Understanding Jain Way Of Life Exhibition - Book Summary

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This exhibition, titled "Understanding Jain Way of Life," aims to guide individuals on a journey to self-discovery and self-mastery. It's presented as an opportunity to expand understanding, create new paradigms, and explore practical applications that synchronize daily life with spiritual life, ultimately leading to greater power, freedom, and peace of mind.

The core message is about setting the context for one's life, understanding that we are "spiritual beings having a human experience," rather than the other way around. This context is crucial as it dictates how we approach life, shifting from a mindset of "striving vs. arriving," "place to go to vs. place to come from," and "doing vs. being." Ultimately, who you believe you are sets the context for your life.

Key Pillars of Jainism:

The exhibition highlights the essence of Jainism through three fundamental principles:

Non-violence (Ahimsa): This is about the avoidance of harm, extending beyond physical actions to encompass thoughts, speech, and economic/political actions. It involves respecting all life, leading to compassionate living and selfless service. The exhibition illustrates the depth and breadth of violence, from internal violence (hurtful thoughts) to mass violence, emphasizing that Ahimsa is a continuum of minimizing violence.
Non-absolutism (Anekantavada): This principle advocates for respecting the views of others, fostering mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. It means avoiding single, absolute conclusions and recognizing that truth is relative to perspective. The story of the blind men and the elephant serves as a parable for this concept, illustrating how incomplete perspectives can lead to disagreement. It emphasizes that rigid conceptions of right and wrong, without appreciating different viewpoints, lack understanding.
Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha): This principle stresses the importance of setting voluntary limits on desires and practicing non-attachment to possessions. Jainism teaches that possessiveness, stemming from insecurity, is a primary cause of violence. For laypeople, it means moderating needs and desires, while for monks, it signifies total non-possessiveness.

Common Misconceptions Addressed:

The exhibition proactively tackles common misunderstandings about Jainism:

Not an offshoot of Hinduism: Jainism is presented as an independent religion that has co-existed with others since the Indus Valley civilization.
Mahavir was not the founder: Mahavir was a reformer and the 24th Tirthankar, not the originator of Jainism.
Not a religion of restrictions: Jainism is framed as a religion of freedom from attachments, aversions, desires, and fears, achieved by voluntarily setting one's own limits.
Practicable in North America: The freedom and values prevalent in North America are seen as conducive to practicing and propagating the Jain way of life.
Not a religion of the weak: Jainism is the religion of the brave who conquer inner enemies like anger, ego, deceit, and greed, cultivating inner strength through its core practices.

The Concept of the Jina and Worship:

Jains are followers of the Jina, meaning "victor," who has conquered their attachments, aversions, and senses. Jinas are portrayed as spiritual victors, symbols of freedom, and awakened souls.

Jainism's concept of God is unique: God does not judge or intervene. This empowers individuals with complete responsibility for their lives. Worship and prayer are offered to the qualities of the enlightened leaders (Tirthankaras) on the path of liberation, with the aim of emulating them.

Soul, Reincarnation, and Karma:

Jainism believes in an eternal and divine Soul present in every living being. Reincarnation is a fundamental concept, with the soul being reborn in different realms based on past actions. Karma is described as fine particles of matter that bind to the soul through attachments and aversions, obscuring its inherent qualities. Karma is not a passive burden but a mechanism for creating one's destiny, emphasizing personal responsibility and empowerment.

History and Scriptures:

Jainism is presented as one of the oldest philosophical traditions, with a history tracing back to the pre-Aryan era and the Indus Valley civilization. Its teachings were orally transmitted by Jain Acharyas and later compiled into scriptures. Key scriptures highlighted include:

Kalpasutra: Details the code of conduct for ascetics and biographies of Tirthankaras.
Tattvartha Sutra: A comprehensive and authoritative summary of Jain Dharma, written in Sanskrit, outlining the path to liberation through Enlightened Intuition, Knowledge, and Conduct.

The exhibition also introduces significant Jain Acharyas (scholars and spiritual leaders) and Shravaks/Shravikas (lay followers), showcasing their contributions to Jainism and society. Notable figures include Bhadrabahu-swami, Kundakunda, Umäsväti, Siddhasen Diwakar, Haribhadra-suri, Hemachandra, Hirvijaysuri, Bhamashah, Jagdushah, Kumarpal, Brahmis, Sundari, and Jayanti.

Jain Contributions to Science and Society:

The exhibition details Jainism's significant contributions across various fields:

Atomic Science: Early descriptions of atomic principles, including sub-atomic particles, matter formation, and transformation.
Applied Physics: Understanding of dynamics, inertia, space, matter, souls, and time.
Mathematics: Development of formulas for circles, large numbers, and the concept of infinity.
Biology: Detailed classification of living beings, recognizing plant life and microorganisms.
Anatomy & Physiology: Discussions on bone joints, body parts, embryology, and reproductive systems.
Psychology: Defining the mind and explaining human thought processes, interpretation, decisions, and behavior through concepts like Anekantavada and attachment/aversion.
Cosmology: Detailed descriptions of the universe's structure, constituents, and inhabitants.
Art and Architecture: Prolific temple building, intricate carvings, and monumental statues, exemplifying beauty and serenity.

Jainism in Action:

The exhibition emphasizes the practical application of Jain principles in daily life:

Conduct: Just, kind, amiable, inclusive, and non-violent behavior.
Forgiveness: Releasing oneself from negative emotions.
Conflict Resolution: Utilizing Anekantavada to foster understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Environmentalism: A deep respect for living things and interconnectedness of life, forming the basis of modern ecology.
Social Activism: Responding to societal problems through ethical living and advocating for the vulnerable.
Humanitarian Service: Engaging in constructive activities and service to alleviate suffering.
Vegan Lifestyle: Avoiding all forms of animal exploitation and harm, encompassing food, clothing, and consumer products.
Socially Responsible Investments (SRI): Investing in companies that align with Jain values of compassion and non-aggression.
Yoga & Meditation: Practices for spiritual upliftment, physical health, and mental peace, leading to the realization of inner happiness.

The exhibition concludes by encouraging individuals to practice their values, give and be examples, and to celebrate their authentic selves on their personal spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of "getting out of your own way" and overcoming internal obstacles.