Aapne Kya Che

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Aapne Kya Che" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, focusing on the social and spiritual condition of the Jain community:

The article, "Aapne Kya Che?" (Where are we?), by Sukhlal Sanghavi, published in "Z_Darshan_ane_Chintan_Part_2," critically examines the current state of the Jain community. The author begins by likening the community's anticipation of the Paryushan festival to waiting for a wedding procession, only to lose interest once it's over. This, he suggests, is mirrored in the reading and writing of newspapers and, by extension, in the community's engagement with its spiritual and social responsibilities.

Sanghavi attributes this stagnation to a lack of implementation of even the most agreed-upon ideas, leading to a state of passivity. He argues that the introspection during Paryushan is often superficial and personal, confined to self-criticism like "Nindami Garidvami" (I blame, I condemn) without leading to genuine change. This means that faults remain unaddressed, and positive virtues fail to gain strength, resulting in a cyclical, unproductive religious practice, akin to a grinding wheel that moves but achieves no progress.

The core of the article shifts to a social perspective, asserting that social force is paramount and that the societal environment profoundly influences individuals.

Key areas of critique and concern highlighted by Sanghavi include:

• The Sadhu Institution: The author questions the sense of responsibility within the current Sadhu (monk) community. He notes a lack of cohesive, life-sustaining harmony among Sadhus, often leading to petty disputes between Acharyas or Guru-disciple pairs. These conflicts consume social energy and foster a subtle disbelief even among traditional Jains. The example of disputes over festival dates is given, highlighting a "Pakistan-India" like tension within the Shvetambar sect, where each side adopts the mindset of "Qaide Azam" (leader).
• Financial Responsibility of Sadhus: Sanghavi points out the disconnect between the current economic reality where many Jains struggle to provide for their families, and the seemingly unchanged, high expenses of prominent Sadhus. He questions if this reflects a responsibility towards society and if it sows seeds of resentment towards the Sadhu institution.
• Tirtha (Pilgrimage Sites) and Temples: While acknowledging the inherent purity within temples, Sanghavi sharply criticizes the lack of cleanliness in and around these sacred spaces and pilgrimage grounds. He argues that the original Jain concept of detachment and cleanliness has been distorted into a cultivation of impurity, leading to aversion and a loss of public health and reputation. He questions who is responsible for addressing this – Sadhus, administrators, or both – and laments that if no one is accountable, festivals become meaningless.
• Dev Dravya (Temple Funds): The author addresses the accumulation of temple funds, stating that while the objective is noble, the excess funds often remain idle, unused for social good, or are eventually misappropriated. He wonders if the wise, scholarly renunciates and business-minded laymen have the capacity to find a solution to this issue. If not, he suggests that festivals are like pouring water on a stone, leading to no societal progress.
• Religious and Philosophical Education: Sanghavi critiques the current state of religious and philosophical education, including schools, gurukuls, and hostels. He observes that despite the involvement of renunciates, scholars, and educated individuals, the students often become rigid in their beliefs rather than gaining new perspectives. The education, he feels, doesn't inspire the transition from darkness to light ("Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya") but rather fosters a state of ignorance ("Chetiyane Ma Samom Gamay"). He contends that institutions and students lacking intellectual vigor make self-criticism during festivals largely meaningless.
• Scriptural Publication: While acknowledging the commencement of scriptural publication in the last twenty-five years, Sanghavi questions whether the investment of societal wealth and energy has resulted in any significant improvement or novelty. He doubts if simply printing existing texts with better paper and binding will be impactful in this era. He also questions the value added by prestigious titles of editors and the contributions of scholars who spend years studying scriptures, asking if they have provided any new ideas or direction to the community. He suggests that if such extensive scriptural research doesn't yield new insights, it can be considered mere "mantra-chanting" without substance.
• Jain Periodicals: The author expresses concern about the quality and impact of Jain periodicals. He questions if any are worth subscribing to for new knowledge or fearless guidance. He wonders if those running these periodicals are truly fearless and capable, and if they would be supported by the Jain community. He suggests that the prevalent tendency in Jain periodicals is to survive on the patronage of the wealthy and renunciates, fostering flattery and silence rather than truth. Periodicals that lack originality, engage in flattery, and focus solely on praising the afterlife, without offering clear guidance, do little to improve the community's stagnant condition, even with repeated festivals.

Sanghavi concludes by stating that these are merely pointers and that numerous other critical issues require immediate attention, such as animal shelters, eradication of untouchability, reorientation of Sadhu activities, engagement in worldly pursuits, volunteerism, sports activities, and the management of temples and pilgrimage sites within one's means. He hopes that readers will reflect on these matters.

Ultimately, the article is a call for action-oriented social introspection. Sanghavi questions who bears the responsibility for preparing the ground for such introspection and who has the courage to undertake it, leaving this answer to the capable and spirited youth of the community. The underlying message is a plea for the Jain community to move beyond ritualistic observance and engage in meaningful, practical social reform.