Jain Shasan

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key themes and ideas presented in the Jain text "Jain Shasan" by Sumeruchand Diwakar Shastri, as can be understood from the provided pages.

Book Title: Jain Shasan Author: Sumeruchand Diwakar Shastri Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad

Overall Theme: The text, "Jain Shasan" (The Jain Way of Life/Order), presented as a tribute to Acharya Shri Bharat Sagar Ji Maharaj on his Golden Jubilee, is a profound exploration of Jain principles and their relevance to contemporary life. The author, a distinguished scholar, delves into various facets of Jainism, emphasizing its philosophical depth, ethical framework, and its capacity to address universal human concerns.

Key Themes and Arguments:

1. The Nature of True Religion (Dharma):

   • The text begins by contrasting genuine religion with superficial or dogmatic faiths that demand blind belief and discourage reason. True religion, it argues, is not a difficult or convoluted path but a process of purifying the heart and life to reveal the soul's inherent virtues.
   • Dharma is defined as the soul's natural state or inherent qualities. Deviations from this natural state, such as artificiality, impurity, and vices, are termed Adharma (unrighteousness).
   • The book emphasizes that the soul is inherently pure, possessing infinite knowledge, consciousness, and bliss. This state is obscured by passions like attachment, aversion, delusion, ignorance, etc. Overcoming these vices through self-control and righteous conduct leads to the soul's inherent virtues shining forth.

2. Self-Control, Self-Reliance, and the Power of the Soul:

   • The text highlights the importance of Samyama (self-control) and Atmalamban (self-reliance) for the soul's development. By mastering the mind and senses, an individual gains immense power, capable of conquering the three worlds and ultimately attaining the Paramatmapada (Supreme Soul state).
   • The soul, though appearing inert when in contact with negative influences, is fundamentally a being of pure consciousness. Ignorance and lack of self-control lead individuals to self-destructive actions and reliance on external, often illusory, powers for their destiny.

3. Critique of Materialism and Western Influence:

   • The author critiques the dominance of materialism and its influence, particularly from Western thought, which he believes blinds the soul to its true nature. This materialistic outlook prioritizes the senses and the physical body, leading to the neglect of the inner self.
   • The destructive potential of science, when divorced from spiritual principles, is illustrated through the example of the World Wars and the development of weapons of mass destruction. While science can bring comfort, it also has the capacity to cause immense harm.

4. The Pursuit of True Happiness and the Illusion of Material Pleasures:

   • The text argues that material possessions and worldly pleasures offer only temporary satisfaction and ultimately increase desire (Trishna). True happiness lies in inner contentment and the realization of the soul's infinite potential.
   • The ephemeral nature of material happiness is contrasted with the lasting bliss of self-realization. The examples of Henry Ford and Alexander the Great illustrate how even immense wealth and power fail to bring ultimate peace.

5. The Importance of Equanimity (Samata) and Detachment (Vitaragata):

   • The path to true well-being lies in Samata (equanimity) and the shedding of attachment and aversion (Vishama). Overcoming passions like attachment, aversion, pride, and jealousy is crucial for achieving balance.
   • Attaining a state of Vitaraga (freedom from passions) and Vitaraaga (freedom from delusion) is the key to experiencing true equanimity and bliss.

6. The Role of Righteous Conduct and Self-Discipline:

   • The text emphasizes Sadaachar (righteous conduct) and self-discipline as essential for spiritual growth. A life devoid of restraint leads to the dissipation of spiritual energy and a dependence on external sources.
   • Through self-control and self-reliance, the soul awakens to its inherent powers. This mastery over the mind and senses allows one to control the external world and attain the highest spiritual state.

7. The Nature of Jainism as Science:

   • Jainism is presented not just as a religion but as a science of the soul (Adhyatmik Vigyan). Its principles are rooted in logic and experience, offering a path to peace, rejuvenation, and self-awareness. This spiritual science can counteract the darkness of materialism and bring about global welfare.

8. The Concept of the Soul (Atmatva) as the Foundation of Religion:

   • The text strongly asserts the existence of the soul (Atmatva) as the bedrock of religion. It critiques materialistic philosophies that deny the soul's existence and emphasizes that true understanding of the soul is the key to spiritual liberation.
   • The soul is described as eternal, simple, and indivisible, possessing inherent knowledge and bliss. Its connection with material elements can make it appear otherwise, but its true nature remains untainted.

9. The Creator and the Universe:

   • Jain philosophy posits that the soul is its own creator and master. It does not rely on an external creator God for its destiny. The universe's diversity and the soul's varied experiences are attributed to the principle of Karma.
   • The text contrasts the Jain concept of the soul with the idea of a creator God. Jainism focuses on the soul's inherent potential and its journey of self-realization through self-effort, rather than divine intervention.

10. The Principle of Karma:

    • The concept of Karma is central to Jain philosophy, explaining the diversity of experiences and the cycle of birth and death. Karma is understood as the result of actions, passions, and intentions. The soul's attachment to the material world and its involvement in worldly activities bind it with karmic particles.
    • Jainism provides a detailed science of Karma, explaining its types, influx, bondage, duration, fruition, and ultimately, its shedding (Nirjara) for liberation (Moksha).

11. Ahimsa (Non-violence) as the Supreme Principle:

    • Ahimsa is presented as the fundamental principle of Jainism, permeating all aspects of life. It extends beyond physical non-violence to mental and verbal non-violence. True Ahimsa is the absence of passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
    • The text acknowledges that while absolute Ahimsa might be challenging in practical life, the effort towards minimizing harm and cultivating compassion is paramount. Even in necessary actions (like self-defense), the intention behind the action is crucial.

12. The Importance of Jain Holy Places and Festivals:

    • The text mentions significant Jain pilgrimage sites like Pavapuri, Girnar, and Sammed Shikhar, highlighting their spiritual importance and the inspiration they offer to seekers.
    • Festivals like Diwali and Akshaya Tritiya are discussed in terms of their connection to Jain history and their role in reinforcing spiritual values and community spirit.

13. The Significance of Asceticism and the Digambara Tradition:

    • The text touches upon the Digambara tradition, emphasizing the profound significance of complete detachment from material possessions, including clothing, as a path to spiritual purity and self-realization. This is presented not as a mere outward show but as an internal state of detachment.
    • The importance of self-discipline, austerity, and the renunciation of worldly desires are recurring themes for spiritual advancement.

14. Historical and Comparative Perspective:

    • The author places Jainism within a historical context, referencing archaeological findings, ancient inscriptions, and comparisons with other religions to establish its antiquity and independence.
    • The text highlights the historical influence of Jainism on Indian culture, including its impact on rulers and societal practices. It argues for Jainism's distinctness from Brahmanism and Buddhism, while acknowledging shared ethical principles.

In essence, "Jain Shasan" is a comprehensive treatise that aims to illuminate the timeless wisdom of Jainism, presenting it as a practical philosophy for achieving individual peace, societal harmony, and ultimate spiritual liberation in the modern world. It advocates for a life guided by reason, compassion, self-discipline, and a deep understanding of the soul's true nature, offering a path that transcends materialism and superficiality.