Jainism The Creed For All Times

This book, "Jainism: The Creed for All Times" by Dr. (Col.) D.S. Baya, is a comprehensive exploration of Jainism, aiming to provide a lucid and accessible understanding of its core principles. Published in 2006, it is presented as a resource for both lay readers and scholars, filling a perceived need for an in-depth yet handy book on Jainism in English.

The book is structured into six sections, covering various facets of the Jain faith:

Section I: Mahāvīra and Jainism

• Mahāvīra: The Messiah of Mercy: This section begins with a tribute to Lord Mahāvīra, the 24th and last Tirthankara. It details his life, from birth and childhood to his transformation into an omniscient Tirthankara and a "Messiah of Mercy." It highlights his revolutionary ideas on equality, his condemnation of religious violence, and his unique contribution of Anekāntavāda.
• Jainism: An Introduction: This chapter introduces Jainism as a universal and eternal faith. It discusses the historical lineage of the 24 Tirthankaras, establishing Jainism's ancient origins, and outlines its three core hallmarks: Non-violence (Ahimsa), Restraint (Samyama), and Penance (Tapa). It also touches upon Jainism's view of reality, the soul and karma, and its theistic nature.
• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): The Foremost Hallmark of Jainism: This entire chapter is dedicated to the central tenet of Jainism. It delves into the profound concept of Ahimsa, exploring its universal character, its basis in compassion, its manifestations, and its practical application in both proscriptive (what not to do) and prescriptive (what to do) forms. It also connects Ahimsa to environmental protection and the scientific age.

Section II: Jaina Philosophy This section delves into the philosophical and metaphysical underpinnings of Jainism.

• Tattvärtha (The Fundamentals): This chapter outlines the nine fundamental realities (Tattvas) of Jainism: Soul (Jiva), Non-soul (Ajiva), Merit (Punya), Sin (Papa), Karmic Influx (Asrava), Karmic Stoppage (Samvara), Karmic Bondage (Bandha), Karmic Separation (Nirjara), and Liberation (Moksa). It explains how these elements interact and influence the soul's journey.
• Samyagdarśan (The Right-View): This chapter emphasizes the crucial importance of Right-View (Samyagdarśan) as the foundation of spiritual progress. It defines Darśan and Samyagdarśan, discusses their indicators, organs, types, and the influence of Jaina precepts on developing this essential aspect of personality.
• Samyagjñāna (The Right-Knowledge): This chapter explores the concept of Right-Knowledge, defining its stages and its role in personality development. It also provides a detailed overview of the Jaina canonical literature, including the Anga and Angabāhya Āgamas, the Four Anuyogas, and the various canonical recitations and literature from both Svetāmbara and Digambara traditions.
• Anekāntavāda and Syādvāda (Non-Absolutism and Its Predication): This chapter explains Anekāntavāda, the principle of manifold aspects of reality, and Syādvāda, the method of predication that expresses this non-absolutist view. It highlights how these principles promote tolerance, understanding, and conflict resolution in all spheres of life.
• Karma-Siddhānta (The Doctrine of Karma): This chapter provides an in-depth scientific analysis of the Jaina doctrine of Karma. It explains the nature of karma, its association with the soul, the causes of karmic bondage, and the various stages and types of karma. It emphasizes the spiritual benefits of understanding this doctrine.
• Gunasthāna (Stages of Spiritual Advancement): This chapter outlines the fourteen stages of spiritual advancement that a soul traverses on its journey from delusion to liberation. It describes the processes of progression, regression, and the different paths (ladders) the soul can take.

Section III: Jaina Cosmology This section explores the Jaina understanding of the universe.

