Jainism Illustrated

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jainism Illustrated" by Vinod Kapashi:

Overall Purpose:

"Jainism Illustrated" by Vinod Kapashi aims to provide a clear, accessible, and visually engaging introduction to the Jain religion and its philosophy. Published in July 1988, it serves as an educational resource, particularly for those seeking to understand the core tenets, history, and practices of Jainism. The book utilizes illustrations, diagrams, and simplified explanations to convey complex concepts.

Key Themes and Concepts Covered:

1. The Tirthankaras:

   • The book introduces the concept of Tirthankaras as spiritual path-makers who establish the Jain order.
   • It highlights the first Tirthankara, Rushabhdev (Adinath), who is credited with teaching essential knowledge for civilization like farming, house-building, cooking, arts, science, and commerce. His symbol is the bull.
   • It mentions the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath, a cousin of Lord Krishna.
   • The 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Parsvanath, is presented as a historical figure who preached the four principles: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), and Aparigraha (non-acquisition).
   • Lord Mahavir is identified as the 24th and last Tirthankara, whose preachings form the basis of modern Jainism. His life is detailed, including his birth (599 BC), renunciation at 30, attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience) at 42, and Nirvana (death) at 72. The book notes he was older than Buddha, and both preached Ahimsa, though Mahavir emphasized strict penance while Buddha advocated a "middle path." Mahavir's preaching areas were Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal, with his Nirvana in Pavapuri.

2. Core Principles:

   • Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is presented as the central and keynote principle of Jainism, encompassing reverence for all life, from the smallest microscopic beings to larger ones. It extends to mental, verbal, and physical non-violence, and not encouraging violence in others. The text explains how Jain practices like vegetarianism, avoiding root vegetables (to prevent harm to subterranean organisms), and not eating after sunset are all linked to Ahimsa.
   • Karma Theory: Jainism's Karma theory is described as scientific, explaining how the soul attracts particles (parmanu) related to thoughts, speech, and actions. These particles, called Karma, attach to the soul, affecting its state and determining future rebirths. The ultimate goal is to shed all Karma to achieve Moksha (liberation). The book mentions both Ghati (soul-destroying) and Aghati (body-related) Karmas and their effects. It emphasizes that no divine power controls this but rather physical science and mathematical principles govern the process.
   • Moksha (Liberation): Attaining Moksha is the ultimate aim, achieved by shedding all Karma. This liberation leads the soul to the Siddha Shila, the abode of liberated souls. The path to Moksha is through Right Knowledge, Right Faith (Vision), and Right Conduct.

3. Sacred Texts:

   • Acharanga Sutra: Identified as the very first scripture of the Jains, believed to contain Lord Mahavir's direct preachings. It is approximately 2,500 years old and emphasizes the depth of Jain philosophy and Ahimsa.
   • Kalpa-Sutra: Written by Bhadrabahu, this is considered a most sacred book, read during Paryushan. It details Lord Mahavir's life and the conduct of monks. The book notes the existence of thousands of its manuscripts with intricate art and calligraphy.

4. The Jain Community (Sangh):

   • The Jain Sangh is described as "Chaturvedha Sangh" (four-fold community) comprising monks (Sadhu), nuns (Sadhvi), laymen (Shravak), and laywomen (Shravika).
   • The strict lives of Jain monks and nuns are highlighted: celibacy, renunciation of possessions, non-violence, not wearing shoes, avoiding travel by motor cars or trains, not eating or drinking after sunset, and strict adherence to Jain principles.

5. Jain Practices and Rituals:

   • Samayika: A practice of sitting for 48 minutes in a quiet place for meditation and study, leading to peace and mental clarity.
   • Pratikraman: A ritual of repentance and confession for past actions and thoughts, seeking forgiveness from all beings.
   • Pachchakkhan (Pratyakhyan): Taking vows or determinations, often related to food and drink, for a specified period.
   • Kausagga (Kayotsarga): Relinquishing all bodily activities and attachments to achieve deep meditation.
   • Penance (Tap): Emphasized as crucial, encompassing six external forms (fasting, moderate eating, restricting desires, renouncing certain foods, self-imposed hardship, controlling senses) and six internal forms (non-attachment to food, repentance, humility, service to teachers, study, meditation).

