Place Of Jainism In Indian Thought

Here's a comprehensive summary of "The Place of Jainism in Indian Thought" by Felix Valyi, based on the provided text:

An Underappreciated but Crucial Influence on Indian Thought

The article argues that Jainism has historically been neglected by scholars, often dismissed as a minor offshoot of Hinduism. However, Felix Valyi asserts that the original philosophy of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, holds immense significance for understanding the origins of Indian thought. Despite the Jain community being a small minority in India, their philosophical contributions are far-reaching.

Mahavira and Buddha: Contemporaries and Intellectual Peers

Valyi highlights the historical contemporaneity of Mahavira and Buddha, both active in the 6th century BCE in the same region of Magadha. While direct textual evidence of their meeting is absent, psychological probabilities suggest an exchange of ideas. The article posits that core concepts shared by Jainism and Buddhism, such as ahimsa (non-violence) and nirvana (liberation), likely originated within the Jaina tradition, which predates Buddhism by several centuries. The historicity of Mahavira and even the 23rd Tirthankara, Parsva, is considered beyond doubt, with earlier Tirthankaras also considered probable.

A Social Revolution and the Origins of Monasticism

Both Mahavira and Buddha, being Kshatriya princes, challenged the privileges of the Brahmin priesthood. Jainism is presented as India's first social revolution, democratizing access to knowledge by accepting individuals from all castes into its Sangha (monastic order), provided they adhered to its strict discipline. The article suggests that Buddha himself may have experimented with Jaina ascetic practices before formulating his "Middle Path."

Ahimsa: The Core Principle and its Extremes

The fundamental difference between Jainism and Buddhism lies in Jainism's extreme emphasis on ahimsa. Mahavira imposed a life of total renunciation and abstinence on his followers, forbidding the consumption of even certain vegetables due to the life they contain. This unwavering respect for all life became an orthodox dogma, uniting the various Jaina sects (Digambaras, Svetambaras, Stanakavasis, and Terapanthis) in their abhorrence of violence.

Jainism's Enduring Influence

The article points to Mahatma Gandhi's deep immersion in the Jaina tradition of ahimsa, influenced by his Jaina mother and guru, as a testament to its impact on modern Indian history. While medieval Hinduism branded Jainism and Buddhism as "heresies" to maintain the Brahminical monopoly on knowledge, modern scholarship recognizes that the true spirit of ancient India lies in the teachings of Mahavira and Buddha, who advocated for universalism and rejected religious excesses.

Yoga and Spiritual Discipline: A Shared Ideal

Jainism, Buddhism, and Brahmanism all share the foundational principle of Yoga, aiming for the liberation of the spirit. However, Valyi criticizes medieval orthodoxy for corrupting Yoga's original spirit into a tool for exploitation. Both Mahavira and Buddha are portrayed as masters of Yoga who laid the groundwork for Indian psychology, guiding individuals towards spiritual perfection and enlightenment through self-effort, without intermediaries.

Karma, Purity, and the Modern Perspective

The Jaina theory of Karma, which posits that the soul becomes contaminated by material particles and can be purified through renunciation, is presented as a significant contribution. Jainism emphasizes purity and perfection as ideals. While modern psychology integrates body and mind, rejecting the strict dichotomy found in some Indian traditions, Valyi argues that the ancient Indian ideal of spiritual freedom, as exemplified by Jainism, offers valuable insights for modern individuals seeking to escape materialism.

Mahavira: A Paragon of Willpower

Although the article acknowledges that even modern Jaina saints, despite their rigorous discipline, remain bound by physiology, Mahavira is celebrated as an embodiment of pure spiritual willpower. Ahimsa, as universal love, is seen as a transformative force aimed at elevating human nature to a spiritual plane.

Conclusion: A Ferment in Indian History

Valyi concludes by asserting that Jainism served as a vital "ferment" in Indian history, enriching its character. Despite the degeneration of some contemporary Jaina communities, Mahavira's personality and teachings continue to transcend the "vulgarity of our age," deserving recognition as one of history's greatest sages.