Jain Sanskruti Me Nari Ka Mahattva - Book Summary

This document, titled "Jain Sanskruti me Nari Ka Mahattva" (The Importance of Women in Jain Culture) by Mahasati Dr. Shri Dharmashila, explores the profound and multifaceted role of women within Jainism. The author argues that Jainism has consistently upheld the dignity and importance of women, viewing them as integral to the spiritual and societal fabric.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points:

1. Elevated Status and Divine Attributes:

Jain scriptures (Agamas) bestow numerous honorable titles upon virtuous women, such as "Dev-Guru-Dharmam Janni" (Giver of God, Guru, and Dharma), "Dharma Sahaiya" (Companion in Dharma), and "Charupeha" (Beautiful Vision).
Women are depicted as embodiments of enlightenment and service, with their dignity universally recognized in Jain philosophy.
They are considered more inclined towards Dharma (righteousness) and duty-conscious than men.

2. Diverse Roles and Evolution:

Women have historically played leading roles in practicing, propagating, and embracing Dharma, often surpassing men.
Their roles have evolved over time, encompassing nurturing mothers, protectors, counselors, and even those in less fortunate circumstances.
From being a life-giver to a protector like Kali, women have exemplified compassion and strength.
While often seen as companions, guides, and servants to men, societal shifts have sometimes confined them to domestic roles, neglecting their inherent worth. However, periods of awakening have consistently brought women closer to their true potential.

3. Women's Superiority in Religious Practice:

The text highlights that women, more than men, possess a keen and subtle understanding of Dharma's essence.
In contemporary times, women are observed to be more diligent in religious practices like daily rituals, study, vow-keeping, and fasting, even while fulfilling their family responsibilities as daughters, mothers, sisters, and wives.
Men often cite business and travel commitments as reasons for not adhering to strict religious observances, whereas women manage both their worldly and spiritual duties with devotion.
This dedication makes women crucial to the progress and dissemination of Jainism.

4. Women as Pillars of Jain Culture:

In ancient times, women were vigilant guardians of Jain culture and served as beacons of light.
They were paragons of spiritual consciousness and intellectual development.
The very word for spiritual liberation, "Mukti," is feminine, signifying its deep connection to the feminine principle.
Women are seen as conduits of peace and catalysts for spiritual revolution, creating the very foundation for both.

5. The Sacredness of Motherhood:

The text emphasizes that only a mother can protect humanity and the soul.
The mother is a creator, and she is as venerable and worshipable as a god or guru.
The tender and compassionate feelings in humans originate from the mother.
A mother provides the vital components of a child's existence: brain, flesh, and blood. She is the heart of her child, showering unconditional affection.
The text points out that even Tirthankaras (spiritual conquerors) are born from women, highlighting the exceptional purity of such mothers, who are recognized by the epithet "Jani" (progenitor).
Mother Earth herself is revered, as are goddesses like Saraswati (knowledge), Durga (protection), Lakshmi (wealth), and Shanti (peace), all manifesting feminine power.

6. Spiritual Equality and Liberation:

The Jain spiritual path offers equal opportunities for both men and women to attain liberation.
The "Chau-vidh Sangh" (four-fold monastic community) includes both male and female ascetics, laymen, and laywomen, signifying inclusivity.
Women, like men, can shed karmas and achieve Moksha (liberation).
The text cites Marudevi, the mother of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, as an example of a woman who attained liberation.
Tirthankaras like Rishabhadeva and Mahavir Swami treated men and women equally in spiritual matters, allowing women to be initiated and reach the highest spiritual states.
The number of female ascetics (Shramanis) and laywomen (Shravikas) in Lord Mahavir's time significantly outnumbered their male counterparts, demonstrating women's strong commitment to spiritual practice.

7. Women as Spiritual Accomplishers:

The text highlights the concept of "Malli" being a female Tirthankara (according to the Shvetambara tradition), asserting that women are equally capable of reaching the pinnacle of spiritual development.
This notion, along with the example of Marudevi, dispels any misconceptions about women's spiritual potential.
Jain culture has maintained the dignity of women from the era of Adinath to Mahavir, with Mahavir's establishment of the Shramani Sangha marking a significant advancement.
Women have set new benchmarks in spiritual practice, proving their equality with men.

8. The Elevated Role of the Arya (A Leading Nun):

The highest spiritual attainment for a woman is to embody the role of an "Arya" or "Sadhvi" (nun).
These women are revered for their pure conduct and dedication to spiritual practices, embodying qualities like equanimity, chastity, knowledge, and self-control.
Their spiritual endeavors have been instrumental in overcoming societal vices and promoting spiritual enlightenment.

9. Historical Examples of Empowered Women:

The text recounts the exemplary lives of numerous women in Jain tradition:
- Brahmī and Sundarī: Daughters of Rishabhadeva, they are credited as the first teachers of humanity, establishing literacy and mathematical knowledge, respectively. They lived celibate lives dedicated to intellectual development.
- ** Rajmati:** Her unwavering resolve and divine conduct are highlighted, influencing Rathnemi towards the righteous path.
- ** Mṛgāvatī:** She attained omniscience before her guru, Chandanbala, demonstrating remarkable spiritual progress.
- Other notable figures: Prabhāvatī, Damyantī, Kuṇtī, Puṣpacūlā, Śivā, Sulasa, Subhadrā, Madanarekhā, and Padmāvatī are presented as living examples of feminine dignity.

10. Women as Embodiments of Strength and Peace:

While men excel in physical strength, women possess qualities like compassion, forgiveness, kindness, affection, patience, seriousness, steadfastness in vows, abstinence from vices, asceticism, and tolerance in greater measure, which are essential for world peace.
Women have historically intervened in conflicts, dissuaded men from war, and reformed men from evil habits, bringing peace to families, societies, and nations.
Their non-violent influence has been transformative.
Madanrekha's pursuit of inner peace and family harmony is presented as a source of inspiration for world peace.
The Shramani Sangha is portrayed as consistently successful, dedicated to their spiritual leaders, and resilient in facing challenges.

