Vigyana Ane Dharma

The Jain text "Vigyana ane Dharma" (Science and Religion) by Chandrashekharvijay, published by Kamal Prakashan, explores the intersection of scientific understanding and Jain philosophy. The book aims to demonstrate how Jain teachings, which are ancient and profound, often align with or even precede modern scientific discoveries.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and arguments presented in the provided excerpts:

Core Argument:

The central thesis of the book is that Jainism, particularly its spiritual and philosophical teachings, offers a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the universe, the soul, and reality, which is increasingly being validated by modern scientific research. The author seeks to bridge the perceived gap between science and religion, arguing that true religion (as embodied by Jainism) and science, when pursued with genuine inquiry, ultimately converge.

Key Sections and Themes:

• Introduction and Author's Motivation: The author expresses a sense of urgency to share a "bitter truth" about the state of the world and humanity's understanding of the universe and its creator. He feels compelled to counter prevailing materialistic and atheistic viewpoints, highlighting that many modern scientific findings were already present in Jain scriptures centuries ago. He aims to instill deep devotion and reverence for the teachings of Lord Mahavir.

• Critique of Incomplete Science vs. Complete Philosophy: The book posits that science, while progressing, remains "incomplete" compared to the "complete philosophy" of Jainism. This is illustrated by examples where scientific understanding has evolved over time, eventually validating Jain principles.

• The Nature of the Soul (Atma) and Reincarnation:

  • Jain Perspective: The soul (Atma) is eternal and distinct from the body. While the soul's fundamental nature is eternal, its transmigration through different life forms (human, animal, divine, hellish) makes its manifested forms appear temporary or "unreal." The analogy of gold being formed into a doll and then a bangle is used to illustrate how the soul's essence remains, while its forms change. The soul is the doer and experiencer of karma, which are described as "time bombs" that ripen to give pleasure or pain, determining one's rebirth. Liberation (Moksha) is the state of being free from these karmas. The path to liberation lies in Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
  • Scientific Validation: The book cites modern scientists and philosophers like Albert Einstein, Sir A. S. Eddington, Sir James Jeans, and J. B. S. Haldane, who acknowledge the existence of consciousness as a fundamental reality, preceding matter. They discuss phenomena that suggest a non-mechanical reality and the importance of mind or consciousness. The author points to reincarnation research, particularly work involving hypnotism (like that of Alexander Cannon), and cases of "cryptomnesia" (past-life recall) as scientific evidence supporting the Jain concepts of the soul and rebirth.

• The Case of "Vashikaran Vidya" and Reincarnation: The author delves into practices like hypnotism, suggesting that through deep hypnotic states, individuals can recall past lives. Alexander Cannon's research is highlighted, where subjects under hypnosis described past lives, fulfilling specific details that were later verified. The concept of "karma" is presented as the scientific explanation for the link between past actions and present-day happiness or suffering. The text also mentions how modern science is beginning to validate Jain beliefs about the soul's immortality and the transmigration of consciousness between lives, even suggesting the possibility of souls existing in different realms.

• Jain Cosmology and the Existence of Other Realms:

  • The Five Destinies (Gati): Jain philosophy outlines five realms of existence: Divine (Deva), Human (Manushya), Infernal (Naraka), Animalistic/Lower Life forms (Tiryangcha), and Liberated (Siddha). While humans and animals are observable, the divine and infernal realms are considered subtle.
  • The Nature of the Divine and Infernal Realms: The divine realm (Deva-loka) is described as a realm of great material happiness and long lifespans, inhabited by beings with luminous bodies. However, even in the divine realm, desires like envy and dissatisfaction can lead to suffering. The infernal realm (Naraka-loka), located below the earth, is a place of extreme suffering and torment, where inhabitants are trapped in cyclical violence and cannot die until their lifespan ends.
  • The Siddha State: The highest state, Moksha or liberation, is attained by souls free from all karmas, residing in the Siddha-shila in the pure, blissful, and eternal state of their soul.
  • Scientific Parallelism: The author acknowledges that science currently only directly observes the human and animal realms. However, he draws parallels with scientific concepts that suggest realities beyond direct observation, like the subtle nature of matter and energy, to support the existence of subtler realms.

