Ante Ashwasan Konathi Male Che

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ante Ashwasan Konathi Male Che" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, focusing on the provided pages:

The text explores the profound grief and sense of loss felt after the passing of a revered figure, referred to as "Bapuji." The author observes that even after some time has passed, tears and sorrow persist. Any mention of Bapuji, whether through tributes on the radio or in any form of print media, immediately brings forth an overwhelming sense of sadness. The author notes that there is no one left to offer solace, and this level of collective mourning is unprecedented in human history.

The reason for this immense sorrow is attributed to Bapuji's extraordinary compassion. His dedication to alleviating the suffering of humanity, who were tormented by triple worldly suffering (likely referring to the suffering of the body, mind, and soul, or perhaps past, present, and future suffering), was unlike that of any other saint or spiritual leader. His efforts were so remarkable that words and intellect are insufficient to describe them. Bapuji was a source of relief and reassurance for those in despair, for women facing abduction and hopelessness, and for communities enduring unspeakable oppression. When government or well-meaning individuals failed to provide succor, it was Bapuji's personal strength of character and ascetic power that offered comfort. The author emphasizes that Bapuji's living and tirelessly active compassion was the assurance that made the suffering believe he would act for them.

The text further highlights the incredible nature of Bapuji's attempts to combat widespread suffering. He tackled the flames of communal violence in Calcutta in one way, and the fires in Bihar in another. While working to extinguish fires within India, he was also actively considering how to pacify the flames raging in distant parts of Pakistan. The author questions if the world had ever witnessed such a vast display of great compassion. This is why everyone is mourning, feeling orphaned, regardless of their wealth, bravery, humility, or high status. The feeling is that one person alone was capable of handling tasks that were far beyond the capacity of others. This realization is what drives the collective tears.

Even insightful people outside of India believed that their efforts towards world peace were like castles built on sand, lacking a concrete foundation. When the practical means for world peace were not understood, or were considered impractical, it was Bapuji who provided this solid groundwork and demonstrated its practicality through his own actions. The author expresses hope that such a man, born in India, would equip humanity, accustomed to conflict, with the values for lasting peace. This hope, however, also brings forth tears.

The author then delves into other reasons for the intensified grief. Unlike the known assassinations of figures like Socrates and Christ, the murder of Bapuji, a great saint, sage, and ascetic, is unfathomable for the Hindu psyche, which traditionally reveres such individuals. While historical instances of murder due to political ambition exist within Hindu society, the murder of a true ascetic or saint by even their staunchest Hindu opponents was unheard of. The loss of these deep-seated values of nobility and righteousness within the Hindu mindset has caused shame, and these tears are seen as an expression of that deep shame.

The text further elaborates on this shame by referencing the traditional Hindu concept of the "Purush" (divine or ideal human) having a Brahmin face, symbolizing knowledge and righteousness. Brahmins were meant to embody these qualities, not violence. The author points out that Brahmins had risen above primitive rituals like animal sacrifice, embracing vegetarianism and the higher path of non-violence. They taught lessons of selfless service. The fact that a single Brahmin, or a small group, could have committed such an act that stains this ideal of Brahminhood is deeply concerning. The author questions if this marks the beginning of a catastrophic downfall for Hinduism and Brahminhood, leading to the planned murder of those dedicated to the welfare of all beings. While the resolve to end great compassion might be considered "great" in a perverse way, the act itself is barbaric and uncivilized. The emergence of such uncivilized conduct within Brahmins, especially those known for purifying the mind, leaves little positive element for the Hindu community and its supposed superiority. This thought causes the wise to cry out and be unable to hold back their tears.

The final sentiment is a longing for solace. The text highlights that those who come to offer comfort themselves become sources of sorrow, sadness, and grief. No one appears with a cheerful face and a courageous heart to provide assurance. In this situation, Bapuji himself appears to be offering solace to a world distraught by his absence. It's as if Bapuji, from beyond, is telling everyone, "Do you not recognize me? If you do, why do you weep? Would I have ever truly left you? Did I not tell you to perform your duties with a cheerful face and to live and die for a cause? If you believe that I lived as I preached and that you have faith in me, then why are you crying? Why are you becoming disheartened? Crying, becoming weak, and feeling orphaned is forbidden in the Bhagavad Gita and all religious scriptures. Therefore, all of you who are paying tribute to me, be brave, and perish in the immortal struggle of practicing truth and compassion."