Deta Shikho

Certainly! Based on the provided Jain text titled "Deta Shikho" (Meaning "Learn to Give") by Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah, published by Muktikamal Jain Mohan Granthmala, here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Deta Shikho (Learn to Give) Author: Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah Publisher: Muktikamal Jain Mohan Granthmala

This book is the tenth in the "Dharmbodh Granthmala" series and focuses on the essence of the virtue of giving (Dana) within Jainism. It emphasizes the profound importance of generosity, outlining its various forms, principles, and the immense benefits it brings to individuals and society.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content discussed in the book:

1. The Glory of Giving (Dana no Mahima):

• The Universe Runs on Giving: The text begins by illustrating how the natural world functions through giving. From the sky providing space to the sun, moon, earth, air, water, and fire providing their elements, the entire universe operates on a principle of giving. The book argues that human society is no different and relies on giving for its sustenance and progress.
• Giving is Never in Vain: Regardless of whether it is given to a worthy recipient (Supatra) or an unworthy one (Kupatra), giving always yields a result. It can lead to religious merit, increase affection, resolve enmity, encourage service, earn respect, or enhance fame.
• The Need to Follow the Path of Giving: The book laments the current decline in the practice of giving, attributing societal issues like communism, envy, violence, poverty, and the weakening of virtues like generosity and compassion to this neglect. It stresses that embracing the principle of giving is crucial for societal stability and individual character development.
• Poets' and Moralists' Views on Giving: The text cites numerous verses from poets and moral philosophers, both ancient and contemporary, highlighting the virtues of giving. These verses emphasize the importance of selfless giving, the folly of hoarding, the ephemeral nature of wealth, and the true purpose of prosperity. They present vivid metaphors, such as the cloud giving rain, the river giving water, and the tree bearing fruit, to illustrate the inherent value of giving.
• The Folly of Miserliness (Krupanta) vs. Frugality (Karakasar): The book clearly distinguishes between miserliness, which is a negative and restrictive attitude, and frugality, which is a wise management of resources. It argues that true generosity is not possible without overcoming miserliness.
• Illustrative Stories: Several anecdotes are used to drive home the points about giving:
  • The Example of Vidyapati: A wealthy merchant named Vidyapati, warned of his wealth's impending departure, generously donated his riches to religious causes and the needy. This act of piety not only earned him merit but also led to his wealth being restored and eventually to him becoming a king through his good karma.
  • The Four Thieves: A story illustrating how greed and the desire to hoard wealth can lead to destruction.
  • The Story of Shalimadra: A tale of immense wealth and detached generosity, highlighting how true opulence lies in giving, not accumulating.

2. Types of Giving (Dana na Prakar):

The book categorizes giving into four primary types:

• Abhayadan (Fearlessness/Protection): This is the highest form of giving, which involves protecting living beings from fear and harm. It equates this with compassion and non-violence (Ahimsa). The text emphasizes that protecting even a small creature from fear is incredibly meritorious.
  • The Story of King Meghratha: A king who was prepared to sacrifice his own body to save a pigeon from a hawk, demonstrating supreme fearlessness and compassion.
  • The Story of the Elephant and the Rabbit: An anecdote illustrating how an elephant protected a rabbit from danger, showcasing the power of compassion.
• Gyanadan (Knowledge Giving): This refers to imparting knowledge, whether spiritual or practical. The book stresses the vital role of knowledge sharing in the progress of civilization and spiritual understanding. It differentiates between worldly knowledge and spiritual knowledge.
  • The Role of Gurus: It highlights the importance of learned and virtuous gurus in transmitting spiritual knowledge and the process of acquiring it through listening (Shravana), contemplation (Manana), and meditation (Nididhyasana).
  • Caution Against Harmful Knowledge: The book warns against imparting knowledge that promotes violence, falsehood, theft, or other negative traits, citing the example of a teacher who inadvertently taught harmful knowledge that led to a fisherman's immoral gain.
• Upashtambha-dan (Supportive Giving): This includes providing essential support like food, water, clothing, medicine, shelter, and financial assistance to the deserving. It is described as crucial for the sustenance of the religious order and the propagation of dharma.
  • The Concept of Supatra (Worthy Recipient): The book defines a worthy recipient as someone who possesses both knowledge and virtuous conduct.
  • The Story of Dhan Sarthavah: A merchant who demonstrated immense respect and generosity towards a Jain ascetic, even when his own resources were strained, illustrating the importance of honoring the worthy.
• Anukampa-dan (Compassionate Giving): This involves helping the distressed, the poor, the sick, and the helpless without expecting anything in return. It is driven by empathy and a pure heart, regardless of the recipient's worthiness. The book stresses that this type of giving fosters compassion and other virtues.
  • Examples of Generosity: The book mentions historical figures like Vastu-pal Tej-pal, Jagdusha, and Khemashravaka, who showed immense compassion and generosity, even to people of different faiths during times of famine, highlighting Jainism's commitment to universal compassion.

3. The Manner of Giving (Dana ni Riti):

The book concludes by outlining the proper way to practice giving:

• Sense of Duty (Kartavya Buddhi): Giving should be done with a sense of duty rather than as a favor or to gain recognition.
• Joyful Giving (Chitta ni Prasannata): Generosity should be accompanied by a cheerful and willing heart, free from regret, impatience, or disdain.
• Secrecy (Guptata): Giving should ideally be done discreetly to avoid ego and the desire for fame, although public acts of charity can serve a purpose.
• Purity of Intention and Means (Chitta Shuddhi): The wealth used for giving should be earned through righteous means, and the intention behind giving must be pure. Giving ill-gotten wealth is not true charity.

In essence, "Deta Shikho" is a profound guide to the principles and practices of generosity within the Jain tradition. It underscores that giving is not merely a transactional act but a fundamental aspect of a virtuous life, essential for spiritual progress, social harmony, and the well-being of all beings. The book encourages readers to cultivate a giving spirit, understanding its transformative power for oneself and the world.