Jain Religion And Science
Jain philosophy is supposed to be the oldest of
all philosophies, older than vedant and Buddhism. . References of
Lord Adinath are found in holy Vedas. Also references are found
about Jain deities in other vedic scriptures.
Jain Darshan – or Jain philosophy is a complete philosophy.
It is perfectly logical and explains almost everything about the
world and its functioning. It offers perfect knowledge, way of life
and ethics and precise steps of liberation. It has a classic karmic
theory and has its own philosophic theory of relativity. It has
looked upon ecology balance carefully. By following Jain doctrine
world peace can be achieved.
Omniscient Lord Mahavir, out of compassion, applied the Gyana and
created a path basically for the spiritual uplift and liberation of
the soul. In addition, this path also leads to physical well being,
mental peace, emotional control and thus total health of an
individual, without any doubt.
What he preached, has turned out to be permanent and absolute truth
– hence the super science. He was the greatest scientist the earth
has ever seen. His preaching and teachings are compatible with
principles of the modern science : i.e. physics, biology, chemistry,
psychology, astronomy, physiology and medicine etc.
Actually, science is merely one part of Jain religion. If we take
science, then right from atomic science to biological sciences, from
mathematics to astronomy , from laws of motion to speed of
particles, from psychology to precise classification of living
beings, from music and its effects to effects of penance on positive
health----------- we would find everything depicted in Jain religion
and philosophy. Interestingly, the language is of a religion, but
knowledge is of pure science. Science applied for the liberation of
human being!
For example, following has been taken from the 5th chapter of
Tatvarthadhigam Sutra ( the first ever text book of science of
mankind ) written / compiled by Rev. Acharya Shri Umaswatiji. in the
first century.These verses talk about the atomic science.
Atomic science- Tatvarth Sutra : P.P. Umaswatiji : 1st Century
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Here, formation of matter,concept of universal
matter, atomic fusion, integration and disintegration of matter,
constancy and transformability of objects – all high principles of
atomic science- physics are discussed. The concepts of subatomic
particles are even mind boggling.
Surprisingly, the most basic and vital theories of modern science,
physics in particular are depicted in Jain philosophy in short
verses. The principles of reality, constancy of mass, law of
entropy, laws of motion and inertia, quantum theory, relativity
theory, laws of energy, telepathy, teleporting, properties of sound,
power of mind all are wonderfully discussed in an eloquent manner
with applications of them for the upliftment of mankind and finally
sublimation of the soul.
The major and immediate concern of a human being is health. The
principles of Jain religion are most compatible and most relevant in
present context for reinstating total physical and mental health,
creating a positive health and removing diseases.
The rituals & sixavshyak (including Samayik, Pratikraman), six
internal & external
Tapas(Penance), the austerities, (Ekasana, Aymbil) the laws of food
& eating habits (Aharvigyan), avoidance of Ratribhojan & Vigai &
exclusion of food with Mahavigai, the positive effects of Kayotsarga
& jain mediation, the Bhavanas (attitudes) laid down in philosophy
are all really promoting positive health & bring perfect physical,
mental, emotional & spiritual health. Each of these practice is
found highly scientific & if further research is done in modern
Experimental way, a great service to the society can be done,
really.
There are so many things…written in the Jain texts, which can not be
well interpreted with the present knowledge of science. Jainism
gives direction for new research in the field of energy, karmic
bonds, velocity, psychology, ,food, health etc .Let us concentrate
our research on these and give the world the best of our religion.
A few examples…Shri.. Jagdishchandra Bose rediscovered about life in
plantation. Jain religion has depicted life not only in plant
kingdom but also talked about living beings in the air, earth,
water, fire. Let us do research on it, & give the world direction.
Let us go further, Jain Darshan has offered karmic theory – which
perhaps has some relation to genetic coding logically. In fact,
Karmic coding is more precise & perfectly logical, while genetic
coding is yet not.
Similarly, Jain Syadvada & Anekantvada are more universal & have no
loopholes, as compared to the famous theory of relativity, which
scientists are now finding deficient.
Simple Tithivigyan has been found on great observations of effects
of Lunar & Solar Cycles on change of PH & total water content of
human body , This is ultimately reflected in certain health issues
of human body & hence avoiding certain alkaline food on those days
should be a good & healthy practice.
In fact, every single rule in Jain Darshan has a science behind it,
as lord Mahavir was Omniscient. Our Modern science can have and has
limitations & therefore we have to change our views every now and
then. While Jain Darshan is shaswat & does not need to change.
Whatever mistakes we perceive in the religious texts , could be
interpretation errors or perhaps science may evolve for our
understanding of those facts ,or may be there were errors in
translation or some texts are missing. We have to keep faith in our
religion., Yes, absolute faith & devotion. A woshiping temper,
rather than egoistic ruthless attitude. . We should thus first
develop Samyak Darshan, to understand our great religion.
Let us all relearn what has been given to us an invaluable
inheritance. Let us be proud of it. But more than that, let us do
further research and apply it for human and animal welfare, world
peace .However , our motto should be constant awareness and
self-liberation
 Jain Darshan - An Interactive Science
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