Sagar Jain Vidya Bharti Part 2 - Book Summary

This is a summary of the Jain text "Sagar Jain Vidya Bharti Part 2" by Sagarmal Jain, published by Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi.

Overview:

"Sagar Jain Vidya Bharti Part 2" is the second volume in a planned series of ten volumes that compile the research articles and writings of Professor Sagarmal Jain. Published in 1995, this collection aims to present Professor Jain's extensive scholarly work to scholars and discerning readers. The book is part of the Parshwanath Vidya Peeth Granthamala series, numbered as the 78th publication.

Content and Key Themes:

The second volume of "Sagar Jain Vidya Bharti" includes eleven distinct articles by Professor Sagarmal Jain, covering a range of topics within Jain philosophy, religion, and literature. The articles are:

"Ardhamaagadhi Aagam Sahitya : Ek Vimarsh" (A Discussion on Ardhamaagadhi Aagama Literature): This extensive article delves into the characteristics, historical context, and significance of the Ardhamaagadhi Aagama literature, a foundational corpus of Jain scriptures. It explores the relationship between Jain Aagamas and Vedic literature, the nature of Jain Aagamas (their eternality and authorship), and the various classifications of Aagamic texts as accepted by different Jain traditions (Shvetambara and Digambara). The article also discusses the antiquity of Ardhamaagadhi Aagamas, their dating, linguistic influences, and the evolution of their compilation and classification over time. It highlights the distinctive features of Ardhamaagadhi Aagamas, such as their emphasis on meaning over literal word, and their rich content of spiritual and ethical teachings.
"Prachin Jain Aagamon mein Charvak Darshan ka Prastutikaran evam Sameeksha" (Presentation and Critique of Charvaka Philosophy in Ancient Jain Aagamas): This article examines how the Charvaka (materialistic) philosophy is presented and critiqued within the ancient Jain Aagamas like Aacharanga, Sutrakritanga, Uttaradhyayana, and Rishibhashita. It explores the materialistic arguments concerning the nature of the self, the denial of afterlife, and the rejection of karma theory as found in Charvaka thought, and how Jain philosophers countered these views. The article also discusses the various classifications of Charvakas mentioned in Jain texts and the specific logical arguments used to refute them.
"Mahavir ke Samakaleen Vibhinn Atmavad evam usmein Jain Atmavad ka Vaishishtya" (Various Contemporary Atmavadas of Mahavir and the Uniqueness of Jain Atmavada): This article analyzes the different theories of the self (Atman) prevalent during the time of Lord Mahavir. It discusses various philosophical schools, including those that believed in an eternal self, a momentary self, a purely physical self (dehatmavada), a passive self (kutastha atmavada), and the concept of a pervasive self (vibhu atmavada). The article then highlights the distinctiveness of Jain Atmavada, which attempts to synthesize these diverse views, emphasizing the soul's inherent nature as consciousness and its active role in its own liberation through effort.
"Sakaratmak Ahinsa ki Bhoomika" (The Role of Positive Ahimsa): This article focuses on the positive aspect of Ahimsa (non-violence) in Jainism, contrasting it with its purely negative or prohibitive interpretation. It argues that while Ahinsa literally means "not to kill," its true essence lies in compassion, kindness, service, and the active effort to alleviate the suffering of all living beings. The article explores how Jain scriptures, particularly the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, describe Ahinsa through numerous positive synonyms like love, mercy, and welfare. It emphasizes that positive Ahinsa is not about mere abstention from harm but about actively promoting the well-being of all.
"Tirthankar aur Ishwar ke Sampratyayon ka Tulnatmak Vivechan" (Comparative Discussion of the Concepts of Tirthankara and Ishvara): This article provides a comparative analysis of the concepts of Tirthankara in Jainism and Ishvara (God) in other Indian traditions, particularly Hinduism. It highlights the similarities in attributes like omniscience and omnipotence but emphasizes the fundamental differences in their roles. While Ishvara is often seen as the creator and controller of the universe and a dispenser of grace, Tirthankaras are viewed as exemplars of spiritual achievement, guiding beings towards liberation through their teachings and example, rather than as external agents of salvation. The article underscores the Jain perspective that liberation is achieved through self-effort, not divine intervention.
