Jainism In Czech Language - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jainism in Czech Language" by Otakar Pertold, based on the provided pages:

Overview of the Book and Author:

Title: Džinismus (Jainism in Czech Language)
Author: Prof. dr. Otakar Pertold, DrSc.
Publisher: Statni Pedagogické Nakladatelstvi
Publication Year: 1966 (though written in the 1930s)
Author's Background: Otakar Pertold (1884-1965) was a Czech indologist, historian of religion, and ethnologist. He was the first professor of religion at Charles University in Prague. He held great admiration for Jainism and wrote this book with deep respect. His meticulous approach and attention to detail are noted as valuable contributions.
Book's Contribution: Despite being written decades ago, the book is considered a valuable and meticulous description of Jainism, covering its origins, history, core theories (Darshana), practical aspects, ethics, mythology, and world order. It delves into details with deep inner understanding.

Key Themes and Content of the Book:

The book is structured into four main parts, with detailed chapters within each:

Part 1: Origin and Evolution of Jainism - Literature

Introduction: Discusses the origin and approach to studying Jainism, its general conditions, and the situation leading to its development.
History of the Jaina Church (Tirth): Details the establishment and historical progression of the Jain community.
Religious Literature: Explores the significant body of Jain scriptures and texts. Pertold notes that Jain scriptures are often written in multiple languages, many of which are not yet fully processed linguistically, making access difficult. He highlights that while the fundamental teachings are in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit, Sanskrit is prevalent in terminology and later writings, with lesser-educated monks and believers often understanding only Sanskrit terms.

Part 2: Jaina Darshana - Theory

This section focuses on the philosophical and theoretical aspects of Jainism.

General Exploration: Provides an overarching view of Jaina philosophy.
Theology: Discusses the Jaina concept of the divine and deities.
Metaphysics: Delves into the fundamental principles of reality, existence, and the nature of the universe.
Logic: Explores the unique logical framework of Jainism, including concepts like anekantavada (non-one-sidedness) and syadvada (conditional predication).

Part 3: Jaina Darshana - Practical Part

This section covers the practical application of Jain principles in life.

Ethics: Details the ethical principles, including anuvrata (minor vows for laity) and mahavrata (great vows for ascetics).
Life of the Sadhu (Monk) and Sadhvi (Nun): Describes the rigorous ascetic lifestyle of Jain monks and nuns.
Life of the Sravaka (Layman) and Sravika (Laywoman): Outlines the duties and practices of lay followers.

Part 4: World Order, Mythology

Origin and Setting Up of the Universe: Explains the Jaina cosmological view of the universe's creation and structure.
Inhabitants of Different Parts of the Universe: Details the various beings residing in different realms according to Jain cosmology.
Kalachakra and Tirthankaras: Discusses the Jaina concept of cyclical time (Kalachakra) and the role of the Tirthankaras, who are spiritual guides that appear in each epoch to revive and teach the Jain dharma.
Tirthankaras of This Period and Periods to Come: Specifically focuses on the Tirthankaras of the current world period (avasarpini) and those in future periods.
Other Auspicious Men of Jaina History: Mentions other significant figures in Jain history.

Author's Approach and Personal Connection:

Pertold's approach is described as "meticulous and careful," detailing even the smallest aspects.
He expresses a strong personal fondness and admiration for Jainism.
He highlights that Jainism's intellectual and rational foundation, which prioritizes reason over emotion, makes it particularly significant for the study of comparative religion, even surpassing Buddhism in this regard from an Indian perspective.
Pertold mentions his extensive studies in India (1909-1910 and 1920-1923), where he had the opportunity to interact with leading Jain monks, particularly from the Śvetāmbara sect. He acknowledges his gurus, the late Śāstra-vibhadra Jainācārya Vijayadharmasūri and the current chief Gacchādhipati Itihāsatattva-mahādhi Jainācārya Vijayan-drasūri, as well as other monks and lay scholars like Prof. Hiralal R. Kapadia, for their invaluable help in his research.
He notes that his work was initially intended as an introduction to a translation of Nyayavijaya's "Jaina Darśana," but it grew into a substantial standalone work.

Key Concepts Mentioned:

Tirth: The Jaina community or religious order, composed of monks (sadhu), nuns (sadhvi), laymen (sravaka), and laywomen (sravika).
Tirthankara: Spiritual teachers or guides who appear in each epoch to renew the Jain teachings.
Anekantavada: The doctrine of non-one-sidedness, emphasizing that reality can be viewed from multiple perspectives.
Syadvada: The doctrine of conditional predication, which states that all judgments are relative and subject to qualification.
Anuvrata & Mahavrata: Minor vows for laity and major vows for ascetics, respectively.
Karma: The law of cause and effect, central to Jaina philosophy, where actions create karmic residues that influence future lives.
Moksha/Nirvana: The ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Siddha: A liberated soul, one who has achieved perfection.
Arhant: A liberated soul who has attained omniscience (kevala-jñāna) and is still in a physical body, the last of whom is a Tirthankara.
Dravya: Substances or elements that constitute reality.
Astikaya: "That which has body" or "existent substance," referring to the five fundamental substances: soul (jiva), matter (pudgala), medium of motion (dharma), medium of rest (adharma), and space (akasha). Time (kala) is considered a substance but not an astikaya.
Gunasthana: The fourteen stages of spiritual development.
Pramana: Means of valid knowledge.
Naya: Standpoints or perspectives for understanding reality.

Historical Context and Scholarly Importance:

Pertold situates Jainism as an ancient religion, older than Buddhism, which played a significant role in the development of Indian culture, art, and legislation.
He critiques earlier European scholarship (e.g., Weber, Leumann, Jacobi, Bühler, Hoernle) for often prioritizing linguistic or historical-artistic goals over a purely religious understanding of Jainism.
He emphasizes that his work aims for an objective explanation from a religious standpoint, presenting his own research alongside established knowledge.
The book is presented as the first comprehensive work on Jainism in the Czech language.

In essence, Pertold's "Jainism in Czech Language" is a foundational and deeply respectful academic exploration of Jainism, covering its complex philosophical doctrines, practical ethics, mythology, and historical development, rooted in the author's extensive personal research and admiration for the tradition.