Jaina Literature And Philosophy A Critical Approach

This comprehensive summary of "Jaina Literature and Philosophy: A Critical Approach" by Sagarmal Jain, based on the provided text, highlights the book's exploration of Jainism's rich literary and philosophical heritage from its earliest periods to approximately the 10th century AD. The book, part of the Pārsvanātha Vidyapitha Series, offers a critical and scholarly examination of various facets of Jainism.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content:

Overall Scope and Approach:

• Critical Approach: The book adopts a critical perspective, analyzing the development and evolution of Jaina thought, literature, and practices over centuries.
• Scholarly Compilation: It is a compilation of important articles authored by Prof. Sagarmal Jain, providing in-depth studies on diverse aspects of Jaina philosophy and religion.
• Chronological and Thematic Coverage: The content spans from the canonical period to around the 10th century AD, covering origins, development, literature, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and contemporary issues.

Key Areas Explored:

1. Jaina Literature (Earliest Time to c. 10th AD):

   • Canonical Period (c. 5th BC to c. 4th-5th AD): Primarily in Prakrta (canonical Prakrta), with a mention of Sanskrit works later. It details the Anga and Upanga canons, noting that some parts, like the Drstivada, are lost. The preservation through oral tradition and the prohibition of writing due to non-violence are discussed.
   • Secondary Canons (Upānga): Includes works like Aupapātika, Rājapraśniya, Jivabhigama, Prajnapanā, etc., with discussions on their subject matter and dating.
   • Prakirņakas: Works like Āvaśyakaniryukti, Daśavaikālika Niryukti, etc., are discussed.
   • Non-canonical Literature (c. 3rd-10th AD):
     • Agamas and Commentaries: Highlights Niryuktis, Bhāṣyas, and Cūrṇis, noting the shift from Prakrta to mixed Sanskrit and Prakrta, and the increasing use of Sanskrit commentaries. Notable commentators like Haribhadrasuri and Śilankācārya are mentioned.
     • Philosophical Works: Emphasizes the Tattvārthasūtra by Umāsvāti as a foundational systematic work, respected by both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions. It also discusses works like Sanmatitarka and Aptamimāṁsā, highlighting the age of critical presentation of Anekāntavāda.
     • Works on Religious Practices and Ethics: Categorized into hymns, worship/rituals, religious preachings, Jaina sadhana/yoga, and code of conduct.
     • Jaina Narrative Literature: Covers biographies of illustrious personalities, religious tales, prabandhas, and Kathakosas.
     • Secular Literature: Discusses works on astronomy, astrology, geography, mathematics, linguistics, and medicine, showcasing the Jainas' intellectual breadth.

2. Origin and Development of Jainism:

   • Sramanic Tradition: Places Jainism within the Sramanic stream of Indian culture, emphasizing renunciation, emancipation, and asceticism.
   • Antiquity: Traces Jainism's roots to pre-Vedic periods, citing references in the Vedas and Upanishads to Vrātyas, Arhatas, and Tirthankaras like Ṛṣabha, Ajita, and Ariṣṭanemi. It also links the tradition to Mohen-jo-daro and Harappa findings related to meditation.
   • Nirgranthadharma: Identifies Jainism as Nirgranthadharma during the Upanishadic period, with historical evidence supporting the historicity of Parsva and Ariṣṭanemi.
   • Influence and Assimilation: Discusses the intermingling of Vedic and Sramanic traditions, leading to the development of Hinduism, and how Jainism and Buddhism influenced Vedic tradition. It highlights the reciprocal influence, with Hinduism accepting Buddha and Ṛṣabha as incarnations and Jainism incorporating figures like Rama and Kṛṣṇa.

