Jain Shasan - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Shasan" by Sumeruchand Diwakar Shastri, based on the provided pages, focusing on the core themes and arguments presented:

Overall Purpose and Scope:

"Jain Shasan" (The Jain Way of Life/The Jain Edict) is a comprehensive introduction to Jain principles, philosophy, and culture, presented from a modern perspective. The book aims to illuminate the core tenets of Jainism and demonstrate its relevance in contemporary times. It emphasizes Jainism not as a sectarian religion but as a universal dharma for all beings, focusing on the ultimate goal of life's achievement and the means to attain complete happiness.

Key Themes and Arguments:

Religion in the Modern Age: The book begins by acknowledging the diminished hold of religion on the human mind in an age dominated by science and technology. It criticizes the modern overemphasis on intellect and reason, which has led to utilitarian ethics and behavioristic psychology, neglecting the deeper ends of human existence. The author argues that true philosophy is a "Way of Life," a concept central to Jainism, Vedanta, and Buddhism.
Critique of Materialism and Transcendentalism: The text presents a "third view" of human existence, contrasting it with pure materialism (like Charvak) and pure transcendentalism (like many established religions).
- Materialism: Criticized for denying the soul, reducing humans to social insects serving the state, and basing morality on fear of punishment.
- Transcendentalism: Criticized for denouncing worldly life as illusory and focusing solely on obedience to God for heavenly rewards, often driven by fear of hell.
- Jainism's Third Way: Jainism posits that humans are a compound of both spirit and matter. Progress lies in rising from the bondage of cause and effect to a state of full freedom through self-effort. Individuals are responsible for their own actions and their consequences.
Ahimsa (Non-violence) as a Core Principle:
- True Meaning: Ahimsa is not merely the absence of physical violence but signifies control over primary passions like attachment (raga) and aversion (dwesha).
- Historical Context: It originated as a protest against Vedic animal sacrifices, advocating against building happiness on another's misery, thus being an early voice against exploitation.
- Ethical Foundation: Ahimsa leads to self-realization, which is considered superior to attaining heavenly bliss (Swarga).
Ratna Traya (The Three Jewels): The central teaching of Jainism for liberation (Mokshamarga) is the combined practice of:
- Samyak Darshan (Right Belief/Faith): Belief felt in the heart, not just intellectual assent. It's about realizing the "I felt in the heart" as the true self, not the one identified with the head or body. This forms the foundation of virtues like benevolence and compassion.
- Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge): Understanding reality correctly.
- Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Harmonizing heart, head, and hand. This combined triad is essential for perfection.
Anekanta-Vada (Many-Sidedness) / Syad-Vada (Conditional Predication):
- Uniqueness: Anekanta-Vada is presented as a unique contribution to world thought.
- Defense Against Criticism: Criticized as contradictory and vague, it is explained as recognizing that reality eludes the grasp of limited human intellect. The intellect creates logical systems that can become graves of truth (dogmas).
- Promotes Harmony: When practiced, Anekanta-Vada is believed to end warring beliefs and bring harmony and peace to humankind, as it acknowledges that others also have valid perspectives. It stands for toleration and forbearance.
The Nature of the Soul (Jiva) and Matter (Ajeeva): The text outlines the Jain cosmological and soteriological framework: Jiva (soul), Ajeeva (non-soul/matter), Ashrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage), Samvara (prevention of influx), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation). The soul, initially pure consciousness, becomes entangled with inert matter through the senses, leading to egoism, selfishness, and the will to power. The path to liberation involves clearing the "boat" of the soul from this influx.
Critique of Materialism and Modern Progress: Modern progress, focused on intellectual efficiency and technological advancement, has led to competition, struggle, war, and carnage. The book contrasts this with the Jain concept of progress as the perfection of the "inner man."
The Concept of God and the Universe: Jainism rejects the idea of a creator God. The universe is seen as eternal, with its order governed by inherent laws and the actions of souls and matter. The focus is on self-effort and self-realization. The ultimate goal is to attain the state of the liberated soul (Parama-atma), characterized by infinite knowledge, bliss, and power, which is inherent in every soul but obscured by karmic matter.
The Importance of Jainism's Antiquity and Originality: The author refutes the notion that Jainism is an offshoot of Hinduism or Buddhism, citing historical research that points to its independent and ancient origins, possibly predating Buddhism.
Remedy for World Problems: The book suggests that the principles of Samyak Darshan (Right Belief) and Syad-Vada (Many-Sidedness) are crucial for solving complex modern problems, including those arising from industrial systems. Peaceful methods like discussion, negotiation, and compromise are advocated over force and violence. The absence of belief in the "All-inclusive I" (Samyak Darshan) is seen as the cause of wealth concentration and unsocial behavior.
Emphasis on Self-Control and Ethical Conduct: The text repeatedly stresses the importance of self-control (samyam), self-reliance (atmavalamban), and ethical conduct (charitra) for spiritual development and the acquisition of inner strength.
The Meaning of Dharma: Dharma is equated with the soul's natural, uncorrupted state (swabhava). Deviations from this natural state (vikriti, artificiality) are considered adharma. The path of dharma is that which removes the veil of ignorance and reveals the soul's inherent pure qualities.
Critique of Dogmatism and Ritualism: Jainism is presented as having moved away from dogmatism and external ritualism towards introspection and self-realization.
The Role of Rituals and Festivals: Festivals like Diwali and Raksha Bandhan are discussed in terms of their deeper spiritual meanings and relevance to Jain principles.
The Significance of Jain Scriptures and Studies: The study of Jain scriptures is highlighted as a path to self-realization and understanding ancient Indian philosophical and religious systems.

Structure and Style:

The book is structured with detailed chapters covering various aspects of Jainism. The author, Sumeruchand Diwakar Shastri, is described as a renowned scholar of the Digambara tradition, known for his clear perspective on traditional beliefs and his ability to simplify complex spiritual and philosophical subjects. The style is characterized by clear explanations, logical arguments, and the inclusion of relevant verses, couplets, and quotes to support the points made.

Overall Message:

"Jain Shasan" aims to present Jainism as a timeless, scientific, and practical path to spiritual upliftment and universal well-being, offering a timeless wisdom that can address the world's most pressing issues. It calls for a balanced approach between intellect and emotion, and an emphasis on inner purity and self-effort for achieving lasting peace and happiness.