• The Nature of Substance (Dravya) and Predicates (Paryaya): Jain philosophy posits that reality consists of six fundamental substances (Dravya): Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala, Pudgala, and Jiva. Pudgala (matter) is considered the ultimate source of all material phenomena. The interaction and transformation of these substances, governed by inherent qualities and external causes, create the diversity of the universe. The author connects this to scientific ideas about elements and their interactions.

• Atomism (Paramanu-vad): Jainism has a sophisticated concept of atoms (Paramanu). A Parmanu is considered the smallest, indivisible, eternal, and indestructible unit of matter (Pudgala). The text explains how atoms combine to form larger substances (Skandha) and the rules governing their combination, which are seen as surprisingly aligning with certain modern scientific concepts. The author points out that even the concept of atoms predates Greek philosophers like Democritus in Jain scriptures.

• The Changing Nature of Scientific Theories: A significant portion of the book highlights how scientific theories evolve. Through examples like the understanding of meteors, gravity, the theory of evolution, and the fundamental constituents of matter, the author demonstrates that scientific conclusions are not always absolute or final. This is used to argue that Jain philosophy, with its timeless truths, remains steadfast while science is a continuously refining process. The author uses the concept of changing scientific theories to underscore the enduring validity of Jain principles.

• The Concept of "Syadvada" (Relativism) and Its Scientific Parallels: The text strongly emphasizes "Syadvada," the Jain doctrine of conditionality and manifold perspectives. It argues that every statement or truth is relative to a particular viewpoint. This is compared to modern scientific concepts of relativity, where observations are dependent on the frame of reference. The author shows how Syadvada promotes tolerance and understanding by acknowledging that different perspectives can all hold a partial truth.

• The Nature of Sound, Darkness, and Shadow: The book discusses how Jain philosophy classifies sound, darkness, and shadow as manifestations of Pudgala (matter), aligning with scientific understanding that these are not separate, non-material entities but rather physical phenomena.

• The "Sixth Sense" and Miraculous Abilities: The author touches upon extraordinary psychic abilities and insights, linking them to the concept of "Vibhag-gyan" (specific knowledge) in Jainism, which is attainable through spiritual development. The examples of child prodigies who display advanced knowledge or skills without formal learning are presented as potential, albeit often misunderstood, glimpses into these higher states of consciousness.

• The Concept of God and Creation: The book critiques the notion of a creator God who actively intervenes in the universe. Jainism's perspective is that the universe and its phenomena are governed by inherent natural laws and the actions of souls (Jiva) and matter (Pudgala) through karma. While Jainism doesn't deny the existence of powerful beings (Deities), it places the ultimate focus on the individual soul's potential for liberation through self-effort and adherence to principles.

• The Existence of Other Life Forms and Realms: The text discusses the Jain belief in various life forms within the universe, including those in divine and infernal realms, as well as plants and subtle beings. This is presented as a broader understanding of existence that science is slowly beginning to explore.

• The Question of "Why Science Alone?": The author questions why science is often presented as the ultimate arbiter of truth, and why Jain philosophy's deeper truths, discovered through millennia of spiritual practice, are overlooked. He advocates for a balanced approach, where scientific inquiry complements spiritual understanding.

Overall Tone and Approach:

The book is written with a deep conviction in the truth and comprehensiveness of Jain philosophy. It uses a comparative approach, drawing parallels between ancient Jain teachings and modern scientific findings. The author's aim is not to dismiss science but to show how it can, in many instances, validate and enrich the understanding of Jain principles, thereby fostering greater respect for spiritual wisdom. The use of analogies, historical references, and scientific examples aims to make the complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience.