JES 904 Compendium Of Jainism (Jain Academic Bowl Manual 3rd Edition)

The provided text is a comprehensive compendium of Jainism, serving as a manual for the Jain Academic Bowl (JAB) and part of the JAINA Education Series. It covers a vast range of Jain philosophy, principles, history, literature, and practices, compiled by the JAINA Education Committee. The book is intended for personal and private use and emphasizes respectful engagement with religious material.

Here's a summary of the key areas covered in the text, based on the provided pages:

Core Principles and Philosophy:

• Introduction to Jainism: Jainism is presented as a religion that can meet the modern needs for mental peace, personal integration, and social harmony, emphasizing the soul's limitless power and responsibility.
• Fundamental Principles: The core tenets of Jainism are highlighted as Ahimsa (Non-violence), Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment), and Anekantavada (Non-absolutism/Multiplicity of Viewpoints). Ahimsa is emphasized as the backbone of Jain philosophy.
• The Path to Liberation (Ratna Trayi): Jainism prescribes a path to liberation consisting of Samyag Darshan (Right Perception/Faith), Samyag Jnän (Right Knowledge), and Samyag Charitra (Right Conduct). These three are interdependent and crucial for spiritual progress.
• The Soul (Ätmä): The soul is described as conscious, eternal, and possessing infinite knowledge, perception, happiness, and energy in its pure state. It is the core of existence, distinct from the physical body.
• Karma Theory: Karma is explained as the law of cause and effect, where actions (thoughts, words, and deeds), driven by intentions and passions (anger, ego, deceit, greed), bind karmic particles to the soul, leading to cycles of birth and death. Different types of karma (Ghäti and Aghäti) are detailed, along with their effects on the soul's qualities.
• Six Universal Substances (Shad Dravyas): The universe is constituted by six eternal substances: Jiva (Soul), Pudgal (Matter), Dharma (Medium of Motion), Adharma (Medium of Rest), Akasha (Space), and Kala (Time).
• Nav Tattva (Nine Fundamentals): These nine principles (Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Punya, Papa, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksha) are considered the essence of Jain philosophy, explaining the soul's relationship with karma and the path to liberation. Punya and Papa are discussed in detail, emphasizing the role of intention.
• Anekantavada: This philosophical principle highlights the multiplicity and relativity of truth, suggesting that reality has many facets and absolute truth can only be known by an omniscient being. It promotes tolerance and understanding of different viewpoints.
• Syädväda: Closely related to Anekantavada, this is the theory of conditional predication or relativity of judgments, often expressed through the "Sapta-bhanga" or sevenfold predication.
• Five Causal Factors (Samaväya): Events are understood to be a result of the simultaneous operation of Time (Käl), Nature of Substance (Svabhäv), Destiny (Niyati), External Circumstances/Karma (Nimitta/Prärabdha), and Self-Effort (Purushärtha), with a particular emphasis on Purushärtha.
• Fourteen Gunasthäna (Stages of Spiritual Development): These stages describe the soul's journey from an impure state (Mithya-drashti) to complete liberation (Siddha), marked by the progressive purification of the soul and reduction of karmic bondage.

Conduct and Practices:

• Pancha Paramesthi: Homage is paid to the five supreme beings: Arihanta (Enlightened Souls), Siddha (Liberated Souls), Acharya (Spiritual Heads), Upadhyay (Ascetic Teachers), and Sadhu/Sadhvi (Ascetics). Their 108 attributes are also mentioned.
• Jain Ascetics (Sadhus and Sadhvis): Their rigorous life of renunciation, adherence to the five Mahavratas (major vows), and various rules of conduct (Samitis, Guptis, Tapa, etc.) are detailed.
• Jain Lay people (Shravaks and Shravikas): The twelve vows (five Anu-vratas, three Guna Vratas, and four Shiksha Vratas) are explained, outlining the ethical framework for householders.
• Bhävanäs (Reflections): Twelve main reflections (like impermanence, helplessness, cycle of life and death) and four auxiliary reflections (friendship, appreciation, compassion, neutrality) are presented as tools for spiritual progress and self-control.
• Leshyäs: The six states of mind (Krishna, Neel, Kapot, Tejo, Padma, Shukla) are described, illustrating how mental states influence actions and karmic bondage.
• Panchächär (Five Codes of Conduct): These are Jnänächär (Right Knowledge), Darshanächär (Right Faith), Chariträchär (Right Conduct), Tapächär (Austerities), and Viryächär (Vigor), which form the practical framework for spiritual progress.
• Jain Yoga: Various paths of yoga are discussed, including Bhakti, Jnän, Karma, and Ashtanga Yoga, with emphasis on their meaning and benefits within Jainism, including meditation and the importance of a Sättvika diet.
• Jain Ethics and the Environment: Jainism's profound respect for all life forms, including plants, air, water, and earth, is highlighted. The principles of Ahimsa, Anekantavada, and Aparigraha are shown to be foundational to ecological awareness and action. Ethical considerations regarding dairy products and the "Three Rs" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) are also discussed.
• Application of Nonviolence: The book delves into the practical application of Ahimsa, emphasizing vegetarianism, veganism, abstaining from alcohol, honey, and avoiding products derived from animal cruelty (like silk, pearls, leather). The ecological impact of non-vegetarian diets is also detailed.

