Jainology Parichaya 02 - Book Summary

Summary of "Jainology Parichaya 02" by Nalini Joshi

This document, "Jainology Parichaya 02," published by Sanmati Tirth Prakashan Pune, serves as a curriculum and textbook for an introductory course on Jainology. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of core Jain principles and practices, with a particular emphasis on scriptural study and linguistic elements of Jainism.

Editorial Note (Page 1):

The editorial expresses happiness in publishing the second book of "Jainology Parichaya." It highlights the success of the first part, with approximately 150 students passing the examination, about 50% of whom were young learners, and the rest being new daughters-in-law and young women. The success is attributed to updates made to the curriculum, including a reduction in essay-type questions and an increase in objective questions. The curriculum also aims to foster interest in the Prakrit language through grammar lessons and provides valuable information for both teachers and students. Gratitude is expressed to Shri Abhayji Firodia for his generous support.

Information for Teachers and Students (Page 2):

This section outlines the course structure for "Jainology Parichaya (2)," starting from June 2010.

Primary Text: The core text for the course is "Jinavayanai," a publication by Sanmati Tirth. Students and teachers are advised to read the introduction carefully.
Syllabus: Seven lessons from "Jinavayanai," titled "Dharma" to "Ahimsa," are prescribed for the examination.
Study Material: The book provides Prakrit verses with brief meanings. Detailed explanations and commentary are included to aid understanding. Each lesson concludes with a set of questions for classroom discussion and for students to answer in their notebooks. Students are advised not to focus on the question sets within the "Jinavayanai" book itself.
Vocabulary: A glossary of important words with English meanings is provided at the end of the book. While English meanings won't be directly tested, the glossary will be used for objective questions (e.g., listing the names of Navatattvas, Shad-dravyas, or types of senses).
Language: The course language and question papers will primarily be in Hindi.
Bhaktamar Stotras: Teachers are instructed to have students memorize verses 1 to 20 of the Bhaktamar Stotra as a prayer in each class. There will be no oral or written examination for this part.
Grammar: The grammar section focuses on the declension of nouns like 'Dev' and 'Mala,' and the conjugations of verbs in the present, past, and future tenses. Teachers should ensure regular practice of these.
Examination Format: The written examination will carry 40 marks and will consist solely of objective questions. These will include short answers (in 5-6, 3-4, or 1-2 sentences), fill-in-the-blanks, matching, true/false, multiple-choice questions, and listing names.
Course Schedule: Teachers are encouraged to start the course from June 15th and complete the teaching by the end of February.
Best Wishes: Good luck is extended to both teachers and students for the course.

Table of Contents (Page 3):

The book covers the following topics:

Prarthana (Prayer): Bhaktamar - verses 1 to 20
Dharma (Religion/Virtue): Discusses the meaning and facets of Dharma through Prakrit verses.
Vinay (Humility/Discipline): Explores the importance and implications of Vinay in Jainism.
Samyaktva (Right Faith/Belief): Details the foundation of Jainism, including its principles and virtues.
Jnana (Knowledge): Examines the different types and significance of knowledge in Jainism.
Charitra (Conduct/Discipline): Focuses on the practical aspects of Jain conduct and practices.
Appa (Soul): Delves into the nature and aspects of the soul in Jain philosophy.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): Explains the profound concept of Ahimsa as the cornerstone of Jain ethics.
Shravaka ka Achar (Layperson's Conduct): Outlines the code of conduct for Jain lay followers.
Vyakarana Path (Grammar Lesson):
- Naam Vibhakti (Noun Declension): 'Dev' and 'Mala'
- Kriyapad ke Pratyay (Verb Suffixes): Present, Past, and Future Tenses
Shabd Suchi (Vocabulary List):

Detailed Chapter Summaries (Pages 4-31):

The document then proceeds to explain each of the core topics (Dharma, Vinay, Samyaktva, Jnana, Charitra, Appa, Ahimsa, Shravaka ka Achar) through explanations of various Prakrit verses and their commentaries.

