Hinduo Me Jatigat Bhedbhav Evam Dharmantaran

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Hinduo me Jatigat Bhedbhav evam Dharmantaran" by Kishor Zaveriya:

The excerpt from "Hinduo me Jatigat Bhedbhav evam Dharmantaran" by Kishor Zaveriya argues that the primary reason for conversions from Hinduism is the deeply ingrained caste-based discrimination (Jatigat Bhedbhav) within the religion.

The author highlights that other religions like Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity may have distinctions based on occupation but do not enforce social exclusion or "untouchability." Individuals in these faiths, regardless of their profession (preacher, scholar, soldier, merchant, cobbler, or cleaner), have always had free access to places of worship. No Buddhist was denied entry to a monastery based on karma, no one was stopped from entering a mosque due to caste, and no one was prevented from praying in churches. Similarly, all Sikhs are welcomed into gurdwaras without any discrimination based on caste or class.

In stark contrast, the text asserts that Hinduism has historically seen the so-called "higher" castes treat those considered "Shudras" (lower castes) with contempt. This persistent discrimination and humiliation are identified as the main drivers of conversion from Hinduism, predominantly by those from the lower castes. The author notes that conversions among Brahmins and Vaishyas are rare, with exceptions usually being driven by political reasons or to save their lives during specific periods of discrimination and religious conversion.

The text critiques the justification for caste hierarchy, which is sometimes rooted in interpretations of Upanishadic verses like "Ishaavaasyamidam sarvam yat kincha jagatyaam jagat" (All this is for the glory of God). The author points out the absurdity of equating parts of the human body with different castes – the head (intellect) with Brahmins, arms (strength) with Kshatriyas, the stomach (business) with Vaishyas, and the lower parts (feet) with Shudras. The author questions why, if God is present in all beings, certain humans are deemed "untouchable."

The text emphasizes that individuals converting to Islam or Christianity were welcomed into these faiths, granted equal rights, and never subjected to rituals of purification (like washing mosques or churches) or rituals of cleansing due to contact. This is contrasted with the treatment of converts within Hinduism, where they would face ostracization and restrictions even within their own families.

While acknowledging that forced conversion by the sword or allure (temptation) have also played a role, the author contends that these reasons are not as significant as caste discrimination. The text argues that poverty, often cited as a reason for conversion, is more prevalent among Muslims, yet they do not abandon their religion due to poverty because there is no caste discrimination within their community. The author notes that conversions from Islam or Christianity to Hinduism are negligible.

The text suggests that Islam and Christianity, being external religions to India, did not require converts to abandon their identity. Instead, they benefited from Hinduism's discriminatory social system, leading to an increase in their followers because of the absence of caste divisions within their religions and the welcoming nature towards converts. The author draws a parallel to the difficulties faced by Hindus who marry Muslim women, highlighting that such unions, even today, can lead to significant social upheaval and ostracization, with the convert often facing restrictions even in their own kitchens.

The excerpt concludes by acknowledging the efforts of figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Mahashri Dayanand, Jyoti Ba Phule, and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in reducing caste discrimination and leading to the enactment of laws that have helped abolish caste discrimination in urban areas, though it persists in villages. The author urges those who claim to protect Hinduism to recognize that these reformers have enabled Hindus to live with dignity within their religion and have helped stem the tide of conversions.