Anuvrat Andolan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anuvrat Andolan" by Acharya Shri Tulsi, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Anuvrat Andolan Author: Acharya Shri Tulsi Publisher: Gujarat Anuvrat Samiti

Overall Purpose: The book "Anuvrat Andolan" (The Movement of Small Vows) details a significant socio-ethical movement initiated by Acharya Shri Tulsi, a prominent Jain monk. The core objective of this movement is to foster a moral renaissance in individuals and society by encouraging the adoption of specific, actionable vows (Anuvrat). It aims to address the prevailing decline in ethical standards, materialism, and societal problems by promoting self-discipline, ethical conduct, and spiritual upliftment.

Key Themes and Concepts:

Moral Revolution (Naitik Kranti): The movement is presented as a "Naitik Kranti ka Sutradhar" (The Leader of Moral Revolution), aiming to bring about a fundamental shift in societal morality.
The Power of Vows (Vrat): The central mechanism of the movement is the adoption of "Anuvrat" – small, manageable vows that individuals can commit to. These vows are designed to be progressive, allowing individuals to gradually strengthen their moral resolve.
Holistic Development: Anuvrat is not just about personal piety but aims for a comprehensive upliftment of the individual, encompassing social and political progress, and ultimately spiritual advancement. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual well-being with the well-being of society and the world.
Self-Discipline and Self-Control (Sanyam): The movement identifies a lack of self-discipline and a surrender to lethargy and materialism as root causes of societal decay. Anuvrat is presented as the solution to cultivate these essential qualities.
Ideological Foundation: The movement emphasizes the power of thought and conviction. It believes that true change begins in the mind and that influencing individual thought processes can lead to societal transformation. This is seen as a more effective and lasting approach than purely external regulations.
Broad Appeal and Inclusivity: A significant aspect highlighted is that the Anuvrat Andolan has gained public acceptance, transcending sectarian boundaries. It is open to all individuals, regardless of caste, creed, nationality, or religion, who believe in purifying their lives.
Practical Application: The book details specific vows in five core areas:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Avoiding intentional harm to living beings, not committing suicide, not joining violent organizations, not practicing untouchability, and respecting all religions.
- Satya (Truthfulness): Being truthful in business dealings, not giving false testimony, not betraying trusts, not falsifying documents, and not creating counterfeit items.
- Achaurya (Non-stealing): Not stealing, not buying stolen goods, not assisting thieves, not trading in prohibited items, and not engaging in dishonest business practices like adulteration or short-measuring.
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): Practicing celibacy during student life, refraining from marriage after 45 years of age, observing monthly periods of celibacy, and abstaining from unnatural sexual acts and adultery.
- Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): Not accumulating excessive possessions, refusing bribes, not accepting money for votes, not delaying medical treatment due to greed, and not making demands for dowry or gifts during engagements and marriages.
Vows for Different Sections of Society: The book also outlines specific vows tailored for various groups, including students, merchants, government employees, women, voters, and election officials, addressing their particular ethical challenges.
Contribution to National and International Issues: The movement has extended its influence to national and international arenas. It advocated for an Election Code of Conduct, involving prominent political leaders, to promote ethical practices in elections. On the international front, it has promoted peace and friendship, observing a "Friendship Day" and proposing an international code of conduct concerning nuclear weapons and non-aggression.
The Role of Acharya Tulsi: Acharya Shri Tulsi is consistently portrayed as the driving force and visionary leader of the movement, dedicating his life to propagating these ethical principles. His extensive tours and teachings are credited with spreading the message across the nation.
Support from Leaders: The book includes endorsements from prominent national figures like Dr. Rajendra Prasad (President) and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (Vice-President), who express their faith in the movement's potential to foster a moral awakening and counter the influence of materialism. Jawaharlal Nehru (Prime Minister) also lauds its role in building a strong character foundation for the nation.

Structure of the Book: The book is structured to systematically introduce the Anuvrat Andolan, its aims, methodology, and the specific vows. It includes:

Introduction and endorsements from national leaders.
Detailed explanation of the movement's objective and methods.
The philosophical and practical basis of the movement, emphasizing thought revolution and abstract creativity.
The detailed breakdown of the five core Anuvrat vows.
Additional ethical guidelines (Shil).
Practices for self-purification like self-reflection (Atma Chintan) and meditation.
Guidance for Anuvratis (followers of the vows).
Appendices with specific vows for different categories of people (Vishesh Anuvrati, Praveshak Anuvrati, Vargiya Anuvrati).
A prayer for Anuvratis.
An application form to become an Anuvrati.

In essence, "Anuvrat Andolan" by Acharya Shri Tulsi is a profound call for ethical revival, advocating for the adoption of manageable moral commitments as a path to individual and societal transformation, aiming to build a more disciplined, truthful, and peaceful world.