Bharatiya Sanskruti Me Sant Ka Mahattva

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text:

Book Title: Bharatiya Sanskruti me Sant ka Mahattva (The Significance of Saints in Indian Culture) Author: Sadhvi Kusumvati Sadhviji Publisher: Z_Hajarimalmuni_Smruti_Granth_012040.pdf

This text, "The Significance of Saints in Indian Culture" by Sadhvi Kusumvati Sadhviji, emphasizes the paramount importance of saints in shaping and sustaining Indian culture.

The author posits that saints are the creators of Indian culture, and the continuous flow of their lineage has led to the fruition of this culture through their intense austerities. Saints, renouncing worldly pleasures and living in seclusion, discovered the nectar of spiritual realization and distributed it to the world, thereby establishing and nurturing culture. Even as culture evolved with the times, the practice and influence of saints remained central. This is why Indian culture possesses unique characteristics not found elsewhere.

Saints' lives, though self-focused on spiritual upliftment, are ultimately dedicated to the welfare of humanity. Their knowledge is intended to awaken a dormant world. Like lamps, they are radiant themselves and illuminate others. Their spiritual progress is intrinsically linked to the effortless well-being of others; altruism and upliftment are integral to their spiritual practice. Every moment, every particle of their body, and every atom of their mind is devoted to the benefit of others.

The text draws parallels between saints and nature's benevolent elements. Just as a lake stores vast amounts of water not for itself but to quench the thirst of the world, and trees bear sweet fruits and flowers not for themselves but for others, saints dedicate their lives for the benefit of others. Like an incense stick that burns itself to offer fragrance, saints sacrifice their all for the welfare of others, disregarding their own suffering.

The author contrasts the softness of a saint's heart with that of butter. While butter melts at its own pain, a saint's heart melts at the pain of others. Saints are described as being unwavering as Himalayan rocks in the face of personal adversity, insult, or contempt. They would never beg for mercy. Instead, the more they are tested, the stronger they become, like a diamond being polished. However, towards others, they are as delicate as flowers.

The text illustrates the profound impact of saints through several historical examples:

1. Samarth Ramdas and Shivaji: Samarth Ramdas, a realized saint, greatly influenced Shivaji Maharaj. When Shivaji offered his entire kingdom to Ramdas in lieu of his begging, Ramdas, after accepting the offer and demonstrating the burden of kingship by making Shivaji beg with him, ultimately returned the kingdom, advising Shivaji to rule as a trustee. This profound influence ensured Shivaji ruled with devotion and integrity.
2. Shrenik and Anathi Muni: King Shrenik of Magadha was deeply impressed by the virtue, serenity, and detachment of Anathi Muni. The Muni's teachings on the essence of being protected and unprotected transformed Shrenik, leading him to abandon Buddhism and embrace Jainism.
3. Angulimal and Mahatma Buddha: The association with Mahatma Buddha transformed Angulimal, a notorious robber who wore a garland of human fingers, into a non-violent disciple. Buddha's compassionate words, "I am standing, but you remain standing," awakened Angulimal to his own instability and led him to embrace the path of righteousness.
4. Hemchandracharya and Kumarpal: Hemchandracharya, a renowned scholar, influenced King Kumarpal, a devout Shaivite, to become a devoted follower of Jainism. When Kumarpal questioned the saint's simple meals and worn clothes, Hemchandracharya explained his contentment by pointing to the plight of the poor who had even less.
5. Hiravijaya Surishwar and Emperor Akbar: Hiravijaya Surishwar's teachings instilled the principle of non-violence in Emperor Akbar, leading him to declare an 'Amari' (no slaughter) policy in his kingdom.

The text further elaborates on the qualities of a saint:

• Equanimity: Saints remain unaffected by misfortunes; their lives shine brighter during difficult times. They are steadfast like a conch that retains its purity in fire, or sandalwood that fragrances the axe even as it is cut. They extend compassion equally to those who harm them and those who help them.
• Self-control: Saints practice non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession, controlling their senses. They are masters of their senses, not slaves to them. They accept whatever simple, pure food is available, transforming it into nectar with their equanimity.
• Inner Purity: They are not swayed by anger, pride, or greed. Their hearts are pure and simple. They understand that conquering passions is the ultimate goal of a saintly life.
• Virtues: The text lists twenty-seven virtues, including truthfulness in thought, word, and deed, forgiveness, detachment, mental and verbal control, knowledge, right perception, and right conduct, as attributes of a saint.
• Discipline: Saints protect all living beings, renounce eight types of pride, practice pure celibacy, and adhere to ten principles of asceticism, twelve types of austerities, and seventeen types of restraint. They face hardships and challenges with joy, understanding that struggling with difficulties enhances spiritual strength.
• Resilience and Compassion: Saints do not inflict suffering on others to save themselves. They are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect others. The example of Metarya Muni, who endured immense suffering and physical torture rather than reveal that a chicken had eaten golden grains, saving the chicken's life, highlights their profound compassion and tolerance. This act of self-sacrifice led the goldsmith to remorse and to become a monk himself.

Finally, the text emphasizes the importance of inner purity. Just as an empty vault has no value, external rituals without inner purity are meaningless. True spiritual progress comes from actions that touch the soul. Saints possess an unwavering conviction and a clear life goal, which guides their actions. Their inner consciousness is always awake, even if they appear outwardly asleep. Their lives are illuminated by the flame of knowledge, radiating the fragrance of austerity and self-restraint, and are repositories of right knowledge, right perception, and right conduct, progressing towards purity.