Chitkar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chitkar" by Acharya Hemchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Overall Theme and Core Message:

The central and overwhelming message of "Chitkar" is a fervent condemnation of abortion, presented through a Jain religious and ethical lens. Acharya Hemchandrasuri uses strong language and vivid imagery to depict abortion as a heinous sin that leads to severe suffering, particularly in hellish realms (Naraka). The text aims to awaken the conscience of mothers and society, urging them to reject this practice and embrace the principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and the sanctity of life from conception.

Key Arguments and Content Breakdown:

1. Introduction (Upoodghat):

   • Contrast with Historical Atrocities: The introduction begins by listing historical instances of immense human suffering and violence, such as the burning of Dwarka, the atrocities of Aurangzeb and Alauddin Khilji, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Hitler's genocide of Jews, and the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
   • The Unprecedented Sin of Abortion: It then dramatically contrasts these with the "terrible story" of mothers killing their unborn children, with state encouragement. The author argues that this is a sin unseen in all of history and that the current era, called "Kalikal" (the Age of Vice), is defined by this abhorrent practice.
   • Moral and Religious Decay: The author asserts that abortion is a greater sin than those committed by historical tyrants because even those individuals loved their own children, whereas abortion involves the killing of innocent, unborn ones. He criticizes the Indian parliament for legalizing abortion, calling it a "black law" and a "stain of violence" on the government. Doctors and nurses involved are branded "human demons."
   • Loss of Cultural and Religious Identity: The text questions how India can claim lineage from great spiritual figures like Mahavir, Rama, Krishna, and Buddha while legalizing child killing. It suggests that the absence of lawyers defending unborn children, while defending those who committed other crimes, highlights a deep moral void. The author laments that no religion in India seems to be truly alive if such a grave sin is condoned by the state and practiced widely.

2. The Role of Women and the Call for Repentance:

   • Disgrace of Western Influence: The author addresses women directly, lamenting their straying from their heritage due to Western influence. He invokes historical examples of Indian women (Sita, Sursundari, Ratisundari, Padmini) who prioritized chastity and honor over their lives, emphasizing the high moral standards of Indian womanhood.
   • Inspiration from Great Mothers: He highlights the examples of mothers like Trishla (mother of Mahavir), Jijabai (mother of Shivaji), and Pahini (who gave Hemchandracharya to Jainism) as role models who raised virtuous children who contributed to society.
   • Responsibility and Rebirth: Women are urged to return to the right path, become devoted wives and mothers, and give birth to virtuous children to save India. They are reminded of their significant role in shaping society and the grave responsibility they carry.

3. The Story of Trishla Devi and Lord Mahavir:

   • Mahavir's Stillness: This section narrates an incident during Lord Mahavir's gestation. To show respect and devotion to his mother, Trishla Devi, Mahavir remained perfectly still in the womb, without any movement.
   • Trishla's Anxiety and Despair: This stillness caused Trishla immense anxiety. She feared the fetus had been taken by gods or had been aborted, leading her into deep sorrow and lamentation. She questioned fate, her past deeds, and the meaninglessness of worldly pleasures without a virtuous son.
   • Mahavir's Action and Trishla's Relief: Lord Mahavir, perceiving his mother's distress, subtly moved his toe. This slight movement reassured Trishla that the pregnancy was safe. She became overjoyed, praising her good fortune and the divine grace.
   • The Contrast: The author uses this story to highlight the immense love a mother naturally has for her unborn child, emphasizing how deeply Trishla was affected by even the suspicion of harm to her fetus. This serves as a stark contrast to the deliberate act of abortion.

4. The Story of Dadhpahari (The Fierce Bandit):

   • A Brutal Bandit's Transformation: This narrative tells the story of a fearsome bandit named Dadhpahari, known for his violent raids and killings. During one raid, he and his gang attacked a village.
   • Witnessing the Killing of an Unborn Child: In the chaos, Dadhpahari's men killed a pregnant Brahmin woman. When her womb was cut open, the unborn child was also killed.
   • The Turning Point: Witnessing the brutal killing of the innocent, unborn infant profoundly shook Dadhpahari. His hardened heart melted, and he was overwhelmed with remorse. He realized the futility and sinfulness of taking life, especially the life of an unborn child.
   • Renunciation and Sainthood: Overcome with guilt, Dadhpahari renounced his violent ways, abandoned his gang, and became a monk. He took a severe vow (Abhigraha) to fast from food and water whenever the memory of his sin came to him. Through intense penance, he achieved Keval Gyana (omniscience) and ultimately attained liberation.
   • Moral of the Story: This story aims to show that even the most hardened criminals can be moved to repentance by witnessing the sin of abortion, and that such repentance can lead to spiritual liberation.

5. The Story of Narvir (Former Life of Kumarapala):

   • A King's Past Sin: The text recounts a past life of King Kumarapala where he was Narvir, a prince who indulged in seven vices and was exiled. As a bandit, he robbed a merchant named Jayataka.
   • The Merchant's Revenge and Wife's Death: Jayataka sought help from the king of Malwa, gathered an army, and attacked Narvir's settlement. Narvir fled, and Jayataka killed his pregnant wife, resulting in the death of both mother and unborn child.
   • Consequences and Excommunication: Jayataka was then banished by the Malwa king for committing two murders (mother and child). He became a repentant ascetic and was reborn as Siddharaj Jaysinh, but due to the sin of killing the unborn child, he remained childless.
   • The Principle of Karma: This story reinforces the Jain principle of karma, illustrating that the sin of killing an unborn child carries severe and lasting consequences, including the inability to have children in future lives. It also states that seeing the face of one who commits such a sin is also considered a grave transgression.

