Guru: An Outsider’s First Impressions of Jainism

Summary

In this reflective essay, Witold L. Langrod recounts his first encounter with Jainism and his impressions of the tradition. He acknowledges that he knew little about India and that even standard textbooks on world religions, such as Huston Smith’s, hardly mention Jainism. His awareness changed when a woman invited him to a spiritual gathering led by Gurudeva Śrī Chitrabhanu, a Jain monk who had left his order to teach meditation abroad. Langrod describes attending a weekend retreat at a Long Island home where around sixty participants—mostly Americans, with some adopting Indian names—meditated, listened to talks and shared meals. Gurudeva explained the fundamentals of Jainism: the Three Jewels (right faith, knowledge and conduct), the doctrine of karma, non‑violence toward all beings, non‑possessiveness and the relativity of truth. He emphasised that Jainism does not believe in miracles and that liberation comes through personal effort. Langrod summarises Jain history, noting that Mahāvīra (599–527 BCE) systematised an already ancient tradition and that Jains are divided into Śvetāmbaras and Digambaras, who differ in monastic practice and canonical scriptures. He was struck by the rigour of Jain ascetics, who carry brooms to sweep insects from their path and wear masks to avoid inhaling microorganisms. He also profiles Gurudeva Chitrabhanu: born into a princely family, he became a monk at twenty, practised austerities for twenty‑eight years, founded educational and medical institutions in India, then renounced monasticism to marry and spread Jain teachings abroad. Gurudeva emphasises meditation, vegetarianism and compassionate service, teaching that all religions share a common quest for truth. Langrod concludes that Jainism offers a demanding yet humane path based on self‑discipline, non‑violence and respect for diverse viewpoints.