Bhagwat Prapti Ka Sarvottam Sadhan Janseva

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhagwat Prapti ka Sarvottam Sadhan Janseva" by Radheshyam Mishr, focusing on its core message and arguments:

The book, "Bhagwat Prapti ka Sarvottam Sadhan Janseva" (The Best Means to Attain God: Service to Humanity), authored by Radheshyam Mishr, posits that the most superior path to achieving divine realization (Bhagwat Prapti) is through selfless service to humanity, particularly to the poor and suffering.

The text begins by acknowledging various established paths to spiritual fulfillment such as karma (action), jnana (knowledge), bhakti (devotion), and prapatti (surrender). However, it strongly advocates for "janseva" (service to people) as the paramount means. It highlights that serving the distressed and downtrodden is the greatest form of worship. The author supports this by quoting Viyogi Hari, who questions the true understanding of "Deenbandhu" (Friend of the Poor) for those who feel disgust or indifference towards the needy.

The book draws support from scriptures like the Shrimad Bhagwat and the 'Bhaktamal' of Nabhadasji, which narrate the lives of devotees who dedicated their lives to public service and found spiritual fulfillment through it. The author emphasizes the internal joy and spiritual upliftment experienced when helping a suffering individual, suggesting that "Janardan" (a name for God, meaning the one who resides in people) truly dwells within the masses. The service to these living, moving forms of Narayan is considered far more significant than mere ritualistic worship. Viyogi Hari's poetry is again referenced to illustrate how the divine is sought in the suffering of others.

The text then delves into the philosophical underpinnings of this idea. It acknowledges the difficulty in grasping the infinite nature of God and the various interpretations of God's form (nirakar/formless vs. sakar/with form) and the paths to reach Him. However, it refers to the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 18, Verse 46), which states that God resides in the heart of all beings. This leads to the Gita's declaration of "Samatvam Yoga Uchhyate" (Equanimity is Yoga). The author explains that this equanimity is not a mathematical equation but a recognition of the divine presence within all creatures. The soul is considered a part of this divine light, as expressed by Mahatma Tulsidas ("Ishwar ansh jeev avinashi" - the soul is an eternal part of God).

Therefore, the text argues that God, while seemingly invisible, is actually perceptible if we shift our perspective and extend our feelings of well-being to all beings. The aspirations for universal happiness, health, and the absence of suffering ("Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayaḥ...") are presented as the foundation for a life of service. This compassionate outlook naturally translates into actions of love, kindness, charity, service, and friendship, all of which are seen as interconnected and supportive of spiritual growth.

The author further connects these virtues to the thirty fundamental principles of human conduct discussed by Devrishi Narada. While acknowledging a long list of virtues, the core essence is distilled into the "Prajaapati's education mantra" of "Da" - Daan (Charity), Daya (Compassion), and Daman (Self-control). These virtues, though sometimes expressed with different words like compassion and service, are essentially rooted in the same principle of human welfare.

The text then explores various forms of janseva, including the establishment of temples, schools, hospitals, food shelters, orphanages, and cow shelters, undertaken with the motive of public welfare and without personal ambition. These services are considered to bring one closer to God. Drawing from the Shrimad Bhagwat, it discusses the practice of donating a tenth of one's earnings for public welfare, with higher proportions for the wealthy and benevolent. The example of King Veta is used to illustrate the importance of charity, as his lack of charitable acts in his lifetime led to perpetual hunger in Brahmaloka.

The book highlights Vidya Daan (donation of knowledge) as particularly significant, as it empowers individuals to become self-reliant. True education is defined as that which teaches one to be human, fostering values of morality, character, compassion, service, and altruism. Collaborating with educational institutions and hospitals is presented as another way to serve. The biblical narrative of the Good Samaritan is cited to underscore the idea that "Services to mankind is services to God." The act of helping a suffering stranger, even at the cost of personal commitments, is presented as true divine service.

The teachings of Kabir and Tulsidas are referenced, emphasizing that God resides in the poor and suffering, and that true devotion lies in alleviating their pain. Maharshi Vyas's dictum, "Pahopkaray Punyaaya Paapaaya Paripidanam" (Good deeds for the welfare of others are meritorious, harming others is sinful), is presented as the essence of all eighteen Puranas.

The text concludes by emphasizing the role of social institutions as "mothers of the people" that nurture the needy. Supporting these institutions through one's body, mind, and wealth is considered true service. The author urges readers to protect and nurture these organizations, rather than hindering them. A story about a girl who tore her bag to cover the wounds of a leper, receiving the prize for her act of compassion, illustrates the profound impact of selfless service.

Ultimately, "Bhagwat Prapti ka Sarvottam Sadhan Janseva" advocates for a life dedicated to the welfare of all beings, recognizing that in serving humanity, one is directly serving the divine and achieving the highest spiritual goal. The book calls for individual and collective efforts to realize the vision of universal well-being, urging readers to support and contribute to organizations that are actively working towards this noble cause.