Message Humanity - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Message to Humanity" by G. R. Jain:

Introduction and Historical Context:

The text introduces Jainism as one of India's three most important religions, alongside Hinduism and Buddhism. It highlights that while evidence suggests Jainism's presence in the Indus Valley Civilization, Lord Mahavir, born in 599 BC, is considered its modern-day pioneer. The book notes that Lord Mahavir emerged during a time of significant social and religious dissatisfaction in Northern India, characterized by a rigid caste system and the dominance of the priestly class (Brahmins). Examples from the Code of Manu illustrate the extreme privileges granted to Brahmins, denying equality and basic rights, including access to religious texts, to lower castes and women. This era was also marked by a decline in faith in complex rituals and animal sacrifices, with people seeking spiritual reform.

Lord Mahavir's Core Teachings:

Equality of Humanity: Lord Mahavir boldly proclaimed the fundamental oneness of all humanity, rejecting distinctions between individuals based on caste or any other social stratification. He asserted that everyone, regardless of social standing or gender, had the right to education, spiritual study, and divine attainment.
Ahimsa (Non-violence and Non-injury): This is presented as a central doctrine of Jainism, advocating for non-violence not only towards humans but towards all living beings. The principle of "Live and let live" is emphasized. The text points out Mahavir's opposition to the animal sacrifices prevalent in the Vedic tradition. It connects Ahimsa to Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy and Pandit Nehru's Panch Sheel, suggesting its potential for global peace. The practice of Ahimsa involves cautious speech, avoiding negative thoughts about others, refraining from actions that cause physical harm, abstaining from killing or consuming meat, and acting with compassion for those in suffering. However, it also acknowledges the right to defend oneself or one's country against injustice.

Jain Philosophy and Scientific Parallels:

Theory of Automatic Judgement: The text likens the Jain concept of karma to common aphorisms like "As you think, so you become" and "As you sow, so you reap." It contrasts this with the idea of a divine judge and an afterlife judgment. Instead, Jainism posits an "automatic system of delivering judgement." This is explained through a modern scientific lens, suggesting that thoughts are preceded by material vibrations in the brain, creating a "super-radio" of individual consciousness. These thought-waves, or vibrations, attract subtle matter that forms a "coat" around the soul. The nature of this matter, determined by one's actions, binds the soul to the cycle of rebirth. When this karmic matter is shed through spiritual practice, the soul, being the lightest, ascends to the top of the universe as pure effulgence, unable to travel further due to the absence of a medium. This is presented as a scientific explanation of transmigration without recourse to supernatural agencies.
Anekantvad (Theory of Manysidedness): This philosophical principle aims to reconcile diverse viewpoints on any given issue, fostering tolerance and understanding between different religions and schools of thought. It suggests that apparent differences are superficial and that various perspectives represent different facets of a singular truth. Anekantvad is compared to Einstein's theory of Relativity, acknowledging that while Relativity is primarily scientific, Anekantvad is philosophical. Both theories emphasize that absolute statements are difficult to make as existence is complex, and truth is often relative to the observer's viewpoint. Anekantvad seeks to harmonize conflicting philosophies by demonstrating the tenability of multiple standpoints.
Cosmological Theory: The Jain understanding of the universe comprises six substances: Soul, Matter and Energy, Space, Time, Non-material luminiferous aether (as a medium of motion), and a "field" that governs gravitational and electromagnetic forces and maintains cosmic unity. The text notes that Jain thought anticipated modern scientific discoveries, recognizing that atoms are composed of positive and negative electricity, are hollow, and can form "nuclear matter" under certain conditions. It also highlights the early enunciation of the mass-energy equivalence principle.

Layman's Daily Life and Duties:

The text outlines six essential duties for a lay follower:

Worship of God: Offering prayers.
Service to the Guru: Listening to the teachings of spiritual teachers.
Study of Holy Books: Engaging with sacred scriptures.
Observation of Vows: Practicing self-control through vows.
Contemplation and Meditation: Engaging in quiet reflection twice daily.
Charity: Giving food, medicine, knowledge, and support to the needy and weak.

The practice of charity is described as a path that can lead to complete renunciation of worldly possessions, which is considered crucial for achieving ultimate bliss. The book concludes with a prayer for universal love, sympathy, and tolerance, ending with "Jai Mahavir, Jai Hind."