Dharma (Pages 4-8): This section explores the multifaceted meaning of "Dharma" in Jainism, moving beyond the English translation of "religion." It explains Dharma as what upholds and elevates the soul, encompassing virtues like non-violence, restraint, and penance. It discusses Dharma as the inherent nature of an object, as noble ethical values, as the "Jewel-Trio" (Samyak Darshan-Jnana-Charitra), and as compassion towards all living beings. The text emphasizes that true Dharma is not performative but intrinsic. It also contrasts Dharma with Adharma using the analogy of a Banyan tree versus a Palm tree.
Vinay (Pages 10-13): This chapter highlights the importance of "Vinay" (humility, discipline) in Jainism, linking it to both modesty and knowledge. It illustrates Vinay as the root of the "tree of Dharma," the gateway to spiritual liberation, and a foundational quality that leads to other virtues. The text contrasts the benefits of Vinay with the detrimental effects of Avinay (immodesty/rudeness), using examples like a pond with lotuses versus a dry pond. It also stresses that true education is adorned with Vinay and that even well-intentioned knowledge without Vinay can be meaningless. The impact of Vinay and Avinay on others is also discussed, along with the analogy of bamboo to illustrate how pride and anger can lead to destruction.
Samyaktva (Pages 14-18): This section defines "Samyaktva" as the cornerstone of Jainism, translating to "right faith" or "right belief." It emphasizes impartiality and critical inquiry, stating that blind faith is not Samyaktva. True Samyaktva arises after examining principles through intellect and curiosity. It describes Samyaktva in three perspectives: as faith in true deities, gurus, and Dharma; as the belief in the soul's existence and its infinite potential; and as an "enlightened worldview." The chapter details the Six Substances (Shad-dravyas) and the Nine Substances (Navatattvas) as objects of true faith. It also elaborates on the eight limbs of Samyaktva (Nishanka, Nishanksha, Nirvichikitsa, Amudhadrishti, Upabrumhana, Sthirikaraṇa, Vatsalya, Prabhavana) and the five transgressions of Samyaktva (Shanka, Kanksha, Vichikitsa, Paradrishti-prashansa, Ayatanasevana). The importance of knowledge, penance, and restraint being aligned with Samyaktva for true spiritual progress is stressed.
Jnana (Pages 19-22): This chapter focuses on "Jnana" (knowledge) as a central theme in Jain philosophy. It outlines the five types of knowledge: Shruta Jnana (scriptural/verbal knowledge), Mati Jnana (sensory and mental knowledge), Avadhi Jnana (clairvoyance), Manah-paryaya Jnana (telepathy), and Kevala Jnana (omniscience). It explains that all tangible objects are manifestations of the "Pudgala" substance, and attachment to them due to ignorance leads to karmic bondage. True knowledge, aligned with Samyaktva, helps in detaching from worldly desires. The chapter also highlights the complementary nature of knowledge and penance, likening them to the blind and the lame supporting each other. The power of knowledge in pacifying inner disturbances (like a black snake) and its role as a cure for worldly afflictions are discussed. The limitations of knowledge in overcoming deep-rooted "moha" (attachment/delusion) are also touched upon, suggesting that strong character (Charitra) is needed for that.
Charitra (Pages 23-25): This section defines "Charitra" as "right conduct," encompassing all thoughts, words, and actions. It elaborates on the five "Samitis" (careful conduct in walking, speech, eating, taking and putting, and excreting) and three "Guptis" (control over body, speech, and mind) as the "mothers of Pravachana" (teachings). These practices are presented as essential for maintaining Ahimsa and environmental protection. The text emphasizes that knowledge and faith are only meaningful when they lead to right conduct, which ultimately aims at liberation (Nirvana). It also discusses the concept of "Chaturvidha Aradhana" (four types of devotion) – Knowledge, Faith, Conduct, and Penance – and how sometimes Penance is included within Conduct, leading to a three-fold or even two-fold categorization of Aradhana.
Appa (Pages 26-28): This chapter delves into the nature of the "Appa" (Soul). It positions Jainism as an inherently "Atmavadi" (soul-believing) philosophy, contrasting it with "Anatmavadi" (non-soul believing) philosophies. The soul is described as the most excellent substance, possessing knowledge and consciousness, and is distinct from the body. The text categorizes souls into Bahiratman (outer soul, focused on external things and senses), Antaratman (inner soul, focused on internal reflections and causes), and Paramatman (supreme soul, free from karmic bondage). It highlights that the soul is its own creator and destroyer, and its own friend or enemy based on its conduct. The chapter also emphasizes that self-control and penance are superior to external subjugation. The ultimate victory is presented as self-conquest over desires and passions, which is far more valuable than any external victory.
Ahimsa (Pages 29-31): This section focuses on "Ahimsa" (non-violence), acknowledging its universal importance in religions but highlighting Jainism's unique emphasis. Jainism considers even one-sensed beings (like earth, water) as living beings, leading to a more subtle understanding of Ahimsa. The text explains Ahimsa as the desire of all living beings to live and the respect for that desire. It emphasizes that true Ahimsa involves equanimity towards all, without attachment or aversion, and the cessation of all forms of violence, both gross and subtle. The importance of "Yatana" (careful, conscious action) and "Apramada" (diligence) to avoid karmic bondage is stressed. The chapter also refutes the idea of violence being permissible for the sake of deities or gurus, asserting that true Dharma is non-violent. The analogy of the sky and earth is used to illustrate the vastness and encompassing nature of Ahimsa. The text redefines "Brahmin" not by birth but by conduct, specifically by non-violence towards all living beings.
Shravaka ka Achar (Page 32): This section, presented as a series of questions, is dedicated to the conduct of Jain lay followers (Shravakas). It aims to cover the principles of Shravakachar, including the five Anuvratas (minor vows), three Guna Vratas (qualifying vows), and four Shiksha Vratas (training vows) as per Shvetambara tradition. It also touches upon Digambara Shravakachar and the eleven Pratimas (stages of purification for laypeople). The questions cover the definitions of vows, the nuances of not speaking falsehood, the importance of limiting consumption, and the significance of practices like Samayika and Paushadha.
Grammar Lesson (Pages 33-38): This crucial section provides a practical introduction to Prakrit grammar. It covers:
- Noun Declension: Demonstrates the declension of feminine "akaranta" (ending in 'a') nouns like 'Mala' (garland), 'Sala' (hall), 'Pooja' (worship), etc., illustrating the use of different cases (Nominative, Accusative, Instrumental, Ablative, Genitive, Locative, Vocative) in singular and plural.
- Verb Conjugation: Explains the formation of verbs in the past tense (using suffixes like '-ittha' and '-insu') and future tense (using suffixes like '-issami', '-issasi', '-issai' and '-ihimi', '-ihisi', '-ihi') with examples from verbs like 'gacch' (to go) and 'bhakkha' (to eat). It also provides examples of common Prakrit verbs and their usage in sentences.
- Exam Information: Clarifies that grammar questions will be worth approximately 10 marks, focusing on noun declensions and verb conjugations. It also states that only Prakrit sentences with their Hindi translations will be asked, not vice versa. Sample objective questions are provided for practice.

Overall Purpose:

"Jainology Parichaya 02" is designed to be an accessible and structured introduction to Jainism for students. It combines scriptural study with practical linguistic instruction, aiming to equip learners with a foundational understanding of Jain philosophy, ethics, and the language in which these teachings are preserved. The emphasis on objective questions and clear explanations suggests a pedagogical approach focused on effective learning and assessment.