Some Jain Concepts And Conduct

This document summarizes "Some Jain Concepts and Conduct" by Dr. Sushma Singhvi, a collection of three lectures delivered at the B.J. Institute of Learning and Research, Ahmedabad. The book aims to apply Jain philosophical insights to life's issues, focusing on achieving happiness and treating living beings ethically.

The book is structured into three chapters:

1. Anekāntavāda: Origin and Development: This chapter explores the core Jain principle of non-absolutism, tracing its evolution through three stages:

   • Vibhajyavāda: The method of dividing issues to analyze them, presented as the earliest phase of Anekāntavāda.
   • Nayavāda: The method of defining the framework of reference for understanding reality, focusing on different standpoints (dravya, kṣetra, kāla, bhāva).
   • Saptabhangi and Syādvāda: The doctrine of sevenfold predications and the prefixing of "syāt" (in a certain reference) to denote conditional character. The text draws parallels between these concepts and modern physics' complementarity principle, as discussed by Dr. D.S. Kothari.

2. Śrāvakācāra: Code of Conduct of a Householder: This chapter delves into the ethical guidelines for lay Jains. It begins by defining a Śravaka as one who possesses right faith (Samyagdarśana), characterized by calmness, aspiration for freedom, absence of hankering, compassion, and belief in the soul. The text details the:

   • Twelve Vratas (vows): These are categorized into:
     • Five Aṇuvratas (minor vows): Partial observance of the vows taken by monks, focused on limiting violence, untruth, stealing, non-celibacy, and possessions.
     • Three Guṇavratas (qualitative vows): Further restrictions on actions.
     • Four Śikṣāvratas (training vows): Practices to cultivate spiritual discipline. The chapter outlines the meaning, infractions (aticāras), and positive aspects of each vow, emphasizing the importance of intention (bhāva) over action (dravya) in determining sinfulness. It also discusses the seven vices (vyasana) a Śravaka should avoid and the concept of Samlekhanā (voluntary fasting unto death).

3. The Concept of Ātman: This chapter examines the Jain understanding of the soul (Ātman/Jiva) and its place in the universe. Key points include:

   • Rejection of a Creator God: Jainism posits that the physical world is governed by natural laws, not a divine creator. God is understood as the highest manifestation of latent soul powers.
   • Nature of the Soul: All souls are fundamentally independent and equal. The text contrasts the Jain view with other Indian philosophical systems like Cārvāka, Nyāya, Sāṅkhya, and Vedānta regarding the nature of consciousness, attributes of the soul, and the state of liberation.
   • Attributes of Jiva: The chapter lists nine attributes of the soul according to Nemicandra Siddhanta Cakravarti, highlighting Jainism's unique assertions.
   • Categories of Self: The distinction between Bhavya (souls capable of liberation) and Abhavya (souls incapable of liberation) is discussed.
   • Jiva vs. Ātman: While often used interchangeably, the text notes subtle differences in connotation, with Ātman referring more to the purest form of the soul.
   • The Process of Purification: The analogy of a white cloth losing its color due to dirt and regaining it upon cleaning illustrates the soul's journey from impurity to purity through the shedding of karmas.

In essence, "Some Jain Concepts and Conduct" provides an introductory overview of pivotal Jain doctrines, emphasizing the interconnectedness of philosophical understanding and practical conduct in the pursuit of spiritual liberation. It highlights Jain ethics as a lived religion rather than mere moral rules.