Hinsa Ghruna Ka Ghar Ahimsa Amrut Ka Nirzar

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hinsa Ghruna ka Ghar Ahimsa Amrut ka Nirzar" by Dr. Aditya Prachandiya:

The essay begins with the author's personal reflection during a bus journey. A line inscribed on the back of the bus, "Violence is the home of hatred," deeply impacts him, prompting him to explore the profound connection between violence, hatred, and their opposites, non-violence and love.

The author asserts that true happiness and suffering are individual experiences. He emphasizes that without developing self-awareness and a sense of equanimity, one cannot abstain from violence. The text strongly declares that violence can never be considered dharma (righteousness), even under impossible circumstances.

Violence is described as the root cause of sorrow, grief, and fear in the world. It is portrayed as a gateway to misfortune, a sea of sin, a terrible hell, and dense darkness. It is the knot of eight karmas, attachment, and delusion. Violence is characterized as cruel, fierce, base, barbaric, brutal, and terrifying. The act of harming living beings through desires, aversion, and negligence is defined as violence. The ten vital energies—the five senses (hearing, sight, smell, taste, touch), the three faculties of mind, speech, and body, respiration, and life-force—are considered the ten vital organs, and their destruction constitutes violence.

The essay then delves into the reasons for renouncing violence. It is crucial for maintaining the soul's non-violent nature and for avoiding the suffering of others. The author uses the analogy of an ant crushed underfoot to illustrate that the pain experienced by any living being is akin to our own. He advocates for causing no distress to any living being, as even a single cry can cause upheaval in the entire world. All beings dislike suffering, therefore, no one should be killed, dominated, subjugated, pained, or agitated.

Internal self-estrangement is identified as violence, with external circumstances being the mother of this self-estrangement. Simplicity, on the other hand, is a sign of inner purity. The allure and attractiveness of the external world create crookedness within the soul. While simplicity is a natural state, crookedness is an acquired one. The author posits that only one who is straightforward, self-possessed, and religious can renounce violence. A simple person sees their own destruction in harming others, their own subjugation in subjugating others, and their own pain in causing pain to others. These are all consequences of non-violence. True religiosity lies in understanding the reaction to an action, recognizing that the one you wish to harm is yourself.

The author laments that modern individuals are focused on the visible, ignoring the unseen observer. They dismiss the past and future in favor of the present, sowing seeds of poison in the field of merit and fostering cruelty. A loss of equanimity is evident everywhere, with disparity pervading all aspects of life. Desires and aspirations have consumed individuals, making them restless. Despite advancements in speed and communication, people are becoming spiritually distant.

Envy or irritation at the qualities of others is also considered a form of violence. Just as we appreciate our own virtues, we should value those of others. Every individual possesses some qualities, and we should acknowledge them without envy. There should be no hesitation in adopting the good qualities of others, whether they are known to us or not. Self-praise is a sign of pride. The simplest way to foster kinship and win hearts is to highlight the virtues of others. While flattery is not advised, the inability to speak the truth for fear is a lack of fearlessness. Non-violence teaches fearlessness.

Humility is the nature and quality of the soul. Those imbued with humility are non-violent. Arrogance and disrespect breed hatred and flaws, leading to distance and a chasm between individuals. Resentment fosters enmity and criticism. The development of gentleness is crucial. Gentleness is not weakness but the absence of arrogance. Weakness leads to deviation, while gentleness boosts self-confidence and strength. Thus, the path of violence and retaliation is the path of animality and brute force. The path of love and good conduct is the path of humanity and human strength.

Every word and action of an individual must be authentic, tested by cooperation, not isolation. Authenticity is proven by remaining true amidst everyone, whether they are friends or foes. Inconsistency between words and actions gives rise to violence. When one speaks what they think and acts upon what they say, they will surely reach the grand and divine palace of non-violence. Discrepancy between speech and action is self-deception. A non-violent person transcends self and others, does not favor injustice, does not compromise with wrongdoing, and remains a devotee of truth throughout life.

Violence teaches how to kill; non-violence teaches how to die. Violence teaches how to avoid; non-violence teaches how to save. Killing is cruelty; dying is bravery. Avoiding is cowardice; saving is kindness. Non-violence is the gentleness of the heart. Truth must guard this gentleness from weakness and corruption. Until the flame of harmony between thought and action flickers in our minds, the garden of affection and goodwill will not blossom, the buds of compassion will not sprout, the fragrant flowers of mercy will not bloom, and the sweet fruits of universal friendship will not attract people's hearts.

In conclusion, the author declares that in the desert of the world, non-violence is the only spring of nectar, carrying the melodious music of life. It is the shining light of humanity's advent, the soul of culture, and the fundamental basis of religion and philosophy. It holds infinite love and the power to endure infinite suffering. The essay ends with an invitation to embrace this joy and spread its fragrance.

The text concludes with a quote from Mahopadhyay Chandrabprabh Sagar, emphasizing the preciousness of human life and the opportunity it presents to fully bloom and spread fragrance, urging readers to utilize their human potential effectively.