Solution Of World Problems A Jaina Perspective

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Solution of World Problems: A Jaina Perspective" by Sagarmal Jain, based on the provided pages:

The book argues that humanity is the sole creator of its problems and thus responsible for their consequences. It then delves into several major global challenges and proposes solutions rooted in Jain philosophy.

1. Problem of Mental Tension and its Solution:

• Cause: Scientific advancement has eroded faith in spiritual and human values, leading to a focus on materialism and ambition. This fuels endless desires, greed, egoism, and ultimately frustration and mental tension. Affluent nations, despite material comfort, suffer most from tension, indicating that the issue stems from insatiable desires rather than scarcity.
• Jain Solution: Jainism identifies mental suffering and tension as arising from attachment to worldly objects. Lord Mahavira teaches that detachment from sensory objects breaks the cycle of misery. The solution lies in cultivating a detached outlook, minimizing attachment, and thereby achieving equanimity and tranquility, the ultimate goal of spiritual practice.

2. Problem of Survival of Human Race and Disarmament:

• Cause: Advanced war technology, particularly nuclear weapons, threatens human annihilation. The erosion of mutual faith and belief in higher values has led to doubt, fear, insecurity, and an armament race. This is exacerbated by "unguided men" despite guided missiles.
• Jain Solution: Jainism emphasizes the supreme virtue of fearlessness and the importance of fostering mutual trust and security. The text cites the Sutrakrtanga, stating there is nothing higher than the sense of security one can give to others. Fearlessness means not fearing others and not causing fear. The ultimate disarmament (aśastra) is superior to any weapon. The core solution lies in eradicating selfish and aggressive outlooks, embracing mutual credibility, and practicing non-violence.

3. Problem of War and Violence:

• Cause: Discontentment, the will for power and possession, attachment, economic inequalities, insecurities, and frustrations are identified as roots of war and violence. These are seen as expressions of a "sick mentality."
• Jain Solution: Jainism unequivocally condemns war and violence, viewing attachment and possession as the primary cause. The Uttaradhyayana Sutra advises fighting one's own passions rather than others, with self-conquest being paramount. While acknowledging that those with social obligations might resort to defensive violence in exceptional cases, perfect non-violence is achievable only on the spiritual plane by those free from attachment and aversion. For worldly beings, the aim is to minimize violence. Jainas suggest fighting without weapons and with referees (like the historical Bharat-Bahubali example) or non-violent opposition (like Gandhi). Non-violent protection is possible for the detached, but its success against those lacking human values is questionable. Jainism permits householders, unlike monks, to defend rights violently in exceptional circumstances, but violence is never justified as a virtue.

4. Problem of Disintegration of Human Society:

• Cause: Artificial divisions based on caste, creed, color, and nationality lead to hatred, hostility, and conflict, disintegrating the natural unity of humanity. Claims of superiority in caste, creed, or culture fuel class conflicts.
• Jain Solution: Jainism recognizes the inherent oneness of the human race, opposing man-made divisions. Lord Mahavira declared the human race as one, with no inherent inferiority or superiority. True superiority comes from self-purification and good conduct, not class. Jainism advocates equality, unity, mutual faith, and cooperation. "Unity in diversity" is key, where each race, religion, and culture has the right to exist while contributing to the welfare of humanity. This involves fulfilling duties towards one's community and nation and prioritizing collective well-being over individual enjoyment.

5. Problem of Economic Inequality and Consumer Culture:

• Cause: The will for possession, hoarding, and lust for worldly enjoyment drive economic inequality and consumerism. Advancements in amenities create an insatiable desire for luxury, leading to class divisions between "haves" and "have-nots," characterized by jealousy and hatred.
• Jain Solution: Wealth is a means to live, not an end in itself. Jainas emphasize self-imposed limitations on possessions and consumption. Lord Mahavira's vows of non-possession (aparigraha) for ascetics and limited possession for laities, along with the vow of limited consumption, are crucial. Wealth should be used for humanity's welfare through charity (Atithi Samvibhanga), seen as giving people their right. Adhering to these vows can restore peace, harmony, and eradicate economic inequality and class conflicts.

6. Problem of Conflicts in Ideologies and Faiths:

• Cause: The tendency to view reality from limited, one-sided perspectives leads to dogmatism and conflict when ideologies clash.
• Jain Solution: The Jain theory of Anekantavada (non-absolutism or many-sidedness) is presented as the solution. It posits that reality is complex and can be understood from multiple viewpoints, each offering a partial but true picture. Anekantavada fosters intellectual and social tolerance by encouraging respect for differing ideologies and faiths. It forbids dogmatism and one-sidedness, promoting open-mindedness. The text highlights examples from Haribhadra and Hemachandra, illustrating Jainism's historical emphasis on religious tolerance and the acceptance of rational principles regardless of their origin.

7. Problem of the Preservation of Ecological Equilibrium:

• Cause: Modern society's actions leading to ecological imbalance, pollution of air and water, and disruption of nature are seen as directly threatening human survival.
• Jain Solution: Jainism's principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) extends to all living beings, including earth, water, air, fire, and plant life, which are considered sentient. Polluting or harming these elements is considered a sin. Jain practices, such as seeking forgiveness for disturbing nature and restricting the use of resources (water, vegetables), are designed to maintain ecological balance. Monks and nuns observe strict rules, like wearing cloth over their mouths to prevent air pollution and avoiding plucking plants. Householders are encouraged to limit consumption, use water sparingly, and avoid large-scale industries that pollute and harm life. Agriculture without pesticides is favored, as pesticides cause violence and pollution. Jainas consider industries producing significant smoke as "greatest sin" and a cause of hellish existence.

Overarching Jain Principles:

The book concludes by stating that Jainism offers solutions to humanity's core problems – mental tensions, violence, and ideological conflicts – through its three fundamental tenets:

• Non-attachment/Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha)
• Non-violence (Ahimsa)
• Non-absolutism (Anekanta)

By observing these principles, the text asserts that peace and harmony can be established in the world.