Rituals and Festivals:

• Jain Symbols: Various symbols like "Jai Jinendra," "Michchhami Dukkadam," "Om," "Hrim," "Arhum," "Swastika," "Tilak," the Universal Jain Symbol, Ärti, Mangal Deevo, Ashta Mangal, and Mäna Stambha are explained.
• Puja Rituals: The significance and performance of Ashta Prakäri Pujä (Shvetämbar) and Ashta Dravya Pujä (Digambar) are described, along with special pujas and Pujan rituals. The dreams of Tirthankars' mothers are also recounted.
• Going to the Temple: Recommendations for temple visits, including proper conduct, offerings, and the difference between Shvetämbar and Digambar traditions in idol worship and temple practices, are provided.
• Six Ävashyakas: The six daily essential observances – Sämäyika, Chauvisattho, Vandana, Pratikraman, Käyotsarga, and Pratyäkhyäna – are explained in detail for both Shvetämbar and Digambar traditions, including the associated sutras, faults to avoid, and symbolic meanings.
• Paryushan and Das Lakshana Parva: These most important Jain festivals, observed for repentance, austerity, and spiritual reflection, are described, including their dates, meanings, key activities, and the ten virtues emphasized in Das Lakshana Parva.
• Jain Festivals (Parvas): Various Jain festivals like Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Diwali, New Year, Bhäibeej, Jnän Panchami, Dev Diwäli, Navpad Oli, Maun Agiyäras, Posh Dashami, Varsitap, Akshaya Tritiya, Fägun Sud Teras, Chaumäsi Chaudas, and Mastaka Abhisheka are explained.
• Jain Temples & Pilgrimage Places: Important pilgrimage sites in India like Palitana, Sankheshvar, Tarangä, Abu Delwädä, Ranakpur, Shravanbelgola, Ayodhya, Hastinapur, Samet Shikhar, Päväpuri, and Girnär are described, including their historical significance, Mulnäyak idols, and artistic features.
• Yakshas and Yakshinis: The role of these guardian deities in Jain temples, their relationship to Jinas, and descriptions of commonly worshipped Yakshas and Yakshinis (Chakreshwari Devi, Ambika Devi, Padmavati Devi, Saraswati Devi, Lakshmi Devi, Manibhadra Dev, Ghantäkarna Vir, Näkodä Bhairava, Bhomiyaji) are provided.

History, Literature, and Sects:

• History of Jain Traditions and Sects: The text outlines the ancient origins of Jainism, its historical presence, interactions with other Indian traditions (Brahmanic, Buddhist, Hindu), and the division into Shvetämbar and Digambar sects, detailing their differences in scriptures, practices, and beliefs. It also touches upon the survival of Jainism through difficult periods and its spread in various regions of India.
• Jain Scriptures and Literature: This section covers the classification of Jain Agams (Anga-pravishtha and Anga-bähya), the extinct Purvas, the importance of Vachanas (recensions), and highlights key texts like the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, Kalpa-sutra, and Samaysär. It also touches upon non-Agam literature and commentaries. The Digambar tradition's recognized literature, particularly the works of Acharyas like Kunda-Kunda and Virsen, is also mentioned.
• Jain Heroes: Profiles of influential figures like Great Acharyas (Kunda-Kunda, Pushpadanta, Bhutabali, Umäsväti, Haribhadra-suri, Hemchandra-ächärya), Shrimad Räjchandra, and Känji-Swami are presented, highlighting their contributions to Jain philosophy and practice. Stories of Tirthankars, Bhagwan Mahavir and Bhagwan Parshvanath, and Bhagwan Neminath are included.

In essence, the "Compendium of Jainism" is a foundational text for understanding Jainism, providing a structured and detailed overview of its philosophical underpinnings, ethical guidelines, daily practices, historical development, and key figures. It serves as a comprehensive resource, particularly for those involved in Jain academic competitions or seeking in-depth knowledge of the religion.