"Jain Dharm mein Bhakti ka Sthan" (The Place of Bhakti in Jainism): This article explores the concept of Bhakti (devotion) within Jainism. While Jainism primarily emphasizes self-effort and self-realization for liberation, it does acknowledge the role of devotion and praise of Tirthankaras and Siddhas. The article explains that this "Bhakti" is not about seeking boons from a divine entity but rather about internalizing the virtues of the Tirthankaras, using their lives as an inspiration for one's own spiritual practice, and strengthening one's resolve towards liberation. It distinguishes Jain devotional practices from theistic Bhakti found in other religions.
"Man - Shakti, Swaroop aur Sadhana : Ek Vishleshan" (Mind - Power, Form, and Practice: An Analysis): This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the mind in Jain philosophy. It discusses the immense power of the mind, its role in both bondage and liberation, and its connection to karma. The article explores the dual nature of the mind as both material (dravya man) and psychical (bhava man) and its interaction with the soul. It highlights the Jain understanding of the mind's role in ethical development, the significance of controlling the mind and senses, and the path towards mental purification and spiritual liberation through various practices.
"Jain Darshan mein Naitikta ki Sapekshaata aur Nirapekshata" (Relativity and Absoluteness of Ethics in Jainism): This article examines the concepts of ethical relativism and absolutism within Jain philosophy. It argues that while Jain ethics acknowledges the influence of context, time, and individual circumstances on outward actions (leading to a relative aspect), the core principles, particularly those related to inner intent and mental purity, remain absolute. The article discusses the importance of intention (bhava) over outward action (dravya) in Jain ethics, highlighting that the ultimate measure of morality lies in one's inner state and the absence of harmful intentions.
"Sadachar ke Shashwat Mandand aur Jain Dharm" (Eternal Standards of Good Conduct and Jainism): This article discusses the eternal standards of good conduct as understood in Jainism. It posits that the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha) and the concept of Samatva (equanimity) serve as the fundamental, unchanging principles of morality in Jainism. The article explains how various virtues like Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha are considered eternal and absolute because they lead towards the soul's inherent pure state, irrespective of external circumstances.
"Jain Dharm ka Lleshya-Siddhant : Ek Vimarsh" (The Leshya Doctrine in Jainism: A Discussion): This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Leshya doctrine in Jainism. It explains that Leshyas are the subtle psychological and subtle physical states that color the soul and influence its karmic bondage. The article categorizes Leshyas into six types (Krishna, Neela, Kapota, Tejo, Padma, Shukla), representing a spectrum from the most unwholesome to the most wholesome mental states. It discusses how Leshyas influence an individual's perception, behavior, and spiritual progress, and how practices aimed at cultivating pure Leshyas are central to Jain spiritual discipline.
"Pragyapurush Pt. Jagannath Ji Upadhyay ki Drishti mein Buddha 'Vyakti' Nahin 'Prakriya' (Ek Sansmaran)" (Buddha as a 'Process,' Not a 'Person,' in the View of Pandit Jagannath Ji Upadhyay - A Recollection): This article is a personal recollection by Professor Sagarmal Jain and his research scholar Dr. Ramesh Chandra Gupta about their discussions with the renowned scholar Pandit Jagannath Ji Upadhyay concerning the Buddhist concept of Buddha. They sought to reconcile the Buddhist doctrine of impermanence and non-self with the concepts of Buddha, Bodhisattva, and the Trikaya. Pandit Upadhyay explained that "Buddha" should be understood not as an eternal individual but as a "process" or a "stream of consciousness" dedicated to perartha (for the benefit of others). The article highlights Pandit Upadhyay's insightful interpretation that the "eternity" of the Dharmakaya refers to the eternality of the process of spiritual teaching and the continuity of the path rather than an eternal personality.

Overall Significance:

This volume showcases Professor Sagarmal Jain's profound understanding of Jain traditions and his ability to present complex philosophical and historical concepts in a clear and accessible manner. The collection serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the depth and breadth of Jain thought, particularly its scriptural foundations and ethical frameworks. The detailed discussions on Aagama literature, the critique of opposing philosophies, and the nuanced exploration of Jain doctrines like Ahimsa, the concept of the soul, and Leshyas demonstrate the scholarly rigor and intellectual contribution of Professor Jain.