Jain Jati Ka Hras Aur Unnati Ke Upay

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Jain Jati ka Hras aur Unnati ke Upay" (The Decline and Means of Progress of the Jain Community) by Kamtaprasad Jain:

This book, published by the Sanyukta Prantiya Digambar Jain Sabha, addresses the perceived decline of the Jain community and proposes solutions for its upliftment. The author, Kamtaprasad Jain, expresses a strong desire for the community to recognize its current "deplorable state" and take active steps towards reform and progress.

The Author's Purpose and Context:

• The author was motivated to write this book after participating in a committee formed by the Shri Maralvarshiya Digambar Jain Parishad to investigate the causes of social decline within the Jain community.
• His essay on the topic was accepted and awarded by the Shri Digambar Jain Vidyalaya Bhandar in Ajmer.
• The book's publication was further supported by the Shri Samyukta Prantiya Digambar Jain Sabha's resolution to improve the condition of Jains in their province.
• The book is dedicated to Babu Shivcharanlalji Jain for his support and vision for distributing it freely among the community.
• The author emphasizes the urgency of reform, warning that without it, the community faces existential threats.

Historical Context of Jainism and the Jain Community:

• The book begins by tracing the origins of Jainism and the Jain community, linking them to the period of "Bhog-bhumi" (era of enjoyment) and the subsequent establishment of the "Karma-yuga" (era of action).
• Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar, is credited with establishing the societal order, including the four varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) and the six professions (arms, writing, agriculture, trade, cattle-rearing, and craftsmanship) to guide humanity.
• The author notes that the Brahmin varna, which initially supported Jain principles, later became opposed to them in the fifth era (Pancham Kal).
• The history of Jainism is marked by the presence of various Tirthankaras and great souls who were followers of the faith.
• The text mentions historical figures like Samrat Chandragupta, Ashok, Samprati, Swarvel, Kumarpal, and Amoghavarsha who were Jain rulers, highlighting the historical prominence of Jainism as a national religion.
• It also points to renowned Jain warriors, patriots, patrons, and scholars like Chamundaraya, Asaraj, Bhamashah, Tejpal, Vastupal, Kundakundacharya, and Samantbhadra, whose contributions brought glory to Jainism.

Causes of Jain Community's Decline (Hras):

The author identifies numerous reasons for the Jain community's decline, which he categorizes and elaborates on:

1. Loss of Anagar Sangha (Monastic Community): The absence of fully renounced ascetics (munis and aryikas) has weakened the spiritual guidance for lay followers (shravaks and shravikas), impacting their adherence to religious principles and spiritual growth.
2. Lack of Essential Human Qualities: This is a significant cause, stemming from other issues. It includes a lack of strong moral character, intellectual development, and physical strength.
3. Divine Wrath (Devi Kop): This is attributed to the violation of natural laws related to health and hygiene, leading to diseases like plague.
4. Poverty and Destitution (Nirdhanta/Daridrata): Contrary to the perception of Jains being wealthy, the author argues that the community is largely poor, leading to shame, loss of rights, despair, and ultimately, decline and destruction of population.
5. Indifference to Health and Higher Education: Poverty is a major factor, but even with available means, there's a lack of focus on health and proper education. The average lifespan is cited as a concerningly low 25 years, partly due to a lack of physical labor.
6. Child Marriage (Balya Vivah): This practice is detrimental, leading to child widows, incomplete education, health issues, weak offspring, and a decrease in population growth.
7. Marriage of the Elderly and Mismatched Marriages (Vriddha Vivah & Anmel Vivah): These unions lead to unhappy lives, unhealthy offspring, and contribute to social decay.
8. Adultery (Vyabhichar): The community is not immune to this pervasive issue, affecting young, old, and even children. It leads to weak, unhealthy offspring and a general moral degradation.
9. Unmarried Men and Shortage of Women: A significant portion of men remain unmarried due to the scarcity of women. This is exacerbated by practices like multiple marriages by men and child marriage leading to early widowhood.
10. Formation of Small Sub-castes and Restriction on Inter-caste Marriages: The author argues that the current caste system within Jainism is not scripturally supported and is a relic of a later period. The proliferation of small, endogamous sub-castes severely restricts marriage prospects, leading to a decline in population and the prevalence of mismatched marriages.
11. Other Obstacles in Marriage: This includes issues like avoiding marriages based on lineage (gotra) and horoscope matching, which create unnecessary hurdles.
12. Mutual Discord and Lack of Proper Organization: Internal conflicts and a lack of transparent financial management in religious institutions are also cited as contributing factors.
13. Inadequate Care and Respect for Women: Women's education, health, and respect are lacking, leading to higher mortality rates among them.
14. Migration from Villages to Cities: This shift is attributed to declining physical strength and the allure of city life, but it also leads to unhealthy living and increased adultery, further contributing to population decline.
15. Ignorance of One's Own Religion and Conversion to Other Religions: Lack of religious education leads to individuals abandoning Jainism, particularly those who are unmarried or outcasted.

Means of Progress (Unnati ke Upay):

The book then proposes solutions to address these issues:

• Revival of the Anagar Sangha: Re-establishing and supporting fully renounced ascetics is crucial for spiritual guidance.
• Cultivating Essential Human Qualities: This involves promoting religious living, intellectual development, and physical strength through education and discipline.
• Adherence to Natural Laws: Following principles of hygiene, healthy diet, and proper living to combat diseases.
• Economic Development and Addressing Poverty: Encouraging diligence in trade and other professions, proper management of wealth, and avoiding wasteful expenditure.
• Promoting Health and Higher Education: Emphasizing physical exercise, hygienic living, and comprehensive education, including vocational training. The author suggests the establishment of Jain schools and a Jain university.
• Abolishing Child Marriage: Advocating for marriages to take place in adulthood (20 for men, 16 for women) as per traditional scriptural guidance.
• Discouraging Elderly and Mismatched Marriages: Implementing community rules and panchayat support to ensure appropriate age and compatibility in marriages.
• Combating Adultery: This requires early moral education, strict upbringing, and support for widows.
• Addressing the Shortage of Women and Unmarried Men: This is proposed to be tackled by allowing inter-caste marriages within Jainism, inter-provincial marriages, and potentially even marriages with suitable individuals from other communities, drawing on historical precedents and scriptural interpretations.
• Breaking Down Sub-caste Barriers: Encouraging marriages between different Jain sub-castes to expand the marriage pool and prevent the decline of smaller communities.
• Promoting Unity and Proper Organization: Eliminating internal discord and establishing transparent and fair panchayat systems that prioritize community welfare over personal or caste interests.
• Improving the Status of Women: Providing education, healthcare, and respect to women, which will also help reduce their mortality rates.
• Encouraging Village Life: Promoting agricultural knowledge and a simpler lifestyle in villages, as village living is generally healthier and more conducive to population growth.
• Strengthening Religious Education: Ensuring that children are taught the true essence of Jainism from a young age to prevent conversion and maintain religious identity. Outcasted individuals should be reintegrated if they demonstrate good conduct.
• Promoting Religious Propagation: Engaging in charitable activities like opening schools and dispensaries for other communities to foster goodwill and encourage them to adopt Jainism.

In conclusion, "Jain Jati ka Hras aur Unnati ke Upay" is a passionate plea for the Jain community to recognize its present challenges, understand their root causes, and implement the proposed solutions with a sense of urgency and collective effort. The author believes that by returning to the core principles of Jainism and adapting to the changing times while preserving its essence, the community can not only halt its decline but also achieve progress and spread its message of peace and righteousness.