Antardvand

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Antardvand" by Parmatmaprakash Bharilla, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Antardvand (Inner Conflict) Author: Parmatmaprakash Bharilla Publisher: Hukamchand Bharilla Charitable Trust, Mumbai

Overall Theme:

"Antardvand" explores the internal conflicts and existential reflections of a seventy-five-year-old man as he navigates the later stages of his life. The book delves into the regrets, dissatisfactions, and the search for meaning and purpose experienced by an individual looking back on a life lived, often with a focus on material success. It critiques the modern lifestyle, societal values, and the disconnect between generations, all from the perspective of someone who has achieved worldly prosperity but finds himself internally bankrupt.

Key Narratives and Themes:

1. Loss of Purpose and Generational Gap:

   • The protagonist, at 75, finds himself sidelined from the family business, which he built. His sons, despite his contributions, politely but firmly ask him to step back, suggesting he enjoy his retirement.
   • His attempts to impart values and connect with his grandchildren are met with the "generation gap." The grandchildren are constantly occupied with school and tuitions, leaving little time for meaningful interaction with their grandfather.
   • He tries to engage them during meal times, but even then, the children are rushed, leaving him feeling unheard and insignificant.

2. Regret over Past Actions (Sin and Karma):

   • The core of the protagonist's internal struggle is the remembrance of his past deeds, which he now perceives as sins. He laments his focus on material wealth and business success, which led him to compromise his ethical principles.
   • He reflects on actions driven by greed, ego, and short-sightedness, such as dishonesty in games, consumption of forbidden foods (knowing they involved harm to countless microscopic beings), and even facilitating a bribe for someone's admission to medical school.
   • He understands the Jain concept of karma, realizing that the consequences of these actions, even if not immediately apparent, will have to be faced. He likens worldly gains to credit card purchases, where immediate gratification leads to future, compounded debt.

3. The Illusion of Material Success and "Wholeness":

   • Despite having a successful business, wealth, status, and family, the protagonist feels a profound sense of emptiness and lack of fulfillment. He questions the definition of a "complete life" when, despite material abundance, there's an inner void.
   • He contrasts this material "completeness" with the spiritual emptiness, realizing that worldly possessions cannot be carried to the next life. He feels burdened by the accumulated "debt" of his past actions rather than having any spiritual capital.

4. Critique of Societal Norms and Personal Integrity:

   • The book subtly criticizes how societal norms often prioritize external appearances and success over true character and inner purity. The protagonist admits to living a "pure" life outwardly while his inner thoughts and actions were often impure.
   • He reflects on his inability to stand up to friends who were wronging young women, questioning if his silence was due to a lack of courage or a hidden, unacknowledged desire.
   • He questions the justification of actions based on convenience or situational ethics, highlighting how principles are often selectively applied to serve immediate interests (e.g., tipping a ticket collector versus giving alms to a beggar).

5. The Nature of Happiness and Desire:

   • The protagonist analyzes the fleeting nature of pleasure derived from taste and possessions. He questions whether the momentary satisfaction of the palate justifies the harm caused to living beings.
   • He highlights that true happiness isn't found in the accumulation of wealth or possessions, as these often become hindrances rather than sources of joy. He observes how wealth can lead to stress, anxiety, and a loss of focus on what truly matters.

6. The Ramu Analogy (Servant's Life):

   • A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the protagonist's reflection on the life of Ramu, a servant who worked in their household from childhood.
   • Ramu dedicated his entire life to serving the family, playing with the children, and managing the household tasks. Despite his unwavering loyalty and essential role, he was largely overlooked and treated as a mere utility.
   • When Ramu fell ill, no one had the time or inclination to properly care for him, forcing the family to send him away with a meager sum of money. He vanished without a trace.
   • The protagonist reflects on his complicity in this neglect, realizing that his passive acceptance of Ramu's treatment was also a form of sin. He compares this to his own life, where outward purity masked inner impurity.

7. The Search for Meaning and the Path to Salvation:

   • As his physical life wanes, the protagonist becomes increasingly aware of the urgency of spiritual preparation for his next life. He recognizes that his past actions have created a heavy karmic burden.
   • He acknowledges the need for introspection, self-analysis, and the guidance of a true Guru to understand and overcome his inner conflicts and karmic debts.
   • The book concludes with a hopeful, yet urgent, call to action. Despite his regrets and the late realization, the protagonist emphasizes that the soul is eternal, and even a small amount of sincere effort in the present can mitigate vast past negativities. The ultimate goal is to break the cycle of rebirth and attain liberation (moksha).

Author's Intent and Style:

Parmatmaprakash Bharilla, in his debut work, adopts a deeply introspective and philosophical style. He uses the voice of a septuagenarian to voice a critique of materialism, societal shallowness, and the consequences of unexamined lives. The language is simple and accessible, making complex Jain philosophical concepts relatable. The narrative is a powerful exploration of the human condition, particularly the search for meaning and redemption in the twilight years of life.

Overall Message:

"Antardvand" serves as a profound reminder that true fulfillment lies not in worldly achievements but in ethical conduct, spiritual awareness, and the purification of one's karma. It urges readers to reflect on their own lives, question their priorities, and actively seek a path that leads to lasting peace and liberation, rather than succumbing to the fleeting pleasures and attachments of the material world.