Nitishastra Jain Dharm Ke Sandharbh Me - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nitishastra Jain Dharm ke Sandharbh me" by Acharya Devendramuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Nitishastra: Jain Dharm ke Sandharbh me (Nitishastra: In the Context of Jain Dharma) Author: Acharya Devendramuni Publisher: University Publication, Delhi

Overall Scope and Structure:

The book "Nitishastra: Jain Dharm ke Sandharbh me" aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of ethics, with a particular focus on Jain ethical principles. The author, Acharya Devendramuni, endeavors to bridge the gap in existing literature by offering a detailed and comparative study of ethics. The book is structured into four main sections:

Part I: General Survey of Ethics (नीति का सामान्य पर्यालोचन): This section provides a broad overview of ethics, covering various philosophical and religious traditions. It delves into the background of ethics, its origins and development, the ethical concepts of Lord Mahavir, definitions of ethics, its relationship with other sciences, its key subjects, moral concepts, ethical systems and styles, moral beliefs, and the process of moral decision-making. It briefly touches upon Vedic, Buddhist, Christian, Chinese, Greek, and Muslim ethical elements.
Part II: Different Dimensions of Jaina Ethics (जैन नीति के विभिन्न आयाम): This is the core of the book, dedicated entirely to Jain ethics. It begins with Samyakdarshan (Right Faith) as the fundamental basis of Jain ethics and moral practice. It then discusses living a life free from addictions, the practical steps of moral living, the ethical advancements of lay followers (Shravakachar), the ultimate ethical stage of ascetics (Shramana-char), and the psychological roles in ethical development.
Part III: Comparative Evaluation of Jaina Ethics with other Ethical Thoughts (जैन नीति और विभिन्न वादों का तुलनात्मक मूल्यांकन): This section engages in a comparative study of Jain ethics with various Western ethical theories, such as skepticism, hedonism, utilitarianism, rationalism, intuitionism, altruism, humanitarianism, communism, and Gandhian ethical philosophy. It also explores concepts like rights and duties, crime and punishment, and the relativity versus absoluteness of morality.
Part IV: Appendix (परिशिष्ट): This section contains a treasury of ethical aphorisms (Niti Sukti Kosh) from Prakrit Jain literature, Buddhist literature, Vedic literature, Hindi literature, and English literature, followed by a bibliography of the referenced works.

Key Themes and Content:

Dual Nature of Ethics: The book acknowledges two aspects of ethics: eternal ethics (unchanging moral principles) and practical ethics (morality in behavior, adaptable to circumstances). Both are given due importance.
Foundation of Jain Ethics: Samyagdarshan (Right Faith): The text emphasizes that Samyagdarshan (correct perception, right faith, or right understanding) is the cornerstone of Jain ethics and moral discipline. It elaborates on Mithyatva (wrong faith/perception) and its various types, contrasting them with the virtues that stem from correct understanding.
Core Jain Ethical Principles: The book highlights key Jain ethical concepts such as:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Presented as the supreme principle, encompassing violence in thought, word, and deed, extended to all living beings.
1. Satya (Truthfulness): Truthfulness that is beneficial, measured, and well-timed.
- Asteya (Non-stealing): Abstaining from taking what is not given, including intellectual property and unjust gains.
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): Control over senses and desires, especially sexual ones.
- Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): Limiting desires and possessions to what is essential.
Practical Morality and Steps: The text outlines practical steps for ethical living, including abstaining from vices (like gambling, meat-eating, alcohol, etc.), developing virtues like prudence, good conduct, respecting elders, and the importance of good company.
Ascetic vs. Lay Ethics: A clear distinction is made between the ethical conduct of ascetics (Shramana-char) and lay followers (Shravaka-char), highlighting the higher standards for monks and the practical ethics for householders.
Psychological Basis of Ethics: The book delves into the psychological underpinnings of ethical behavior, discussing concepts like impulses, sentiments, determination, character formation, and the role of consciousness in moral decision-making. It connects these to Jain concepts like Sanjna (instincts/sentiments) and Leshya (mental disposition).
Comparative Ethics: The author thoughtfully compares Jain ethical principles with various other philosophical and religious traditions, identifying similarities, differences, and the unique contributions of Jainism. This comparative approach highlights the universality of certain ethical values while underscoring the distinctiveness of Jain thought.
The Goal of Ethics: The ultimate goal of Jain ethics is spiritual development, leading to liberation (Moksha). All ethical practices are seen as means to purify the soul and achieve this ultimate state of bliss and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

Author's Intent and Contribution:

Acharya Devendramuni states his intention to fill a perceived void in the literature by providing a comprehensive and comparative study of Jain ethics. He acknowledges that while books by scholars like Dr. K.C. Sogani and Dr. D.N. Bhargava exist, they primarily focus on the conduct of ascetics. Acharya Devendramuni aims to provide a more holistic perspective on Jain ethics, covering its philosophical basis, practical application, and comparative aspects. He expresses satisfaction in having made a humble effort to enrich a less-explored area of Jain literature.

Structure of the Book:

The book's four-part structure indicates a systematic and thorough approach:

Part I: General introduction to ethics, including various traditions.
Part II: Deep dive into Jain ethical principles, starting with the foundation of right faith.
Part III: Comparative analysis of Jain ethics with other systems.
Part IV: A valuable appendix of ethical aphorisms for quick reference and further study.

In essence, "Nitishastra: Jain Dharm ke Sandharbh me" is a scholarly work that seeks to illuminate the ethical framework of Jainism by placing it within a broader philosophical and comparative context. It emphasizes the practical applicability of Jain ethical principles for individual and societal well-being, ultimately guiding towards spiritual liberation.