Jainology Parichaya 01

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jainology Parichaya 01" by Dr. Nalini Joshi:

Overall Purpose:

"Jainology Parichaya 01" is the first volume in a series designed to provide a foundational understanding of Jainism, particularly for children and young adults. It aims to build upon previously published books ("Jainology Pravesh: Prathama se Panchami tak") by offering a more in-depth introduction to Jain philosophy, history, culture, and practices. The series is intended to cater to the growing need for comprehensive Jain education, especially as students progress into adolescence.

Target Audience:

The primary target audience appears to be students who have completed the "Jainology Pravesh" series and are now ready for a more advanced curriculum. It is also beneficial for parents and educators involved in Jain education.

Key Content and Structure:

The book is structured as a question bank designed to accompany the study of specific chapters from the important Jain work "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" (Glimpses of Jainism) by Upadhyay Shri Amarmuniji. In addition to revisiting key concepts from "Jainology Pravesh," it also introduces basic Prakrit grammar.

Major Sections and Their Content:

1. Prarthana (Prayer): Bhaktamar Stotra (Shlokas 1-10): This section focuses on the initial ten verses of the Bhaktamar Stotra, a revered Jain hymn, as a means of prayer and spiritual connection.

2. Dev (Deity) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 1): This section delves into the Jain concept of "Deva" (deity). It explores:

   • The definition of Jainism through the lens of Hemchandracharya's Sanskrit verse.
   • The ultimate goal of spiritual practice in Jainism.
   • The qualities and attributes of a "Jina" (conqueror), including "Vitarag" (free from attachment and aversion) and "Arihant" (one who has destroyed enemies).
   • The misconception that Jainism worships external deities, clarifying that it is a religion of virtue worship.
   • The lineage of Tirthankaras.

3. Guru (Spiritual Teacher) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 2): This section focuses on the significance of a spiritual guide in overcoming ignorance. It covers:

   • The role of a guru in dispelling darkness and guiding individuals.
   • The characteristics of ascetic gurus.
   • Practices that true Jain monks abstain from.
   • An explanation of the Five Mahavratas (Great Vows).
   • The qualifications for becoming a Jain guru, including the possibility for nuns.

4. Dharma (Religion) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 3): This section explores the meaning and core tenets of Jain Dharma. It addresses:

   • The etymology and essence of "Dharma."
   • The meaning of "Jina Bhagwan" (Lord Jina).
   • Four synonyms for Jainism (Ahimsa Dharma, Syadvada Dharma, Arhat Dharma, Nirgranth Dharma).
   • The reasons why Jainism is called the religion of non-violence, manifold perspectives, Arhat, and the unbound.
   • The concept of an "eternal religion."
   • The definition of a true Jain and who can follow Jainism.
   • A brief overview of thirteen core principles of Jainism, emphasizing conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization.

5. Teen Ratna (Three Jewels) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 4): This section elaborates on the fundamental path to liberation in Jainism, the Three Jewels:

   • The concept of Samyak Darshan (Right Faith/Perception), Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct) as the means to cross the ocean of existence.
   • The meaning and interconnectedness of these three jewels.
   • Why they are called "jewels" – for their preciousness in leading to liberation.

6. Jain Tirthankar (Jain Tirthankaras) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 9): This section focuses on the exalted beings who establish the four-fold Jain order (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen). It covers:

   • The definition of a Tirthankar and the meaning of "Tirtha" (spiritual ford).
   • The composition of the four-fold assembly (Chaturvidh Dharmasangha).
   • The divine spectacle of a Tirthankar's assembly (Samavasarana).
   • The eighteen fundamental virtues and twenty-five defects that Tirthankaras are free from.
   • Clarification that Tirthankaras are perfected human beings, not divine incarnations.
   • Reasons for their infrequent rebirths.
   • The distinction between Tirthankaras and other liberated souls.

7. Daan (Charity/Giving) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 12): This section highlights the importance of giving in Jainism. It discusses:

   • The merit of charity.
   • The significant charitable acts of Lord Mahavir before renunciation.
   • The four types of charity in Jainism.
   • The fruit of offering food to mendicants.
   • The proverb about "the first happiness."
   • The comparison of "Gyandan" (charity of knowledge).
   • Lord Mahavir's teachings on compassion and offering help to the distressed.
   • The concept of Abhayadan (fearlessness).
   • Famous charitable figures in Jain literature.

8. Bhojan ka Vivek (Discrimination in Food) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 13): This section touches upon the Jain principles related to eating habits:

   • Ancient scriptural rules concerning food.
   • The prohibition of eating at night and its underlying reasons.

9. Tattva-Vivechan (Discrimination of Principles) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 18): This is a detailed section covering the fundamental principles of Jain ontology and cosmology. It includes:

   • The definition of "Tattva" (principle/reality).
   • The two, seven, and nine Tattvas in Jainism.
   • The characteristics of the soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva).
   • The concepts of Punhya (merit) and Paap (demerit), their causes.
   • Asrava (influx of karma) and its five types.
   • Definitions of Mithyatva (false belief), Avirati (non-restraint), Pramada (negligence), Kashaya (passions), and Yoga (activity).
   • The distinction between auspicious and inauspicious Asrava.
   • Bandha (bondage of karma) and its types.
   • Samvara (cessation of karma influx) and its role as the opposite of Asrava.
   • Nirjara (shedding of karma) through penance and meditation.
   • Bahyatap (external austerities) and Abhyantar Tap (internal austerities) with their six types each.
   • Moksha (liberation) and its stages.

