Bharatiya Chintan Me Dan Ki Mahima - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Bharatiya Chintan me Dan ki Mahima" (The Glory of Charity in Indian Thought) by Babulal Jain:

The book "Bharatiya Chintan me Dan ki Mahima" by Babulal Jain explores the paramount significance of 'Dan' (charity or giving) across various Indian philosophical traditions and religious practices. The author asserts that despite differing interpretations of its specifics, the fundamental truth that 'Dan' is a noble religious duty is universally accepted in India.

Historical Roots and Evolution of Dan:

Ancient Origins: The concept of 'Dan' is as old as humanity itself, originating from the need for mutual support and coexistence. In early societies, stronger individuals would naturally assist the weaker, this help being based on equality and devoid of pride from the giver or shame from the receiver. Lord Mahavir termed this mutual cooperation as 'Sanvibhag' (proper division or sharing), emphasizing a sense of equality and brotherhood where neither the giver nor the receiver feels superior or inferior.
Vedic Philosophy: The six Vedic schools of philosophy (Shad-darshanas) are discussed. While Sankhya and Vedanta prominently feature knowledge, their emphasis on conduct or 'Achara' is secondary. Apart from Mimamsa, the other five Vedic philosophies do not significantly discuss or legislate on 'Dan'.
Shraman Tradition: This tradition encompasses Jainism, Buddhism, and Ajivika.
- Ajivika: Founded by Makkhali Gosala, this school was deterministic, believing that destiny cannot be altered. Consequently, their views on the fruits of 'Dan' are unknown as no texts survive, but their deterministic philosophy suggests 'Dan' would have no consequential benefit.
- Buddhism: Buddhism prioritizes 'Sheel' (virtue or morality) as the foundation for human upliftment, encompassing all good deeds, including 'Dan'. Lord Buddha stressed the importance of giving with reverence, one's own hand, and a pure heart. Giving with faith is considered superior, while giving without it is deemed insignificant. Religious 'Dan' is considered the highest, its essence being superior to all other essences. The text mentions that 'Dan' is one of the ten 'Paramitas' (perfections) required for Buddhahood.
- Jainism: Jainism, while valuing faith and knowledge, is primarily considered an Achara-pradhana (conduct-oriented) religion. Liberation is achieved through the coordination of right faith ('Samyak Darshan'), right knowledge ('Samyak Gyan'), and right conduct ('Samyak Charitra'). 'Dan' is intrinsically linked to conduct. Lord Mahavir, in the 'Sutrakritanga,' declared 'Abhayadan' (fearlessness or protection of life) as the supreme form of 'Dan', also referred to as 'Jeevan-dan' (life-giving). The text notes that Jainism recognizes four aspects of Dharma: 'Danshil' (generosity), 'Tap' (austerity), and 'Bhav' (inner disposition), with 'Danshil' being the primary and first among them. The 'Sukhavipakashutra' glorifies 'Dan'.
Other Indian Religions and Poets: Christianity and Islam also place great importance on 'Dan'. The Bible advises giving such that one's left hand doesn't know what the right hand gives. The Quran likens prayer to reaching half the way to God, fasting to the palace gates, and 'Dan' to entering within. The text quotes a poet stating that 'Dan' subjugates all beings, destroys enmity, and turns strangers into friends, eradicating all misfortunes. Numerous texts and poets like Kalidasa, Tulsidas, Kabir, and Rahim have expounded the glory of 'Dan'.

The Modern Conception of 'Dan' and its Pitfalls:

The author laments that the modern understanding of 'Dan' has become somewhat tarnished. Today, givers often act out of ego, and receivers accept with bowed heads. The giver feels superior and the receiver indebted. This is attributed to the addition of specific qualifiers to the word 'Dan', such as 'Karuna-dan' (charity out of compassion), 'Anukampa-dan' (charity out of pity), and 'Kirti-dan' (charity for fame). The modern approach often involves compulsion and a lack of genuine willingness, where neither the giver nor the receiver experiences true happiness.

Key Concepts in Jain 'Dan':

Sanvibhag: As explained earlier, this signifies sharing based on equality and mutual respect, devoid of ego or shame.
Abhayadan: The highest form of charity, involving the protection of life and preventing fear in others.
Types of Dan: Jain tradition categorizes 'Dan' into four types:
1. Abhayadan: Fearlessness or protection of life.
2. Annadan (Ahardan): Offering food, considered the most excellent form of 'Dan'.
3. Aushadhdan: Offering medicine.
4. Shastradan (Gyan-dan): Offering knowledge or scriptures.
Givers and Receivers: The text elaborates on the qualities of both givers and receivers that determine the efficacy of 'Dan'.
- Receivers (Patra):
  - Uttam Patra (Best): Ascetics who are indifferent to worldly pleasures, possess equanimity, are tolerant of hardships, speak kindly, are free from envy, devoted to the monastic community, and dedicated to service.
  - Madhyam Patra (Medium): Those who observe country-wide vows (Desh-vratadhari Shravakas).
  - Jaghanya Patra (Inferior): Those who have attained right faith but are not fully observant of vows (Avirat-Samyak Drishti).
  - Apatra (Unworthy): Giving to the unworthy is likened to pouring water into an unbaked pot, which leaks and breaks the pot. Such 'Dan' is considered fruitless and leads to the downfall of the receiver.
- Givers: The act of giving itself is highly valued. Even a small gift given with proper intent and method yields immense benefits, akin to a tiny seed growing into a large tree that provides shade to many.

The Enduring Legacy of Dan:

The book concludes by emphasizing that 'Dan' was prevalent in the past, continues in the present, and will always remain a fundamental aspect of human society. The author quotes Kabir, who stated that giving does not diminish wealth, and reinforces the timeless wisdom that the glory of 'Dan' is supreme, with 'Abhayadan' being the foremost among all forms of giving. The author concludes with a powerful statement: without 'Dan', no institution in India would survive today.

In essence, "Bharatiya Chintan me Dan ki Mahima" is a scholarly exploration of the profound spiritual and social significance of charity in Indian thought, tracing its roots, defining its various forms, and advocating for its practice with sincerity and wisdom, particularly highlighting the Jain perspective.