• Dravya Loka (Material Universe): This chapter describes the material universe, including the sentient (Jiva) and insentient (Ajiva) substances. It details the tangible matter (Pudgala) and its properties, as well as the various forms of bodies composed of life and lifeless matter.
• Kṣetra Loka (Spatial Universe): This chapter explains the spatial dimensions of the universe according to Jainism, describing its structure, including the nether, middle, and upper universes, and the abode of the liberated souls (Siddhaloka). It introduces units of measurement like Argula, Yojana, and Rajju to convey the immense scale.
• Kāla (Time: The Fourth Dimension): This chapter delves into the Jaina concept of time, discussing its passage, its role as a medium of change, and its measurement through various units, including measurable, immeasurable, and infinite time.
• Bhāva (Moods and Modes): This chapter focuses on the constantly changing nature of reality, explaining how both living beings and non-living matter undergo transformations in their modes and moods while their fundamental substance remains permanent.

Section IV: Jaina Ethics This section examines the ethical framework of Jainism for both monastic and lay followers.

• Sāgāra Vinaya (The Householders' Conduct): This chapter details the ethical conduct prescribed for lay followers (Śrāvakas). It covers their general way of life, the vows they take (minor vows, qualitative vows, and educational vows), and the advanced spiritual practices (Pratimās) they can undertake.
• Anagāra Vinaya (The Monastic Conduct): This chapter describes the rigorous ethical code for monks and nuns (Ānāgāras). It details the five great vows (Mahāvrata), the sixth vow of not eating at night, the ten monastic duties, monastic virtues, six essential daily practices (Sadāvasyaka), monastic routines (Sāmācārī), and the twelve advanced monastic practices (Bhiksu Pratimā) undertaken in the past. It also discusses vigilance (Samiti) and restraint (Gupti) as crucial elements of monastic discipline.

Section V: Jaina Legends This section narrates four instructive stories from Jaina lore:

• Nami Pravrajyā (The Ordination of Nami): This tale illustrates the power of detachment and steadfastness in spiritual pursuits, even when faced with temptations from heavenly beings.
• Andak (The Legend of the Eggs): This parable highlights the importance of firm belief and the consequences of doubt versus trust.
• Mrgāputrīya (The Tale of Mrgāputra): This story emphasizes the value of right knowledge and the courage to address and resolve doubts, even those of one's parents, concerning a spiritual path.
• Rohiņi Kathā (The Legend of Rohiņi): This legend showcases the distinction between different approaches to monastic vows – carelessness, compromise, careful adherence, and creative, enhanced observance – and their respective outcomes.

Section VI: Practical Jainism This section connects Jaina principles to contemporary societal issues:

• Jainism and Personal Happiness: This essay explores how Jaina precepts address the causes of misery and lead to personal happiness through right perspective, right knowledge, right conduct, meditation, and a balanced lifestyle.
• Jainism and Social Harmony: This essay discusses how Jainism's principles, particularly non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, subdued passions, non-absolutism, and universal love, act as remedies for social conflicts and promote harmony.
• Jainism and World Peace: This essay examines the causes of global conflict (political, economic, ethnic, religious) and presents Jainism's principles, especially non-violence and Anekāntavāda, as effective solutions for achieving world peace.
• Environmental Concerns of Jainism: This chapter highlights Jainism's deep-rooted environmental consciousness, stemming from its principle of non-violence towards all life forms. It discusses how Jaina vows and practices contribute to ecological balance and environmental protection, emphasizing vegetarianism as a key aspect.
• Leadership and Management Through Anekānta Approach: This essay demonstrates the practical application of Anekāntavāda in management and leadership. It explains how considering multiple perspectives and reconciling conflicting inputs is crucial for effective decision-making in various organizational functions.
• Jaina Precepts for Personality Development: This chapter analyzes how Jaina principles influence personality development across physical, intellectual, psychological, emotional, and moral aspects, leading to a well-rounded and virtuous individual.

Concluding Remarks: The book concludes by reiterating that Jainism is a wholesome creed that not only guides towards spiritual emancipation but also fosters ethical living, social harmony, and world peace. Its universal appeal and practical applicability make it "The Creed for All Times."

The book also includes appendices on a transliteration convention, a selected glossary of Jaina terms, and a bibliography of relevant Jaina literature. The author, Dr. (Col.) D.S. Baya, is presented as an erudite scholar and prolific writer with a deep dedication to Jaina studies, having authored several books and papers on the subject. The work is praised for reconciling Svetambara and Digambara traditions and for its clear explanation of complex concepts.