Jainagmo Me Parmatmavad

The provided text is a collection of excerpts from Jain Agamas, specifically focusing on the concept of "Paramātmavāda" (the doctrine of the Supreme Soul) within Jainism, as presented by Ācārya Śrī Ātmārāmaji Mahārāja. The book, titled "Jaināgamoṁ meṁ Paramātmavāda," published by Ātmārām Jain Prakashanalay, delves into the Jain perspective on the Supreme Soul, contrasting it with the Vedic tradition and exploring various facets of this doctrine as expounded in the Jain scriptures.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points from the provided text:

1. Introduction and Acknowledgements (Pages 1-3):

• The book is published by Ācārya Śrī Ātmārām Jain Prakashanalay in Ludhiana.
• The publication is generously sponsored by Mrs. Gaura Devi Ji in memory of her late husband, Lala Nauhariyal Mal Ji Jain. Lala Nauhariyal Mal Ji was a religious-minded individual whose spiritual inclination was greatly influenced by Swami Khajanchand Ji Maharaj, a disciple of Ācārya Samrat Ātmārāma Ji Maharaj.
• The secretary of Ācārya Śrī Ātmārām Jain Prakashanalay expresses gratitude to Mrs. Gaura Devi Ji for her support in publishing religious works, including "Nayvāda" by Swami Phoolchand Ji Maharaj and the current book, "Jaināgamoṁ meṁ Paramātmavāda."

2. Comparison with Vedic Tradition and Jain Concept of God (Pages 4-10):

• Vedic Tradition: The text begins by defining "Īśvara" (God) in the Vedic tradition as the supreme power, the creator of the universe, singular, omnipresent, and eternal. Vedic philosophy believes this entity controls the cosmic cycles, and all actions are inspired by its will. God is considered omnipotent, capable of changing right into wrong and vice-versa. The world is seen as a play of God's will, with no leaf stirring without divine permission. Life's destiny, including reaching heaven or hell, is dependent on God's wish, and humans are powerless.
• Jain Philosophy:
  • Jainism does not use the term "Īśvara" in the sense of a creator God.
  • Jainism rejects the Vedic concept of God as the creator of the world, the dispenser of destiny, the giver of karma's fruits, or one who incarnates.
  • The Jain "Paramātmā" (Supreme Soul) is described as truth, knowledge, bliss, free from attachment (vītarāga), omniscient, and all-seeing.
  • The Paramātmā does not interfere in worldly affairs, is not the creator, nor the arbiter of destiny or karma.
  • There isn't one single Paramātmā in Jainism; countless souls have attained the state of Paramātmā by destroying karmas.
  • Paramātmā is considered to have a beginning (sādi) in the sense that it is attained through the annihilation of karmas, but also anādinanta (beginningless and endless) from the perspective of the eternal stream of liberated souls.
  • While not physically omnipresent in terms of soul-regions (ātmapradeśa), the Paramātmā's knowledge is said to encompass the entire universe, making it "all-pervading" in that sense.
  • Jains believe in individual liberation, where each soul, through its own actions (karma), striving for non-violence (ahiṁsā), self-restraint (saṁyama), and penance (tapas), can achieve the state of Paramātmā. The distinction between an ordinary soul and Paramātmā is primarily the presence or absence of karma.

3. Three Interpretations of God: The text outlines three main theological viewpoints prevalent today: 1. Sanātanadharmi (Traditional Hindu): God is one, beginningless, all-pervading, embodiment of truth, consciousness, and bliss, knower of all, omnipotent, creator of the universe, sustainer of destiny, dispenser of karma, and occasionally incarnates to destroy evil and uplift the righteous. 2. Ārya (Modern Hindu): God is one, beginningless, all-pervading, embodiment of truth, consciousness, and bliss, knower of all, omnipotent, and creator of the universe. However, individuals are free in their actions (karma), and God does not interfere. God does not incarnate to destroy evil or uplift the righteous. 3. Jain: God is not singular; there are many, not beginningless, not all-pervading, infinitely powerful, knower of all. God is not the creator, sustainer of destiny, or dispenser of karma, nor does God incarnate. Souls achieve godhood through their own efforts, merging with the Paramātmā. The only difference between a soul and Paramātmā is the presence or absence of karma.

4. Jain Āgamas and Paramātmavāda (Pages 11-13):

• Jain Agamas use terms like "Siddha," "Buddha," "Arihant," etc., to describe the liberated soul or the Supreme Soul, not "Īśvara."
• The book aims to compile and present these scriptural passages regarding Paramātmā, clarifying the Jain position on its nature, whether it is singular or multiple, beginningless or with a beginning.
• The author emphasizes the need for thorough study and understanding of the Jain Āgamas to resolve these questions, noting that this is not a simple task and requires profound insight and knowledge of the scriptures and their interconnections.
• The book is presented as a compilation of such Āgamic texts, making the Jain concept of Paramātmā accessible to the general public.
• It aims to counter the misconception that Jainism denies the existence or description of a Supreme Being, asserting that Jainism sincerely accepts and authentically expounds the nature of Paramātmā.
• The author highlights Ācārya Samrat Pūjya Śrī Ātmārāma Ji Maharaj's tireless efforts in compiling these texts, despite physical health challenges and advanced age. His dedication to literature and service is praised.

5. Detailed Exposition of Āgamic Texts (Pages 14 onwards): The latter part of the text provides extensive quotations from Jain Āgamas, detailing the characteristics of the liberated soul (mukta-ātmā). These descriptions negate any material attributes such as form, color, smell, taste, touch, dimensions, or any sensory qualities. The liberated soul is beyond description by conventional language and is characterized by its absolute purity, omnipotence, and omniscience. The text includes transliterations and Sanskrit explanations of these scriptural verses, followed by Hindi translations, aiming for comprehensive understanding.

Overall Theme: The core message of "Jaināgamoṁ meṁ Paramātmavāda" is to clarify the Jain understanding of the Supreme Soul, emphasizing self-effort, karma, and liberation as the path to the highest spiritual state, rather than relying on an external creator deity. It aims to systematically present scriptural evidence to support the Jain perspective, contrasting it with other philosophical schools and demonstrating the profound spiritual depth of Jain teachings.