Jainisms Special Gift To Mankind - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Jainism's Special Gift to Mankind" by Acharya Shri Vijay Bhuvanbhanusuri, translated by Prof. A. M. Upadhyay:

The book presents a lecture delivered by HH Acharya Shri Vijay Bhuvanbhanusuri at the Banaras Sanskrit University in 1970, focusing on the unique contributions of Jainism to humanity. The central theme is that Jainism offers profound spiritual and philosophical insights that are essential for true happiness and human progress, particularly in contrast to many Western philosophical and religious perspectives.

The Core Argument:

The Acharya posits that while Western thought has made advancements in physical sciences and societal well-being, it often overlooks the ultimate purpose of life and the well-being of the soul. Jainism, as an Indian religion, provides a comprehensive framework for spiritual upliftment, focusing on the mind as the key to happiness and offering a path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Key Gifts of Jainism to Mankind:

The Science of Life (Biology): Jainism possesses a unique understanding of life, classifying beings into various categories based on their senses, from those with five senses down to those with only one (like plants). This detailed classification underpins its principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) extended to all living beings.
Subtle and Comprehensive Non-Violence (Ahimsa): While many religions advocate compassion, Jainism's non-violence is exceptionally subtle. It extends beyond humans and animals to include microscopic organisms and even plants. This comprehensive non-violence is not just an ideal but is practically demonstrated through the strict observances of Jain monks and the vows taken by householders. The Acharya emphasizes that compassion for the smallest beings cultivates a broader sense of compassion for all humanity, preventing the slide into cruelty.
The Twelve Vows for Householders: Jainism provides a structured path for householders to progress spiritually through a system of twelve vows. These vows, including partial vows (Anuvratas), vows to restrict activities (Gunavratas), and vows for higher spiritual practice (Sikshavratas), aim to reduce attachments, minimize harm, and cultivate virtues.
The Path to Salvation (Samvara and Nirjara): Jainism outlines a clear path to liberation through Samvara (stopping the inflow of karmic matter) and Nirjara (shedding existing karmic matter). These are achieved through practices like self-control, vigilance, forbearance, and austerities, leading to the ultimate state of omniscience and liberation.
The Fourteen Stages of Spiritual Progress (Gunasthanas): Jainism maps out a systematic fourteen-stage progression for the soul's spiritual journey. This framework provides a logical and empirical understanding of how to overcome defects like false belief, passions, and negligence, leading to spiritual ascent.
Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct (Samyak Darshan, Jnana, Charitra): These three are presented as the cornerstones of the Jain path to salvation. Right Faith involves unwavering belief in Jain tenets. Right Knowledge is philosophical understanding that aligns with this faith. Right Conduct is the steadfast practice of these principles, including a complete renunciation of sinful activities. The Acharya stresses that knowledge without spirituality and right faith is merely a source of bondage.
The Theory of Relativity (Syadvada/Anekantavada): This is presented as a unique philosophical gift, acknowledging that reality is multifaceted and can be viewed from different standpoints. This doctrine promotes tolerance, understanding, and the synthesis of seemingly contradictory views. It highlights that conflicts often arise from an inflexible attitude, and by embracing relativity, one can find peace and progress. The Acharya draws a parallel between this ancient Jain doctrine and Einstein's theory of relativity.
The Philosophy of Karma: Jainism offers a detailed explanation of karma, its eight main types, and their impact on the soul. Understanding the intricate workings of karma provides peace of mind, freedom from anxiety, and a clear direction for future actions to avoid karmic bondage.

Contrast with Western Thought:

The Acharya contrasts these profound gifts with what he perceives as limitations in Western thought. While acknowledging Western advancements in materialism and social principles, he argues that they often fail to address the deeper spiritual needs of humanity and the eternal nature of the soul. He criticulates the Western focus on present life happiness and the de-emphasis on the afterlife, suggesting this leads to moral decay and a loss of spiritual grounding. The example of Bernard Shaw's attraction to Jainism, particularly the concept of every soul's potential to become a supreme soul, is used to illustrate the appeal of Jainism's holistic approach.

Overall Message:

The lecture strongly advocates for the adoption of Jain principles, particularly its emphasis on spirituality, non-violence, and the understanding of the soul's journey. The Acharya asserts that these "gifts" of Jainism are not merely religious doctrines but are scientifically sound and offer humanity a path to true happiness, peace, and ultimate liberation, both individually and collectively. The book concludes by emphasizing the enduring relevance and beneficial impact of these Jain teachings on the evolution of mankind.