Mul Jain Dharm Ane Hal Na Sampradayo

This comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mul Jain Dharm ane Hal na Sampradayo" (Original Jainism and Present-Day Sects) by Nagindas Girdharlal Sheth, published by Jain Siddhant Sabha Mumbai, addresses the core of the book's message, which is a critical examination of the divergence of Jain sects from the original teachings of the Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Mahavir.

Core Message:

The central thesis of the book is that Jainism is fundamentally one and indivisible, and the true path to liberation (moksha) is singular. The author strongly argues that the proliferation of sects and the attachment to them (sampradayvaad) are detrimental, increasing worldly attachments and extending the cycle of rebirth. The original, pure Jain Dharma is the sole refuge and path to salvation. Therefore, the duty of every Jain is to understand and follow the original, pure, and truthful Dharma.

Key Themes and Arguments:

1. Oneness of Jainism: The book asserts that Jainism, as preached by all Tirthankaras, is one and the same. Tirthankaras do not contradict each other; any perceived inconsistencies arise from later alterations or additions to the original scriptures.

2. Critique of Sectarianism (Sampradayvaad):

   • The author heavily criticizes the formation of sects and the pride associated with them. He states that sectarianism and attachment to one's sect increase worldly attachments and prolong the cycle of birth and death.
   • He believes that until a sect recognizes its own errors, it will not move towards the truth. True knowledge involves understanding one's own mistakes and correcting them.
   • The author emphasizes that true Jains (satyarthi) believe the Tirthankaras are omniscient and their words are free from contradiction. They do not accept any statements that contradict the Tirthankaras' teachings or their omniscience.
   • He argues that all historical Acharyas, both Svetambara and Digambara, were "ksudrasthas" (fallible beings) and potentially influenced by their sect's beliefs. Therefore, their writings may contain a mixture of truth and untruth. A true seeker of truth will use their discretion and accept only what aligns with the Tirthankaras' teachings, rejecting anything that contradicts it or undermines the omniscience of the Tirthankaras.
   • He criticizes those who blindly accept everything written by past Acharyas as truth, calling it blind faith and mithyattva (false belief).

3. Emphasis on Original Truth: The author urges readers to understand and follow the original, pure Jain Dharma. He stresses that the Tirthankaras' teachings are universally true and consistent. Any apparent contradictions in scriptures are due to later interpolations or changes.

4. Defining the True Seeker (Satyarthi) vs. The Sectarian (Sampradayavadi):

   • Satyarthi (Truth Seeker):
     • Believes in the omniscience of Tirthankaras and the absence of contradictions in their words.
     • Rejects any statement, even from revered Acharyas, that contradicts Tirthankara teachings or their omniscience.
     • Respects past Acharyas for their knowledge but rejects their untruthful statements.
     • Does not accept mixed truths as absolute truth and uses discernment.
     • Rejects sectarianism and its "poison" in the words of Acharyas.
     • Always seeks new knowledge and discards false beliefs immediately upon recognition.
   • Sampradayavadi (Sectarian):
     • Accepts all statements from fallible past Acharyas as supreme truth, even if they mix truth and untruth.
     • Considers past Acharyas to be like omniscient beings.
     • Accepts incorrect interpretations of Tirthankara's words without question.
     • Prioritizes the teacher's explanation over any other meaning.
     • Is habituated to thinking only in the way taught by the guru, unable to think independently.
     • Cannot understand, believe, or recognize truth independently.
     • Accepts even statements from past Acharyas that contradict the Tirthankaras' omniscience as truth.

5. Historical Analysis of Differences: The book delves into historical accounts of how and when the major divisions (Svetambara and Digambara) and their sub-sects originated. It scrutinizes the claims and counter-claims of these traditions regarding scriptures, rituals, and practices.

6. Specific Issues Discussed (as per the Table of Contents): The table of contents reveals a detailed analysis of various points of contention and historical debates within Jainism, including:

   • The "ancient" nature of the Dharma and the reality of ancient Acharyas.
   • The reasons for the split into Svetambara and Digambara traditions.
   • The status of Jain scriptures (whether they are available or have been lost).
   • The significance of Tirthas (holy places).
   • The practice of muh-patti (face covering).
   • The need for unity in Jainism.
   • The difference between vyavahar dharm (conventional conduct) and nishchay dharm (ultimate truth).
   • The existence and meaning of murti (idols) and pratima (images).
   • The role of avlamban (support or object of focus) in meditation.
   • The importance of shashwati pratima (eternal images).
   • The validity of ancient murti and pratima.
   • The interpretation of the word chaitya in scriptures.
   • The concept of dravya (material substance) and bhava (consciousness/spiritual state) in worship.
   • The validity of sthapana (establishment of an object of worship).
   • The concept of dev-puja (worship of deities).
   • Questions and answers regarding murti worship.
   • Discussions on Jinkalpa and the origin of the Digambara sect.
   • The origins of Svetambara traditions.
   • The role of Badrabahu (first and second).
   • The critique of Kundakundacharya and his teachings.
   • The views of Lokashah.
   • The background of ratividhi (ritualistic practices).
   • The concept of nikshepa (categories of reality).
   • The historical context of murti worship, citing evidence from ancient inscriptions and texts.
   • The author's critical analysis of various sectarian practices and beliefs, aiming to return to the pristine essence of Jainism.

7. Call for Unity and Purity: The author strongly advocates for a return to the original teachings of the Tirthankaras, emphasizing that unity can only be achieved by understanding and discarding sectarian interpretations and focusing on the core principles of Jainism. He foresees a future "Yugpurush" (man of the era) who will unite the sects by revealing the errors in their respective beliefs.

Overall Tone:

The book is written with a deep concern for the preservation of the original Jain Dharma. It is critical of sectarian divisions and blind adherence to tradition without understanding the underlying principles. The author's tone is earnest, seeking to guide Jains back to the "pure and original truth" by meticulously analyzing historical and scriptural evidence.

Conclusion:

"Mul Jain Dharm ane Hal na Sampradayo" is a profound call to introspection for the Jain community. It urges a critical re-evaluation of current practices and beliefs in light of the original teachings of the Tirthankaras, aiming to foster unity and adherence to the pure, untainted essence of Jainism. The author's extensive historical and scriptural analysis underscores his commitment to revealing what he believes to be the unadulterated truth of the Jain path.