Scope of research in Jain Studies

Author(s): Jagdishchandra Jain
Publisher: Z_Jayantsensuri_Abhinandan_Granth_012046.pdf

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SCOPE OF RESEARCH IN JAIN STUDIES
(Dr. Jagdishchandra Jain)
A man by nature has been a seeker, an inquirer, designed to turn around an axle passed through the an investigator, an examiner and a scrutiniser. This is centre. Its turning around produces force that provides the background of research, inquiry, investigation, energy, movement or direction. We have a spinning inquest, exploration, trial and analysis. The Vedic Aryans wheel, a water wheel and so on. It takes us to a potter's were mystified to see the natural phenomena around wheel, a device composed of a revolving, treadleoperated them and started their query : What are these stars horizontal disk upon which potter's clay is modelled for and planets in the sky ? How this earth and sky are making pottery. This was a very useful substantial joined togther ? How these variegated cows by eating research in the life of a primitive man for which he had green grass supply us white milk? How this vast to apply his brain. Take another instance; we come! universe came into being? From existence? Or from across electric machines, an atom bomb, a furnace and non-existence ? It was a period of original research. so on. We try to think deeper and reach the root of In European countries much emphasis is laid on
such performances. We find that the fire-cult played an research. In universities and Research Institutes
important role in the life, of the ancient Indians. As the numerous scientists and research scholars are occupied
fix was a necessity for life, they used to generate it with in carrying out their research work. In Germany, for
the primitive manner of fire-drill. It consists of two frictioninstance, full six years or twelve semesters are assigned
sticks (arani) of which the one is a small board the for Fundamental Research. In carrying out a research
others a pointed stick which is turned round in the small project, first of all, we have to speculate and ponder
board until a flame comes out. This fire-producing over the problem, i.e. what is the problem we are going
implement is still popular among the tribal people. When to handle. This stage of speculation has nothing to do
the fire was generated the ancient Indians used to shout much with the proper subject of research. Further, we
with joy while reciting hymns in praise of the fire. This have to pass through various stage in course of our
was anohter useful research in the life of a human being. research work. First, there is observation, we contemplate A researcher has to be pitilessly just to truth and and take cognizance of the subject. It is called darsana not consider anything of value except truth. He develops or perception in Indian philosophy. Then comes the an objective attitude in place of the subjective one, study of the problem, i.e. what is our problem which we pertaining to an individual element in one's own are going to study and what are the main issues which experience. He has to accept hard and straight thinking we are going to discuss and the puzzling questions which and avoid soft or emotional or sensational thinking. A need a solution. After going deep into the problem true research must prove logically derived conclusions comes the stage of intellectual thinking. This is a long and not defend at all costs pious wishes and pleasing process of research which continues from beginning till imaginings He should try to announce what is true, end. This process is essential for the constant never mind whether it pleases or irritates. Haribhadrasuri, development of the research is not difficult, nor a prominent Jain scholar has stated: "The reasoning of complicated but very easy, simple and at the same time a man of obstinate inclination follows his intellect, pracical. We go to buy vegetables in the
whereas the intellect of the one who does market. We visit certain shops, inquire
not side with partiality follows his reasoning." about the price, examine the stuff and
आग्रहीबत निनीषति युक्तिं, तत्र, यत्र मतिरस्ष्य ultimately pay the price and purchase it. It
निविष्टा । पक्षपातरहितस्पतु युक्ति, यत्रि, तत्र मतिरेति was a part of our research but the whole
ACT | Foreign scholars, particularly the process was so quick that we could not
Germany, have made a substantial differentiate the various stage we have
contribution towards Jainism and Prakrit passed through. We come across
studies. The readers might be aware that aeroplanes, motor-cars, bullock-carts and
about a century ago from now. F.M. other moving vehicles. Here we observe a
Maxmuller (1823-1900), a professor of wheel a solid rigid circular ring connected
Dr. Jagdishchandra
Comparative Religion in the Oxford by spokes to a centre part of a wheel. It is
Jain
University, was a General Editor of the
SHRIMAD JAYANTSENSURI ABHINANDAN GRANTH/ENGLISH SECTION
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सभी स्वयं का भुगतते, उदित शुभा शुभ कर्म । जयन्तसेन टले नहीं, बिन भुगते दुष्कर्म ।।