Vishwadharm Ke Rup Me Jain Dharm Darshan Ki Prasangikta

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Vishwadharm ke Rup me Jain Dharm Darshan ki Prasangikta" by Mahaveer Saran Jain:

The article argues for the relevance of Jain Dharma and Philosophy as a universal religion in the modern world. It begins by highlighting the paradox of the current era: despite immense advancements in science and technology, and increased material comforts, humanity remains unhappy and plagued by internal conflicts and dissatisfaction.

The Problem of the Modern Age:

• Information Overload and Specialization: Scientific progress has led to an overwhelming amount of information and hyper-specialization, making it difficult for individuals to grasp the broader picture.
• Loss of Traditional Values: Old societal values, once considered immutable, have been questioned and often discarded as irrelevant or corrupted.
• Materialism Without Fulfillment: The relentless pursuit of material possessions and physical comforts has not brought lasting happiness. Families are becoming more fragmented, with a decline in mutual love, trust, and commitment. Individualism is on the rise, leading to isolation and a sense of unfulfillment.
• Goal-less Progress: Science has provided humanity with power and speed, but without a guiding philosophy or religion, this progress is directionless and potentially destructive.

The Need for a New Spiritual Framework:

The author posits that the current existential crisis requires a religion and philosophy that can provide meaning, faith, and hope. Traditional, medieval religious frameworks, which were centered around a creator God and the afterlife, have lost their relevance in the face of scientific reasoning and a shift in focus to human agency.

Jainism as a Solution:

The article presents Jainism as a philosophy uniquely suited to address the challenges of the modern age. Its core principles are argued to be inherently relevant and offer a path towards universal well-being.

• Focus on Human Agency and Self-Reliance: Jainism rejects the concept of an external creator God or divine intervention. It emphasizes that "man is his own friend" (Purisa! Tummev tum mittaṃ) and that the soul is the "doer and undoer of its own happiness and sorrow" (Appa kattā-vikattā ya duhāṇa y suhāṇa y). This promotes self-reliance and empowers individuals to achieve their highest potential through their own efforts and conduct, rather than birth or external factors.
• Ethical Foundation and Self-Discipline: Jain Dharma is defined as "that which is to be held" – the moral values one should embody in life. It stresses the importance of self-discipline (Ātmānuśāsan) to control desires, contrasting it with external, imposed discipline which leads to a sense of captivity.
• Social Equality and Universalism: Jainism asserts that all souls are equal in essence and independent in their existence. Lord Mahavir's teachings broke down societal barriers, emphasizing that greatness comes from conduct, not birth. This principle is crucial for eradicating caste-based discrimination and social divisions.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence) as a Creative Value: Jainism's concept of Ahimsa extends beyond mere abstention from physical harm. It encompasses non-violence in thought, word, and deed. It's a proactive principle that fosters love, understanding, and equanimity towards all living beings, leading to the eradication of negative emotions like anger and hatred.
• Aparigraha (Non-possession) and Detachment: The practice of non-possession, alongside Ahimsa, teaches detachment from material possessions. This helps curb excessive desires, prevent exploitation, and foster a more balanced and less acquisitive society. It encourages individuals to limit their needs to avoid harming others.
• Anekāntavāda (Many-sidedness) and Syādvāda (Conditional Predication): Anekāntavāda, the principle of manifold perspectives, is presented as a foundation for tolerance and understanding. It acknowledges that truth has multiple facets and that no single viewpoint can encompass the entirety of reality. This encourages open-mindedness, discourages dogmatism and extremism, and promotes dialogue and mutual respect. Syādvāda, as the logical framework for Anekāntavāda, offers a scientific method for understanding truth without absolute assertions.

Jainism's Relevance to Modern Governance and Thought:

The article concludes by asserting that Jain philosophy aligns with modern democratic principles of freedom, equality, and fraternity, and is compatible with scientific relativistic thinking. It offers a path to resolving inner turmoil and ensuring human survival by:

• Establishing human dignity and the freedom of every soul.
• Promoting the inherent power within every being.
• Fostering universal human values and a relativistic social structure.
• Encouraging an unbiased perspective for mutual understanding and self-discovery.
• Ensuring equal rights and opportunities for individual development through self-effort.

In essence, the article argues that Jain Dharma and Philosophy, with its emphasis on self-reliance, ethical conduct, social equality, non-violence, detachment, and multi-faceted understanding, provides a comprehensive and relevant framework for navigating the complexities and achieving lasting peace and happiness in the modern world.