Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir And Jainism - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir And Jainism" by Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah:

Introduction to Jainism

Jainism is presented as one of the world's oldest and greatest religions, though it is primarily known and practiced in India, with around four million followers. Despite its minority status, Jainism is highly respected by scholars for its noble religious principles. It is a universal religion, open to people of all races, castes, and communities, as its core tenets do not discriminate. The followers of Jainism are called Jainas, a term derived from Jina, meaning "conqueror." A Jina is one who has conquered all passions and achieved liberation from the cycle of birth and death. A Tirthankara is a Jina who spiritually guides followers. In the current cosmic cycle, Bhagavan Rishabhadeva was the first Tirthankara, and Bhagavan Mahavira was the last.

The Jaina Concept of Soul

The book outlines the fundamental Jain concept of the soul (Jiva) as part of a larger cosmological framework. The universe is composed of six substances: Jiva (conscious soul) and Ajiva (unconscious). Ajiva is further divided into five categories: Pudgala (matter), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Kala (time), and Akasha (space).

Jainism asserts that life exists throughout the universe, not just on Earth, and that every living being, from humans and animals to plants, bacteria, and even microscopic entities, possesses a soul. Souls are considered independent, eternal, immortal, and invisible. The text highlights the soul's ability to transmigrate from one life to another, expanding or contracting with the body it inhabits, until it achieves Moksha (liberation) from the cycle of birth and death. The universe itself is seen as beginningless and endless, undergoing continuous change while retaining its essential permanence through origination, decay, and permanence.

The Law of Karma

Jainism explains the disparities and experiences of joy and sorrow in the world through the Law of Karma. This law states that all that happens to a living being is a consequence of their deeds (Karma). There are eight types of Karma: Jnanavaraniya (knowledge obscuring), Darshanavaraniya (faith obscuring), Vedaniya (feeling), Mohaniya (delusion), Aayu (lifespan), Nama (body attributes), Gotra (social status), and Antaraya (obstacle-creating). Overcoming the Karma of attachment, fueled by anger, ego, infatuation, and greed, is considered the most challenging. The soul carries its remaining Karma to its next life, and liberation is achieved when the soul frees itself from this bondage.

The Path to Moksha

The path to Moksha, or liberation, in Jainism is comprised of Right Knowledge, Right Faith, and Right Conduct. These are achieved by observing the five great vows:

Ahimsa (Non-injury): This is the cardinal principle of Jainism, emphasizing respect for all life, regardless of its form. It extends beyond physical harm to include harm through speech and thought. The ideal is to commit minimum violence, especially intentional violence. Jainism advocates for strict vegetarianism and kindness to all living beings.
Satya (Truth): Speaking truth requires moral courage and is only possible for those who have conquered greed, fear, anger, jealousy, ego, and other vices. Truth should be wholesome and pleasant.
Asteya (Non-stealing): This vow emphasizes honesty and refraining from taking anything that does not rightfully belong to oneself, even if unattended.
Brahmacharya (Celibacy): This involves total abstinence from sex indulgence, as sexual passion can obscure the path to Moksha and override reason. Controlling desires, even in thought, is crucial.
Aparigraha (Non-acquisition): This principle promotes limiting one's possessions and attachments to worldly wealth, as these can lead to sin, greed, jealousy, selfishness, and violence. Unlimited wants are seen as a cause of suffering and bondage. This principle also supports equitable wealth distribution and social welfare.

These five vows are strictly observed by monks and nuns, with a modified observance for householders, who also take seven additional vows and follow thirty-five other rules of conduct.

Additional Principles

Beyond the five vows, Jainism emphasizes:

Four Reflections (Bhavana): Amity (Maitri), Appreciation (Pramoda), Compassion (Karuna), and Equanimity (Madhyastha).
Ten-fold Code of Conduct: Forgiveness, Humility, Straightforwardness, Truthfulness, Purity of mind, Control of senses, Penance, Renunciation, Greedlessness, and Chastity.

Jainism also outlines fourteen stages of soul evolution (Gunasthana) for achieving liberation.

Anekantavada

The Anekantavada (or Syadvada) doctrine is a significant contribution of Jainism to global thought, also known as the theory of Relativity or the Philosophy of Non-absolutism. It teaches that every substance has infinite attributes and can be viewed from multiple perspectives. Just as a coin has two sides, or a prism has many, situations and objects have various aspects. Anekantavada encourages understanding different viewpoints to realize the truth, promoting tolerance, reconciliation, and the removal of short-sightedness and discord. It is seen as a root of modern democracy and a tool for peaceful coexistence and unity.

Conclusion

In essence, Jainism advocates for virtues like right faith, knowledge, and conduct, non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-acquisition, amity, compassion, equanimity, and respect for diverse viewpoints. The text concludes with a Jain prayer embodying these principles, expressing forgiveness, amity, and a desire for universal happiness and the disappearance of evil. Jainism provides a comprehensive guide for followers of all categories, addressing all possible life situations for spiritual liberation and harmonious living.