Andhere Me Ujala

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Andhere Me Ujala" by Dr. Sadhvi Saralyashashreeji, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Andhere Me Ujala (Light in the Darkness) Author: Dr. Sadhvi Saralyashashreeji Publisher: Adarsh Sahitya Sangh Prakashan Focus: The book is a research-based exploration of the philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) as articulated by two prominent figures of the 20th and 21st centuries: Acharya Mahapragya (of the Terapanth Jain tradition) and Mahatma Gandhi.

Core Theme: The book delves into the profound concept of Ahimsa, presenting it not just as a religious or spiritual tenet, but as a fundamental principle applicable to all aspects of life – individual, social, national, and international. It highlights how both Mahatma Gandhi and Acharya Mahapragya, despite their different backgrounds and approaches, championed Ahimsa as the ultimate solution for contemporary global issues like violence, conflict, and disharmony.

Key Arguments and Content:

1. Ahimsa as a Universal Principle: The text emphasizes that Ahimsa transcends religious boundaries and is a foundational principle for all human existence and progress. It's presented as the guiding light for achieving peace, prosperity, and true well-being in the modern world, which is often marred by violence, materialism, and ego.

2. Critique of Modern Problems: The book begins by identifying the modern world's problems stemming from the dominance of brute force, weaponry, and material power, leading to humanity forgetting its inherent ethical duties. Ahimsa, as envisioned by these great minds, is presented as the antidote to these maladies.

3. Gandhi's Contribution:

   • Ahimsa as a Force for Social and Political Change: Gandhi is credited with transforming Ahimsa from a personal spiritual practice into a powerful tool for national liberation and social reform. He demonstrated its efficacy in achieving political freedom for India from colonial rule.
   • Holistic Approach to Ahimsa: Gandhi's concept of Ahimsa was comprehensive, encompassing not just the absence of physical violence, but also the purification of thought, word, and deed. He saw Ahimsa as active love, compassion, and goodwill towards all beings, including enemies.
   • Practical Application: Gandhi's life was a testament to his philosophy. His emphasis on simple living, self-reliance (through programs like Khadi), his experiments with truth and non-violence (Satyagraha), and his unwavering faith in God and the inherent goodness of humanity are highlighted.
   • The Power of Non-violence: The book discusses Gandhi's belief in the immense, almost inexhaustible power of Ahimsa, capable of transforming even the most hardened hearts and overcoming any adversary.

4. Acharya Mahapragya's Contribution:

   • Ahimsa as a Scientific and Psychological Principle: Acharya Mahapragya is presented as someone who scientifically analyzed the roots of violence and presented practical, psychological, and spiritual methods for cultivating Ahimsa.
   • Focus on Inner Transformation: His approach emphasized inner transformation through practices like Preksha Meditation, focusing on controlling one's emotions (kama, krodha, lobha, moha) and cultivating positive qualities like equanimity, compassion, and self-awareness.
   • Ahimsa for Global Problems: Acharya Mahapragya's vision extended to addressing global issues like terrorism, communalism, and environmental degradation through the lens of Ahimsa and conscious living. His "Ahimsa Yatra" (pilgrimage for non-violence) aimed to spread this message across India and beyond.
   • Broader Interpretation of Ahimsa: Mahapragya broadened the scope of Ahimsa beyond just non-violence towards sentient beings to include respect for all elements of nature (earth, water, air, etc.) and advocating for conscious consumption and environmental protection.
   • Emphasis on Practical Training: He stressed the importance of practical training in Ahimsa, not just theoretical knowledge, to foster inner transformation and create a more peaceful society.

5. Comparative Analysis: The book implicitly and explicitly compares the approaches of both Gandhi and Mahapragya, highlighting their shared core values of Ahimsa, truth, love, and compassion, while also noting their unique contributions shaped by their respective contexts. Both sought to make Ahimsa a practical, actionable principle for the masses.

6. Structure: The book is organized into several chapters, including:

   • "Ahimsa: The Course of Development" (discussing the historical evolution of Ahimsa)
   • "Sources of Inspiration" (analyzing the influences on Gandhi and Mahapragya)
   • "Ahimsa: Theoretical Aspect" (detailing their philosophical perspectives)
   • "Ahimsa: Practical Aspect" (exploring their movements and methods)
   • "Ahimsa: Differences, Similarities, and Coordination" (a comparative study).

Overall Message: "Andhere Me Ujala" serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how the principles of Ahimsa, as demonstrated by Gandhi and Mahapragya, offer a viable path towards resolving conflicts, fostering social harmony, and creating a more peaceful and sustainable world. It's an invitation to embrace these timeless values for personal and collective well-being.