Adattadan Virman Ki Vartaman Prasangikta - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Adattadan Virman ki Vartaman Prasangikta" by Brajnarayan Sharma, focusing on the concept of Asteya (non-stealing):

The article, "Adattadan Virman ki Vartaman Prasangikta" (The Present Relevance of Abstaining from Stealing), by Brajnarayan Sharma, delves into the third fundamental principle of Jainism: Asteya (अस्तेय), which means abstaining from stealing or taking what is not freely given. The author highlights that Jainism, a philosophy based on five pillars – Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-possession), and Brahmacharya (celibacy) – traces its roots back to a four-dimensional practice, with Lord Mahavir adding Brahmacharya to complete the five dimensions.

Core Definition of Asteya:

The text draws from scriptures like the Dashavaikalik Sutra and the Uttaradhyayan Sutra to define Asteya. It states that a true practitioner, even a fully disciplined ascetic, will not take anything belonging to another without their permission, nor will they encourage others to do so, nor will they approve of others taking. This applies to even the smallest items, like a toothpick, whether animate or inanimate, little or much. To steal, or even to desire to steal, encourage stealing, or approve of stealing, makes one a thief. Conversely, one who completely renounces such actions is an observer of Asteya.

Broader Interpretation of Asteya:

Beyond simple theft, the article elaborates on the concept of Asteya, stating that it also encompasses:

Honesty: Being truthful and upright in all dealings.
Awareness of Duty: Being conscious of one's responsibilities and fulfilling them.
Rightful Enjoyment: Appropriating and consuming things ethically and rightfully.

The text criticizes actions like:

Appropriating rights: Taking what belongs to others.
Exploitation: Making others one's slaves or forcing them to comply.
Seizing belongings: Taking away the possessions of others.

Asteya in Other Traditions:

The article notes that the principle of Asteya is also recognized in other traditions:

Vedic Tradition: The Manusmriti emphasizes the importance of observing Yamas (ethical restraints), including Asteya, stating that those who only follow rules without observing Yamas fall from grace.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: Patanjali lists Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha, and Brahmacharya as the five Yamas, placing Asteya in a central position. The commentator Vyasa defines Asteya as the non-acceptance of wealth without proper scriptural authority and the absence of desire for others' possessions. The Yamas are considered universal and applicable across all times, places, and individuals.
Buddhism: Asteya is included in the Panchsheela (five precepts) and is also a part of the Right Conduct (Samyak Achar) in the Eightfold Path. Lord Buddha condemned livelihoods involving dishonesty, cheating, bribery, and theft.

The Concept of "White Collar Crime" and Modern Relevance:

The core of the article focuses on the contemporary relevance of Asteya, arguing that many contemporary societal problems stem from the neglect of this principle. The author identifies nine categories of individuals who are perpetrators of various forms of "stealing" (often through unethical means), contributing to social imbalance, conflict, and distress. These categories include:

Those who abuse their position (Adhikar-jeevi Savarna): High-caste individuals who exploit and deny rights to lower castes, citing religious or social authority.
Those in business and finance (Dhan-jeevi, Udyogpati, Vyapari, Sahukar): Businessmen, traders, and moneylenders who engage in unfair practices like short-weighting, selling stolen goods, adulteration, tax evasion, and usury.
Corrupt government and private employees (Rishwat-jeevi Rajkiya-Arajkiya Karmachari): Officials who accept bribes, delay work, and engage in corrupt practices, making administrative processes inefficient.
Those with illicit incomes (Avaidh Aay-jeevi): Doctors, lawyers, engineers, contractors, and landlords who extort money, exploit labor, and engage in dishonest dealings.
Politicians (Chanda-jeevi Netagan): Leaders who solicit donations under false pretenses and exploit their positions for personal gain and wealth accumulation.
Those in academia and media (Vidya-jeevi, Shikshavid, Patrakar-Sampadak): Academics who seek "black money," publishers who exploit writers, and journalists who engage in yellow journalism for financial gain.
Laborers and farmers (Shram-jeevi Krishak aur Mazdoor): Workers who do not complete their tasks diligently, engage in sloth, and protest without justification, often manipulated by labor leaders.
Outright criminals (Lat-jeevi, Chor-ucchakke, Taskar aur Daku): Those who openly engage in theft, smuggling, and robbery.
Religious figures who exploit (Paradhanopjeevi Sadhu-Sanyasi, Mathadheesh): While acknowledging a few exemplary figures, the author criticizes many religious leaders who exploit public donations for personal comfort, engaging in ostentatious displays and seeking personal gain under the guise of religion.

Conclusion:

The article emphasizes that abstaining from stealing is not merely about not physically taking something but also about a broader ethical conduct. It includes abstaining from encouraging or approving of theft, providing tools for it, or benefiting from stolen goods. The author asserts that a significant portion of society suffers from the "disease of Asteya." He argues that true adherence to these principles is rare, and people often seek concessions. The article concludes that to build a well-organized, cultured, and strong society, adopting the fundamental vows of Dharma, like Asteya, is essential. Neglecting these principles leads to societal breakdown, necessitating the imposition of laws and punishments.

In essence, "Adattadan Virman ki Vartaman Prasangikta" serves as a critical examination of how the principle of Asteya, a cornerstone of Jain ethics, is often violated in modern society through various forms of deceit, exploitation, and corruption, highlighting the urgent need for its revival.