State Of Arihant And Cybernetics

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "State of Arihant and Cybernetics" by Jayantilal Jain, based on the provided pages:

The book "State of Arihant and Cybernetics" by Dr. Jayantil Jain posits that Jain philosophy, particularly as described by the Arihants, is an advanced form of cybernetics. The author argues that Jain principles are not mere theories but are based on the scientific observation of how substances function in the universe. While modern science is still evolving and may have limitations in fully grasping these eternal principles, Jain philosophy's concepts are precisely formulated, often using complex mathematics. The text asserts that Jainism has addressed nearly every aspect of science, with cybernetics serving as a prime example for illustration.

Cybernetics Defined: The book defines cybernetics as the science of control processes within complex systems. It employs a systematic approach, integrating various fields of knowledge. A cybernetic system involves interconnected controllers responding to changes. A core concept is the comparison of a system's current state (at time t1, state x1) with a desired state (at time t1, state x2). The difference, or "error" (e1 = x1 - x2), is fed to a controller to initiate action at a later time (t+k). This error analysis, through a sequence of error terms, reveals the system's variety, measured by entropy (degree of disorder). Complex tasks often involve multiple intermediate goals, and cybernetic systems can be self-teaching, essentially self-developing control mechanisms. The success of applying control principles depends on the availability of measurable scientific knowledge in the relevant field.

The Cybernetic Model of Moksha: Jain philosophy's ultimate goal is Moksha, a state of complete self-control and soul purification. The process of purification, as detailed in Jainism, inherently involves understanding and managing systems that hinder or facilitate progress. This makes cybernetics "par excellence" for achieving Moksha. Each stage of purification requires comparing the present state with the desired state to identify and correct "errors" (differences or delays). Misunderstanding or ignoring these errors leads to deviation from the purification path. Jainism provides various control processes for feedback and effective control.

The "Cybernetic Model of Moksha" is presented as the path to ultimate happiness. Jain cybernetic principles aim to enhance well-being for all species. Misuse of knowledge incurs penalties, just as ignoring signals of misuse leads to perpetual cycles of birth and death. Jainism's "Supreme Control Theory" dates back to time immemorial, applied to Moksha, where the karmic substance is ultimately separated from the soul. The elimination of karmic influence on the soul is described using optimal control concepts. Both the path to and the state of Moksha are explained through a cybernetic lens. Jain cybernetics also incorporates self-teaching and self-development mechanisms, enabling even yogis in isolation to benefit if they understand these principles, which are further refined through mathematical explanations.

Optimal Control: The Case of the Arihant: The state of an Arihant is presented as a prime example of optimal control within Jain philosophy, representing an exalted stage of self-purification where numerous complex systems operate subtly and harmoniously. This state embodies the simultaneous operation of infinite complex systems:

1. Infinite Systems: An Arihant's soul possesses infinite properties, each manifesting independently and harmoniously, such as infinite knowledge, perception, power, and bliss, all operating in perfect control.
2. Karmic Systems: Arihants have destroyed the four obstructive karmas (knowledge-blocking, vision-blocking, delusion, and power-blocking). This destruction pertains to infinite karmic particles, which wither away as infinite knowledge manifests.
3. Omniscient System: In this perfected state, an Arihant simultaneously knows all substances in the universe with all their properties and forms, across all time and space, without any failure.
4. Biological System: Arihants have a unique biological existence, living without food or water, excreting, or perspiring, and transcending earthly limitations. Some Arihants maintain this state for millions of years. Their physical structure is also indestructible, with the body evaporating at Moksha, leaving only nails and hair.
5. Information System: Arihants process infinite universal knowledge, data, states of existence, and lives instantly and simultaneously, representing the ultimate in information theory.
6. Communication System: Arihants communicate without physical means, answering all questions from all beings simultaneously in all languages with utmost satisfaction, even from a celestial platform (Samosharan).
7. Astronomical Vision System: An Arihant's vision is perfect, eternal, and unlimited, enabling them to perceive infinite objects across all times without any medium or degradation.
8. Yoga System: Arihants possess ultimate control over mind, words, and body, rendering them non-functional in the human sense. Their senses exist but are non-operational. Their mind has a physical existence but is not used for limited comprehension. Speech and bodily functions occur spontaneously and harmoniously.
9. Meditation System: The soul in the Arihant state is absorbed in the self, undisturbed even by apparent physical or verbal activity. This supreme level of meditation (Shukla Dhyan) signifies complete control and optimal operation of all systems.
10. Stages in Cybernetics: The Arihant resides in the thirteenth spiritual stage, indicative of the operation of complex systems involving infinite particles. Jainism details qualitative stages of soul purification and deformities, linked to karmic particles, from the first to the fourteenth stage, culminating in Moksha.

In conclusion, the book asserts that Jain concepts and scholars have an intrinsic understanding of cybernetics in its most complete form, even surpassing modern scientific conceptualizations. The state of an Arihant represents the culmination of various systems, manifesting in ultimate forms, revealing all mysteries, realizing ultimate truth, and achieving supreme perfection, which is deemed the zenith of cybernetics and optimal control theory.

The author, Dr. Jayantilal Jain, is a distinguished scholar with doctorates in Economics and Jainology, holding a professorial emeritus position. His expertise spans economics, banking, finance, and Jain philosophy, with numerous publications and lectures.