Diye Se Diya Jale

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Diye se Diya Jale" by Tulsi Acharya, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Diye se Diya Jale (From Lamp to Lamp, the Light Ignites) Author: Gurudev Tulsi Publisher: Adarsh Sahitya Sangh

This book is a collection of philosophical and ethical discourses by Gurudev Tulsi, a prominent Jain Acharya and the propagator of the Anuvrat movement. The central theme of the book, as the title suggests, is about spreading light, hope, and faith, much like a lamp igniting another.

Core Message and Philosophy:

The book emphasizes the importance of faith (vishwas) and conviction (aasttha) in overcoming the darkness of doubt, fear, and despair that plagues modern society. Gurudev Tulsi posits that humanity possesses immense inner wealth – boundless joy, infinite potential, and immeasurable light – but is unable to access or utilize it due to an overwhelming sense of disbelief and distrust.

Key Themes and Chapters (as evidenced by the table of contents and introductory passages):

• The Lamp as a Metaphor: The opening pages use the metaphor of the sun setting and a small lamp bravely vowing to keep the light alive through the night. This symbolizes the individual's responsibility to maintain moral and spiritual values in the face of overwhelming negativity. The book highlights that in an era where traditional lights (like the sun or even the simple lamp) are overshadowed by modern artificial lights, the "lamp of faith" within humans is also dimming.

• Reviving Faith: Gurudev Tulsi expresses a strong resolve to reignite the "lamp of faith" in people's hearts. The collection aims to provide a steadying force for those whose faith is wavering, offering them the "crutches of faith."

• Character and Morality: A significant portion of the book delves into the importance of character and ethical living. It critiques societal trends that undermine moral values, such as corruption in professions (doctors, politicians, officials), the erosion of integrity, and the rise of self-interest. The book stresses that true living is not just biological existence but a life imbued with spiritual and moral values. Those who lack these are considered "living dead."

• The Anuvrat Movement: The Anuvrat movement, spearheaded by Gurudev Tulsi, is presented as a practical path towards building a strong character and a healthy society. It advocates for self-discipline, ethical conduct, and the adoption of vows (vratas) that are accessible to laypeople. The book suggests that Anuvrat is the foundation for a healthy society, offering a code of conduct for individuals to live by.

• Social Issues and Contemporary Challenges: The discourses address various contemporary societal problems, including:

  • Erosion of Trust: The pervasive lack of trust in institutions and individuals is identified as a major crisis.
  • Social Ills: Corruption, moral degradation, the influence of consumerism, addiction culture, disregard for environmental values, and the decline of ethical standards are discussed.
  • Women's Empowerment and Dignity: The book touches upon the need for women's empowerment, critiquing the exploitation of women in advertising and calling for a change in societal attitudes.
  • The Meaning of True Health: Beyond physical well-being, the emphasis is on emotional and mental health, achieved through self-discipline and positive mental states.
  • The Role of Education: The inadequacy of modern education in fostering moral values and character is highlighted, with a call for a more holistic approach.
  • Secularism and Universal Values: The book advocates for a universal "human religion" that transcends sectarian boundaries, focusing on core ethical principles like non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion.
  • The Importance of Perspective: It emphasizes that one's perception of reality is shaped by one's viewpoint, encouraging a positive and constructive outlook.
  • Confronting Violence and Terrorism: The discourses address the root causes of violence and terrorism, advocating for internal transformation rather than just external solutions.
  • Relevance of Traditional Values: The book champions the enduring relevance of traditional Jain values like restraint (sanyam), non-possession (aparigraha), and non-violence (ahimsa) in addressing modern challenges.
  • Unity and Harmony: The need for harmony between individuals, communities, and nations is stressed, drawing parallels from Jain philosophy's emphasis on anekanta (multi-faceted reality) and samvaya (coordination).

• The Role of Literature: The book acknowledges the reduced influence of literature in the age of electronic media but asserts its profound and lasting impact on shaping minds and character.

• A Call to Action: The overarching message is a call to awaken inner strength, embrace ethical principles, and actively participate in creating a more virtuous society. It inspires readers to become "lamps" that ignite others, spreading the light of faith, character, and well-being.

In essence, "Diye se Diya Jale" is a guide to living a meaningful and ethical life, drawing from the wisdom of Jain tradition and applying it to the complexities of the modern world. It's an invitation to rediscover one's inner potential and contribute to the collective well-being by embodying and spreading positive values.