Non Violence A Scientific Reality And An Antidote To Barbarism - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Non Violence A Scientific Reality and an Antidote to Barbarism" by T.U. Mehta, based on the provided pages:

The book argues that non-violence (Ahimsa) is not merely a religious tenet but a fundamental principle that underpins human progress and a scientific reality. It contrasts the barbaric, non-vegetarian lifestyle of early humans with the moral and intellectual advancement spurred by the development of reason and the principle of Ahimsa.

Key arguments and concepts presented:

Non-violence as a sign of cultural development: The author posits that the emergence of Ahimsa elevated human society to new heights of cultural development, distinguishing humans from animals through their capacity for moral reasoning and the ability to discriminate between good and evil.
Cosmic Democracy and Universal Equality: Jainism, according to the book, views the universe as an integrated cosmic mechanism where every sentient being, regardless of size or form, has an equal right to exist and develop. This concept is termed "Cosmic Democracy," implying that all souls have the potential to achieve the highest spiritual state (Siddhahood). The equality of souls is a core tenet, meaning one soul is equivalent to every other soul in terms of potential.
Hylozoism and the Soul in All Matter: Drawing parallels with the Greek concept of hylozoism, the text explains that Jainism believes all matter, including earth, water, fire, and vegetation, contains a soul. This means that harming any living organism is akin to harming oneself, as all are interconnected parts of the universal scheme. This perspective underscores why a true Jain refrains from harming innocent lives.
Human Kinship with All Living Beings: The book emphasizes the intrinsic kinship between humans and all other organisms. This connection stems from a "Life Force" that is common to all, and psychological reciprocity is key to this relationship. Lord Mahavira's concept of "Samatwa" (equanimity or sameness) is presented as the essence of this democratic equality and kinship.
Critique of Human Cruelty: The text highlights the paradox of humanity, which calls itself "wise" yet exhibits extreme brutality towards animals and fellow humans, a level of violence rarely seen in nature. Scientific observations are cited to suggest that harmony, not conflict, is the natural state, and cruelty is indivisible, affecting both animals and humans.
Interconnectedness of the World: Modern science, particularly biology, is presented as supporting the Jain view that the world is an integrated and interdependent system. The happiness of individuals is ultimately linked to the happiness of others. Einstein's sense of solidarity with all living beings and the scientific discovery of subatomic particles communicating instantaneously across distances are used as evidence for this universal interconnectedness.
Realization of Oneness: The ultimate goal, as per Jainism, is the realization of the oneness of all things. Apparent separateness is considered an illusion. The universe is likened to a machine where every part is equally important. True knowledge lies in understanding this fundamental unity, much like how a flower and its root are part of a single process.

In essence, the book advocates for non-violence not just as an ethical guideline but as a scientifically verifiable principle rooted in the inherent equality and interconnectedness of all life. It presents Jainism's philosophy as a profound antidote to the barbarism and cruelty that afflict human society.