Jainism And World Problems

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jainism and World Problems" by Champat Rai Jain, based on the provided excerpts:

Book Overview:

"Jainism and World Problems" (Part II of "What is Jainism?") by C. R. Jain, published by The Jaina Parishad, Bunor, U.P. (India), is a collection of essays and addresses. The book aims to present Jainism as a practical philosophy capable of addressing contemporary global challenges. The author emphasizes that Jainism offers a scientific and rational framework for understanding life, spirituality, and ethical conduct.

Core Jain Principles and Their Application to World Problems:

The central theme throughout the book is the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence, non-hurting), which the author posits as the ultimate solution to many of the world's problems. This principle is not merely an ethical guideline but a scientific law governing the universe and the soul's journey.

Key Themes and Arguments:

1. Ahimsa as the Key to World Peace:

   • Ahimsa means refraining from causing harm through thought, word, or deed. It is the principal weapon against all forms of evil and misfortune.
   • Practicing Ahimsa purifies the soul, leading to divine status. It fosters love, goodwill, and unity, eliminating fear, distrust, and misunderstanding.
   • Modern politics and materialism, driven by greed and selfishness, are the root causes of conflict. Ahimsa offers a scientific path to peace by transforming hatred into love.
   • Nations should abandon armaments and embrace love. The author criticizes the futility of treaties and military strength as guarantees of peace.
   • The principle extends to all living beings, not just humans. Respect for animal life is crucial for respecting human life.

2. The Need for True Religion and Scientific Understanding:

   • The world's problems stem from "ill-conceived Ideals" and the supremacy of materialism, which arose from a failure of religion to engage with modern science on its own terms.
   • Religion, when properly understood, is a science founded on natural laws. The scriptures of various religions, though often allegorical, contain an underlying scientific doctrine identical to Jainism.
   • The author advocates for a scientific investigation of comparative religion, free from bias, to reveal the common scientific undercurrent present in all faiths. He believes this will foster inter-religious harmony and a true brotherhood of man.

3. Mastering Fear through Knowledge and Love:

   • Fear originates from ignorance and a lack of love.
   • True knowledge of the soul reveals its immortality, its inherent perfection, and its divine nature, dispelling the fear of death and calamity.
   • The Jain path, guided by Tirthamkaras (perfected souls), inspires confidence and tranquility, freeing individuals from fear.

4. Ideals for a New World Order:

   • True reform lies in understanding and adhering to the original, scientific teachings of religion, not in creating new ideals.
   • Modern civilization's focus on materialism and the senses leads to the ruination of the soul. The ancients possessed profound knowledge that modern science has yet to grasp.
   • The pursuit of materialism, driven by greed, leads to destruction, while the path of the soul leads to eternal life and joy.
   • Education must prioritize the "Science of Salvation" and the "Psychology of the Soul," fostering contentment and universal love from childhood.

5. The Jaina Doctrine of Ahimsa in Practice:

   • Jainism offers a practical path, dividing it into preliminary and advanced stages. The layman disciplines animal passions, while saints pursue rigorous self-denial.
   • Hinsa (harming) is categorized into deliberate, unavoidable, and accidental, with varying degrees of culpability.
   • The Jaina saint aims to avoid all forms of himsa, even in food preparation, and strives for complete detachment from the body and worldly possessions.
   • The concept of "selling all and giving to charity" is central to achieving detachment.

6. The Concept of God in Jainism:

   • Jainism views God as a Perfect Spirit, inherently immortal, omniscient, blissful, and infinitely powerful.
   • These divine attributes are not acquired but are the soul's intrinsic nature, obscured by association with matter (the body).
   • A Jain God is self-existent, tranquil, and unconcerned with creation or worldly affairs. They do not demand worship or interfere in human lives.
   • The divine status is attained through personal effort and the purification of the soul, not through external intervention.

7. The Indian Problem and Solutions:

   • The author critically analyzes the Indian non-cooperation movement, deeming it insufficient without widespread unanimity and genuine "soul-force" (true spiritual strength).
   • He advocates for patriotism, self-exertion, education, and a focus on national development rather than solely political agitation.
   • Hindus are advised to observe political "parhez" (abstinence) to foster education and eliminate corruption, leading to Hindu-Muslim unity and eventual self-rule.

8. Comparative Antiquity of Jainism and Hinduism:

   • The author argues that Jainism is scientifically older than Hinduism, with its foundational principles present even in the allegorical scriptures of the Rig Veda.
   • He posits that while Hinduism uses allegory, Jainism presents its teachings plainly and scientifically. Both ultimately convey the same core spiritual truths.

9. Vegetarianism and Health:

   • Drawing on scientific research (e.g., Dr. Bircher-Benner), the book asserts that a plant-based diet is not only healthier but essential for spiritual well-being.
   • Animal products, especially when cooked, lose vital energy ("vitamins") and are detrimental to health and spiritual progress.
   • Jainism's emphasis on Ahimsa aligns with the scientific understanding of the superiority of vegetarianism.

10. The Measure of All-Embracing Knowledge:

    • Jainism provides a precise, scientific framework for calculating infinities, essential for understanding its philosophical principles.
    • The text details a complex system of enumerating countable, countless, and infinite quantities, demonstrating Jainism's commitment to exactness.

11. Misconceptions Regarding Jainism:

    • The author addresses common misunderstandies, refuting claims that Jainas are Hindu dissenters or that their practices (like "sallekhana" - controlled fasting unto death) constitute suicide.
    • He clarifies that "sallekhana" is a disciplined method of righteous dying, distinct from voluntary suicide, and aims to spiritual elevate the will.

Overall Message:

Champat Rai Jain's "Jainism and World Problems" is a powerful treatise advocating for the universal applicability of Jain principles, particularly Ahimsa, as the path to individual enlightenment and global peace. He stresses the importance of scientific reasoning and a rational understanding of religion to overcome modern challenges and foster harmony among humanity. The book calls for a return to foundational spiritual truths, stripped of dogma and superstition, to build a better world.