The Ideal Jain Layperson in the 1950s: Muni Ratnacandra’s Interpretation of the Thirty-five Guṇas of the Mārgānusārī

This paper examines Nīti Mārgānusārīnā 35 Bola Athavā Māṇasāi Eṭale Śuṃ?, a 1951 commentary by the Sthānakavāsī monk Ratnacandra, which interprets the thirty-five qualities of an ideal Jain layperson (śrāvaka) from Hemacandra’s Yogaśāstra. Unique within Sthānakavāsī traditions, the text emphasizes benevolence, humanity, and ethical living, offering a contemporary perspective on Jain moral values. Written in the post-colonial era, it reflects nationalist and anti-colonial sentiments, redefining the ideal layperson within a Jain ethical framework. Ratnacandra’s work promotes a nationalistic Jain identity while preserving core religious values. This study situates his commentary within early post-independence India, highlighting its role in shaping modern Jain self-conception. By exploring the intersection of Jain ethics, religious tradition, and national identity, this paper contributes to Jain studies by revealing how religious thought engaged with broader socio-political changes, influencing both individual and communal expressions of Jain identity.