Dharm Ki Triveni Ahimsa Sanyam Aur Tap

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Dharm ki Triveni: Ahimsa, Sanyam aur Tap" by Prabhakumarishreeji, based on the provided page:

Dharm ki Triveni: Ahimsa, Sanyam aur Tap (The Confluence of Dharma: Non-violence, Restraint, and Austerity) by Prabhakumarishreeji, highlights the interconnectedness of these three core Jain principles as the essence of a meaningful and purposeful life.

The author, Jain Sadhvi Dr. Prabhakumari 'Kusum' M.A., Ph.D., posits that Dharma (Religion/Righteousness) is the very root and lifeblood of existence. It is not merely a creed or ritualistic practice, but a vast, expansive, and conscious force that provides moral order and guidance. Embellished by detachment (Vairagya), Dharma, like a flower and its fragrance, is intrinsically linked to society. Dharma is presented as an enabler of purposeful action, helping individuals achieve their goals.

The text identifies Ahimsa (Non-violence) as the soul and backbone of Dharma. It is the pinnacle of love, fostering immense patience, humility, spiritual peace, and the knowledge of what to accept, reject, and pursue. Ahimsa is the sole direct and true path to alleviate the suffering and ailments of this world. Through Ahimsa, humanity can realize truth. It is not a weapon of the weak but an ornament of the valiant. Ahimsa has proven to be the greatest active force, and those who steadfastly adhere to it throughout eternity will ultimately triumph. Ahimsa is the primary vow for ascetics (Munivrat) and the first and most crucial element for householders (Shravak Dharma). The decline of humanity is attributed to the lack of Ahimsa, and Jain philosophy is firmly rooted in it. Ahimsa is described as a powerful scripture and the ultimate human pursuit.

Sanyam (Restraint/Self-Control) is presented as the golden thread in life, essential for the attainment of the four aims of life: Dharma, Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). Without Sanyam, no spiritual practice is possible. An unrestrained life is likened to a rudderless boat that crashes on the first rock. Therefore, becoming disciplined and dedicating oneself to the pursuit of goals is a natural human virtue. If humanity recognizes its duties with disciplined effort, all global problems could be solved, transforming the Earth into a paradise.

Tap (Austerity/Penance) is described as the greatest and most significant spiritual practice, without which life remains incomplete. Tap purifies the body, turning it into golden purity, and is the fundamental means of purifying the soul. Through Tap, seekers of liberation progress towards self-restraint and self-purification, ultimately achieving spiritual realization. Tap can unlock great powers in the world. While the ancients achieved wonders through Tap, its absence today has led individuals astray from the path of life and Dharma. Those who undertake Tap must have unwavering faith in their spiritual discipline and character.

The text emphasizes that the three principles of Ahimsa, Sanyam, and Tap together form the Triveni (Confluence) of Dharma.

• Ahimsa is the Ganges.
• Sanyam is the Yamuna.
• Tap is the Saraswati.

Those souls who immerse themselves in this Triveni of Ahimsa, Sanyam, and Tap will be recipients of true and eternal happiness. The text urges readers to bathe in this sacred confluence for self-bliss.

The concluding verse emphasizes the power of shedding ego: "He who discards ego, whether honored or insulted, his pride taken away or respected, that person is equal to God."