Jiva Relatedness And Relationships

Here's a comprehensive summary of Nina Mehta's "Jiva Relatedness and Relationships: Forms of Becoming" based on the provided text:

Core Concept: Interconnectedness of Souls (Jivas) and Karma

The book delves into Jain philosophy, emphasizing the profound interconnectedness of all living beings, known as jivas. Jainism posits that souls are eternal and can inhabit various forms, from microscopic entities to humans and even elements of nature like hurricanes. The size and scope of the soul are flexible, allowing it to exist within vastly different physical forms. This cyclical existence is governed by karma, understood as subtle, microscopic elements (pudgala) that attach to the soul based on actions. These karmic attachments shape an individual's journey through countless cycles of birth, death, and rebirth, with the ultimate goal of achieving liberation (moksha) by shedding these attachments and realizing one's true, pure nature.

Mahavira's Teachings and the 8.4 Million Life Forms:

The text highlights the teachings of Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara (enlightened spiritual guide), who outlined the existence of 8.4 million types of living beings. This vast taxonomy underscores the Jain understanding of the universe's intricate web of life, urging a reevaluation of how we relate to subjects, objects, and other beings.

Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu and the Global Outreach of Jainism:

A significant portion of the book focuses on the life and work of Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu, a former Jain monk who established the Jain Meditation International Center in New York. Chitrabhanu's decision to leave India and share Jain teachings globally stemmed from the belief that "Global problems are created by global people." He emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and respect for all life forms, adapting Jain philosophy to contemporary Western audiences. His teachings often involve storytelling, focusing on individual potential, disconnecting from the limitations of name and past karma, and reconnecting with the self through breath and meditation.

Key Jain Principles and their Implications:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): This foundational principle is central to Jain ethics and interactions. It extends beyond mere abstinence from physical harm to include avoiding actions that might indirectly lead to violence or suffering for any living being, even plants or single-celled organisms. The text illustrates this with an example of a father's concern about organ donation, fearing his gift could enable another to cause harm.
• Anekantavada (Multiple Viewpoints): This principle asserts that truth and reality are perceived differently from various perspectives, and no single viewpoint represents the complete truth. It encourages understanding and appreciating the subjective experiences of others, acknowledging that all beings operate within their own unique sensory perceptions and realities. This contrasts with a purely individualistic understanding of the world, emphasizing a multitude of interconnected realities.
• Karma: The concept of karma as the result of subtle elements (pudgala) is explained, linking actions, emotional attachments, and cycles of rebirth. Karma acts as a template or receptacle for past deeds, shaping present experiences and future destinies.

Relating to Other Life Forms and the Concept of "Being With":

The book explores the concept of "being with" other living beings, drawing parallels with philosophers like Jacques Derrida and Ian Hacking. It challenges the anthropocentric view that separates humans from animals, highlighting the shared existence and interconnectedness of all life. Jain philosophy, through its understanding of soul transmigration and karma, suggests that all beings are engaged in a continuous process of interaction and influence.

Jain Taxonomies and Sensory Perception:

Jainism categorizes living beings based on their sensory organs and vitalities, creating a hierarchy. This classification is linked to the idea that senses shape an individual's perception of the world, similar to Jacob von Uexkull's concept of umwelt. The more senses a being possesses, the greater its capacity to feel pain, and thus, actions that cause harm to more sentient beings attract more karma.

Metamorphosis and Transformation:

The eternal nature of energy and its manifestation in individual souls is discussed, with forms and relationships constantly transforming. This transformation is driven by karma, which acts as a catalyst for movement between life forms. The text emphasizes that we are all in a constant state of flux, influenced by our interactions and karmic accumulations.

Animal Welfare and Activism:

The book highlights how the consciousness of karmic accumulation influences Jain life choices, leading to a strong connection with animal welfare and environmental activism. Jainism views cruelty to any living being as cruelty to oneself, blurring the lines between self and other. This ethic extends to advocating for animal rights and promoting compassionate action, as seen in the work of Pramoda, Gurudev Chitrabhanu's wife, who is actively involved in animal welfare organizations.

Ontological Connections and Intimacies:

The Jain belief that all souls are trapped by worldly bondage fosters compassion and non-violence for the sake of all souls. All living beings are seen as co-creators, entangled in each other's being and processes of becoming. This interconnectedness leads to "intimacies" that transcend a human-centered perspective, fostering relationships based on deep affinities mediated by action.

Capacities and Propensity:

The idea that each living being has an "original nature" or dharma is explored, drawing from Francois Jullien's concept of propensity. Beings realize their potential through understanding and flowing with this inherent nature, which manifests differently across various life forms and cycles. Sentient energy, possessing consciousness and choice, allows individuals to take charge of their lives and influence their karmic trajectory.

Conclusion: Blurred, Ongoing Taxonomies and Interconnection

The book concludes by reiterating that while Jain taxonomies of jivas may seem fixed, the movement between these categories is fluid and blurred. Our present actions shape our souls and their temporary habitations, leading to continuous transformation and interconnectedness. Understanding Jain philosophy and ethics reveals how interactions with life forms lead to deeper forms of interrelation, moving beyond mere sympathy or empathy. The limited sensory perceptions of each being, like a fly in its environment, also bound our understanding of ultimate truth, emphasizing the importance of considering past, present, and future actions in relation to our interconnectedness with all living things.