3. Historical Development of Jaina Philosophy and Religion (c. 3rd-10th AD):

   • Dynamic Nature: Argues against the static view of Indian philosophies, highlighting the dynamic changes and developments in Jaina thought and practice.
   • Evolution of Conduct: Discusses the relaxation of strict codes of conduct, the emergence of Jinakalpa and Sthavirakalpa, and the later schism into Digambara, Śvetāmbara, and Yāpanīya traditions.
   • Caityavāsa: Analyzes the shift to temple-based living of monks, leading to a more ceremonial and ritualistic approach, and the rise of administrator clergies (Bhattārakas and Yatis).
   • Reformative Movements: Highlights reformist movements like Kharataragaccha, Tapa-gaccha, Lonkāgaccha, and Taranapantha within Jainism.
   • Three Ages of Philosophical Development: Divides the period into the Agama Age (c. 5th BC-3rd AD), the Age of Critical Presentation of Anekāntavāda (c. 4th-6th AD), and the Age of Systematization of Jaina Philosophy (c. 7th-10th AD).
   • Jaina Theory of Knowledge (Pañcajñāna): Traces the development of the five-fold knowledge from Pārsva's tradition to its refinement in Mahāvira's time and later texts like Nandisūtra and Anuyogadvāra.
   • Jaina Theory of Pramāna: Discusses the adoption and synthesis of Pramāņa concepts from other schools, leading to unique Jaina contributions like the classification of Pramāņas and the debate on memory, recognition, and induction.
   • Theory of Non-absolutism (Anekāntavāda) and Syādvāda: Explains Anekāntavāda as the central philosophy, tracing its development from Mahāvīra's preachings to its systematization with Naya doctrines and the seven-fold predication (Saptabhangi).
   • Historical Development of Jaina Metaphysics: Focuses on the Pañcāstikāya doctrine and its evolution into Şaddravya (six substances), highlighting the originality of these concepts.
   • Şadjivanikāya: Discusses the concept of six types of living beings and its implications for non-violence.
   • Theory of Guṇasthāna: Analyzes the development of the fourteen stages of spiritual development, tracing its origins and evolution.
   • Three-fold Path of Liberation: Examines the gradual changes in the understanding of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
   • Concept of Tirthankara and Bhakti Movement: Discusses the evolution of the Tirthankara concept and the emergence of devotional practices, noting the adoption of some Hindu elements.
   • Development of Arts & Architecture: Highlights the Jaina contributions to various arts and sciences, including sculpture, music, and literature.

4. Comparative Studies:

   • Brāhmaṇic and Śramanic Cultures: A comparative study emphasizing their distinctness yet mutual influence and integration within Indian culture.
   • Jainism & Buddhism: Compares their shared Sramanic origins, the philosophical differences, and their divergent historical trajectories.
   • Samatva Yoga: Explores the concept of mental equanimity (Samatva) as a fundamental teaching in both Jainism (equating it with the nature and goal of the soul) and the Bhagavad Gita (as the essence of Yoga).
   • Jaina Concept of Peace: Defines peace as inner tranquility (cessation of passions) and outer harmony (non-violence, co-operation), emphasizing the Jaina principles of non-attachment, non-violence, and non-absolutism.
   • Religious Harmony and Fellowship of Faiths: Argues for humanity as the binding force, advocating for tolerance, reason, and respect for diverse ideologies, rooted in Anekāntavāda.
   • The Solution of World Problems: Examines Jainism's perspective on mental tension, survival of the human race (disarmament), war and violence, disintegration of society, economic inequality, and ecological balance, proposing solutions based on non-violence, non-possession, and non-absolutism.
   • The Role of Parents, Teachers and Society: Discusses the importance of instilling culture values, emphasizing good character, rational outlook, and the need for parents and educators to be role models.
   • The Concept of Vibhajjavāda: Explains Vibhajjavāda (analytic approach) as a shared methodological principle of Buddhism and Jainism that fosters philosophical and religious tolerance by condemning one-sidedness.
   • The Teachings of Arhat Pārsva and the Distinctness of His Sect: Details Pārsva's philosophical and ethical teachings, particularly the Cāturyāma-dharma and the acceptance of some clothing, contrasting them with Mahāvira's Pañcamahāvrata and emphasis on nudity.
   • Reconsidering the Date of the Nirvāṇa of Lord Mahāvīra: Critically examines traditional and scholarly views on Mahavira's Nirvana date, analyzing both internal Jaina evidence and external historical and epigraphical sources, suggesting a potential re-evaluation.
   • Prof. K.S. Murty's Philosophy of Peace and Non-violence: Evaluates the views of Prof. K.S. Murty on peace and non-violence, discussing his realist approach, his stance on the inevitability of force and punishment for social justice, and his concepts of inner and outer peace.

In essence, "Jaina Literature and Philosophy: A Critical Approach" provides a deep dive into the intellectual and spiritual heritage of Jainism, highlighting its philosophical sophistication, literary richness, and its enduring principles of non-violence, equanimity, and tolerance. It emphasizes the historical development and the critical analysis of these elements, offering a valuable resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in Jainism.