Baar Prakarni Hinsao - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Baar Prakarni Hinsao" by Chandrashekharvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Baar Prakarni Hinsao (Twelve Types of Violence) Author: Pandit Chandrashekharvijayji Publisher: Kamal Prakashan Trust

Core Concept:

The book "Baar Prakarni Hinsao" argues that violence is not limited to harming living beings (prani-hinsa), but extends to twelve broader categories. It emphasizes that while physical harm to animals is often recognized as violence, other forms of violence, particularly self-inflicted ones, are far more insidious and destructive. The author posits that understanding and abstaining from all twelve types of violence is crucial for spiritual progress and liberation.

Structure of the Twelve Types of Violence:

The book divides the twelve types of violence into two main categories:

Six Types of Parahinsa (Violence towards Others):
1. Prani-hinsa (Violence towards Living Beings): This includes violence against animals, humans, and even the subtle beings in earth, water, fire, air, and plants. The text criticizes various religious perspectives for their differing views on the existence of life in these elements, highlighting Jainism's comprehensive approach to reverence for all life. It also touches upon the inherent inequality in the world, explaining why killing a lizard is not considered equivalent to killing a human.
2. Swajan-hinsa (Violence towards Relatives/Loved Ones): This category encompasses violence towards one's own family members, including spouse, children, parents, in-laws, and even servants, whom the text considers part of the family unit. Examples include domestic abuse, neglect, and mistreatment.
3. Manav-hinsa (Violence towards Humanity): This refers to larger-scale violence against human beings, such as war, exploitation, and injustice perpetuated by nations or groups. The book discusses how colonial powers, particularly Europeans, have historically engaged in such violence, often disguised as "progress" or "civilization."
4. Rashtra-hinsa (Violence towards the Nation): This involves the destruction or subjugation of a nation, its culture, and its people. The author laments the partition of India and the erosion of its true identity, attributing it to foreign influences and internal divisions promoted by selfish motives.
5. Sanskriti-hinsa (Violence towards Culture): This highlights the destruction of a nation's cultural heritage, traditions, and values. The book criticizes the adoption of Western lifestyles and education systems, arguing that they erode India's ancient wisdom and moral fabric.
6. Vichar-hinsa (Violence of Thought): This refers to harmful thoughts and ideologies that lead to violence. The text suggests that even a minor act of mental violence, like diverting an ant from its path, can have consequences.
Six Types of Swahinsa (Violence towards Self): 7. Sanskar-hinsa (Violence towards Character/Upbringing): This involves corrupting one's own character or the upbringing of children with negative influences, leading to moral decay. The book emphasizes the critical role of parents and education in shaping a child's values and criticizes modern influences that lead to moral degradation. 8. Sampatti-hinsa (Violence towards Wealth/Resources): This refers to the misuse or destruction of wealth and resources, particularly those dedicated to religious or societal welfare. The text discusses the commercialization of religious practices and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of religious assets. 9. Sangh (Satta) Hinsa (Violence towards the Community/Authority): This involves undermining or harming the established religious or social order (Sangh). The author highlights the importance of the Jain Sangh's authority and the dangers of deviating from scriptural mandates for the sake of popular opinion or personal gain. 10. Shastra (Mati) Hinsa (Violence towards Knowledge/Intellect): This encompasses the distortion or rejection of sacred scriptures and true knowledge, often replaced by flawed or harmful ideologies. The author criticizes the dominance of materialistic science over spiritual wisdom and the resulting negative impacts on humanity. 11. Dharma (Kriyatmak) Hinsa (Violence towards Religious Practices): This refers to the perversion or neglect of religious rituals and practices, stripping them of their spiritual essence. The text emphasizes that while external practices are important, they must be supported by genuine inner intention and adherence to scriptural guidelines. 12. Shasan (Swaroop) Hinsa (Violence towards the True Nature/Self): This is considered the most severe form of violence, where one negates or destroys their own true, pure, and virtuous self, the divine essence within. This is achieved through the indulgence in passions like anger, greed, lust, and ego, which obscure one's true nature. The author stresses that overcoming these inner enemies is the ultimate goal of spiritual practice.

Key Themes and Arguments:

Hierarchy of Violence: The book argues that violence towards oneself (Swahinsa) is more detrimental than violence towards others (Parahinsa), and within these categories, later forms are progressively more destructive. The ultimate violence is against one's own true self.
Critique of Modern Society: The author extensively criticizes modern materialistic society, its scientific advancements, consumerism, and the erosion of traditional values and spiritual practices. He points out how the pursuit of pleasure and profit leads to widespread violence in various forms.
Importance of Jain Principles: The text consistently references and advocates for Jain principles of non-violence (Ahimsa), reverence for life (Jiv-daya), and adherence to scriptural teachings as the path to spiritual liberation.
Critique of Other Religions and Practices: The book subtly critiques other religious traditions and societal practices that it deems to be less comprehensive in their understanding and application of Ahimsa.
Consequences of Violence: The author warns of severe consequences for all forms of violence, both for the individual and for society as a whole, often linking them to natural calamities, societal breakdown, and spiritual degradation.
Call to Action: The book urges readers to recognize and renounce all forms of violence, emphasizing the need for introspection, adherence to righteous conduct, and the revival of ancient traditions for the well-being of humanity and the planet.

Specific Examples and Discussions:

The book delves into various specific examples to illustrate its points, including:

The cruelty of animal testing for cosmetics and scientific research.
The harmful effects of industrial pollution and the unchecked pursuit of economic growth.
The breakdown of family structures and the mistreatment of elders in Westernized societies.
The manipulation of food production and consumption patterns, such as the promotion of eggs and meat.
The influence of foreign ideologies and the erosion of Indian culture and religious practices.
The flaws in modern medical practices and the commercialization of healthcare.
The importance of disciplined upbringing and the spiritual significance of religious rituals and symbols.

In essence, "Baar Prakarni Hinsao" is a profound and critical examination of violence in its multifaceted forms, urging a return to core ethical and spiritual principles, particularly those of Jainism, to counter the pervasive negativity and destruction plaguing modern society.