Concept Of Samata And Its Relevance In The Modern World

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text from the book "Concept of Samata and its Relevance in the Modern World" by H. S. Chandalia:

The text explores the Jain concept of Samata, which translates to equity or equanimity, and argues for its profound relevance in the modern world.

The author begins by stating that man turns to philosophy to understand his life, his place in the universe, and his relationships within society. Jainism emerged as a philosophical school to counter the excesses of the Brahminical tradition, advocating for austerity and self-control to foster co-existence in a fragmented society. However, the text notes that Jainism, as a popular religion, has seen its philosophical impact diminish. This is attributed to its perceived inability to adapt to the rapidly changing modern world, with its strict puritanical life and abstract goals that demanded significant sacrifices, often being too demanding for the contemporary individual.

In this context, Samata is presented as a practical and adaptable concept within Jainism. While scholars debate whether it's a mere theory or a complete philosophy of life, the author emphasizes its practicability in guiding individual conduct and building a society based on equity. This philosophy is deemed relevant because it acknowledges and incorporates the political, economic, and social responsibilities of individuals in modern society. It's not just intellectual discourse but a tangible method for improving individual lifestyles and achieving higher social goals.

The foundational principle of Samata is rooted in the teachings of the Teerthankaras, with the statement "Samiyāe dhamme" (Equity is the highest religion) highlighting its core. In a world characterized by extreme diversity, Samata is presented as a redeeming concept. It is seen as complementing Marxian philosophy of communism by adding the crucial spiritual aspect that the former lacks. Furthermore, Samata aligns with the idea of a stateless society governed by self-control, cooperation, and discipline.

A key tenet of Samata is the belief that people should be rewarded based on their merit, performance, aptitude, and talent. The philosophy aims to cultivate equity not as an administrative imposition but as a thought, a point of view that permeates an individual's mind. This is achieved by fostering equity in thought, speech, attitude, and action, ultimately leading to a society built upon it.

The text elaborates on how this concept is materialized through practical measures such as discouraging individual or party ownership of wealth and power, providing equal opportunities to all, and establishing a strict code of conduct for everyone. The author points out that the root of current societal inequality lies in the excessive desire for power and property, which hinders the development of true humanity. Samata offers a solution by advocating for equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, and a shift in behavior towards fairness.

The Samata Darshan (philosophy of equity) is further divided into theoretical aspects, a philosophy of life, self-realization, and divine revelation. It proposes a code of conduct with twenty-one points, designed for practical adoption by average individuals. The philosophy champions a collective spirit of "all for one and one for all", prioritizing a socially desirable way of life where dutifulness and consciousness are valued more than money and power. It also stresses the independent existence of all organisms and advocates for the equitable distribution of life's essentials.

Finally, the text identifies the root of inequality in human desire, which is limitless. This unbridled pursuit of material wealth and power leads individuals to engage in undesirable actions. The closing statement, "दृढ आसन अपना करो, बाद करो सब काम" (Establish yourself firmly, then do all work), suggests a need for inner strength and focused action derived from the principles of Samata.