Aaj Ke Shant Yug Me Mahavir Vani Ki Upaeyata - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aaj ke Shant yug me Mahavir Vani ki Upaeyata" by Dulichand Jain, based on the provided pages:

The book, "Aaj ke Shant yug me Mahavir Vani ki Upaeyata" (The Relevance of Mahavir's Teachings in Today's Peaceful Era), authored by Dulichand Jain, explores the profound relevance of Lord Mahavir's teachings in addressing the multifaceted crises facing the contemporary world.

The Problem: A World in Crisis

The text begins by highlighting the current turbulent state of the world, compelling thinkers to seek solutions for humanity's predicament. Modern science and technology have advanced significantly, shortening distances and increasing control over nature. However, despite these advancements, humanity is not necessarily happier or more content than in ancient times. The author attributes this paradox to the imbalance between intellectual development and the lack of emotional or ethical growth. Quoting poet Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar', the book suggests that science has become a servant of desire, and humanity remains spiritually unaware. The development of powerful weapons, the threat of nuclear and chemical warfare, economic competition, and unchecked freedom have all contributed to global unrest and anxiety.

The Solution: Mahavir's Teachings - Ahimsa and its Broader Scope

The Jain scriptures, particularly the Agamas, offer comprehensive solutions to these problems, with Ahimsa (non-violence) being the cornerstone of Jainism. The text emphasizes that Ahimsa is not merely the absence of physical harm but a proactive cultivation of love, brotherhood, and a sense of kinship towards all living beings, extending beyond humanity to encompass the entire animal kingdom.

The book draws heavily from Jain scriptures like the Acharanga Sutra and Uttaradhyayana Sutra to illustrate the depth of Ahimsa. It asserts that:

All living beings have a right to live: This includes animals, birds, and plants, not just humans.
Understanding and empathy: We should not harm any creature, realizing that each being experiences pleasure and pain similarly.
Absence of enmity: One should not harbor feelings of ill-will or animosity towards any living being.
Cultivating friendship: A spirit of friendship should be extended to all creatures.

The Acharanga Sutra is quoted to explain that whatever we intend to harm, kill, or control is essentially ourselves, as other beings share similar experiences of life, pleasure, and pain.

The Core of Jain Philosophy: Self-Control and Inner Victory

The text emphasizes that true victory lies not in conquering external enemies but in conquering one's own self. This is achieved through:

Controlling the Four Kausayas (passions): Anger should be overcome with patience (kshamā), pride with humility (mārdava), deceit with simplicity (arjava), and greed with contentment (santoṣa).
The destructive nature of Kausayas: The book details how these passions destroy virtues like love, humility, friendship, and ultimately, everything.
The supremacy of self-conquest: The Uttaradhyayana Sutra states that conquering oneself is a far greater victory than conquering thousands of enemies in battle.

The Importance of the Soul and Righteousness

The Jain worldview places significant emphasis on the soul (Ātmā) as the generator of happiness and sorrow. The soul is considered the best and supreme among all elements. The text differentiates between three states of the soul: Bahirātmā (outward-focused), Antarātmā (inner-focused), and Paramātmā (supreme soul). The soul is eternal, while the body is perishable.

The Path to Liberation: The Three Jewels (Ratnatraya)

The ultimate goal in Jainism is Moksha (liberation), which is achieved through the coordinated practice of the Three Jewels:

Samyagdarshan (Right Faith/Perception): Faith in the nine tattvas (elements) including the six Dravyas (substances) like Dharma (principle of motion) and Adharma (principle of rest).
Samyagjnana (Right Knowledge): Knowledge derived from the Angas and Purvas (Jain scriptures).
Samyakcharitra (Right Conduct): Practice of vows and austerities, with the essence being devotion to spiritual practices.

The Harmony of Knowledge and Action

The text stresses that knowledge without action is futile, and action without knowledge is equally ineffective. This is illustrated through the analogy of a lame person who sees a fire but cannot escape, and a blind person who runs but cannot see the danger, both perishing.

Mahavir's Revolutionary Teachings

Lord Mahavir's key contributions to spiritual thought include:

Emphasis on Karma: He shifted the focus from a creator God to the significance of karma as the determinant of one's destiny. Good actions yield good results, and bad actions yield bad results.
The cycle of birth and death: Karma, fueled by attachment (rāga) and aversion (dveṣa), driven by delusion (moha), is the root cause of the cycle of birth, death, and suffering.
Mind control: Controlling the mind, described as a wild and fierce horse, through spiritual discipline is crucial for progress.

Critique of Materialism and the Pursuit of Desire

The book criticizes the modern obsession with material possessions and the relentless pursuit of desires as the source of unhappiness. It quotes Mahavir stating that even possessing the entire world and all its wealth would still be insufficient and unable to provide true protection.

Practical Application of Jain Principles: Vows and Conduct

The text clarifies that Jainism is not an impractical or archaic philosophy but a masculine religion of effort, advocating for conscious action in all spheres.

The Chaturvidh Sangha: Mahavir established a four-fold monastic order (monks, nuns, male householders, and female householders) to propagate his teachings.
Vows: Monks and nuns adhere to the five great vows (Mahavratas), while householders observe five lesser vows (Anuvratas) and additional vows for a virtuous life.
Avoiding Vices: Householders are expected to abstain from seven major vices, including gambling, drinking alcohol, meat-eating, promiscuity, hunting, stealing, and adultery. The book specifically highlights the negative consequences of meat-eating, which can lead to other vices.

Jainism as a Force for Peace and Well-being

The book concludes by asserting that adherence to the principles of Ahimsa, equanimity, simplicity, and non-possession can lead to personal, familial, social, and national peace and prosperity. It points to the large vegetarian community of Jains in India as evidence of the widespread adoption of these principles. The text also notes the historical presence of Jain followers among rulers and warriors, demonstrating the practicality and strength derived from these ethical guidelines.

In essence, "Aaj ke Shant yug me Mahavir Vani ki Upaeyata" argues that Lord Mahavir's teachings, centered on Ahimsa, self-control, and the pursuit of inner purity, offer a timeless and practical framework for navigating the complexities of modern life and fostering global peace and individual well-being.