Astittva Aur Ahimsa - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Astittva aur Ahimsa" (Existence and Non-violence) by Mahapragna Acharya, based on the provided pages:

Core Theme: The book "Astittva aur Ahimsa" is a profound exploration of the interconnectedness of existence and the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) within the framework of Jain philosophy, primarily drawing from the ancient Jain scripture Ācārāṅga Sūtra.

Author and Context: The book features discourses by Yuvacharya Mahapragna, a prominent Jain scholar and spiritual leader, inspired by the teachings of Lord Mahavira, dating back 2,500 years. The discourses were delivered during the "Yogakshem Varsha" (a year of well-being) under the guidance and inspiration of Ācārya Shri Tulsi. The book is published by Jain Vishva Bharati.

Key Arguments and Concepts:

Relevance of Ancient Wisdom: Acharya Mahapragna emphasizes that the ethical principles laid down in the Ācārāṅga Sūtra, formulated 2,500 years ago, remain remarkably relevant to contemporary issues. It feels as if the text was written in response to present-day problems, highlighting the timeless nature of truth.
Ācārāṅga as a Precursor to Environmental Science: The book posits that the Ācārāṅga Sūtra can be considered a foundational text for environmental science or the science of ecological balance. It contains specific principles of Ahimsa related to the environment, such as:
- Comparing the existence of plants and humans.
- Understanding that denying the existence of small creatures is akin to denying one's own existence.
Ahimsa and Existence: The central thesis is that Ahimsa is deeply rooted in the understanding of "Astittva" (existence).
- Existence is Absolute: Existence is eternal, all-pervasive, and independent of our acceptance or rejection. It is imperishable and eternally transforming. The individual self (soul) and the fundamental elements (like atoms) continue to exist beyond physical birth and death.
- Violence is a Denial of Existence: Violence, in its essence, is a denial of life and existence. It leads to a cycle of birth and death.
- The Relationship between Ahimsa and Existence: Ahimsa is presented as a consequence of understanding and respecting existence. Since existence is eternal and indestructible, violence against it is fundamentally misguided. The principle of "what is, is existence" forms the basis for non-violence.
Distinction between Ācāra, Dharma, Adhyatma, and Ethics:
- Ācāra (Conduct): It is self-centric, relating to one's own discipline and practices.
- Dharma (Righteousness): It is characterized by self-control and restraint.
- Adhyatma (Spirituality): It is focused on the experience of consciousness and inner awareness.
- Ethics (Naitikta): It pertains to right conduct towards others and the social implications of actions.
The Nature of Violence:
- The Root of Violence is Impurity: Violence stems from the attachment of the soul to matter (pudgala). This union is the root of suffering and the cycle of actions and reactions.
- Levels of Violence: Violence is not just physical killing (vadh). It also includes mental violence (unkind thoughts) and emotional violence (suppressing one personality to uplift another).
The True Goal of Ethics: According to Jainism, the objective of ethical science is the attainment of the soul (Ātmā), which is considered the ultimate good and is achieved through righteous conduct (Ācāra).
Understanding Subtle Existence (Ṣaḍ Jīvanikāya):
- Mahavira's Contribution: Lord Mahavira provided a highly detailed classification of living beings (Ṣaḍ Jīvanikāya – six categories of life): earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, vegetation-bodied, and mobile beings. This understanding is considered a profound contribution that goes beyond the elements accepted by other philosophies.
- Sentience of Subtle Beings: The book delves into the concept that even subtle beings, including plants and microorganisms, possess sentience and experience feelings of pleasure and pain, even if their consciousness is not outwardly expressed. This understanding is crucial for practicing true Ahimsa.
- Scientific Validation: Modern scientific experiments (like those by Dr. Baxter and Dr. Vogel on plants) are presented as validating Mahavira's ancient insights into the subtle sentience of living organisms.
The Role of Desire (Lobha) and Non-possession (Aparigraha):
- Desire as the Root of Violence: The text strongly links desire, greed (Lobha), and attachment to violence. The insatiable nature of desire fuels conflict and exploitation.
- Aparigraha as the Ultimate Virtue: "Aparigrahaḥ paramo dharmaḥ" (Non-possession is the highest duty) is highlighted as a crucial principle for achieving peace and reducing violence, especially in the context of socio-economic disparities. It's suggested that this principle was perhaps underemphasized historically compared to Ahimsa.
- Controlling Desire is Key: The solution to violence and environmental imbalance lies not just in external measures but in controlling inner desires and practicing restraint in consumption (Bhogopabhog Pariman).
The Importance of Self-Reflection and Inner Transformation:
- "Know Thyself": The emphasis is on introspection and self-awareness. Understanding one's own motivations, desires, and tendencies is paramount.
- The "Scale of the Soul" (Ātmatulā): A key concept is to treat all beings as oneself, recognizing the inherent equality of existence. This perspective fosters empathy and non-violence.
- Transforming Inner States: True transformation comes from within. The practice of Preksha Dhyana and other spiritual disciplines aim to purify the mind, overcome negative emotions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, and cultivate qualities like equanimity, compassion, and detachment.
The Significance of Conduct and Practice: The book stresses that spirituality and dharma are not mere theoretical concepts but require practical application in daily life through Ācāra and Naitikta.
The Power of Non-violence and Inner Strength: Mahapragna Acharya highlights that true power lies not in weapons but in inner strength, righteousness, and the practice of Ahimsa. He advocates for disarmament at a personal and societal level, rooted in self-control and non-violence.
The Concept of "Akarmā" (One Who Does Not Act Ineffectively): This refers to one who is detached, has overcome desires, and acts with wisdom, understanding the essence of things rather than being driven by fleeting emotions or external influences.
The Importance of a Balanced Approach: The book promotes balance in life, whether in consumption, emotions, or actions. It emphasizes moderation and restraint as pathways to well-being and spiritual progress.
The Need for "Laghuta" (Lightness/Detachment): Acharya Mahapragna advocates for "Laghuta" (lightness) in body, possessions, and mind, seeing it as a source of inner strength and "Prabhuta" (mastery or greatness). This detachment reduces reactions and fosters inner peace.
The Ultimate Goal: Soul-realization: Ultimately, the journey described is towards self-realization, understanding the soul (Ātmā) as distinct from the physical body and worldly attachments, and achieving a state of pure consciousness.

Overall Message: "Astittva aur Ahimsa" is a call to re-examine our relationship with existence and to embrace Ahimsa not just as an ethical code but as a fundamental understanding of reality. It bridges ancient Jain wisdom with modern scientific and philosophical thought, offering practical guidance for personal and societal transformation towards a more harmonious and conscious existence. The book emphasizes that the principles of Jainism are not rigid rituals but a dynamic path to understanding the true nature of self and the universe.