National Symposium on Jain Philosophy & Science in Context of Bhagavati Sutra organized by Bhagwan Mahaviara International Research Centre, Jain Vishva Bharati Institute (Deemed University) Rajasthanat Yogi Sabharuh, Dadar (E), Mumbai, at 0900 hrs on Sunday 8 May 2016
National Symposium on Jain Philosophy and Science in context of Bhagavati Sutra was organized by Bhagwan Mahaviara International Research Centre (BMIRC), Jain Vishva Bharati Institute (Deemed University) Rajasthan at Yogi Sabhagruh, Dadar (E), Mumbai at 0900 hrs on Sunday, the 8 May 2016. It was organised jointly by BMIRC, Holistic Health Online Therapy Camps (HHOTC), Tulsi Mahapragya Pragyabharti Trust and Ahinsa Centre with cooperation from Bharat Jain Mahamandal.
It was attended by more than 1800 participants from all sects of Jains (mandirmargi, sthanakwasi, terapanthi etc) and Non-Jains community. The conference was inaugurated by His Excellency Hon'ble Governor of Maharastra, Shri C. Vidyasagar Rao and presided by Justice K.K. Tater, Bombay High Court. Pearls of wisdom were given by Prof. Muni Mahendra Kumarji and Scientist-Saint Acharya Vijaynandighosh Suriji. Talks were delivered by eminent philosophers and scientists on the scientific aspects of Jainism by Muni Dr. Abhijit Kumarji, Dr. Narendra Bhandari (ISRO), _Dr. Sudhir Jain (BARC), Dr. Pratap Sanchetee (JVBI), Prof. M.R. Gelra (JVBI), and Shri Arun Bhai.
It was organised in two sessions. Symposium was conducted by Dr Pratap Sanchetee and Miss Yasha Shrishrimal.
SESSION I
Symposium commenced with National Anthem and was followed by recitation of
Namaskar Mahamantra by Munishri Mahendra Kumarji. Dignitaries on the dais werefelicitated by the organising team. Welcome address was given by Shri Sumati Chandji Gauti Chairman Reception Committee. Bhagawati Sutra Volume 5 edited by Professor Munishri Mahendra Kumarji was released by HE Governor. Munishri Mahendra Kumarji explained the vision and mission of the symposium. He pointed out that momentum generated with grand success of International Conference on Science and Jain Philosophy (ICSJP) 2016 held at IIT must be followed up with scientific research, inviting collaboration across the globe, discussions with experts at all levels. Special attention needs to be given in the fields of philosophy, biology and medicine, physics, mathematics, and cosmology.
Honourable Justice KK Tater in his Presidential address said that Jain philosophy is a strong propionate of principal of Live and Let Others Live. Problem of unrest and violence in the society can be effectively resolved with application of this principle. He further pointed out that principles of Jain philosophy have stood the scrutiny of science and are being accepted by researchers as well as by social leaders in all fields.
In his inaugural address, Honourable Governor Shri Vidhyasagarji Rao, Maharashtra congratulated the organisers of this National Symposium. He appreciated the vision of the Spiritual leaders of the Jain community particularly the preaching of Ahimsa (nonviolence),
Anekanta and Aparigraha (non-possession). He further pointed out that father of the nation,Mahatma Gandhi was greatly influenced by global problems of violence and terrorism which can be effectively addressed by these principles. Mahavira’s teachings and Jain Philosophy. It has great relevance for moral upliftment of individuals and transformation of nations alike. His speech was touching and the listeners felt as if he was a true Jain and well-versed in Jainism.
Vote of thanks for session I was proposed by Dr SK Jain of Management Committee of the symposium.
SESSION II
The beginning of session II was marked by a video depicting highlights of ICSJP 2016 held at IIT Powai on 8-10 Jan 2016. Muni Abhijit Kumarji in his deliberation explained that constant changes in tiny particles of atom as explained in Jain literature is in similar line with current scientific explanation. He further suggested that a harmonious interaction is desirable between ancient Jain philosophy with current generation and their thoughts. This can be best done by parents who can create a bridge between these two segments.
Shri Arun Bhai, Senior Preksha teacher from Mumbai spoke on Tejoleshya in context of Bhagwati Sutra.
Dr Pratap Sanchetee, Chair Division of Experimental Research, BMIRC, explained different research projects being undertaken at the centre. He explained that research related to brain can be done with psychosocial assessment, electrophysiological (EEG, evoked potentials, etc.), neuroimaging (function MRI, PET, SPECT etc.), hormonal assay, autonomic functions and epigenetic studies etc. Meditation, diet and fasting in health and diseases, process of human evolution (including brain and mind), aging, and many more tenets of Jainism which can be researched to have their wide acceptance in masses.
Dr Narendra Bhandari, Senior Scientist and Honorary Chair, Science and Spirituality, BMIRC from Ahmedabad, explained that Jain religion is truely scientific, not only in its content but also in its approach, since many principles enunciated in Bhagwati Sutra and other Agamas, 2600 years ago have been discovered by scientific investigations in the last century only. He divided his talk in three parts: principles, concepts and specific topics where similarities between science and Jain philosophy can be demonstrated. These included Causality, Determinism, Syadavad, Entanglement, Laws of conservation, plant life, microscopic life in water, air, soil etc., complex motion of Paramanu, concepts of unit space (pradesha) and unit time (samaya), seven modes of existence (saptabhangi) etc.
Acarya Nandighoshsuriji, Scientific Saint, from Mumbai explained that Bhagwati Sutra propunded principal of quantum physics much earlrier than present day science. He pointed out that a light ray have characteristic both as waves (measuresd in hertz) and as particles. and mentioned that Bose -Einstein statistics, in context of infinite paramanus occupying a unit pradesha, was proposed in Agamas nuch before discovered by science during the past century.
Professor MR Gelra, Founder Vice Chancellor of JVBI from Jaipur further explained the scientific aspect of Bhagwati Sutra. He suggested that Jainism has four basic pillars i.e. Lokvad, Atmavad, Karmavad and Kriyavad. He explained the process of kevali-samudghata very nicely.
Dr Sudhir R Jain, Senior Scientist BARC from Mumbai also stressed that many tenets of Bhagwati Sutra, if validated and understood properly through scientific research can help us understand the universe better.
Munishri Professor Mahendrakumarji stressed that philosophyof Jains as elaborated in teaching of Bhagwan Mahavira is much advanced than the current scientific perspective. No philosophy in the world can match the Indian or Jain philosophy. We must work closely with science not only to validate our concepts but also to guide current scientific reserach with vision of Indian philosophy. Research is needed in basic science to un derstand principles of Jain philosophy and he gave a call to the community to come forward and generously support research. He also pointed out that world is inflicted with terrorism, violence, destruction of ecological balance and wide disparity between rich and poor. Science must come out with solution in context with our ancient philosophy.
Munishri Mahendrakumarji answered questions from audience on jain philosophy.
Vote of thanks for symposium was proposed by Mr BC Bhalawat of reception committee of the symposium. Special acknowledgement was made by him for Shri Sumati Chand Gouti, Shri Ashok Kothari, Miss Pooja Banthia, Miss Yasha Shrishrimal and Mrs
Komal Shrishimal. Whole hearted work of all the volunteers were also acknowledged. All participants were requested to join for lunch at conclusion of the symposium at 1 PM.
Followup action plan
- To develop Mumbai as a hub for advanced research in basic sciences as well as applied research in context of Jain philosophy.
- To develop a pool of teachers and students for scientific research.
- To raise finances and sponsorship from society