Jainism

Summary

B. B. Kundu’s comprehensive essay presents an overview of Jainism’s history, doctrine and contemporary relevance. He begins by discussing the tradition’s antiquity. Jain lore recognises twenty‑four Tīrthaṅkaras starting with Ṛṣabhanātha and ending with Mahāvīra. Modern scholars generally accept the historicity of Mahāvīra, who died around 467 B.C.E., and possibly Pārśvanātha, dated to about 800 B.C.E., while regarding the earlier Tīrthaṅkaras as mythical. Nevertheless, the author cites references in the Vedas and the Ṛgveda to ascetics and Tīrthaṅkaras and points to archaeological discoveries from the Indus Valley to argue that Jainism may have roots in pre‑Aryan civilisation. He then summarises Jain metaphysics: the universe is eternal, comprising conscious souls (*jīva*) and non‑conscious substances (*ajīva* such as matter, motion, rest, space and time). Souls accumulate karmic particles that determine their future births across heavens, hells and the human realm. Central ethical concepts include *ahiṁsā* (non‑violence) towards all beings—including plants and microbes—and the three jewels of right faith, knowledge and conduct. The author contrasts Pārśvanātha’s four‑fold vow with Mahāvīra’s five‑fold vow, the latter adding non‑possession to non‑violence, truth, non‑stealing and celibacy. Kundu explains *anekāntavāda*, the doctrine of non‑absolutism, which teaches that reality is multifaceted and that statements about it are context‑dependent. He outlines Jain cosmology—a triple‑decker universe with multiple heavens and hells—and details the daily practices and austerities undertaken by monks and laity. The essay also reviews Jainism’s contribution to Indian culture, noting its influence on art, architecture, literature and mathematics, and observes that Jain merchants have played a major role in philanthropy and education. Throughout, Kundu stresses the religion’s enduring relevance; its commitment to non‑violence, intellectual pluralism and self‑discipline offers valuable guidance for modern society grappling with violence and ecological crises.