Bhookampa Kaise Roka Jaye

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Bhookampa Kaise Roka Jaye" (How to Stop Earthquakes) by Manikchandra Navlakha:

The book argues that despite extensive scientific and engineering research, stopping earthquakes has not been successful because modern science, bound by its materialistic and often violent inclinations, fails to acknowledge and integrate the deep ecological insights offered by Jain philosophy. Jainism, particularly its emphasis on the vow of non-violence (Ahimsa Mahavrata), provides a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings and their role in maintaining environmental balance, which modern science largely overlooks due to its self-serving focus.

The core argument is that every living creature is born for a specific, useful purpose and contributes to the smooth functioning of the environment. If these natural processes are disrupted, it can lead to imbalances that manifest as phenomena like earthquakes. The text highlights the crucial role of marine life, particularly fish, in maintaining the Earth's internal equilibrium.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

• The Role of Marine Life:
  • Fish and other marine creatures are essential for cleaning the seabed and churning the ocean floor.
  • This churning process is vital for opening up fissures, channels, and pores deep within the Earth's crust.
  • These openings facilitate the circulation of water and help regulate the Earth's internal temperature.
  • The movement of water and the metabolic processes of marine organisms contribute to this temperature balance.
• Causes of Earthquakes:
  • When the balance of water and temperature within the Earth is disrupted, and excessive heat builds up in certain areas, water turns into steam, creating pressure.
  • This pressure, combined with the collision of large geological formations, generates vibrations that cause earthquakes.
  • The text specifically points to the blockage of natural pathways in the seabed due to a lack of marine life (specifically due to overfishing) as a primary cause for increasing earthquake probability.
  • Areas like the Indian Ocean, Ganga River, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Brahmaputra River are cited as experiencing increased earthquake risk due to a decline in fish populations.
• The Importance of Conservation:
  • The author stresses that to prevent earthquakes, marine life should be "disturbed as little as possible."
  • The argument against overfishing is presented as a direct measure to prevent earthquakes.
  • The text refutes the notion that reducing fishing would lead to a scarcity of food or impact the energy of living beings. Instead, it suggests that fish are a "Tamasi" (rajasic/passionate) food that contributes to population growth and a shorter lifespan for humans.
• Jain Perspective vs. Modern Science:
  • Jainism's understanding of the "eighty-four lakh" (8.4 million) forms of life and their environmental functions is presented as a superior, holistic approach that modern science has failed to grasp.
  • The immense energy provided by marine life (comparable to trillions of kilowatts) cannot be replicated by machines.
  • The text uses the example of whales, which were once kilometers long, suggesting that their former abundance played a role in maintaining geological stability.
  • Modern humanity's pursuit of wealth through destructive practices (like overfishing) is contrasted with the cost-effectiveness and natural efficiency of the ecological roles played by living organisms.
• Underlying Principles:
  • Every organism has a purpose and contributes to environmental harmony.
  • Disrupting these natural systems leads to negative consequences like earthquakes.
  • Jainism's principles of Ahimsa and respect for all life offer a scientific and spiritual solution to these environmental problems.
  • The author concludes that the energy generated by marine creatures is far superior to that produced by machines, and their conservation is key to preventing devastating earthquakes.

In essence, the book advocates for a paradigm shift, urging a return to the wisdom of Jain philosophy and its emphasis on non-violence and ecological respect as the true path to preventing natural disasters like earthquakes, which are seen as a consequence of humanity's disconnect from the natural world and its living inhabitants.