Jain Theism

This comprehensive summary of Hemant Shah's "Jain Theism" is based on the provided text, which includes the book's title, author, publisher, catalog link, and several pages of its content, including prefaces, forewords, and chapter introductions.

Overall Argument and Purpose:

The book "Jain Theism" by Hemant Shah argues that Jainism, often misunderstood as atheistic, is in fact a theistic system. The author contends that the practical religious activities observed in Jainism, such as worship, prayer, and ethical practices, are inconsistent with atheism and point towards a deeper theistic foundation. The work aims to clarify the Jaina concept of God, refuting the prevalent criticism of Jain atheism and establishing Jain Theism as a distinct philosophical position. The book embarks on a "journey from Atheism towards Theism and ultimately to Jain Theism."

Key Themes and Chapters:

The book systematically explores the theistic aspects of Jainism by examining its philosophical underpinnings:

• Introduction: The author introduces the perceived contradiction between the theory of Jainism as atheistic and the observed theistic practices, motivating the research.
• Theism, Atheism, and Jainism: This foundational chapter defines theism and atheism, contrasting Western and Indian approaches. It clarifies that Jainism's perceived atheism stems from its rejection of Vedic authority and ritualistic sacrifices, but argues that its core tenets reveal a theistic disposition. The chapter analyzes the concept of religion and God in general and then in the context of Jainism.
• Jain Logic: This section delves into Jain logic, particularly its theories of knowledge, Nayavāda, and Syādvāda. The author argues that these logical frameworks, emphasizing partial truths and multiple standpoints, have theistic implications by avoiding absolutism and fostering tolerance, which are conducive to a theistic worldview. The significance of the Samgraha Naya (collective generic standpoint) is highlighted as a path to understanding a universal, absolute principle, which can be interpreted as the Jain absolute or God.
• Jain Ethics: This chapter explores Jain ethics, emphasizing its rigorous nature, the centrality of Ahimsa (non-violence), and the role of Karma. The author posits that the ethical system, with its focus on self-effort, moral purity, and the potential for all souls to achieve perfection, presupposes a theistic framework where individual effort is guided by a higher spiritual ideal. The law of Karma is presented not as fatalistic but as a moral principle that aligns with a theistic understanding of cosmic justice and human responsibility.
• Jain Philosophy of Soul: This chapter is crucial as it examines the Jain concept of the soul (Jiva). The author argues that the soul, in its pure and liberated state, possesses infinite knowledge, power, bliss, and perception, thus embodying divine attributes. This inherent divinity and the potential for all souls to achieve Moksha (liberation) and become Siddhas (liberated souls, considered divine) are presented as strong indicators of Jain theism. The classification of souls and the concept of the "Holy Pentad" (Pañca Parameṣṭhin) are also discussed.
• Theistic Color of Popular Beliefs and Sadhana: This chapter focuses on the practical, devotional aspects of Jainism. It discusses popular beliefs, worship, rituals, fasts, festivals, and the Sadhana (spiritual practice). The author highlights that despite the emphasis on self-effort, practices like prayer, worship (Pūjā), and devotion (Bhakti) are integral to Jainism, demonstrating a theistic orientation. The rituals, though aimed at self-purification, are seen as a means to connect with the divine ideal.
• Scriptural and Other Arguments for Theism in Jainism: This extensive chapter provides textual evidence from canonical, quasi-canonical, and non-canonical Jain literature, as well as the works of prominent scholars and thinkers. The author cites verses and interpretations from various scriptures (like Acārānga Sūtra, Upāsakadašāṅga Sūtra, Nandi Sūtra, Uttarādhyāyana Sūtra, Yogasāra, Dravyasangraha, etc.) and writings of influential figures (like Shrimad Rajachandra, Pandit Sukhlalji, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan) to support the claim of Jain theism. These arguments emphasize the description of Tirthankaras and Siddhas as divine beings, the concept of Godhood attainable through self-effort, and the presence of devotional practices.
• Nature of Jain Theism: This chapter synthesizes the previous arguments to define the philosophical nature of Jain Theism. It acknowledges that Jainism doesn't adhere to a creator God in the traditional Western sense. Instead, it posits a "modified realistic theism" or a "latent/hidden theism." The Jain God is understood as the perfected soul, an ideal realized through self-effort. While there's an emphasis on self-reliance, theistic elements like prayer, worship, and the I-Thou relationship are present, albeit with a Jain philosophical coloring. The author notes that Jainism's focus on the absolute in Samgraha Naya and the perfection of the soul points towards monistic tendencies within its theism.
• Conclusion: The author reiterates the main thesis that Jainism is fundamentally theistic, not atheistic. The book concludes by asserting that Jain Theism is a unique variety, characterized by its emphasis on self-effort, spiritual development, and the inherent divinity of the soul, making it a "metaphysical theism."

Key Arguments for Jain Theism:

• The Soul as Divine: Jainism posits that the soul (Jiva), in its pure, liberated state (Siddha), possesses infinite knowledge, bliss, power, and perception, thus embodying divine attributes. This inherent divinity makes the perfected soul the object of worship and a representation of God.
• Rejection of Creator God, but Acceptance of Supreme Beings: While Jainism rejects the concept of a creator God who intervenes in the universe, it reveres Tirthankaras and Siddhas as perfected souls who have achieved Godhood through their own efforts. These liberated souls are considered divine and worthy of worship and contemplation.
• Emphasis on Spiritual Self-Effort and Idealism: The path to liberation in Jainism relies on self-effort (puruṣārtha), moral discipline, and spiritual development. This emphasis on human potential and self-perfection, aiming for a divine state, is seen as a manifestation of theistic aspiration.
• Theistic Practices: Despite the focus on self-effort, Jainism incorporates devotional practices like prayer, worship (Pūjā), rituals, fasting, and festivals. These practices, while serving as means to self-purification, demonstrate a theistic orientation and a connection between the devotee and the divine ideal.
• Scriptural and Scholarly Support: The book extensively cites Jain scriptures and scholarly interpretations to demonstrate that Jainism has always been understood by its adherents and studied by scholars as having theistic elements.
• Logic and Metaphysics Supporting Theism: The logical frameworks of Nayavāda and Syādvāda, by acknowledging relative truths and the ultimate absolute, and the metaphysical concept of the soul as the ultimate reality, are argued to support a theistic interpretation.
• Ethical Foundation: Jain ethics, centered on Ahimsa and the law of Karma, creates a moral framework that aligns with theistic principles of justice, responsibility, and spiritual evolution.

In essence, Hemant Shah's "Jain Theism" attempts to reframe Jainism not as an atheistic denial of God, but as a unique system of theism where the divine is realized through the inherent potential of the soul and its rigorous spiritual discipline.