Dharm Aur Sanskruti

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Dharm aur Sanskruti" by Sukhlal Sanghavi:

Summary of "Dharm aur Sanskruti" by Sukhlal Sanghavi

This text, authored by Sukhlal Sanghavi, critically examines the true meaning of religion (Dharm) and culture (Sanskruti), particularly in the Indian context. The central argument is that while these terms are often used interchangeably or superficially, their genuine essence lies in spiritual progress and ethical conduct, respectively.

The True Meaning of Religion (Dharm): Sanghavi defines true religion as spiritual elevation, a journey inward away from worldly desires and attachments towards one's pure, conscious self. External practices and rituals are considered secondary; they can be called "Dharm" only if they stem from and facilitate this inner spiritual pursuit. If these external means are detached from the goal of liberation from desires, they cease to be religion and, in fact, become irreligious. The core of religion, according to the author, lies in spiritual virtues like truthfulness, non-violence (ahimsa), and non-possession (aparigraha). While not an external object, true religion manifests through one's outer life and behavior, much like the soul (atma) is expressed through the body.

The Misconception of Culture (Sanskruti): The text argues that ideally, there should be no distinction between religion and culture. A society considered cultured, if it is detached from religion, offers no advantage over a primitive state. Therefore, genuine human culture should be synonymous with religious or just and ethical life practices. However, the common understanding of culture is different. People associate culture with human-created arts, inventions, and knowledge. The author points out that these cultural achievements do not always originate from a pure intention for human welfare. History reveals instances where art, invention, and knowledge have been pursued without a benevolent purpose, yet they are embraced by society. Anything created by human intellect and effort that elevates society from an old to a new level is considered culture, regardless of its connection to true religion. This disconnect is why even highly cultured societies can be found to be irreligious. Examples like idol construction, destruction of temples to build mosques, and vice-versa, or acts of theft, are cited as instances where cultural practices, often in the name of religion, are far from being true culture.

The Dichotomy in Indian Society: Sanghavi observes that ordinary people often equate superficial cultural manifestations with religion. When something culturally captivating emerges, it is frequently hailed as religion, leading many to be content with it and neglect the importance of social justice. The author laments that in India, the pursuit of culture in the name of tradition has led to a significant loss of real strength. A society that considers itself cultured for thousands of years but is morally weak, lacking in character and physical strength, and divided internally, questions its actual cultured status. The author contends that being highly cultured and simultaneously utterly weak is a contradiction. Thus, labeling Indian society as "cultured" without qualification is a grave mistake.

The Gap Between Claim and Reality: The author poses a question: if historians and scholars call India the abode of culture and religion, are they lying? The answer is both yes and no. If their statement implies that the entire Indian society or all its traditions are cultured and religious, then it is untrue. However, if it refers to specific sages and seekers who have been cultured and religious, and continue to be, then the statement holds truth. Sanghavi concludes that considering ourselves cultured and religious based on the achievements of distant or recent ancestors, without actually embodying these qualities, is a form of self-deception and deception of others. His personal study and observation of the current situation lead him to believe that Indian society, which calls itself "Aryan," is actually far removed from culture and religion.

Evidence of Spiritual and Cultural Deficiency in India: The author cites several examples to support his critique:

• Illiteracy: In a land with millions of Brahmins whose supposed duty is education, widespread illiteracy persists.
• Societal Neglect: Despite millions of monks, ascetics, and ascetics dedicated to public service in poverty, there is immense societal neglect and destitution.
• Hypocrisy during Famine: During the Bengal famine of 1943, while skeletons lay on the streets, religious ceremonies and festivals involving lavish spending on ghee, oblations, and donations were observed, as if human needs were met and resources were surplus for the afterlife.
• Unwavering Greed: Even during times of hardship, like the refugee crisis, the tendency towards hoarding and acquisition has not diminished. Many traders engage in black marketing and bribery, calling it culture and religion.
• Disregard for Law: When the majority of the population disregards social rules and government laws, to consider such a state as cultured or religious is to admit that even thieves and dacoits can possess culture and religion.
• Societal Apathy towards Women: The author highlights the tragic reality of women being abducted, often due to men's weakness, and then being shunned or marginalized by society if they seek reintegration. Even sisters and daughters take pleasure in the misfortune of abducted women.

Conclusion: In every sphere of life examined, Sanghavi finds that the more Indians talk about culture and religion, the further they are from embodying them. While India may possess an abundance of outward forms of culture and superficial religious practices that few other countries can match, living solely on the names of a few great men and boasting about past achievements is a sign of unculturedness and irreligiousness. The text concludes that India's present reality is a stark contrast to its claims of being deeply religious and cultured.