Amar Jivdaya Sadhna - Book Summary

This document is the book "Amar Jivdaya Sadhna" (Amar's Practice of Compassion for Living Beings) by Amarchand Mavji Shah. Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Core Theme: The book is a detailed account of Amarchand Mavji Shah's lifelong dedication to Jivdaya (compassion for living beings) and Abhaydan (giving the gift of fearlessness), deeply rooted in Jain principles of Ahimsa (non-violence).

Author's Background and Motivation:

Introduction (Page 3-4): The book begins with an introduction by Jayantilal N. Mander, Honorary Secretary of the Mumbai Shri Jivdaya Mandal. He highlights that Amarchand Mavji Shah, despite his religious nature, was tested early in his career regarding his adherence to Ahimsa. His inherent compassion prevailed, influencing his employer and allowing him to dedicate his life to Jivdaya. Amarchand's work is presented as an inspiration for an increasingly lax society regarding religious principles.
Personal Reflections (Page 5-11): The author dedicates significant portions to expressing deep reverence and remembrance for his parents, elder brothers, and other family members. These reflections, often in the form of poems or heartfelt prose, detail their lives, virtues, and the author's gratitude and loss. These sections provide context about his upbringing and the influences that shaped his compassionate worldview.
Author's 'Self-Declaration' (Page 12-14): Amarchand Mavji Shah explicitly states his commitment to Jainism, the teachings of Lord Mahavir, and the principle of Ahimsa. He expresses a desire to live with love for all creatures, provide them with fearlessness, and serve them. He emphasizes his focus on specific areas of Jivdaya, particularly the plight of cows and their calves in Mumbai's dairy industry, which are sold to slaughterhouses after their milk production declines. He outlines his dedication to saving these innocent animals through dedicated effort, perseverance, and enduring hardship, criticism, and peaceful resolution. He sees his life's purpose in upholding these values until his last breath. He also mentions that this self-declaration was originally written in 1936 for a compilation of his writings.
Further Reflections and Accolades (Page 14-16): The author shares positive feedback and acknowledgments from publications like "Parmarth" magazine and expresses gratitude for their recognition. He laments the rise of violence in society, linking it to issues like milk shortages and health problems, and emphasizes the foundational importance of cows, farmers, and agriculture for India's welfare.

Key Experiences and Contributions to Jivdaya:

Early Incident and Commitment (Page 19-21): A pivotal moment occurred when Amarchand, while working for a Muslim milk trader, overheard a discussion about selling a buffalo to a slaughterhouse because its calf had died. This deeply affected him, awakening his resolve to save animals. He successfully arranged for the buffalo to be purchased by Jain community members and placed in a panjarapole (animal sanctuary). This incident solidified his commitment to saving 100 such animals.
Association with Mumbai Jivdaya Mandal (Page 20-21): This early experience led him to the Mumbai Jivdaya Mandal and its founder, Seth Lalubhai Deepchand Zaveri. He received guidance and encouragement to continue his work, even within potentially conflicting employment situations. His dedication to Jivdaya began in earnest around the age of 18.
Saving Cows and Calves (Page 21-33): The book details numerous instances of his efforts to save cows and calves. This included:
- Negotiating with traders: Persuading traders to sell animals to Jivdaya institutions rather than slaughterhouses.
- Organizing transport: Arranging for rescued animals to be transported to panjarapoles in Gujarat.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Writing articles and poems for newspapers and magazines to raise awareness about the suffering of animals and the importance of compassion. He wrote a significant poem titled "Hind nu Hanatu Heer" (India's Slaughtered Jewel) which was published by the Jivdaya Mandal.
- Addressing Systemic Issues: He recognized the economic and national implications of animal slaughter, understanding that the decline of cattle would impact agriculture and lead to milk shortages. He even corresponded with Mahatma Gandhi on these matters.
- Practical Solutions: He actively participated in developing practical solutions, such as advocating for reduced railway concessions for transporting cattle to Gujarat and collaborating with various panjarapoles to establish dairy farms.
Efforts during Festivals (Page 30-31): He dedicated his time during important Jain festivals like Paryushan, often undertaking fasts, to rescue animals that were being sold for sacrifice or slaughter.
Guidance and Mentorship: He received significant guidance from Seth Lalubhai Deepchand Zaveri (whom he considered a father figure) and Shri Mankarbhai, whom he regarded as his guru.
Transition to Spiritual Pursuits: After years of dedicated work in Jivdaya, Amarchand felt a calling towards deeper spiritual study and practice. He became associated with spiritual organizations and published books like "Amar Atma Manthan" (Amar's Self-Reflection) and "Gyan Gita" (Gita of Knowledge).
Work at Bhavnagar Panjarapole (Page 35-38): He later served as the manager of the Bhavnagar Panjarapole, where he implemented various improvements and initiatives to enhance animal welfare, including establishing feeding, treatment, dairy, and farming departments.
Service at Taladhvaj Jain Tirth (Page 36-39): His journey continued with his service at the Taladhvaj Jain Tirth, where he contributed to its development and infrastructure. Even in this sacred environment, he continued his commitment to Jivdaya by caring for stray animals.
Personal Philosophy: His writings and experiences reveal a deep understanding that true Jivdaya extends beyond merely not harming animals; it involves active compassion, providing relief from suffering, and recognizing the soul within every creature. He also connects the well-being of animals to the nation's prosperity.

Key Poems and Philosophies:

"Amar Vandan" (Page 7): A poem dedicated to his mother, expressing profound gratitude for her upbringing and sacrifices.
"Jivo Ne Jivade" (Live and Let Live) (Page 43): A poem listing various creatures (frogs, mice, birds, dogs, cats, rabbits, deer, lions, snakes, monkeys, cows, buffaloes, goats) and emphasizing the need to spare them and provide them with protection or sustenance.
"Jivdaya na Bhagidar" (Partners in Jivdaya) (Page 44): This poem outlines the virtues and merits of practicing Jivdaya, emphasizing actions like saving lives, alleviating hunger and thirst, offering help in times of crisis, protecting the weak, providing shelter and food, and giving charity discreetly.
Correspondence with Political Leaders (Page 46-49): The book includes letters to political figures like the Prime Minister of Saurashtra and Morarji Desai, advocating for animal protection laws and the promotion of a compassionate society, aligning these efforts with national self-reliance and spiritual values.

Overall Message:

"Amar Jivdaya Sadhna" is a testament to a life lived with unwavering devotion to the Jain principles of Ahimsa and Jivdaya. Amarchand Mavji Shah's journey is an inspiring narrative of compassion in action, demonstrating how an individual, driven by deep ethical convictions, can dedicate their life to protecting the vulnerable and promoting a more humane and sustainable world. The book serves as a guide and inspiration for anyone seeking to understand and practice true compassion.