interested in understanding the depth and breadth of Jain ethical thought.