Mohan Jo Dado Jain Parampara Aur Pranam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mohan Jo Dado Jain Parampara aur Pranam" by Vidyanandmuni, based on the provided pages:

The book explores the deep connection between Jain tradition and the ancient civilization of Mohenjo-daro, arguing for Jainism's pre-Vedic origins and its foundational influence on Indian culture.

The Purpose and Essence of Jain Art and Sculpture:

• Jain art and sculpture are not mere aesthetic creations but serve as instruments (साधन) for spiritual practice and devotion, not as the ultimate goal (साध्य).
• They aim to manifest and facilitate the purification of the soul (आत्मा की विशुद्धि) and create a conducive environment for spiritual progress.
• The beauty in Jain art lies in its ability to evoke qualities like serenity, mindfulness, concentration, devotion, and worship (सौन्दर्य मनोज्ञता, प्रफुल्लता, स्थितप्रज्ञता, एकाग्रता, आराधना, पूजा).
• The true success of spiritual practice (साधना) is achieved through the union (तादात्म्य) of the devotee and the divine represented in the idol. The divine presence should manifest within the devotee, and the devotee should be present in the divine.

Mohenjo-daro Seals as Evidence of Jain Antiquity:

• The seals found at Mohenjo-daro are highly significant for their artistic excellence, subtle detailing, and balanced composition.
• A specific seal (Seal No. 620/1920-26) is highlighted as a representative treasure of Jain archaeology and history.
• This seal depicts Lord Rishabhdev (the first Tirthankara) in the Kayotsarga mudra (standing meditation pose), naked and with a trishul (trident) above his head, symbolizing the Ratnatraya (Three Jewels: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct).
• Beside him is Chakravarti Bharat (his eldest son), adorned with a royal headdress and in a posture of reverence with folded hands. Bharat's contemplation reflects his realization of the vast spiritual eminence of Rishabhdev compared to his own worldly power.
• Behind Bharat is a bull (वृषभ), the auspicious symbol (लांछन) of Rishabhdev.
• Seven principal ministers, in hierarchical order and royal attire, are depicted at the bottom.

The Significance of Kayotsarga Mudra and Other Symbols:

• The Kayotsarga mudra, along with meditation and nudity (Digambaratva), are identified as distinctive characteristics of Jainism found on Mohenjo-daro seals.
• The bull symbol (वृषभ) on the seal confirms the identification with Rishabhdev.
• The name "Bharat" for India is traced back to Bharat, son of Rishabhdev, rather than Dusyanta's son Bharat, indicating a deep historical connection.
• The structure of the seal suggests a strong, pre-existing cultural tradition that influenced its creation, rather than solely relying on later Jain scriptures.

History, Tradition, and the Role of Archaeology:

• History (इतिहास) is presented as a lamp (दीपक) that illuminates the truth of archaeological findings. It is based on concrete facts.
• Tradition (परम्परा), on the other hand, emerges and takes shape in the collective consciousness, passed down through generations. It doesn't have specific dates but represents continuity.
• The seals from Mohenjo-daro are seen as representatives of a long, unbroken tradition, not accidental occurrences.

Jainism's Pre-Vedic and Indus Valley Civilization Roots:

• The book strongly asserts that Indus Valley civilization was a Jain civilization, and its customs were Jain customs.
• Evidence suggests that Jainism is older than the Vedic period and predates the Indus Valley civilization itself.
• The mention of Rishabhdev in the Puranas and Vedic texts, along with the yogic figures on Indus seals, are cited as evidence.
• The term "Vatrasana" is suggested to have been a common term for Jain monks, similar to "Shramana," and both traditions are considered pre-Vedic.
• The name "Bharat" for India is firmly linked to Bharat, son of Rishabhdev, further solidifying the ancient connection.

Lord Rishabhdev and the Origins of Jainism:

• The text details Lord Rishabhdev's role as the first Tirthankara (Adinath).
• He taught Asi (defense), Masi (trade), Krishi (agriculture), and Adhyatma (self-knowledge), providing civilization's foundational elements.
• He also gifted people seeds, the wheel, numbers, and letters, initiating the Karma Yuga.
• After ruling for a long period, Rishabhdev embraced asceticism for self-purification and became a "Jina" (conqueror of self).
• The religion founded by him became known as Jainism, making it the world's first religion.

Key Symbols and their Jain Significance:

• Swastika (साथिया): Found on Indus seals and widely revered in Jainism, symbolizing the four states of existence (hell, animal, human, divine) and the Ratnatraya (represented by three dots) topped by the Bindu (nirvana).
• Trishul: Identified as a symbol of the Ratnatraya (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct), and referred to as the "Jaitra" weapon of Jains.
• Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree): Depicted surrounding the Rishabhdev statue on the seal, symbolizing attainable fruits.
• Lata (creeper): Representing mridulata (gentleness/sweetness of divine speech).
• Bharat's posture: Demonstrates devotion and reverence.

Comparative Analysis and Further Research:

• The author emphasizes that the symbolic representations on the Mohenjo-daro seals are deeply rooted in tradition and folk experience, making a purely literal interpretation insufficient.
• A comparative and in-depth analysis of these findings with later Jain literature (like Adipurana and Puranvarya) reveals a striking reflection (बिम्ब प्रतिबिम्ब भाव), confirming an unbroken tradition.
• The language of the Indus people is suggested to be Prakrit, the common language and the language of Jain scriptures, further supporting Jainism's ancient origins and its connection to the Indus civilization.
• The prevalence of commercial narratives in Jain literature, compared to Hindu texts, is linked to the commercial nature of the Indus Valley civilization, suggesting extensive trade networks for the Jains, even overseas.

In essence, the book argues that the archaeological evidence from Mohenjo-daro, particularly the seals, provides irrefutable proof of Jainism's profound antiquity and its foundational role in shaping the early cultural and spiritual landscape of India, predating even the Vedic period.