11. Devotion and Asceticism of Royal Women:

Thirteen chief queens of King Shrenik of Magadha, along with others, significantly contributed to Lord Mahavir's spiritual movement by embracing intense ascetic practices.
These women achieved remarkable feats in penance, following various rigorous ascetic schedules.

12. The Enduring Legacy of Shramanis:

Devananda, the mother of Lord Mahavir, along with her daughter and sister, embraced Jain asceticism, becoming radiant practitioners.
Numerous other Shramanis have throughout history significantly contributed to the spread of Jain Dharma.
While the current Shramani Sangha may be smaller, it continues the legacy of Mahasadhvi Chandanbala, adhering to the original principles.
Many contemporary Sadhvis are dedicated to transforming the wicked into the virtuous and the addicted into the sober.
They have also played a vital role in stopping animal sacrifices in the name of religion.

13. The Impact of Shramanis:

The influence of the Shramani Sangha on Jain culture is as profound as that of the monastic order.
Great Shramanis have made significant contributions to propagating Jain teachings.
They have endured extreme hardships and sacrifices to protect Dharma and chastity, even compelling adversaries and non-human beings to bow before them.

14. Women as Light and Fire:

A Shramani is not just a source of light but also a flame that burns away past karmas and helps others purify their accumulated karmas.
Jainism also acknowledges women's social importance, valuing their contributions alongside men.

15. Women in Lay Life (Upāsikās):

Jain laywomen (Upāsikās) have also made significant contributions.
Stories of ideal laywomen like Sulasa, Revati, and Jayanti are highlighted for their unwavering faith and devotion, even in the face of trials and the allure of worldly power.
Jayanti's discussion with Lord Mahavir on profound spiritual matters is mentioned.

16. Women as Synonyms of Devotion:

Maharani Kamalavati is presented as an ideal laywoman who guided King Ishukara.
Women have played a crucial role in promoting peace and driving social change throughout history.
When women have held leadership roles, they have often displayed greater skill, impartiality, honesty, and a more compassionate approach than their male counterparts.
Examples of influential female rulers like Ahilyabai, Chennamma, Chand Bibi, Queen Victoria, Golda Meir, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Elizabeth I, and Indira Gandhi are cited.
The inspirational stories of Jijabai and Panna Dhai are highlighted, showing how women shaped the lives of great leaders like Shivaji and Uday Singh.

17. Women's Tolerance and Inner Strength:

The text asserts that women possess immense tolerance, akin to the Earth, depth of thought like the sky, and the capacity to absorb and purify negativity like the ocean.
Their gentleness conceals the strength of the Himalayas and the vastness of the ocean.
Women are compared to guiding stars for those who have gone astray. They embody both worldly struggles and spiritual detachment.
They can be fierce like Durga when revolution is needed and benevolent like Lakshmi when compassion is required.

18. Women as the First Teachers:

Women are the first educators of the world, teaching not only to walk but also to rise after falling.
They are the central point of society, and the foundation of good character and personality development lies in their conduct and thoughts.
The text emphasizes that the society's sophistication and idealism are reflected in its view of women. The rise and fall of women are intertwined with the progress and decline of religion and morality in society.

19. The Indispensable Nature of Women:

Man is incomplete without woman, just as Krishna is without Radha, Rama without Sita, and Shiva without Gauri.
Women are a great power, and India has seen them as divine beings.
Women represent the emotional aspect of society, while men represent the action aspect. Emotion enriches action.
The flourishing of women's emotional dominance in social, spiritual, and religious spheres leads to enduring peace and happiness.
Women, in their roles as mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters, can be pillars of peace, provided they are treated with respect and given opportunities for growth.

20. Women's Equality and Contribution to World Peace:

Women can excel in knowledge, spiritual practice, asceticism, renunciation, chastity, charity, talent, intellect, and power if given the chance.
They can significantly contribute to the development of individuals with noble thoughts and to the lasting peace and progress of families, societies, and nations.
They have a crucial role to play in achieving world peace.
Celebrating women's inherent qualities of love, gentleness, humility, forgiveness, kindness, and service is a form of worship.
Recognizing their capabilities and entrusting them with important tasks for world peace is their true honor.

21. Women as Friends of the Total Personality:

Historically, women have held a respected place in India, as evidenced by the proverb, "Where women are honored, divinity resides."
Women are considered the center of the world.
They are revered as mothers, a source of affection and inspiration as sisters, and as wives, they contribute to the holistic development of their partners.
They are like an ocean of thought, holding countless pearls.
Victor Hugo's quote, "Man have sight, woman insight," is referenced to highlight women's intuitive wisdom.

22. Women's Role in Eradicating Negativity:

Women can play a vital role in eradicating injustice, immorality, misconduct, and hypocrisy.
Their practical lives are characterized by purity, generosity, gentleness, humility, discipline, and respect, making them invaluable.
Women have carried the banner of Dharma, achieved adherence to vows and self-control, and earned renown.

Conclusion: The text unequivocally concludes that women's position and contribution in Jainism have been significant since time immemorial, continue in the present, and will persist in the future, as they are the very "axis of Dharma." Their importance and contribution to Jain culture are unparalleled and unique. The author expresses that a complete account of women's contributions to the propagation of Jainism would be impossible to capture in a small article but hopes this effort serves as a step in that direction.

The document also includes a brief biographical note about the author, Mahasati Dr. Shri Dharmashila, highlighting her academic achievements and her active role in spreading Jain knowledge.