Reason And Faith Of Jainism

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, "Reason and Faith in Jainism" by Hemant Shah:

The book "Reason and Faith in Jainism" explores the intricate relationship between reason and faith within the framework of Jain philosophy. It begins by establishing a universal human need for religion, driven by the pursuit of freedom from suffering and the desire for perfection. Drawing on the ideas of Swami Vivekananda and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the text posits that this search for freedom is synonymous with the concept of God and that religion provides significance, value, strength, and solace in a complex world.

The author distinguishes between Western and Eastern approaches to religion, noting that the East emphasizes intuition and the West emphasizes intelligence. However, the text argues that the human mind is not fragmented and that intellect, emotion, and will all stem from the same spiritual source. Understanding religion, therefore, requires understanding its core spirit, which involves the interplay of reason and intuition.

Key concepts discussed include:

• Reason: Defined as a human phenomenon involving universal concepts and the ability to see relationships. It is presented as a comprehensive and synthetic faculty, superior to intellect, which is seen as abstract and partial. Reason operates on the whole mind.
• Intuition: Described as a subjective experience and a higher source of knowledge than reason. Intuitive knowledge is direct, final, and supreme, transcending the limitations of senses and mental categories. It is experienced when ego disappears, allowing the individual to become an instrument of the universal. While seemingly opposed to intellect, intuition requires intellect for expression and justification, and intellect, in turn, presupposes intuition.
• Compatibility of Reason and Faith: The text examines the Western concept of distinct realms for reason and faith, with some truths discoverable by one but not the other, and some by both. In contrast, Eastern philosophies, including Jainism, accept both reason and faith as sources of knowledge. Reason is considered essential for faith, supporting and strengthening it, particularly in defending against error. Faith is distinguished from belief, with faith being steadfast and grounded in experience and realization.
• Jainism's Perspective: Jainism is presented as a religion that places equal importance on both reason and faith. It rejects the notion of faith as blind belief, emphasizing that true faith is based on experience and realization. The text highlights that the foundational principles of Jainism, including its metaphysics, logic, and the law of karma, are deeply rooted in reason. The Jain theory of knowledge acknowledges both mediate knowledge (reason-based) and immediate knowledge (intuition-based).
• Shraddha (Faith) in Jainism: The Jain concept of Shraddha (faith) is more comprehensive than the English word "faith." It signifies trust in one's higher self and in that which is beyond the physical body. Faith in Jainism is considered a sadhana (religious practice) that leads to right vision and liberation. While Jainism emphasizes self-effort and does not rely on divine grace, faith in oneself, humanity, and the teachings of the Tirthankaras (considered authoritative testimony) is crucial.
• Unity of Reason and Faith: The book concludes that reason and faith are not opposing forces but supplementary pillars that lead to an enlightened state of the soul. Jainism integrates these two aspects, recognizing that rational understanding and spiritual realization are intertwined. The ultimate goal in Jainism is the unity of Right Reason, Right Vision, and Right Conduct. The secular spirit of Jainism, coupled with its emphasis on morality, ethics, and the purification of the soul, creates a unique unity of reason and faith.

In essence, "Reason and Faith in Jainism" argues that Jainism offers a balanced perspective where reason provides the framework for understanding the universe and the principles of the religion, while faith provides the conviction and the impetus for spiritual practice and realization, leading ultimately to liberation.