Correspondence
By Kastur Chand Lalwani, Cidananda
Summary
The author, K. C. Lalwani of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, responds to Dr. P. K. Jain’s suggestion that the tenets of Jaina thought should be recast in the light of modern science and technology. Lalwani argues that such a reconstruction is premature, as modern science has touched so little of the universe's knowledge, while the theological viewpoint remains all-pervasive. He questions how much of the whole universe is revealed to modern cosmology, noting that although knowledge of the earth is more complete, the earth's position in the cosmos is insignificant. Until sciences know more of the cosmos, Lalwani wonders on what line the reconstruction might begin. He clarifies that his own article was not intended for reconstruction but simply to present traditional views, oriental and occidental with a dominance given to the Jaina, alongside the outcome of modern researches in a spirit of comparing notes. Lalwani maintains that the focus, equipment, and purpose of traditional views and modern sciences are so different that any reconstruction may be a perpetual absurdity. However, he stresses that this is no suggestion to keep eyes and ears shut towards modern knowledge, nor to propagate a blind faith in whatever is traditional. The text also includes correspondence from readers praising the journal. S. Raut Roy, founder-director of the Diganta Museum and Research Centre, Cuttack, calls it extremely illuminating and refreshing, and an ideal reference publication. S. N. Mital from New Delhi states that the publication of the journal is an event in the history of Jain publication. Leona Smith Kremser from Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A., appreciates verses by Cidananda for giving much for reflection and a masterful translation, as well as a coloured painting titled 'Restoration of Kalinga Jina' for being a first viewing of contemporary Jaina art. Jagadish Chandra Bhattacharyya from Mirzanore praises a painting titled 'Candana giving alms to Lord Mahavira' as appealing and beautiful, noting that the historic story of Candana would have remained poorer without its clear depiction. He also finds the Atomic Theory of the Jainas, gleaned from Dr. P. C. Ray’s Hindu Chemistry, revealing, highlighting the startling contribution of Jaina savants to atomic research when there was no scientific research in the West. Finally, Bhattacharyya mentions learning nothing previously about the historic activities of Virchand Gandhi, the great contemporary of the illustrious Swami Vivekananda.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
This correspondence underscores the enduring complexity of reconciling ancient Jaina traditions with modern scientific paradigms. While Dr. P. K. Jain advocates for updating traditional tenets through contemporary science and technology, K. C. Lalwani offers a cautious counterpoint. He argues that modern cosmology has barely scratched the surface of the universe’s vastness, rendering any premature synthesis between Jaina theology and scientific theory potentially absurd due to their fundamentally divergent purposes and methodologies. Lalwani contends that his original article was merely a comparative exercise, not an attempt at reconstruction. However, the reader testimonials collectively affirm the journal’s significant scholarly value, praising its illuminating content, masterful translations, and rich historical revelations—such as the ancient atomic theory and the legacy of Virchand Gandhi—thereby cementing its status as a pivotal contribution to Jain studies.