Jain Mandir Aur Harijan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Mandir aur Harijan" by Bansidhar Pandit, based on the provided pages:

Core Argument: The author, Bansidhar Pandit, argues strongly in favor of allowing Harijans (formerly considered "untouchables") entry into Jain temples, advocating for a progressive and inclusive approach that aligns with the true spirit of Jainism and the evolving social landscape of India.

Key Points:

• Jainism's Inherent Equality: The fundamental principle of Jain culture is the inherent equality of all human beings, making untouchability incompatible. While acknowledging the historical presence of some references to untouchability in certain Jain texts and its practice in society, Pandit attributes this to the influence of Vedic culture on Jainism, not to its core tenets.
• Support for Abolition of Untouchability: Pandit expresses that Jains should be happy if untouchability is abolished throughout India. He believes that resistance to Harijan temple entry in Jain temples is contradictory if the broader goal is to eradicate untouchability from the nation.
• The "Harijan Temple Entry Bill": Pandit clarifies that the bill's intention is not to allow Harijans to enter temples in any state they please. Instead, it ensures that public places, including temples, cannot deny entry to Harijans simply because they are considered "untouchable." The law will also ensure the security and orderliness of Jain temples, similar to Vedic temples.
• Dispelling Misconceptions:
  • Fear of unauthorized entry: Pandit refutes the fear that Harijans will cause disruption or misbehavior. He asserts that laws will protect temples and that the bill does not grant Harijans special rights beyond those generally available to a Jain.
  • Granting special rights: He dismisses the idea that the bill grants Harijans rights that are exclusive to Jains, stating that even Jain Brahmins don't possess such exclusive rights.
• Application of the Bill to Jain Temples: Pandit outlines how the bill applies to Jain temples:
  1. Every Jain, including a Harijan, has the right to enter a Jain temple with all the rights naturally available to them as Jains.
  2. If non-Jain Brahmins can enter Jain temples, then non-Jain Harijans cannot be prevented from entering to the same extent and in the same manner solely on grounds of being "untouchable."
  3. Temple management committees can create rules for temple entry that do not promote untouchability, ensuring the religious sanctity, purity, and peace of the temple.
• Addressing Opponents' Arguments:
  • "Jains are not Hindus, so the bill shouldn't apply": Pandit argues that Jains are Hindus and should declare themselves as such for their own benefit. He debunks the notion that the term "Hindu" is exclusively Vedic, stating this is false. He emphasizes the need to strengthen social ties between Jains and Hindus and dismisses the idea of one being a mere branch of the other due to fundamental differences in concepts like God and the caste system. He adds that this is even more impossible in a secular state.
  • "There are no Harijans who follow Jainism": Pandit considers this statement a sign of the Jain community's rigidity and intolerance, contributing to its declining numbers. He points out the hypocrisy of this argument, as Jains are often unwilling to allow a Harijan who wants to convert to Jainism to enter temples or perform worship. He suggests that the only way to prevent Harijans from entering would be to ban all non-Jains, which is an impractical and unreasonable stance. He urges the Jain community to embrace all non-Jains, including Harijans, with openness.
  • "The government should not interfere in religious matters": Pandit argues that if the public itself eradicates harmful national elements, government intervention wouldn't be necessary. However, he states that this widespread awareness is lacking, forcing the government to enact laws for minor issues. He asserts that elements harmful to national unity cannot be considered within the purview of religion.
• Critique of Jain Community's Stance:
  • Secularism and Separate Identity: Pandit criticizes the Jain community's recent efforts to be recognized as separate from Hindus by the government, especially after the establishment of a national government. He believes this stems from a misunderstanding of "Hindu culture" as solely "Vedic culture" and a desire for a distinct identity.
  • Historical Influences: He reiterates that the concept of untouchability among Shudras in Jain texts is an import from Vedic culture, just as some Jain principles entered Vedic culture. Allowing Harijan temple entry, therefore, would remove a stain from Jainism, not diminish it.
  • Political Short-sightedness: He laments the Jain community's successful attempt to have Jain temples excluded from the "Harijan Temple Entry Bill" in Madhya Pradesh, viewing it as a sign of political short-sightedness and cultural ignorance.
  • Threat to Jainism: Pandit warns that the current stance of the Jain community could lead to animosity with a larger population group, posing a threat to their existence. He references a statement by Dr. Hiralalji of Nagpur that supports this concern.
  • Missed Opportunity with Mahatma Gandhi: He highlights Mahatma Gandhi as a great exponent of Jainism and criticizes the Jain community for not effectively utilizing the momentum of Gandhi's movement for the benefit of Jainism. He cites Gandhi's posthumous article advocating for Harijan entry into Jain temples.
  • Praise for Progressive Jain Communities: Pandit commends the Jain community in Bina for unanimously deciding to open their temple to Harijans. He also mentions discussions with prominent Jains in Jabalpur who favor opening temples to Harijans, and the positive view of Pandit Ganeshprasadji Varni on the matter.
• Call to Action: Pandit implores the Jain community to make a unanimous decision to open their temples to Harijans with generosity. He advises them to create and display rules like those in Bina to protect Jain decorum, remove decorative items from display, and focus on showcasing the concept of detachment (Vitaragta).
• Rejection of Opportunism and Dissent: He criticizes individuals who display "hypocrisy" towards Jainism, urging them not to be solely driven by emotion but to recognize their responsibility for the future of Jain culture.
• Protection of Jainism: While advocating for inclusivity, Pandit also states that if there is a conspiracy to destroy Jain culture, the Jain community should be prepared to defend it through appropriate means, with the "Sanmarg Pracharini Samiti" ready to lead such efforts.

In essence, Bansidhar Pandit's "Jain Mandir aur Harijan" is a call for the Jain community to embrace progressive social reform, align with the core principles of their faith by rejecting untouchability, and actively participate in the national movement for social equality by opening their temples to all, including Harijans. He argues that this inclusivity is not only ethically imperative but also strategically beneficial for the long-term survival and respectability of Jainism in a changing India.