Acharya Hastimalji Evam Nari Jagaran - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Acharya Hastimalji evam Nari Jagaran" by Sushila Bohra, focusing on Acharya Hastimalji's views on women's empowerment and awakening:

The book highlights Acharya Hastimalji Maharaj Saheb as a symbol of pure asceticism, a strong guardian of religion, a reformer, and a great personality of his era. He dedicated 70 years to intense spiritual practice and self-reflection, achieving significant spiritual heights and inspiring the formation of many welfare organizations. While a traditional saint, he was also a progressive thinker and reformer.

Key aspects of his philosophy regarding women are:

Empowerment through Education and Service: Acharya Hastimalji encouraged women to step out of their homes and engage in societal activities. He motivated them to participate in organizations like the Samyayak Gyan Pracharak Mandal, Samayik Sangh, Swadhyay Sangh, Jain Siddhanta Shikshan Sansthan, and Jain Itihas Samiti. He also guided the formation of the Swadharmi Vatsalya Samiti and Akhil Bharatiya Mahavir Jain Shravika Samiti. His encouragement for women to engage in self-study and serve during Paryushan events was instrumental in their social awakening.
Equality in Spiritual Pursuit: He firmly believed that there is no discrimination between men and women on the path of spiritual practice. He observed that women have always outnumbered men in religious fields, from nuns to laywomen, and have even achieved the status of Tirthankaras, signifying them as protectors of religion. He poetically acknowledged mothers as the nurturers of great men, citing figures like Rishabhdev and Mahavir as their sons.
The Role of Mothers in Character Building: Acharya Hastimalji emphasized the profound influence of mothers in shaping future generations. He believed that a mother, like Madalasa, could impart values through lullabies that could guide a child more effectively than a hundred teachers throughout their lifetime. He compared a family to a chariot with two wheels, man and woman, and stressed the importance of a capable woman in maintaining familial harmony and even inspiring faith in an atheist husband.
Emphasis on True Devotion and Philosophy: He cautioned against contradictory practices like visiting spiritual healers (Bhairu, Bhopa) while claiming faith in the Jain principles of karma and self-reliance. He stressed that true devotion to the Navkar mantra and the Panch Parmeshthis is paramount, and no external force can interfere with one's karma or destiny. He urged women to remain steadfast in their faith, especially during difficult times, and to worship only the true God, Guru, and Dharma, emphasizing "Darshanmoolo Dharmo" (Religion is rooted in right faith).
The Path of Knowledge and its Practical Application: Acharya Hastimalji encouraged women to pursue both intellectual and spiritual knowledge. He saw self-study (Swadhyay) as a crucial means to unlock inner knowledge, advocating for the discarding of sensational literature and the embrace of virtuous texts. He also stressed the integration of knowledge with action, promoting Samayik (meditation) and Swadhyay as essential for spiritual progress, believing that knowledge helps control the mind.
The Significance of Austerity (Tapa) with Right Intention: He admired women's dedication to austerity but stressed that it should be undertaken with the aim of self-purification and not for worldly desires, fame, or recognition. He warned against viewing austerity as a transactional activity. He advised against wasting time on external beautification during Tapa, suggesting that the true "color" of austerity comes from devotion, contemplation, and self-study. He also pointed out the impropriety of seeking gifts from one's parental home during austerity, as it could create a sense of obligation.
Tapa for Karma Nirjara (Shedding Karmas): He clarified that true austerity is not just about abstaining from food but also about reducing desires, possessions, and negative emotions (kashays). The ultimate goal of Tapa is to burn away accumulated karmas for spiritual liberation.
Austerity Combined with Charity (Dan): Acharya Hastimalji considered charity as a valuable addition to austerity, likening it to "gilding gold." He believed that while Tapa reduces attachment to the body, charity reduces attachment to wealth, both contributing to the goal of lessening "mamata" (possessiveness). He advocated for redirecting funds spent on ostentatious celebrations of austerity towards charitable activities for the needy and the religious community.
Emphasis on Modesty and Self-Control (Sheel and Sanyam): He strongly advocated for a life of modesty and self-control for women, stating that true radiance comes from virtuous conduct, not external adornments. He criticized the modern focus on physical beauty and artificial enhancements, considering them shallow and potentially leading to violence and cruelty. He advised against the use of fashionable items and promoted a simple lifestyle with high thoughts.
Rejection of Materialism and Superficial Beauty: He believed that gold and jewelry are burdensome, can be a source of fear (theft), envy, and immorality, and can even lead to social discord. He asserted that true beauty lies not in external adornments but in character, purity, and virtuous living. He quoted a saying that a devoted woman, even in rags, shines brighter than precious stones.
Women as Guides for Society: Acharya Hastimalji held great expectations from mothers to guide the younger generation in the current materialistic age, prevent men from succumbing to indulgence, and rid society of vices. He envisioned women as pillars of society, responsible for nurturing good character in their children and contributing to the progress of the nation, religion, and the monastic order.

In essence, the book "Acharya Hastimalji evam Nari Jagaran" beautifully encapsulates Acharya Hastimalji's vision for women as empowered, knowledgeable, spiritually disciplined, and socially conscious individuals who play a crucial role in individual and societal upliftment, guided by the core principles of Jainism.