Desh Ki Chikat Samasya Bhukh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Desh Ki Chikat Samasya Bhukh" by Amarmuni, based on the provided pages:

The text "Desh Ki Chikat Samasya Bhukh" (The Dire Problem of the Nation: Hunger) by Amarmuni is a passionate and critical examination of India's pervasive issue of hunger and poverty, juxtaposing the nation's glorious past with its dire present. The author laments the decline from a prosperous and spiritually advanced civilization to one plagued by widespread suffering.

A Glorious Past Contrasted with a Bleak Present:

The author begins by painting a vivid picture of India's idealized past, characterized by immense wealth, pristine rivers, towering mountains, abundant natural beauty, and a simple yet spiritually rich life. This era was marked by high thoughts and a way of life that even deities envied, as evidenced by scriptures like the Vishnu Purana. This past is described as a time when India was the beacon of human civilization, with religions like Jainism, Buddhism, and Vedic traditions originating and spreading a message of awakening.

However, this idyllic past serves as a stark contrast to the author's portrayal of the "hungry present." He questions where that glorious India has gone, and if deities still sing its praises. The current state of India is described as deeply unsatisfactory and dark. He cites historical accounts, like that of the 17th-century French traveler Bernier, who described India as a place where gold and silver flowed in but never out, indicating immense wealth. However, the author argues that centuries of oppressive rule (implicitly British colonial rule) created deep "holes" in this wealth, leaving India in a state of utter disarray.

The Reality of Hunger and Inequality:

The text vividly describes the current suffering in India. The author highlights the stark inequality, where laborers are crushed like oxen at the oil mill, while those in opulent mansions live lives of luxury. He paints a heartbreaking picture of poverty, where a bride sells her modest clothing to pay interest, while the wealthy fritter away money on lavish lifestyles. Even the wealthy are not truly happy, as their palaces built on exploitation are ridden with the "insects" of sorrow and desire.

The author uses poignant imagery to depict the impoverished Indian: a skeleton-like figure, a once-capable individual now a beggar stumbling on the path, eating scraps from discarded plates, competing with dogs for leftover food. This, he states, is the true picture of India today – a land that once shared its abundance with the world, but is now a beggar, looking to other nations for help. The India that proclaimed "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) is now struggling for basic necessities like salt, oil, and wood.

The Call for a Realistic Approach (Yugadharma):

The author emphasizes the need to move beyond mere intellectual appreciation of past glories and to confront the present reality. He criticizes the tendency to dwell on the past and seek solace in post-death heaven and liberation, while neglecting the pressing issues of the present. He argues that true religion, or "Yugadharma" (the dharma of the age), is a synthesis of "Sharir-Dharma" (body's duty) and "Atma-Dharma" (soul's duty). Neglecting either is as incomplete as focusing on only one. He quotes the saying, "Sound mind in a sound body," underscoring the interdependence of physical and spiritual well-being.

The Primary Problem: Food (Anna):

The text unequivocally identifies "Anna" (food) as the foremost problem and the most basic human need. Without food, no spiritual or societal progress is possible. The author recounts the story of Vishwamitra, who, during a severe famine, compromised his principles to find food, illustrating how hunger can corrupt even great individuals and lead to the destruction of culture.

The Devastating Impact of Hunger:

The author details the tragic consequences of hunger, including suicides driven by the inability to feed oneself and one's family. He expresses shame and sorrow that the youth and vibrancy of India are extinguished by the lack of food, forcing people to seek death as a solution. He declares that any nation where even one person dies of hunger or contemplates death due to poverty carries an immense sin. This sin extends to the wealthy who remain indifferent and to the government that fails to address the issue.

Addressing the Problem: Immediate and Long-Term Solutions:

The author calls for a collective effort to solve the food crisis. He criticizes ostentatious feasts and celebrations as a grave waste of food in a nation where millions are starving. He advocates for the cessation of such wasteful practices, urging people to celebrate only when there is abundance.

He also strongly condemns the practice of juthan (leaving food uneaten on plates), calling it an insult to food and a "sin" that disrespects the very source of life. He calculates that even small amounts of leftover food, when aggregated, represent a significant loss that could feed thousands. He urges people to take only what they can eat and to avoid wasting food, emphasizing that this simple practice can save millions of tons of grain.

The author also touches upon the concept of upvas (fasting) not just as a spiritual practice but as a pragmatic solution for food conservation. He criticizes the practice of fasting without relinquishing one's ration, calling it a form of "theft." He advocates for honesty in fasting, where those who fast should forgo their food allocation, thereby contributing to the national food supply.

The Decline of Dairy and the Importance of Cow Protection:

The text laments the decline in milk production and the difficulty even the sick have in obtaining milk. It contrasts the past glory of India, where milk flowed abundantly and cow protection was a sacred duty, with the present where pure milk is scarce and even contaminated water is sold as milk. The author criticizes the hypocrisy of those who claim reverence for cows but do not actively participate in their care. He contrasts India's current situation with the milk production in America, highlighting the nation's fallen state.

Hunger as a Root Cause of Societal Ills:

Amarmuni asserts that hunger is deeply intertwined with other societal problems, including theft, lies, and violence. He argues that people driven by the desperation of hunger are more likely to resort to crime than those motivated by mere greed. He quotes the saying, "What does a hungry person not do?" to emphasize that hunger breeds a disregard for morality and can lead to grave offenses.

The Paradox of Ahimsa in a Hungry Nation:

The author expresses deep concern over the contradiction of practicing ahimsa (non-violence) in a land that is increasingly engaging in activities like fish farming and production, even in religious places. He warns that if the food problem is not resolved and food hoarding continues, it will inevitably lead to an increase in meat consumption, even in vegetarian households, thus polluting the land of Mahavir and Buddha with violence. He stresses the importance of preventive measures, comparing it to building a dam before the water rises.

In essence, "Desh Ki Chikat Samasya Bhukh" is a powerful call to action, urging a shift from glorifying the past to actively addressing the present crisis of hunger through practical, ethical, and socially responsible measures. The author emphasizes that the solution lies in collective consciousness, individual responsibility, and a renewed commitment to the foundational values of sustenance and compassion.