Vishwa Dharm Ke Rup Me Jain Dharm Ki Prasangikta - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vishwa Dharm ke Rup me jain Dharm Ki Prasangikta" by Mahaveer Saran Jain, focusing on its relevance as a universal religion:

The text argues for the profound relevance of Jainism as a universal religion capable of addressing contemporary global challenges. It highlights that while modern science has made incredible advancements, leading to an unprecedented explosion of knowledge, humanity remains unhappy and restless. This dissatisfaction stems from a misplaced focus on material accumulation and a decline in interpersonal relationships, characterized by a lack of love and trust within families.

The Root of Modern Discontent:

Materialism Over Spirituality: The author contends that despite having more material comforts than ever before, people are not happy. The pursuit of wealth and possessions has overshadowed the cultivation of inner peace and meaningful relationships.
Erosion of Traditional Values: The text points out that traditional values and beliefs have been broken and are often viewed as irrelevant or corrupted. This has led to a void in moral guidance and a sense of existential crisis.
Focus on the Immediate: Modern consciousness is described as fleeting, skeptical, and focused on immediate gratification, leading individuals to become insular and self-centered.
Loss of Purpose: Scientific progress, while providing power and speed, has not provided humanity with its true goals or direction, leaving people feeling directionless in their pursuit of happiness.

The Role of Religion and Philosophy:

Religion as a Limiting Force: The author posits that religion is essential for societal stability, peace, and fostering love and trust. However, it's crucial to understand religion not as a mere sect but as "Dharma" – that which is to be held or maintained in life. This includes upholding moral values and discipline.
Religion vs. Governance: While governance enforces external discipline, true discipline, according to Jainism, is "Atmanushasan" (self-discipline). External control leads to a feeling of helplessness and suffocation, whereas self-discipline fosters freedom.
Critique of Materialism and Marxism: The text acknowledges the scientific advancements and the freedom sought by existentialism, and the emphasis on reducing inequality in communism. However, it critiques all three for potentially fostering a spirit of "struggle" – class struggle in Marxism, individual struggle in existentialism, and the conflict between humanity and machines in science.
The Need for a New Paradigm: The author argues that a new religion and philosophy are needed, one that is not God-centric or fatalistic but rather human-centric, emphasizing human potential, the principle of karma, and social equality.

Jainism as the Universal Religion:

The text presents Jainism as the solution, offering a framework for a universal religion and philosophy that aligns with modern consciousness:

Jainism: A Philosophy of Self-Discovery: Jainism is presented as a path beyond sects, a process of discovering the "self" and understanding the mysteries of matter and consciousness.
Declaration of Individual Freedom: Lord Mahavir's teachings emphasized that each soul is its own creator and destroyer of its joys and sorrows ("Appa katta vikkata ya duhān̄a ya suhāṇa ya"). This revolutionary idea asserts that no external power dictates one's destiny; individual growth and development are achieved through knowledge and conduct.
The Greatness of Conduct: Mahavir declared that greatness is achieved through conduct, not birth. This principle dismantles societal divisions based on caste or lineage. Every individual has the potential for supreme development and can even attain the state of divinity through dedicated practice.
Inclusivity and Equality: Jainism sees all souls as equal in essence, although diverse in manifestation and karma. It recognizes the inherent soul-power within every being and advocates for social equality and unity. It doesn't divide people with labels of caste, creed, or ideology.
From "Nar" to "Narayan": The lives of the Jain Tirthankaras are presented not as avatars of a supreme being but as exemplars of human potential, showing that ordinary individuals can elevate themselves to the highest spiritual states.
The Power of Self-Effort: Jainism emphasizes that bondage and liberation are self-caused. Each individual is responsible for their state of existence and can achieve liberation through their own efforts and by understanding the cause of bondage and liberation.
The Foundation of Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Ahimsa, in its broadest sense, encompassing non-violence in thought, word, and deed, is presented as a fundamental affirmative value. It fosters equanimity towards all beings, transcending the dualities of friend and foe, thereby eliminating attachment and aversion.
Ahimsa as a Social Mantra: Ahimsa is not just a personal ascetic practice but a potent mantra for social integration. When individuals see all beings with equanimity, their negative emotions like anger and hatred diminish, paving the way for a religious disposition.
Non-Possession (Aparigraha): Ahimsa is inherently linked to Aparigraha (non-possession). Attachment and possessiveness lead to violence. By limiting desires and possessions, individuals can curb violence, falsehood, theft, and other vices.
The Wisdom of Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada): Ahimsa is complemented by Anekantavada, which promotes a non-dogmatic and empathetic approach to truth. It recognizes that every object has multiple qualities and perspectives. This principle encourages understanding others' viewpoints and fosters intellectual humility, preventing the ego from becoming entrenched.
Syadvada: The Method of Truth-Seeking: Syadvada, the system that explains Anekantavada, provides a scientific method for truth realization. It highlights how different perspectives lead to different understandings of the same reality, as demonstrated by the varying observations of a solar eclipse across India.

Conclusion:

The text concludes by reiterating that Jainism offers a profound and relevant framework for a universal religion and philosophy in the modern age. Its principles of human dignity, individual freedom, soul-power, non-violence, non-possession, and non-absolutism provide a comprehensive, non-violent solution to humanity's problems, both individually and socially. It is a philosophy that is compatible with democratic governance and scientific rationalism, offering a path to peace and well-being by illuminating the human being's potential for self-evolution and harmonious coexistence.