Aspushyata Ane Harjeet

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Aspushyata ane Harjeet" by Sukhlal Sanghavi:

The text discusses the long-standing issue of untouchability in India, tracing its origins back at least three thousand years. It highlights two pivotal historical figures who fiercely opposed untouchability: Lord Mahavir (Jainism) and Lord Buddha (Buddhism).

Key Points:

• Early Opposition: Both Mahavir and Buddha, whose lives were centered on inner purification, actively fought against untouchability within the religious sphere.
• Inclusion and Social Change: As a result of their efforts, untouchable individuals like Chitt and Sambhuti, who were on the brink of suicide due to social stigma, and the Chandalas (outcastes) like Harikeshi, were accepted into the Jain monastic order (Sangha). Similarly, untouchables were also admitted into the Buddhist Sangha.
• Shift in Social Dynamics: The acceptance of these untouchable ascetics led to a significant shift in social consciousness. Kings, wealthy individuals, and even Jain, Buddhist, and Brahman scholars began to pay homage to these reformed untouchables. This created a dynamic tension between the staunch opposition from Vedic Brahmins and the renunciatory ideals of Jain and Buddhist monks.
• Brahmanism's Adaptation: The text suggests that this societal pressure and the influence of Jain and Buddhist thought contributed to the later inclusion of untouchables within the Bhagavad Gita, a key text of Brahmanism. This was seen as a partial victory for Jain and Buddhist renunciatory practices and ideas.
• Brahmin Influence and Jain Setback: However, many Brahmins who joined the Jain and Buddhist Sanghas did not relinquish their inherent caste pride. Their intellectual and influential positions led to others succumbing to their views. Consequently, despite the Jain tradition consistently opposing untouchability in its philosophical tenets, the pragmatic approach in society saw the Jain order ultimately "lose" (i.e., compromise or fail to fully eradicate untouchability) due to the misplaced caste pride of Brahmins, both within and outside the Sangha.
• Buddhism's Resilience: The Buddhist Sangha, being less vulnerable than the Jain Sangha, managed to maintain its original principles regarding untouchability, both within and outside India. Thus, the text concludes that only Jainism, in this specific aspect, "lost" the battle.
• Later Reformers: The text then acknowledges later saints like Ramanuj, Kabir, Nanak, Chaitanya, and Tukaram, who, from a religious standpoint, made efforts to accept untouchables. However, even their disciples were influenced by the pervasive notion of caste hierarchy, leading to their efforts being undermined.
• Swami Dayanand Saraswati: Swami Dayanand, born a Brahmin, is highlighted as a significant figure who, from religious, social, and national perspectives, condemned untouchability as a sin. He initiated substantial efforts to eradicate it, which were more successful than any previous attempts. However, these efforts were often met with opposition or neutrality from other segments of society.
• Mahatma Gandhi's Impact: The text credits Mahatma Gandhi's "tapas" (austerities/dedication) for creating widespread awareness about untouchability across all communities. This awakening is described as a global phenomenon and the greatest victory.
• Call to Action: The author emphasizes that this victory should not lead to complacency but rather to a renewed sense of duty. Those who falter in eradicating untouchability will fail in their religious and self-respect.
• Contemporary Duties (as of 1932): The text outlines the immediate responsibilities:
  1. Treating "Antyaj" (untouchables) within one's home with the same respect as other brothers.
  2. Educating them, either personally or through others, by providing scholarships.
  3. Working among them to promote health, hygiene, and civility, and encouraging them to strive for purity in their diet.
  4. Providing them with a clear understanding of Hinduism through stories and other means, and dispelling their superstitions.

In essence, the text provides a historical overview of the struggle against untouchability, identifying key figures and movements, highlighting the internal challenges faced by religious orders, and concluding with a call to action for the complete eradication of this social evil.