Jainism

This document is a book titled "Jainism," published by Shree Vallabh Smarak Nidhi as part of their Jain Literature Series (Pushpa 2). It's dedicated to the memory of Acharya Shree Vijaya Vallabhsuriji. The book contains four articles by learned scholars and an epitome of Jainism by Acharya Shree Vijay Anand Suriji.

The content of the book can be summarized as follows:

Foreword: The foreword expresses pleasure in publishing this second installment in the Jainism series, following a successful publication on Mahavir the previous year. It highlights that the book contains valuable insights from scholars for students of Jainism and other interested readers. It also emphasizes the importance of the Smarak Fund for publishing useful literature and promoting education.

Key Principles of Jainism (as presented in the articles):

• Origin of Religion: Jainism posits that religion originally arose not for afterlife rewards but to promote peace, goodwill, and higher ideals on Earth, especially when the concept of private property led to societal discord.

• Syadvada/Anekantavada (Doctrine of Manifold Viewpoints): This is a central doctrine of Jainism, promoting a broad vision to reconcile seemingly conflicting viewpoints. It states that every issue has innumerable qualities and sides, and we can only discuss one at a time. Differences in statements arise from differing perspectives. The text uses the analogy of seven blind men and an elephant to illustrate how each experiences a part of the truth, and only by combining their accounts can the whole truth be understood. This doctrine encourages understanding different perspectives and promotes common understanding and tolerance.

• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Ahimsa is presented as a fundamental and universally applicable principle of Jainism, often misunderstood. It was primarily a reaction against animal sacrifices. Jainism emphasizes the sanctity of all life, extending the respect for human life to animals and other beings. The text clarifies that while absolute non-injury is difficult in daily life, Jainism distinguishes between unintentional, occupational, and protective harm (which are sometimes unavoidable) and intentional violence for pleasure. It advocates for minimizing harm and avoiding violence in thought, word, and deed.

• Other Ethical Vows: The book briefly mentions other core Jain vows:

  • Truthfulness: Speaking the truth.
  • Non-stealing: Not taking what is not given.
  • Sex-fidelity/Celibacy: (Depending on the stage of life or monasticism).
  • Parigraha Parimana Vrata (Vow of Limiting Possessions): This vow aims to prevent excessive greed and selfishness by encouraging individuals to fix a limit on their worldly possessions. Surplus wealth should be used for charitable purposes. This is seen as a way to encourage economic equalization and foster charitable disposition.

• Destiny of Man and Karma: Jainism teaches that individuals shape their own destiny through their mental and physical exertions. It emphasizes the Karma theory, where every action has a consequence, making individuals responsible for their progress or decline. Jainism does not believe in a creator God but reveres Tirthankaras – enlightened beings who have revealed the ultimate truth and made the path to liberation accessible.

• Antiquity and Independence of Jainism: The book argues for Jainism's great antiquity, citing references in Vedic literature (Yajurveda, Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana) and Buddhist literature, which indicate that Jainism predates or coexisted with these traditions. It emphasizes Jainism's independence and originality, distinct from Vedic or Buddhist doctrines, with its own unique theological and metaphysical principles.

• Jain Cosmology and Substances: The text outlines Jain metaphysics, including the eternal nature of the universe, the concept of substance (Dravya) with inherent qualities (Guna) and changing modes (Paryaya). It details the six substances (Jiva, Pudgala, Akasha, Kala, Dharma, Adharma), the nature of atoms, and the structure of the universe.

• God and Worship: Jainism rejects the concept of a personal, creator God. Instead, liberated souls (Arhats and Siddhas) are revered as deities. The goal of devotion is to be inspired by these enlightened beings to follow their path to liberation. The emphasis is on self-effort and the soul's potential for perfection.

• Services of Jainism to India: The book dedicates a significant portion to detailing Jainism's contributions to India across various fields:

  • Literature: Jain scholars have produced extensive and learned works in philosophy, logic, grammar, mathematics, history, and more, contributing significantly to Indian literary heritage.
  • Science: The text suggests that Jain philosophy anticipated many scientific conclusions, particularly in its understanding of the universe, life, atoms, time, and space.
  • Ethics and Social Reform: Jainism's emphasis on Ahimsa led to campaigns against animal sacrifice and promoted universal brotherhood. It advocated for social equality, discouraging caste rigidity.
  • Economic and Political Contributions: Jain merchants played a crucial role in India's economy, and Jain individuals often held important administrative and political positions.
  • Yogis and Saints: Jain saints are noted for their extreme austerity, self-control, forbearance, and commitment to non-violence, influencing societal character.
  • Morality: The low crime rate among Jains is presented as evidence of the religion's strong moral foundation.

• Jain Way of Life (Monks and Householders): The book describes the strict vows and disciplined lifestyle of Jain monks and nuns, emphasizing self-help and renunciation. It also outlines the ethical duties and vows for householders (Shravakas and Shravikas), including the twelve vows and daily practices related to worship, study, and charity.

• Conclusion: The concluding remarks reiterate Jainism's potential as a universal religion and its historical impact in fostering peace, harmony, and progress in India. It also calls for further scholarly research into the scientific knowledge embedded within Jain principles.

In essence, the book presents Jainism as an ancient, profound, and ethical religion with a focus on individual responsibility, non-violence, and the pursuit of liberation through self-effort, offering a unique philosophical and practical approach to life.