Survey On Jaina Religion And Philosophy

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text from "A Survey of Jaina Religion and Philosophy" by Nathmal Tatia:

The book, authored by Dr. Nathmal Tatia, Director of the Research Institute of Prakrit, Jainology and Ahimsa, offers a concise overview of Jaina religion and philosophy.

Historical Context and Origins:

• Jainism's origins are traced to prehistoric times, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact date, similar to the Vedic religion.
• Jainism, along with Buddhism and other protestant creeds, took distinct shape several centuries before the Christian era.
• Vardhamana Mahāvira was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha, and Pārsvanatha, the immediately preceding Tirthankara, is recognized as a historical figure.
• Mahāvira's family was aligned with Pārsvanatha's creed, and Mahāvira successfully brought many of Pārsvanatha's followers into his reformed movement.
• Mahāvira is credited with consolidating the monastic order and lay community with a strictly regulated code of observances, which contributed to Jainism's survival, unlike Buddhism which declined in India after the Muslim conquest.
• The division of the Jaina church into Svetāmbara and Digambara schools is believed to have occurred during the time of Bhadrabahu, a contemporary of Chandragupta Maurya. While there are minor differences in observances and some credal divergences (like the capacity of women for liberation), Jainism is largely in agreement on philosophy and ethics.

Cardinal Doctrines of Jainism:

1. Soul and God:

   • Jainism affirms the immortality of the individual soul, which is not created by a Personal Creator or natural forces.
   • It is frankly dualistic, distinguishing between spirit (soul) and matter, which exist in parallel.
   • The soul is bound by matter, and liberation (moksha) is achieved by freeing oneself from this bondage.
   • The soul possesses infinite consciousness, intuition, bliss, and power. Limitations in these aspects are adventitious and not inherent.
   • This belief in an inherent perfection of the soul aligns with Vedic religion but fundamentally differs from Buddhism, which does not believe in a unitary soul.
   • When liberated, the soul realizes its infinite attributes and becomes God. Godhood is considered the birthright of every soul.

2. Ethics:

   • Jainism emphasizes five great vows (mahāvrata): non-injury (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-appropriation (asteya), continence (brahmacharya), and non-possession/non-acquisition of surplus goods (aparigraha).
   • These vows are practiced more rigorously by ascetics but are also obligatory for householders, albeit with moderation due to life's exigencies.
   • The ethical code largely aligns with Brahmanical schools, with differences in emphasis and application.
   • Ahimsa: This is not merely an external practice but must stem from a disciplined mind, free from anger, pride, deceit, and greed (pramāda). Overcoming these mental weaknesses is crucial. True non-resistance to evil and enduring discomforts with forbearance are key.
   • Truthfulness: Essential and a concomitant of non-injury.
   • Overcoming Passions: Pride and greed, signs of moral weakness, are overcome by realizing the soul's inherent infinite greatness. Material power and wealth are temporary.
   • Non-Injury (Positive Aspect): The text clarifies that ahimsa is not just negative (not harming). It means not taking another creature's life for self-gratification, recognizing that all living beings have an equal right to live. The true hero is one who conquers their animalistic impulses, like Mahāvira.

3. Religion:

   • Jainism emphasizes self-exertion and self-reliance for spiritual upliftment. Dependence on the grace of another is discouraged.
   • Prophets and pathfinders, like Mahāvira, are respected and worshipped for showing the way. They impart spiritual strength through their teachings and example.
   • Jainism is not atheistic; the absence of worship of a Personal God is to prevent sloth and dependence.
   • Every individual is a potential God. A person who denies the Godhood of man is considered an atheist.
   • Grace is received through self-effort and preparation to receive spiritual light. It cannot be obtained by sinners unless they reform their lives.

4. Philosophy:

   • Jaina philosophy aims to realize the soul's ultimate destiny.
   • Anekanta (Non-Absolutism): This doctrine reflects the Jaina philosophical outlook, advocating for a rejection of extremism and fanaticism. Truth is multiform, and one should appreciate different viewpoints rather than condemn them.
   • Saptabhangi-naya (Sevenfold Predication): This expounds the metaphysical position, acknowledging infinite varieties of reality.
   • Jainism is not monistic, subjectivist, or nihilistic. It integrates one-sided perspectives as facets of an infinite reality.
   • It recognizes that a thing can be true in its own context but untrue in another, without invalidating its primary truth.
   • The Jaina approach is to highlight overlooked aspects of truth rather than condemn differing views. Anekanta, applied in metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology, embodies Jaina liberalism.
   • Vicarious Emancipation is Rejected: Each individual must achieve their own liberation through earnest quest for truth. Mahavira's mercy lies in showing the path, not in taking on the sins of others.
   • Self-Reliance (Virya): Every person has the inherent power to achieve perfection and must depend on themselves. Gratitude is due to those who reveal the path to overcome accumulated karma.

In conclusion, the text highlights Jainism's rich philosophical and ethical heritage, emphasizing self-reliance, non-absolutism, and the inherent potential for divinity within every soul. It encourages seekers of truth to engage deeply with this profound tradition.