Peace Religious Harmony And Solution Of World Problems From Jaina Prespective

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Peace, Religious Harmony and Solution of World Problems from Jaina Perspective" by Prof. Sagarmal Jain, based on the excerpts:

Overall Theme: The book argues that the core principles of Jainism – non-violence (Ahimsa), non-possessiveness (Aparigraha), and non-absolutism (Anekantavada) – offer profound solutions to the world's most pressing problems, including religious intolerance, mental tension, war, social disintegration, economic inequality, and ecological imbalance.

Key Arguments and Concepts:

• Religious Harmony and Fellowship of Faiths:

  • The Problem: Religious fundamentalism and intolerance are critical issues, widening the gap between hearts despite shrinking physical distances due to technological advancement. This leads to hatred, hostility, and a race towards self-destruction.
  • The Jaina Solution: Jainism emphasizes humanity as the binding force. True religion is not about blind faith or rituals but about equanimity (inner peace) and non-violence (social aspect). True religion is the essential nature of things, and for humans, this is humanity itself.
  • Unity in Diversity: Jainism embraces "unity in diversity," recognizing that both unity and diversity are essential facets of reality. It rejects absolute monism and absolute pluralism. Fellowship of faiths means co-operation and co-existence, respecting the unique qualities of each religion while recognizing their shared universal virtues (non-violence, friendliness, truthfulness, etc.).
  • Equal Regard: Religious harmony requires equal regard for all religions. Viewing other faiths as inferior leads to disharmony. Each religion has its own utility and truth value based on its cultural context.
  • True Meaning of Religion: Religion is defined as the real nature of things, which for humans is equanimity and the practice of non-violence. Rituals are external; the essence is the eradication of passions and the realization of one's true nature.
  • Overcoming Intolerance: Blind faith, stemming from attachment and lack of critical analysis, is the root of intolerance. Reason acts as a check-post against blind faith. Jainism advocates for rational thinking and accepting what is logically justified.
  • Non-Absolutism (Anekāntavāda): This philosophical doctrine is the bedrock of Jaina tolerance. It posits that reality is complex with many facets, and different viewpoints offer partial, yet true, perspectives. Accepting this prevents dogmatism and fosters open-mindedness. It means recognizing that one's own view might be true from a certain angle, but so might an opponent's.

• Solution of World Problems:

  • Mental Tension: Caused by endless desires and attachment to worldly objects, leading to frustration and tension. The Jaina solution is non-attachment (Aparigraha), leading to mental peace and equanimity.
  • Survival of Human Race & Disarmament: The threat of nuclear annihilation is real. The cause of the arms race is insecurity and fear, stemming from a lack of mutual faith. The Jaina solution is to develop mutual faith, trust, and a sense of security. Disarmament and non-violence are paramount. Lord Mahavira declared nothing is superior to "asastra" (disarmament or non-violence).
  • War and Violence: Rooted in discontentment and the will for power/possession. Jainism emphasizes fighting passions within oneself rather than external opponents. While complete non-violence is an ideal, the goal is to minimize violence. Defensive war is acknowledged as a necessity for those committed to protecting others, but it should be reduced to the minimum possible, and innocent lives must be spared.
  • Disintegration of Human Society: Caused by artificial man-made divisions of caste, creed, and color. Jainism accepts the oneness of the human race and emphasizes equality. Unity is seen as "unity in diversity," where diverse cultures and religions co-exist and work for the common good of humanity.
  • Economic Inequality and Consumer Culture: Driven by the will for possession, occupation, and hoarding. Jainism advocates for self-imposed limitations on possessions and consumption (Aparigraha and Bhogopabhoga Parimana), and charity (Atithi Samvibhaaga), viewing wealth as a means, not an end.
  • Conflicts in Ideologies and Faiths: Similar to religious harmony, the Jaina approach is rooted in Anekāntavāda, promoting intellectual and social tolerance, open-mindedness, and respect for differing viewpoints.
  • Preservation of Ecological Equilibrium: Jainism considers all living beings, including earth, water, air, fire, and vegetation, as sentient. Pollution and destruction of nature are acts of violence. Strict restrictions on water use, consumption of raw food, and avoiding harm to plants and animals are observed, emphasizing a profound respect for all life forms.

• The Concept of Non-Violence (Ahimsa):

  • Supreme Virtue: Non-violence is considered the highest moral virtue (Ahimsa paramo dharmah). It is a universal law of human conduct, encompassing peace, harmony, welfare, and fearlessness.
  • Broader Meaning: Non-violence extends beyond not killing humans and animals to protecting the vegetable kingdom and subtle beings (earth, water, air, fire). It involves refraining from violence through mind, body, and speech, and not instigating it.
  • Rational Basis: The foundation of non-violence is the concept of equality of all beings and the rational understanding that what is good for oneself is good for others. It's about compassion and treating all life with respect.
  • Inner and Outer Violence: Violence has both external (Dravyahiṁsā) and internal (Bhāvahiṁsā) aspects. Impure thoughts and ill-will are considered internal violence, which is more fundamental. Non-violence means absence of passions like attachment and hatred.
  • Non-Violence and War: Jainism generally condemns all wars as stemming from attachment. While monks are prohibited from violence, householders may engage in defensive wars for just causes, but the focus remains on minimizing violence. The ideal of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) is present, exemplified by the Bharat-Bahubali story.
  • Practicality: While complete non-violence is a spiritual ideal, the principles are meant to guide practical living, emphasizing "lesser violence is better living" and prioritizing co-operation over struggle.

In essence, Prof. Sagarmal Jain presents Jainism as a philosophy offering practical and ethical frameworks for achieving individual peace, societal harmony, and global well-being by adhering to its core tenets of non-violence, non-possessiveness, and non-absolutism.