10. Vividh Darshanon ka Samanvay (Coordination of Various Philosophies) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 22): This section explores the Jain approach to integrating different philosophical viewpoints. It covers:

    • The definition of "Darshan" (philosophy).
    • The existence of five major Indian philosophical schools.
    • Analysis of common proverbs and their underlying philosophies.
    • How Lord Mahavir integrated these diverse perspectives within his teachings.
    • An explanation of coordination through the example of a mango seed.

11. Anekantavad (The Doctrine of Manifoldness) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 23): This crucial Jain principle is explained:

    • The literal and conceptual meaning of Anekantavada.
    • Its relationship with Syadvada (the doctrine of conditioned predication).
    • How Anekantavada is expressed in language.
    • The concept of objects possessing infinite qualities.
    • An explanation of the three inherent qualities of an object and the "triple path" using the example of gold.
    • The relative nature of permanence and impermanence.

12. Ishwar Jagatkarta Nahin (God is Not the Creator of the World) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 24): This section addresses the Jain perspective on creation and the role of a creator deity:

    • The belief of other religions that God is the creator.
    • The Jain view that the universe is eternal and uncreated.
    • The logical difficulties and paradoxes associated with believing in a creator God, especially an omnipotent and benevolent one.
    • The place of devotion to the Tirthankaras in Jainism, emphasizing adherence to their teachings rather than worship of an external deity.

13. Atma aur uska Swaroop (The Soul and Its Nature) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 27): This section explores the nature of the soul in Jainism:

    • Why the soul is considered "amurta" (immaterial) due to the absence of certain physical attributes.
    • The number of souls in the universe.
    • The two main divisions of the soul.
    • Classifications of souls based on their movement (gati) and species (jati).
    • Three states of the soul based on its disposition (bhava).
    • The characteristics and behavior of "Bahiratman" (external soul), "Antaratman" (internal soul), and "Paramatman" (supreme soul/liberated soul).
    • The representation of these three states.

14. Vanaspati mein Jeev (Life in Vegetation) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 30): This section discusses the Jain belief in the presence of life in plants:

    • References to Agam scriptures comparing humans and plants.
    • Scientific findings by Dr. Jagdish Chandra Bose supporting the sensitivity of plants.
    • Plant reactions to injury and stimuli.
    • The behavior of carnivorous plants.
    • The proper way to interact with plants.

15. Jain Sanskriti mein Seva-bhav (Service Attitude in Jain Culture) (Based on "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" - Chapter 31): This section highlights the principle of mutual service:

    • The meaning of the sutra "Parasparopagraho Jivanam" (living beings help one another).
    • The first resolution of a Jain householder.
    • The eight principal karmic types in Jainism, with a focus on "Mohaniya" (deluding) karma.
    • The fifth of the eight great teachings from the Sthananga Sutra.
    • The high spiritual reward of "Vaiyavrutya" (service).
    • Examples of individuals in Jain history who exemplified service.

16. Prakrit Bhasha ka Vyakaran - Prathmik Parichay (Prakrit Language Grammar - Primary Introduction): This is a new segment introducing the basics of Prakrit grammar, crucial for understanding Jain Agamas:

    • The meaning of "Prakrit" as a natural, spoken language.
    • Lord Mahavir's use of Ardhamagadhi for his teachings to ensure accessibility.
    • The nature of Prakrit as a diverse language spoken across different regions.
    • Name Declension (Vibhakti): Explanation of cases (Nominative, Accusative, Instrumental, Ablative, Genitive, Locative, Vocative) with examples using the word "Deva" (god) in its masculine, ending in 'a' form (Akaraant).
    • Verb Conjugation: Explanation of present tense verb endings based on person and number, using verbs like "Gachchha" (to go), "Bhakkha" (to eat), and others with example sentences.

Pedagogical Approach:

The book is designed as a question bank. Teachers are encouraged to explain the concepts from "Jainatva ki Jhaanki" orally and then have students write the answers to the provided questions. The questions are varied, ranging from single-word answers to short essays, and include objective formats like matching, true/false, multiple-choice, and fill-in-the-blanks. The preface emphasizes that for certain complex topics, teachers should provide the answers themselves to ensure conceptual clarity.

Key Themes and Objectives:

• Holistic Jain Education: To provide a comprehensive overview of Jain philosophy, ethics, history, and culture.
• Foundation in Principles: To instill a deep understanding of core Jain concepts like Tirthankaras, the Three Jewels, Anekantavada, and the nature of the soul.
• Spiritual Development: To encourage prayer, virtuous conduct, and the pursuit of liberation.
• Language Proficiency: To introduce students to the foundational grammar of Prakrit, the language of Jain scriptures.
• Critical Thinking: To foster analytical skills through objective questions and discussions on philosophical topics.

Publisher and Support:

The book is published by Sanmati Tirth Prakashan, Pune, with significant support from Shri Abhayji Firodiya. The editorial team includes Dr. Nalini Joshi (Chief Editor), Dr. Anita Bothra, and Dr. Kaumudi Baldota.

In essence, "Jainology Parichaya 01" serves as a vital educational resource that meticulously guides learners through the fundamental tenets and rich heritage of Jainism, paving the way for a deeper engagement with Jain principles and scriptures.