Vishwadharm Ke Rup Me Jain Dharm Darshan Ki Prasangikta

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Vishwadharm ke Rup me Jain Dharm Darshan ki Prasangikta" by Mahaveer Saran Jain, presented in English:

Overall Theme: The Relevance of Jain Philosophy as a Universal Religion in the Modern Age

The article argues that in the face of rapid scientific advancement, increasing material possessions, and a growing sense of dissatisfaction, Jain philosophy offers a relevant and essential framework for a meaningful and peaceful life, both for individuals and society.

Key Arguments and Points:

1. The Paradox of Modern Progress:

   • Scientific Advancement vs. Human Dissatisfaction: Despite remarkable progress in science and technology, humanity remains unhappy and in search of happiness. We accumulate wealth and possessions, build luxurious homes, and fill them with modern amenities, yet personal relationships, love, and trust within families are diminishing.
   • Shift from Collective to Individualistic Consciousness: Past generations prioritized family well-being over personal desires, fostering lifelong bonds. Today's consciousness is focused on immediate gratification, self-centeredness, and momentary satisfaction, leading to a feeling of ultimate emptiness.
   • The Need for Direction: Science provides power and speed, but it's religion and philosophy that offer direction and purpose. Without a clear goal, life becomes a meaningless race.

2. The Role of Religion and Philosophy:

   • Limiting Desires and Broadening Vision: Religion is identified not as a sect but as a way of living, characterized by ethical conduct and self-discipline. It has the unique capacity to limit unlimited human desires, broaden one's perspective, and foster generosity, tolerance, and love.
   • Societal Order and Harmony: Religion is essential for social order, peace, and cultivating love and trust among members of society.
   • Self-Discipline vs. External Control: True religious discipline is "self-discipline" (Atmanushasan), where individuals control themselves. External discipline, imposed by others, leads to a feeling of helplessness and suffocation.

3. Critique of Traditional Religious Structures and the Rise of Human-Centric Thought:

   • Critique of Medieval Religious Practices: The text acknowledges that historical religious practices, often characterized by external rituals and blind faith, led to their rejection by thinkers like Marx. Marx's critique was primarily aimed at the superficiality and exploitation within the religious systems of his time.
   • The Shift from God-Centric to Human-Centricity: Medieval consciousness was centered around the concept of God as the creator and sustainer. Modern consciousness, influenced by existentialism and scientific thought, places "Man" at the center, viewing him as the source of all values and the architect of his own destiny.
   • Rejection of Fatalism and Embracing Karma/Effort: Modern thought, including existentialism and communism, rejects fatalism and emphasizes human agency and effort.

4. Jainism as a Universal Religion for the Modern Age:

   • Jainism's Core Principles:
     • Human Potential and Self-Reliance: Jainism emphasizes that every individual has the inherent potential to become divine through self-effort and spiritual practice (Atmanushasan). It doesn't rely on divine intervention but on one's own actions.
     • Equality and Universal Brotherhood: Jainism views all souls as fundamentally equal in their inherent nature, though their experiences may differ due to karma. It promotes treating all beings with equanimity and friendship.
     • Karma and Self-Responsibility: Individuals are the creators of their own happiness and suffering through their actions (karma). There is no external force dictating one's fate.
     • Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Ahimsa is presented not just as refraining from violence but as a positive principle of not causing harm to any living being, mentally, verbally, or physically. It's the foundation of humane and social behavior.
     • Aparigraha (Non-Possession/Non-Attachment): Reducing attachment to material possessions is crucial for limiting violence, falsehood, theft, and other vices. It fosters a less selfish and more benevolent attitude.
     • Anekantavada (Multifaceted Reality/Non-Absolutism): This principle advocates for understanding reality from multiple perspectives, rejecting rigid, one-sided views. It encourages open-mindedness, tolerance, and the acceptance of diverse viewpoints. It is presented as a scientific method for understanding truth and resolving conflicts.
     • Syadvada (Conditional Predication): This is the linguistic and philosophical tool of Anekantavada, enabling the expression of partial truths and promoting a less dogmatic approach to knowledge.
   • Jainism's Relevance to Modern Challenges:
     • Resolving Conflict: Jain philosophy offers a non-violent solution to individual and societal problems. Its principles of equality, self-reliance, and tolerance can foster social harmony.
     • Compatibility with Democracy and Science: Jainism aligns with democratic values of freedom and equality and is compatible with the relativistic and scientific thinking of the modern era.
     • Promoting Inner Peace: By teaching self-control, detachment, and a balanced perspective, Jainism can help alleviate inner unrest, anxiety, and mental stress, contributing to individual and societal peace.
     • Transcending Sectarianism: Jainism is described as a path to freedom from dogma and limitations, a universal life path for self-discovery.

5. Call to Action:

   • The article concludes by urging the establishment of Jain philosophy and its emphasis on human potential, individual freedom, and universal values in the modern world. It suggests that by embracing these principles, humanity can find solutions to its pressing problems and achieve lasting peace and fulfillment.

In essence, the article posits that Jainism, with its profound philosophical insights into the nature of the soul, karma, non-violence, and multifaceted reality, is not merely an ancient religion but a timeless and universally applicable guide for living a purposeful, ethical, and peaceful life in the contemporary world.