Parshwanath Ka Chaturyam Dharm

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Parshwanath ka Chaturyam Dharm" (The Chaturyaam Dharma of Parshwanath) by Dharmanand Kosambi, translated by Shripad Joshi, published by Dharmanand Smarak Trust:

This book, the ninth in the Hemachandra Modi Book Series, is a detailed exploration of the Chaturyaam Dharma (four vows or practices) as taught by Parshvanatha, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara. The author, Dharmanand Kosambi, a renowned scholar and Buddhist monk, presents a critical yet appreciative analysis of this ancient Jain ethical framework, tracing its origins, development, and relevance across various religious traditions.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• The Chaturyaam Dharma: The core of the book revolves around the four vows of Parshvanatha:

  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Not harming any living being.
  • Satya (Truthfulness): Speaking the truth.
  • Asteya (Non-stealing): Not taking what is not given.
  • Aparigraha (Non-possession): Non-attachment to material possessions. Kosambi emphasizes that these vows, particularly Ahimsa, were originally intended to regulate human behavior and prevent violence within human society, rather than being solely focused on protecting microscopic life forms.

• Historical Context and Development:

  • Kosambi argues that the Chaturyaam Dharma predates Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, and was the foundational principle of the Jain tradition established by Parshvanatha.
  • He analyzes the evolution of these vows, noting how Mahavira expanded them into the Pancha Mahavratas (five great vows) by adding Brahmacharya (celibacy).
  • The book draws parallels between Jain Chaturyaam and the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path, highlighting the shared ethical principles of non-violence, truth, and self-control.
  • Kosambi also explores the potential influence of these principles on other traditions, including Yoga Sutras and even the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

• Critique of Religious Practices and Sectarianism:

  • A significant portion of the book is dedicated to a critique of how religious traditions, including Jainism and Buddhism, have become bogged down by sectarianism, ritualism, and dogmatic interpretations, losing sight of the original ethical core.
  • Kosambi criticizes the elaborate mythologies and exaggerated life spans attributed to Tirthankaras and Buddhas, suggesting they emerged from a competitive desire to outdo each other's narratives, rather than historical accuracy.
  • He points out instances where Jain practices, such as the emphasis on extreme asceticism, royal patronage, and the development of complex rituals, led to a decline in the original spirit of the teachings.

• Comparative Religious Study:

  • The book offers a comparative analysis of the Chaturyaam Dharma with the Ten Commandments of Judaism, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the principles of Islam.
  • While acknowledging the ethical components in these religions, Kosambi highlights the differences, particularly in their approach to violence, divine authority, and social organization. He points out how the "eye for an eye" principle of the Old Testament contrasts with the emphasis on turning the other cheek in the teachings of Jesus.

• Social and Political Relevance:

  • Kosambi connects the Chaturyaam Dharma to contemporary social and political issues of his time (mid-20th century), including nationalism, communism, socialism, and the need for social reform.
  • He advocates for a practical application of these ethical principles to address societal problems like inequality, exploitation, and war.
  • He suggests that the principles of non-possession and non-stealing, when applied universally, could offer solutions to the conflict between capitalist and communist systems.

• The Significance of Physical Labor:

  • The book stresses the importance of physical labor (sharir-shram) as an integral part of a truly lived ethical life, a concept he believes was overlooked or downplayed in later Jain and Buddhist monastic traditions. He argues that the dependence on patrons led to a decline in the practical application of the vows.

• The Practice of Sallekhana:

  • Kosambi discusses the Jain practice of Sallekhana (voluntary fasting unto death), examining its historical context and philosophical underpinnings. He notes its connection to the principles of detachment and the acceptance of death as a natural process.

• Author's Perspective and Intent:

  • Dharmanand Kosambi, known for his rational and critical approach, seeks to revive the original essence of the Chaturyaam Dharma, disentangling it from sectarian accretions and emphasizing its universal applicability for human welfare.
  • He aims to inspire readers to re-evaluate their understanding of religion and ethics, urging a move towards practical adherence to fundamental principles for the betterment of individuals and society.

In essence, "Parshwanath ka Chaturyam Dharm" is a profound intellectual endeavor that re-examines the foundational teachings of Jainism through a historical, comparative, and socio-political lens. Kosambi's work challenges conventional interpretations and advocates for a revitalized understanding of the Chaturyaam Dharma as a potent framework for ethical living and social transformation.