Astittvani Adharshila Ahimsa - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Astitvani Adharshila Ahimsa" (The Cornerstone of Existence: Non-violence), compiled from the provided pages:

The book, "Astitvani Adharshila Ahimsa" (The Cornerstone of Existence: Non-violence), is a collection of articles on the theme of Ahimsa (non-violence), compiled and edited by Dr. Sejal Shah and Sonal Parikh. It is published by the Shree Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh. The text is largely based on the thoughts and teachings of Pujya Acharyadev Shri Rajyashsurishwarji M.S.

Core Message and Foundation:

Ahimsa as the Supreme Principle: The central theme is that Ahimsa is the cornerstone of existence and the sole means to world peace. It is presented as the ultimate dharma, "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma."
Ahimsa as a "Great Festival": Acharya Shri Rajyashsurishwarji declares that Ahimsa itself is the greatest festival, aligning it with his 75th birthday year, celebrated as "Amrut Varsh" (Year of Nectar).
Universality of Ahimsa: The text emphasizes that Ahimsa is not only acceptable to followers of the Jain faith but also to honest atheists, as it resonates with every thoughtful human mind. It extends beyond humanity to all living beings.

Key Themes and Discussions:

The Sacredness of Ahimsa:
- Drawing from the "Dashavaikalik Sutra," Ahimsa is described as a great river, like the Ganga, with Samyam (restraint) as Yamuna and Tapas (austerity) as Saraswati.
- It is considered a pilgrimage site where these three divine rivers converge.
The "Amrut Varsh" and the Four Pillars of Ahimsa:
- To celebrate his 75th year as "Amrut Varsh," Acharya Shri Rajyashsurishwarji proposed its dedication to Ahimsa. This year would be celebrated as "Ahimsa Amrut Varsh."
- Four key areas of focus were identified to promote Ahimsa:
  - Reducing Meat Consumption: Efforts to reduce the production and consumption of meat. Encouraging vegetarianism for livelihood out of wisdom.
  - Prohibiting Foeticide: Condemning and stopping the practice of foeticide, even in educated and religious families, with a goal of zero abortions globally.
  - Against Animal Sacrifice: Opposing animal sacrifice prevalent in various corners of the world despite education and science, and urging people to move away from superstition.
  - Abandoning Violence: Addressing the increase of violence in daily life, such as shootings and stabbings. The neglect of protecting the weak, be it humans or animals, and the proliferation of weapons. The need to renounce the arms race for the planet's survival.
Beyond Physical Violence:
- Suicide Prevention: Acknowledging suicide as a sin akin to murder, often driven by financial, emotional, or mental issues, and advocating for immediate measures to prevent it.
- Mental Violence: The text highlights that negative thoughts and intentions are also a form of violence. In the current materialistic era, the pursuit of wealth leads to indirect mental violence against others.
- Holistic Understanding of Ahimsa: Ahimsa is not just about not killing living beings but a way of life that encompasses mental purity, compassion, non-possession, and respect for all life. It requires a transformation of thoughts, speech, and actions.
The Philosophy of Ahimsa:
- Ahimsa is intrinsically linked to truth. They are complementary.
- Mahavira Bhagwan's teachings of "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" and "The soul is the Supreme Soul" emphasize living according to one's true nature.
- Acharya Amritchand's view that any deviation from the soul's purity, like falsehood, is violence is cited. True Ahimsa is the absence of attachment and aversion (Raga-Dvesha).
- The importance of living beings having a right to life, even those unseen by the naked eye, is stressed.
Ahimsa in Different Contexts and Philosophies:
- Mahatma Gandhi's Influence: The book frequently refers to Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa and Satyagraha, noting the relevance of his 150th birth anniversary celebrations. Gandhi's belief that humanity is naturally non-violent and that Ahimsa is the only viable solution is highlighted.
- Non-violent Movements: The book discusses the power of non-violent movements globally, referencing examples like those documented in the book/series "A Force More Powerful," which showcases successful non-violent struggles against oppressive regimes in places like Nashville (USA) and South Africa.
- Ahimsa in Other Religions:
  - Islam: Gandhi's interpretation of Islam as "peace" is presented. The Quran's emphasis on no compulsion in religion ("La Ikra fid-din") is highlighted. The Prophet Muhammad's compassion towards animals is exemplified. The concept of "Jihad-e-Akbari" (Jihad of the Great) is explained as self-control over one's passions and anger, not as warfare.
  - Christianity: Jesus's teachings on turning the other cheek and his statement to Peter about sheathing the sword are cited. Leo Tolstoy's views on Jesus's non-violent teachings and the practices of pacifist Christian sects are mentioned.
- Modern Relevance: The text argues that Ahimsa is more relevant today than ever before in a competitive and complex world. The UN's declaration of the first decade of the 21st century as the "International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World" underscores its importance for future generations.
Jain Perspective on Ahimsa:
- Comprehensive Classification of Violence: Jainism classifies violence into four types: Sankalpi (intentional), Aarambhi (necessary for daily life), Udyami (inseparable from professions), and Virodhi (defensive). While Sankalpi violence is completely forbidden, the other three are unavoidable to varying degrees for householders, who are encouraged to minimize them.
- Ahimsa as a Way of Life: Jain monks meticulously practice Ahimsa, from the "iriyavahi" posture to daily "pratikraman" (confession and atonement). Jain households are characterized by practices like filtering water, abstaining from certain foods, and caring for even the smallest creatures.
- Ahimsa as Foundation: Jainism places Ahimsa as the primary principle, followed by truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.
- Cultural Integration: The text notes how Ahimsa has been deeply ingrained in Indian culture, evident in practices like feeding ants, fish, and stray animals, and the widespread establishment of "panjrapoles" (animal shelters).
The Goal of Ahimsa:
- Ideal Society: The vision of an ideal "Ahimsa Nagari" (City of Non-violence) is painted, where Ahimsa is the sole religion, leading to peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all living beings.
- Inner Purity: Ahimsa is seen as a path to inner purity, fostering compassion, love, and brotherhood. It is the essence of true love, devoid of attachment and aversion.
- Personal Responsibility: The ultimate responsibility for actualizing Ahimsa lies with each individual.

In essence, "Astitvani Adharshila Ahimsa" powerfully advocates for Ahimsa not just as a religious tenet but as a universal principle essential for individual well-being, societal harmony, and global peace. It draws upon Jain philosophy, the teachings of Acharya Rajyashsurishwarji, and the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, urging readers to integrate its profound wisdom into their lives.