Jaina View Towards Philosophical Inquiry And Harmonious Ways Of Living

This document, "Jaina View Towards Philosophical Inquiry and Harmonious Ways of Living" by S.R. Bhatt, presents Jainism as a comprehensive philosophy and way of life deeply concerned with both individual realization and cosmic well-being. The core of this perspective is the concept of Anekantavada, the principle of manifoldness and non-absolutism.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• Philosophy as a Way of Life: Jaina philosophy is not merely theoretical but a practical enterprise aimed at improving worldly life (abhyudaya) and ultimately achieving liberation (nihsreyas). It is about self-awareness and self-reflection, but grounded in a holistic understanding of reality.
• Holistic and Integral Approach: The Jaina approach to reality is characterized by its interconnectedness and interdependence, advocating for cooperative partnership and mutualism among all elements. This is the essence of Anekantavada.
• Purposeful Endeavor: Philosophical inquiry in Jainism is not an idle exercise but a purposeful activity aimed at shaping present existence, future projections, and the ultimate destiny of humanity and the cosmos. It seeks to provide efficacious solutions to life's problems.
• Democracy in Ideas and Living: Anekantavada fosters a democratic approach to thought and life, emphasizing systematic thinking, appreciative analysis, and healthy disagreement. It promotes concord (samvada) over disputation (vivada).
• Dravya, Gunas, and Paryayas: Jaina metaphysics centers on the concept of dravya (substance) which possesses inherent qualities (gunas) and undergoes modifications (paryayas). The introduction of paryaya, the conditioned mode of existence, is a significant contribution, providing a basis for relativism, perspectivism, and situationalism, thus avoiding absolutism and dogmatism.
• Anekantavada as the Cornerstone: Anekantavada is the foundational tenet, described as the "heart of Jainism." It ensures conciliation, concord, harmony, and synthesis, promoting catholicity of outlook and accommodation of diverse viewpoints. It leads to mutual complementarities, cooperation, trust, coexistence, and ultimately, Ahimsa.
• Ahimsa as the Highest Virtue: Ahimsa (non-violence) is a direct corollary of Anekantavada and the ultimate truth and virtue in Jainism. It guarantees peace, progress, prosperity, and perfection.
• Contemporary Relevance: Jainism's principles, particularly Anekantavada and Ahimsa, are presented as highly relevant to contemporary global issues such as intercultural dialogues, religious harmony, conflict resolution, social cohesion, sustainable development, environmental protection, and responsible consumption.
• The Three Jewels (Triratna): Authentic living in Jainism is based on right attitude (samyak drsti), right knowledge (samyak jnana), and right conduct (samyak charitra). These are the three jewels, essential for spiritual perfection.
• Knowledge and Conduct: Right knowledge is crucial, but it must lead to right conduct. Knowledge without practice is deemed useless, like a donkey carrying sandalwood without understanding its value.
• Purusartha (Self-Effort): Jainism emphasizes self-reliance, self-discipline, and self-help. The doctrine of purusartha highlights human endeavor as the primary means to self-realization, rejecting reliance on external or divine intervention for salvation.
• The Sramana Tradition: Jainism is presented as a key part of the Sramana tradition, characterized by equanimity (sama), self-control (s'ama), and self-effort (s'rama). This tradition emphasizes self-reliance and is contrasted with the Brahmanic tradition's emphasis on supra-human forces.
• Karma and Liberation: The philosophy explains individual differences and suffering through the concept of karma, a beginningless accumulation of subtle material coverings. Liberation (moksa) is achieved by removing karmic matter and freeing the soul from the cycle of rebirth.
• Syadvada and Sapta-bhangi: Syadvada, the doctrine of "perhaps" or "may be," is a corollary of Anekantavada, emphasizing that all judgments are conditional and relative to specific perspectives. This is further elaborated in the Sapta-bhangi, a seven-fold predication system that describes reality from various viewpoints.
• Practical Implications: The ethical principles derived from Jainism, such as vegetarianism, environmental protection, non-stealing (asteya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha), are highlighted as crucial for individual and collective well-being, promoting social justice and sustainable development.

In essence, the book argues that Jainism offers a profound and practical framework for navigating the complexities of life, promoting harmony within oneself, with others, and with the entire cosmos, through its core principles of manifoldness, non-absolutism, and non-violence.