Jain Dharm Me Nari Ka Sthan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, "Jain Dharm me Nari ka Sthan" by Gopal Pawar:

The text emphasizes that women hold a pivotal and superior position in Jainism, often preceding men in practicing, propagating, and embracing the faith. While the role of women has evolved with time – encompassing everything from nurturing mothers to ostracized sex workers, embodying virtues like Yashoda (nurturing) and Kali (destroyer of demons), and demonstrating immense compassion and the willingness to immolate themselves as Sati – their fundamental connection to Dharma remains constant.

The author asserts that Jainism has uplifted humanity from a state of violence, hatred, injustice, and selfishness. Throughout history, women have been companions, friends, guides, and helpers in society. However, at times, societal imbalances have relegated women to a secondary role, confining them to the domestic sphere, treating them as objects of pleasure, or expecting them to silently endure injustice without even the right to express their suffering. Yet, periodic waves of societal awareness and revolution have helped women reclaim their true identity and rights.

Within Jain society, the status and dignity of women have been honorable and revered since ancient times. With few exceptions, women have served as counselors and protectors. Their contribution has been paramount and overarching in establishing Jainism's reputation and influence globally. The text strongly states that Jainism is kept alive by women, as they dedicate more time to religious practices like Dharma, adherence to rules, self-study, worship, and fasting, in addition to fulfilling their domestic responsibilities. Removing women from the Jain religious framework would leave only darkness. The name of Chandanbala is still remembered with immense pride as a shining star in the Jain firmament, and Jain women invoke her name and consider her an ideal when undertaking religious vows, fasts, and other practices, drawing inspiration from her exemplary life of idealism, sacrifice, and duty.

The author argues that for societal and national progress, for the practical implementation of Lord Mahavir's teachings, and for fostering education, discipline, brotherhood, and unity, women must be granted their rights and the freedom to exercise them. They need to be reminded of their strength, courage, virtue, and radiance. The text observes that women, in general, are more inclined towards religion than men. In contemporary times, it is often women who are more diligent in their daily religious routines, self-study, rule adherence, and fasting, even while managing their roles as wives, daughters, mothers, and sisters. Their participation in lectures, meditation, chanting, and temple visits significantly outweighs that of men, who often cite business and travel commitments as reasons for their inability to adhere to religious practices. The text highlights that women have a sharper and more profound understanding of the essence of Dharma than men, and this is why their role in the upliftment and propagation of Jainism is crucial, commendable, and praiseworthy. Women have hoisted the flag of Dharma and earned virtue through restraint and discipline. Therefore, it is undeniable that women's place and contribution in Jainism have been significant since ancient times, continue in the present, and will endure in the future, as they are the "axis of Dharma." The text briefly touches upon the mind's connection to worldly affairs and its control leading to spiritual liberation, and the positive influence of even a speck of dust from the feet of great souls on a household.