आज की जरुरत-एक अनुसंधान शाला
By Hemant Kumar Jain
Summary
The text discusses the need for a dedicated research institute within the Jain community. It begins by describing an event where a saree placed under soil during a fire ritual remained intact, which was presented as a miracle but is argued to have a scientific basis. The author emphasizes that true ascetics do not seek fame through displays of supernatural powers, using them only for protection of dharma. It warns against engaging in unscientific practices like magic, hypnosis, and harmful rituals, which waste time and resources. Historical persecution of Jains in South India is cited, where Shaivites allegedly used such tricks to defeat Jain monks, leading to the execution of 8,000 Jain ascetics under Pandya kings. The text highlights the need for scientific self-reliance, noting that when cracks appeared in the Bahubali statue, German scientists had to be called to repair it, and they did not disclose the chemicals used. It also references Western scientists confirming Jain scriptural claims, such as the existence of 30,000 microorganisms in a drop of water and life in plants, as proven by Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose. The author argues that Jains have wealth, educated communities, retired scientists, and ancient manuscripts but lack their own research institute. They propose establishing a modern observatory on a hill to verify cosmological descriptions in texts like Trilokasara and Tiloyapannatti. The piece concludes with subscription details for a bilingual research journal on Jain science, history, and archaeology.
Conclusion
The document underscores a critical need for the Jain community to establish its own dedicated research institute to scientifically validate its ancient scriptures, rather than relying on external discoveries. It highlights that many so-called miracles, like the unburnt saree, have scientific explanations, and that historical tragedies, such as the persecution of 8,000 Jain monks in Madurai, stemmed from a lack of scientific understanding. The restoration of the Bahubali statue by German scientists, who withheld their methods, exemplifies the risks of dependency. With ample resources, educated youth, and a wealth of scriptural knowledge, the community can build observatories and labs to independently verify texts like the Trilokasara. This would prevent exploitation, preserve heritage, and demonstrate that Jain principles are not just faith but empirically grounded truths, fostering global respect and self-reliance.