Jainism for a New World Order

✍ Scribed by Siddheshwar Rameshwar Bhatt

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 2021
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 167
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

This book analyses global issues holistically and offers pragmatic solutions from a Jainism perspective. Accordingly, it presents a fresh vision of individual development, social transformation and cosmic wellbeing based on the central tenets and practices of Jainism. Through this book, readers learn viable solutions to the current problems of environmental disharmony, economical distress, and religious and cultural conflicts. It deals with religious pluralism and brings to fore the need for harmony of religions and interfaith dialogues. The book is interesting for people from varied walks of life who are looking forward to a world that is established in peace, harmony and wellness. It is of immense value and interest for people from all walks of life to the Jain community to revisit the basic tenets propounded in classical literature.

✦ Table of Contents

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Table of Diacritical Marks
Key to Transliteration (Using Diacritical Marks)
Classified Consonants
Unclassified Consonants
Opinions on the Book
Opinion 1
Opinion 2
Contents
About the Author
1 Jain View Towards Right Modes of Thinking and Harmonious Ways of Living
Introduction
Relevance of Jain Philosophy
Jain View of Cosmic Process
Uniqueness of Jain Philosophy
Symbiosis of Local and Global Thaught
Multiple Approaches to Reality
Practical Orientation of Jain Philosophy (Darśana)
Importance of Proper Knowledge (Samyak Jñāna)
Nature of Reality
Concepts of Dravya, Guṇa and Paryāya
Theories of Naya and Saptabhaṅgīnaya
Anekāntavāda and Samatva
Implications of Anekāntavāda
Importance of Ahimsā
Jain Theory of Management
Conclusion
References
2 Jain Ethics, Environmental Crises and Remedial Measures
Introduction
Human Being as Highest Emergent
Human Being as Rational, Free and Responsible Agent
Human Being Responsible for Environmental Pollution
Significance of Health and Hygiene
Genesis of All Problems
Need for Ethics and Morality
Cosmo-Centric Global Eco-Ethics
Panpsychism
Life of Collectivity
Engaged Jainism
Jain View of Surface Ecology and Deep Ecology
Remedial Measures
Conclusion
References
3 Ahimsā as Overriding Principle of Jain Ethos
Introduction
Need for Ahimsā
Causes of Violence
Ahimsā in Jainism
Nature of Ahimsā
Ahimsā Is Integral and Comprehensive
Ahimsā Is Instinctive and Intrinsic
Ahimsā Is Indivisible
Ahimsā and Service (Sevā) to Others
Ahimsā Is not Cowardice
Himsā Is Sin
Types of Himsā
Ahimsā and Cognate or Allied Terms
Ahimsā and Anekānta
Ahimsā and Law of Karma
Ahimsā and Truth
Ahimsā and Equality
Ahimsā and Happiness
Ahimsā and Peace
Peace and Sustainable Development
Ahimsā and Friendship
Ahimsā and Conflict Resolution
Ahimsā and Harming Others
Ahimsā and Forgiveness
Ahimsā and Health Care
Ahimsā and Vegetarianism
Ahimsā and Ecology
Ahimsā and Aparigraha
Ahimsā and Economic Policy
Three Guiding Principles of Ahimsā
Remedial Measures
References
4 Aparigraha—As a Mode of Balanced Life
Introduction
Definition of Aparigraha
Causes of Possessiveness
Consequences of Possessiveness
Remedy
Need and Greed
Charity and Philonthrophy
Benefits of aparigraha
References
5 Vegetarianism: A Preferred Diet
Introduction
Importance of Human Body
Types of Body
Vital Energies and Diet
Necessity of Food
Healthy Diet
Fasting as Conducive to Health
Avoidance of Food Late in Night
Diseases due to Food
Science of Nutrition
Basic Elements of Food
Why Non-vegetarianism Should Be Rejected?
Vegetarianism as Disease Deterrent
Advantages of Vegetarian Food
Vegetarianism: Environment Protecting Food
Vegetarianism and Non-violence
Vegetarianism Cheaper from Economic Point of View
Health Is National Treasure
Why to Adopt Vegetarianism?
Training in Non-violence
Conclusion
Suggested Readings
6 Ethics of Knowledge, Value Entropy and Terrorism
Introduction
Value Entropy in Human Nature
Samyak Cāritra as Basis of Jain Ethics
Causes for Value Entropy
Role of Knowledge and Education
Menace of Terrorism
Jain Ethics as a Panacea for Religious Fundamentalism and Violence
Jain Ethics a Means to Self-realization
Suggested Readings
7 Science, Religion and Spirituality
Introduction
Science Explained
Advantages of Science
Limitations of Science
Science and Technology not Value Neutral
Role of Religion
Misuse of Religion
Science and Religion Have to Go Hand in Hand
Spirituality Explained
Science and Spirituality
Spirituality and Science—Partners for Peace, Plenitude and Perfection
References
8 Jain Perspective on Harmony of Religions and Religious Tolerance
Introduction
Real Meaning of Religion
Need for Religion
Social Dimension of Religion
Inevitability of Religion
Desirable Impact of Religion
Equability of All Religions
Religion and Sect
Religious Pluralism
Religious Pluralism and Secularism in India
Importance of Comparative Religious Studies
References
9 Jain Model of Cultural Encounters, Confluences and Coexistence
Introduction
Culture as All-Round Development
Values and Culture
Culture and Tradition
Diversity of Human Existence and Culture
Cultural Pluralism
 Indian Scene of Cultural Pluralism
Conclusion
Suggested Readings
10 Role of Jainism in Evolving a New Paradigm of Global Economy
Introduction
Need for Paradigm Shift
Jain Model of Economy
Compassionate Economy
Regenerative Economics
Need for Cosmic Vision
Suggested Readings
11 Rethinking Democracy and a Plea for Dharmocracy
Introduction
Different Types of Democracy
Defects of Democracy
People’s Participation
Rule of Majority
Rule of Law
Human Dignity
Fellowship
Democracy in Function
Jain Viewpoint
References
12 Jain Theory of Puruṣārtha
Introduction
Theory of Pañcasamavāya
Theory of Karma
Analysis of Concept of Puruṣa (Person)
Suggested Readings
13 Jain View of Perfection
Introduction
Organismic Approach to Reality
Nature of the Universe
Nature of Human Existence
Holistic Understanding
Progress as Evolution (:) Banking on Tradition and Rooted in Culture
Goal of Human Life and the Cosmic Process
Need of Global Human Endeavour
Quality of Life and Spiritual Globalization (Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakam)
Mode of Achieving the Goal
Value Schema for Individual and Social Progress
Holistic and Integral Approach to Progress
Science, Technology and Social Progress
Appendix
Further Readings
Glossary
Bibliography