Bharatiya Darshano Me Atmawad

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Bharatiya Darshano me Atmawad" by Sushma Singhvi, focusing on the essence of its message regarding Atma (soul) and Dharma (righteousness) within Indian philosophy, particularly from a Jain perspective.

Overall Theme:

The text argues for the fundamental oneness of Atma (soul) and Dharma (righteousness), asserting that understanding the nature of the soul across various Indian philosophies, when examined through the lens of scripture and authoritative pronouncements (Apta Vachan), and tested by logic, reason, experience, and realization, can lead to a unified definition of human Dharma and the Dharma propounded by different philosophical systems. It emphasizes that the inherent nature of our soul is Dharma, and deviation from this leads to negative consequences.

Key Arguments and Concepts:

• The Interconnectedness of Soul and Dharma: The core premise is that "Aatma aur Dharma ek arth ke vachak ho sakte hain" (Soul and Dharma can be synonyms) because our very nature (swabhav) is our soul, and the nature of anything is its Dharma. This implies that living according to one's true nature is righteous living.
• The Need for Action and Self-Effort (Purushartha): The text strongly advocates for action and self-exertion, highlighting the Jain principle of "Uththie no pamaye" (Be awakened, do not be negligent). It juxtaposes this with the Upanishadic call "Uttishthata Jagrata Prapyavarannibodhata" (Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached). The awakening of the soul's consciousness towards purposeful action (purusharthonmukhi hona) and the development of the "atmaupamyabhav" (attitude of treating others as oneself) are presented as central.
• The Significance of the Astapadi of Sthananga Sutra: The text repeatedly points to the "Ashtam Sthan Utthan Pad ki Anushasan Parva" (Discipline chapter of the eighth place, Utthan Pad) in the Sthananga Sutra as a universal guide for living. The "Astapadi" (eight steps) from this section is considered a practical and universally applicable approach to spiritual development and social upliftment through karma yoga.
• The Eightfold Path (Astapadi) for Spiritual and Social Progress: The text outlines an eight-step approach derived from the Sthananga Sutra for achieving both individual spiritual growth and societal betterment. These steps, which are presented as the essence of Atma-vad across Indian philosophies, include:
  1. Listening to the best Dharma: Seeking wisdom and true teachings.
  2. Practicing the best Dharma: Implementing these teachings in life.
  3. Controlling new influx of karma through self-discipline (Sanyam): Preventing the accumulation of new karmic bonds.
  4. Relieving bound karma through selfless austerity (Nishkama Tap Sadhana): Working towards the purification of past karma.
  5. Providing shelter and support to the helpless and dependent: Acts of compassion and social service.
  6. Educating the uneducated: Spreading knowledge and enlightenment.
  7. Serving the sick with a cheerful disposition: Compassionate care for the ailing.
  8. Resolving differences, conflicts, and discord with mutual goodwill: Promoting harmony and peace.
• The Problem of Present-Day India and the Solution in Philosophy: The text laments the current state of India, marked by poverty, disease, illiteracy, corruption, insensitivity, and natural calamities, despite being the land of Lord Mahavir's 2600th birth anniversary. It questions whether the soul will awaken to implement the solutions inherent in Indian philosophies. The presented Atma-vad is seen as a potential remedy for these societal ills.
• Atma-vad as Non-Violence and Compassion: When philosophy and Dharma become "Atmaparak" (soul-centric), the text states that violence has no place, and compassion flows, creating an ambrosial atmosphere. The connection of Indian deities with animals and birds is cited as a testament to the "atmaupamyabhav" and the understanding of the equality of all beings at the level of consciousness and soul.
• The Power of Purushartha for Liberation: The text emphasizes that liberation from bonds (be it of ignorance, poverty, disease, vices, selfishness, or evil conduct) is dependent on one's own efforts and "satpurushartha" (true exertion). The manifestation of the soul's pure and auspicious qualities, though arduous, is possible and invaluable.
• The Essence of Indian Philosophical Systems: The text briefly mentions the contributions of various Indian philosophical schools, including Upanishadic spirituality, Shankara's Advaita, Patanjali's Yoga, Kapila's discrimination between Prakriti and Purusha, and the principles of Nyaya and Vaisheshika. It asserts that the Atma-vad presented by these systems is only meaningful when the soul/consciousness is in its natural state, which is the path from soul to the supreme soul.
• The Practical Application: The research paper aims to be effective in propagating this universal life-view of the Sthananga Sutra and developing the inner vision to recognize the soul in all Indian philosophies. It is presented as a timely and relevant approach, especially in the context of celebrating Lord Mahavir's birth anniversary.

In essence, Sushma Singhvi's work advocates for a resurgence of the fundamental principles of Indian philosophy, particularly Jainism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the soul and righteousness, the power of selfless action, and the practical application of ethical and compassionate conduct as outlined in ancient scriptures like the Sthananga Sutra, as the path to individual spiritual upliftment and societal welfare.