Jaina Contribution To Indian Society

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, "Jaina Contribution to Indian Society" by Dr. Vilas A. Sangave:

The book asserts that Tirthankara Mahavira initiated a new era in Indian society, bringing hope and transforming people's lives, outlook, and values through his revolutionary concepts. The Jaina Acharyas and thinkers continued to champion these ideas, leading to significant Jaina contributions to the development of Indian society.

The key contributions highlighted are:

1. Establishment of Social Equality:

   • The Jains challenged the rigid, birth-based Vedic social hierarchy (Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras), where Brahmins held a superior position and Shudras were neglected and discriminated against.
   • Mahavira and the Jaina Acharyas recognized social divisions but based them on activity, not birth.
   • They granted full freedom to all, including women and Shudras, to participate in religious practices and join their religious order. Householders were known as Shravakas (male) and Shravikas (female), and ascetics as Sadhus and Sadhvis.
   • This principle of social equality had a profound impact, particularly improving the status of Shudras who were previously excluded from religious life and subject to many restrictions. This fostered a more positive social attitude and led to opposition to slavery.

2. Emancipation of Women:

   • In contrast to the later Vedic period where women were relegated to a status similar to Shudras, being excluded from religious texts and initiation, the Jaina tradition significantly elevated the status of women.
   • Mahavira made no distinction between men and women in religious observance. Both were given equal opportunities for studying sacred texts, practicing vows (vrata), undergoing penance, and making spiritual progress.
   • Women were freely admitted into the ascetic order, regardless of their social standing, allowing them to pursue spiritual salvation.

3. Emphasis on Non-violence (Ahimsa):

   • The Jaina tradition places the utmost importance on Ahimsa (non-injury to living beings), making it the cornerstone of its philosophy and rules of conduct. Jainism is synonymous with Ahimsa.
   • Jaina Acharyas vigorously opposed meat-eating and animal sacrifices, advocating for Ahimsa based on the metaphysical belief that all souls are potentially equal.
   • They promoted the golden rule: "Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you," extending this principle to all living beings due to the presence of souls in them.
   • This strong emphasis on Ahimsa led to a considerable decline in sacrificial rites, animal slaughter for hunting and decoration, and meat consumption. It also promoted vegetarianism among a large segment of the population.
   • Jainism taught that every living being has sanctity and dignity and advocated the principle of "Live and let live." Ahimsa was presented as both an individual and collective virtue with universal appeal, fostering an "Ahimsa culture." This culture, continuously propagated by Jaina Acharyas, is a significant reason why regions like Gujarat and Karnataka are largely vegetarian.

4. Insistence on Tolerance:

   • Jaina Acharyas are credited with advocating religious tolerance, a characteristic contribution to Indian society.
   • The doctrine of Anekantavada (multi-sidedness of reality) broadens perspectives and reduces animosity towards other religious groups. This principle was applied to intellectual, social, and religious spheres.
   • Jainism posits that limited human knowledge means no single creed can fully represent truth, making intolerance wrong.
   • Jaina monarchs and generals maintained a commendable record of no persecution, even when Jains themselves faced persecution from fanatical groups. Dr. B.A. Saletore noted that Ahimsa was partly responsible for this contribution to Hindu culture, with Jainas fostering tolerance more sincerely and successfully than other communities.

5. Encouragement to Social Welfare:

   • Beyond the negative aspect of Ahimsa (avoiding harm), Jaina Acharyas stressed its positive aspect: actively promoting the welfare of all living beings.
   • They encouraged good intentions towards others' prosperity, active interest in the needy, and practical steps to alleviate suffering for all creatures.
   • This humanitarian approach is intrinsically linked to the vow of Aparigraha (non-possession or non-attachment), which limits worldly possessions to one's needs.
   • This vow indirectly aims at economic equalization by preventing the undue accumulation of capital. Individuals were encouraged to fix their maximum belongings and spend any excess on Dana (charities).
   • The four principal charities are ahara, abhaya, bhaishajya, and shastra-dana (food, protection, medicine, and knowledge). These "Chaturvidha-Dana" were to be given to the needy regardless of caste or creed.
   • Jaina householders actively established alm-houses (Anna-chhatralayas), rest-houses (Dharma-Shalas), dispensaries (Aushadhalayas), and educational institutions. They also maintained Pinjarapols for the care of destitute animals and birds.
   • Jains played a crucial role in mass education, with evidence suggesting that Jaina teachers significantly influenced early education in Southern India, even to the extent that Hindu traditions retained Jaina formulas in their teaching methods. This tradition of Chaturvidha Dana continues to the present day.

In conclusion, the book argues that Tirthankara Mahavira and the Jaina tradition significantly impacted Indian society by championing social equality, emancipating women, emphasizing universal non-violence, promoting tolerance, and actively engaging in social welfare, leaving a lasting legacy on Indian culture.