6. Cosmology and Astronomy:

   • The book presents the Jain view of the universe, describing its shape with three layers (dense, medium, and thin air/water).
   • It details the Trasnadi (vertical tube) for life forms, the Middle World (Manushya Lok) containing Earth and planets, and the Upper World (Dev Loka) for demi-gods.
   • Mount Meru and Jambudwip are central geographical features. Earth is identified as Bharat-Kshetra.
   • The concept of black holes is mentioned, aligning with modern astronomical understanding.
   • The idea of different time scales on other planets is also noted.
   • The Eternal Wheel of Time (Kalachakra) is explained, with its ascending and descending cycles of happiness and misery. The current era is the fifth phase of the descending cycle.

7. Jainism and Science:

   • The book draws parallels between Jain concepts and modern science.
   • Pudgala-parmanu: The smallest, indestructible particle is compared to subatomic particles, with Jain parmanu being infinitely smaller.
   • Time: Jainism's concept of time being composed of "time-particles" in "time-space" is presented as a revolutionary idea, aligning with Einstein's concept of time as a fourth dimension.
   • The possibility of traveling at the speed of light is discussed, referencing an incident from the Kalpa-Sutra.
   • The transformation of matter into energy and vice-versa is mentioned, aligning with scientific principles.

8. Jain Art and Architecture:

   • Jain art is primarily studied through ancient manuscripts, invitation scrolls, and cave paintings, characterized by distinctive lines for the nose and eyes.
   • Jain architecture boasts over 10,000 temples, showcasing the skill of artisans. Examples include the Delwara Temples at Mount Abu (famous for intricate marble carvings) and the temples at Palitana (over 700 temples on Shatrunjaya hill) and Ranakpur (known for its 1444 pillars).
   • The giant statue of Lord Bahubali at Shravan Belagola is highlighted as a significant South Indian Jain monument.

9. Influential Figures:

   • Hemchandracharya: A great monk and scholar (1088-1172 AD), credited with shaping the Gujarati language and influencing King Kumarpal, leading to the construction of many Jain temples and promoting vegetarianism.
   • Hirvijaysuri: A prominent monk who preached to Emperor Akbar, resulting in the closure of slaughterhouses on Jain holy days.
   • Virchand R. Gandhi: A pioneer who travelled to the USA to promote Jainism at the World Religions Conference, gaining followers in Western countries. He also successfully campaigned against the establishment of a factory on Sametshikhar.
   • Shrimad Rajchandra: A great philosopher and poet who, despite not being a monk, renounced worldly possessions. His writings, including letters to Mahatma Gandhi, continue to inspire.

10. Jainism Outside India:

    • The book notes the significant presence of Jains in the UK (London, Leicester) and the establishment of Jain centers there.
    • It describes the Jain community in Mombasa, Kenya, and the development of temples.
    • It highlights the presence of Jain centers and temples in the USA and Canada, with specific mentions of "Jain Bhavan" in Los Angeles and "Siddhachalam" near New York.
    • The promotion of Ahimsa and vegetarianism by these overseas communities is emphasized.

11. Symbols and Mantras:

    • Eight Mangals (Auspicious Symbols): Including Swastika, Sri Vatsa, Nandavarta, etc., which are considered auspicious and used in rituals.
    • Fourteen Dreams: The dreams of the Tirthankara's mother, interpreted by astrologers.
    • Mantras and Yantras: The use of mantras (like "OM" or longer chants) for concentration and devotion, and yantras (diagrams like Siddha-Chakra) for meditation.
    • Jain Flag: Described as having five colored stripes representing the Panch Parmeshthi, with a swastika in the center.
    • Jain Symbol: Explained with the outer outline representing the Jain universe, the hand signifying protection and non-violence, the wheel representing the propagation of religion, the swastika representing the four states of the soul (divine, human, animal, hell), the three dots representing the Three Jewels, and the half-moon representing Siddha-Shila. The motto "Parasparopagraho Jivanam" (Mutual assistance of all beings) is also explained.

In essence, "Jainism Illustrated" provides a foundational understanding of Jainism, covering its history, key figures, ethical principles, philosophical underpinnings, rituals, cosmology, and cultural expressions, all presented in an accessible and visually supported manner.