Bharat Ki Prachin Samruddh Sanskruti Parampara

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Bharat ki Prachin Samruddh Sanskruti Parampara" by Ashok Chandaliya:

The book, "Bharat ki Prachin Samruddh Sanskruti Parampara" (India's Ancient Prosperous Cultural Tradition), by Ashok Chandaliya, highlights the unparalleled richness and antiquity of Indian civilization and culture. The text emphasizes that at a time when other parts of the world were steeped in barbarism, India's society was already well-developed and orderly, with the "development of the complete human" flourishing in its cultural sphere.

The author asserts that India's cultural traditions are filled with numerous examples of greatness throughout history. This "land of gods" has been the birthplace of countless ascetics, seekers, and sages like Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Valmiki, Yajnavalkya, Ved Vyasa, and Agastya, who have guided the world with their welfare-oriented teachings. Alongside these spiritual figures, India has also produced great philanthropists and valiant warriors such as Janak, Bhagirath, Vikramaditya, Ashoka, and Arjuna.

A unique aspect of Indian culture, as described in the text, is that even deities are drawn to take birth on this sacred land, unable to resist its allure. The very essence of Indian traditions is its ability to embrace and assimilate diverse elements, transforming negative emotions like anger into compassion, violence into non-violence, and greed into renunciation. This inherent inclusivity is why people from various sects and cultures who came to India with the intention of merely ruling were, in time, so deeply influenced by its cultural heritage that they adopted it wholeheartedly. The text states that such assimilation is rarely seen elsewhere in the world.

The book points out that the principle of "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" (Non-violence is the highest duty), propagated by Mahavira, and the path of Panchsheel (Five Precepts), shown by Mahatma Buddha, are direct contributions of Indian culture to the world. Even today, the Ramlila plays are performed in many countries, and people in the West, in their quest for meaning amid the materialistic race of modern life, find solace and guidance in the Bhagavad Gita.

India's cultural traditions are so profound that they allow two seemingly opposing ideologies, like Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga, to coexist and explain the mysteries of life. The land has nurtured great donors like Karna and Vikramaditya, economists like Kautilya, social architects like Manu, and devotional saints like Meerabai, Kabir, Surdas, and Tulsidas. Figures like Rama, Krishna, Mahavira, and Buddha are considered manifestations of the divine, born to uplift humanity.

The text further praises the self-sacrifice of individuals like Ashok, Arjuna, and Shivaji, who defended their motherland, and highlights the bravery of women like Lakshmibai, Savarkar, Bhagat Singh, and Shivaji, who laid down their lives for the protection of their honor and identity. It specifically mentions Alexander the Great being defeated and then forgiven, embodying the principle of "Kshama Virasya Bhushanam" (Forgiveness is the ornament of the brave).

The author notes that India's ancient cultural traditions have fostered an environment of unity, brotherhood, tolerance, and mutual cooperation among people of thousands of castes, religions, and sects, who live together peacefully. This unity is seen as a garland where different communities are like pearls strung together.

The book contrasts India's rich cultural heritage with the ambitions and competitive spirit of the current era. While developed nations strive for global dominance through their resources, employing various means to intimidate other countries, India has consistently demonstrated its strength by adapting and improving upon technologies through its culturally-rooted ingenuity. India's cultural exponents are now making their mark globally, with their skills being recognized. The text emphasizes that core Indian values like coordination, dialogue, cooperation, humanity, compassion, affection, intimacy, respect, and hospitality are unique and found nowhere else.

A significant concern raised in the text is the alleged deliberate attempt by developed nations to corrupt Indian culture through various mediums, particularly electronic media. Through satellite broadcasts of undesirable programs, these efforts aim to disrupt India's social structure, cultural traditions, ethical boundaries, and genteel ways of life, alienating the youth from their heritage.

The author concludes with a strong call to action, stressing the crucial responsibility of the present generation to protect and preserve the invaluable cultural heritage that their ancestors have safeguarded for centuries. This preservation is essential not only to prevent the younger generation from being led astray by a corrupted culture but also to ensure that the ancient and eternal Indian culture does not lose its true essence. The text urges pride in this heritage and a commitment to passing it on to future generations.