Jain Sanskruti Ki Viveshtaye - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Jain Sanskruti ki Viveshtaye" (Features of Jain Culture) by Sadhvi Manjushreeji:

The article "Features of Jain Culture" by Sadhvi Manjushreeji, published in the "Shrimad Jayantsen Suri Abhinandan Granth," delves into the essence of culture and civilization, highlighting the unique contributions of Jain culture to the human experience.

Distinguishing Culture and Civilization:

The author begins by addressing the common understanding of "culture" and "civilization," noting that often, those who are educated or wealthy consider themselves civilized and cultured. However, in the pursuit of modernity, people sometimes abandon good traditional practices for new, unthinking trends, falling prey to vices and fashion. This prompts the question: what truly defines civilization and culture, and what is the difference between them?

Drawing on Dr. Rajbali Pandey's insights, the article defines civilization as the "means of life" – the societal norms, advanced tools, and external behaviors that make life livable. Culture, on the other hand, is defined as the "values of life" – the foundational, traditional values that enrich the spiritual life and foster inner beauty. Culture is essentially the sum total of life values that underpin efforts for the welfare of the world.

The article emphasizes the strong connection between thought and action in spiritual refinement. Actions stemming from the desire to benefit oneself and others, coupled with corresponding thoughts, are the essence of culture. An example is given of a civilized doctor who is not cultured if he harms his wife, or an uncivilized professor who bites another's fingers in anger. Culture, therefore, is seen as the force that eradicates this uncivilized behavior and fills the human mind with a sense of universal welfare, thus cultivating humanity within. Both culture and civilization have made invaluable contributions to making humans cultured. Muni Vidyanandji aptly states that "culture is the mother of spiritual beauty," and it is through its discipline that cultured humanity is built.

Professor Indrachandra Shastri views culture as the "flowing stream of thoughts." Sadhvi Manjushreeji adds a crucial clarification: it should be the pure flowing stream of thoughts. If thoughts become impure, they spread perversion instead of culture in society. This aligns with Acharya H.P. Dwivedi's statement that "culture is the embodiment of the highest thinking."

Two Main Cultures in India:

The article identifies two primary cultures that have predominated in India since prehistoric times:

Brahmanic Culture: This culture nurtures the "Brahman" consciousness.
Shraman Culture: This culture nurtures "Sam, Sham, and Shram" (equanimity, self-control, and effort).

Both have maintained their distinct identities throughout history and have influenced each other. For instance, the concept of renunciation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Bhavchakra) is a contribution of Jain culture to Brahmanic culture, while the worship of deities is a contribution of Brahmanic culture to Jain culture.

Etymology of the Word 'Culture':

According to Dr. Ramamurti Tripathi, the word 'Sanskriti' (culture) is composed of three components: 'Sam' (meaning 'proper' or 'well'), 'Kri' (meaning 'to do' or 'action'), and 'Ti' (a suffix). Thus, culture, in its complete form, signifies a "proper, beauty-enhancing, and thoughtful endeavor."

The article explains that due to afflictions arising from karma since time immemorial, all living beings have deviated from their true nature. Culture is defined as the thought and action required to restore the soul to its natural state.

Humans are uniquely capable of striving for spiritual refinement. They can form societies, engage in philosophical discussions, and even attain divinity by purifying their souls. Therefore, discussions about culture are primarily related to human culture.

Salient Features of Jain Culture:

The article then elaborates on the distinct characteristics of Jain culture:

Worshipper of Qualities: Jain culture reveres qualities and not individuals. Its core mantra, the "Namaskar Mantra," expresses reverence for all great souls of the world, including Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus.
Culture of Renunciation (Nivritti Pradhan): While many cultures emphasize the refinement of desires, Jain culture sees the complete cessation of desires as the path to liberation. Self-realization and the eradication of the cycle of birth and death are achievable only through the suppression of desires.
Non-violent in Thought and Action: Jain culture is inherently non-violent in both its philosophical (thought) and practical (action) aspects.
- Anekanta (Pluralism): This is its philosophical principle, advocating the abandonment of rigid adherence to one's own opinion and the acceptance that truth resides in multiple perspectives. "Truth is mine" is replaced by "Truth exists."
- Ahinsa (Non-violence): This is its practical manifestation, representing a non-violent way of life. For someone practicing non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession naturally become integral. This practice encompasses both renunciation (of harm) and pursuit (of compassion).
- Syadvada: This is the expression of Anekanta, which commands respect for all other philosophies and cultures. The article notes that Indian culture is a confluence of many cultures, including Vedic and Shraman. The article also touches upon aspects like Tantra-mantra, and the traditions of Brahmanic culture, contrasting them with Jain culture's emphasis on compassion, kindness, and selfless service.
Practice of Vows: The article details the practice of vows in Jainism:
- Anuvratas (Minor Vows): Practiced by householders, these are partial observances of the five main vows.
- Mahavratas (Great Vows): Practiced by ascetics, these are complete and stringent observances of the same five vows.
Renunciation and Detachment: Jain culture is characterized by its emphasis on detachment and renunciation. There are no barriers of caste, wealth, or social status for those aspiring to become monks. Individuals from all walks of life, including those from previously "untouchable" communities, have embraced the path of asceticism, spreading messages of amity and compassion. Even those from privileged backgrounds, such as scholars, warriors, and wealthy individuals, have sought this path for eternal happiness.

The article concludes by stating that Jain culture, from Lord Rishabh Dev to the present day, has guided humanity away from negative tendencies and towards positive ones, promoting personal upliftment and the welfare of the world. Actions performed with right knowledge and understanding are creative. Deviating from such pure actions leads to impure actions, which corrupt the mind, speech, and behavior. The Navkar Mantra serves as a reminder to walk cautiously and with awakened eyes, facing life's challenges with the support of the Parmeshthis.

In essence, "Jain Sanskruti ki Viveshtaye" presents Jain culture as a profound spiritual tradition rooted in ethical principles, non-violence, detachment, and the pursuit of self-realization, offering a pathway for both individual liberation and universal well-being.