6. Emperor Akbar's Remorse:

   • Witnessing a Pregnant Woman's Death: Even Emperor Akbar, known for his brutality in Chittorgarh, was deeply moved upon witnessing a pregnant woman whose womb had been ripped open, killing her and her unborn child.
   • Offer of Reward for Absolving the Sin: Akbar expressed profound remorse, even offering his kingdom and wealth to anyone who could absolve him of the sin of allowing such an atrocity.
   • Akbar's Painful Realization: The author highlights that even a cruel ruler like Akbar was horrified by the act of killing an unborn child, questioning how Indian women could willingly commit this sin.

7. Suryashri and the Sixth Naraka (Hell):

   • Abortion by Thought Alone: This section recounts how a woman named Suryashri went to the sixth Naraka (hell) solely for thinking about aborting her child, even though she was near childbirth.
   • The Power of Intention: This illustrates the extreme severity of the sin, where even the thought of abortion, driven by attachment and aversion (Arta dhyana), leads to terrible consequences.
   • Call to Present-Day Mothers: The author uses this to warn present-day mothers, asking what fate awaits them if they actually perform abortions.

8. Causes of Naraka (Hellish Births):

   • Abortion as a Primary Cause: Abortion is reiterated as a major cause for rebirth in Naraka.
   • Other Sins: Other sins leading to Naraka include:
     • Maharambha (Great Violence/Attachment): Large-scale industries, factories, projects, and even stock market activities that cause significant harm.
     • Mahaparigraha (Great Greed/Possessiveness): Intense attachment to wealth, exemplified by the story of Mamman Seth.
     • Violence against Panchindriya Jivas (Five-Sensed Beings): Killing animals like cows, buffaloes, deer, lions, fish, birds, etc. The story of King Shrenik killing a pregnant deer is mentioned, leading to his first Naraka birth, which only changed after encountering Lord Mahavir. This also includes modern slaughterhouses, fishermen, and meat-eaters.
     • Non-vegetarianism (Mansahar): Eating meat, fish, chicken, etc.

9. Description of Naraka Sufferings:

   • Incredible Pain and Agony: The text dedicates a significant portion to vividly describing the torturous experiences in Naraka. This includes:
     • Physical Pain: Extreme heat, cold, hunger, thirst, constant burning, scratching, tearing, dismemberment, being ground into powder, and immense pressure.
     • Sensory Torment: Horrible smells, repulsive sights, bitter tastes, and excruciating sounds.
     • Interpersonal Pain: Conflicts and attacks from other Naraki beings due to past animosities.
     • Torment by Paramdhamis: Demonic beings who inflict unimaginable pain, cutting, burning, boiling, and tearing the Naraka souls, finding pleasure in their suffering.
     • The Cycle of Rebirth: The souls are described as being torn apart and then reforming to endure further torment, with their lifespan lasting for unimaginably long periods (Palyopama and Sagopama years).
   • The Origin of Naraka Beings: Animals like tigers, wolves, serpents, and birds of prey are also born in Naraka due to their sins. They are described as being born in niches (nishfata) within the Naraka dwellings, consuming impure substances, and enduring the same tortures.

10. Methods of Abortion:

    • Detailed and Horrific Descriptions: The text details various abortion methods, aiming to shock the reader:
      • D&C (Dilation and Curettage): Described as piercing the living child with instruments, dismembering it, and extracting pieces.
      • Suction Method: Using tubes to suck out the fetus, sometimes resulting in limbs being torn off or the whole fetus being expelled alive and then crushed.
      • Hysterotomy (Mini-Cesarean): Cutting open the uterus to remove the living child, which is then discarded.
      • Chemical Methods: Injecting poisonous salts into the womb, causing the fetus to convulse, burn, and die.
    • Governmental Promotion and Financial Incentives: The author criticizes the government's promotion of abortion, citing statistics and expressing dismay at a Health Minister's approval of abortion becoming "popular." He notes that medical practitioners receive incentives for performing abortions.

11. Critique of "Pro-Choice" Arguments and the Jain Perspective:

    • "It's a mere piece of flesh": The text refutes the argument that a fetus is not alive or is just a "lump of flesh," stating that life begins at conception and that even a single-sensed being is to be respected in Jainism.
    • Governmental Deception: The author accuses the government of promoting abortion through deceptive slogans like "A woman's right to reproductive choice" to control population, which he calls a "low and murderous ploy."
    • Rejection of Natural Law: He argues that legalizing abortion is a deviation from natural justice and that if abortion is legal, then other heinous crimes like theft and murder could also be legalized.
    • Hypocrisy of Animal Protection: The author points out the hypocrisy of a society that protects birds, animals, and even insects (by wearing mouth-covers and avoiding green vegetables) but allows the systematic killing of human fetuses.
    • Moral Corruption: The text warns that such practices lead to moral decay, societal breakdown, and divine retribution (like droughts, earthquakes, and increased crime).

12. Call to Action and Conclusion:

    • Repentance and Penance: For those who have already committed abortions, the text urges sincere repentance and seeking guidance from spiritual teachers for atonement.
    • Vow Against Abortion: For others, it calls for a strong resolve never to commit this sin again.
    • The Power of Non-Violence: The text reiterates the core Jain principle of Ahimsa as the only path to true peace and happiness.

In essence, "Chitkar" is a powerful, albeit graphic, religious treatise aimed at vehemently opposing abortion by highlighting its perceived catastrophic karmic consequences and its moral and societal implications according to Jain philosophy.