Jain Sanskruti Me Samajwad

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Sanskruti me Samajwad" by Sadhvi Shri Umrav Kunwarji, based on the provided pages:

The text explores the concept of socialism within Jain culture, arguing that Jainism's core principles inherently align with and even surpass modern socialist ideologies.

Understanding Culture (Sanskruti): The author begins by defining "Sanskruti" (culture) as derived from the root "kr" with the prefix "sam," meaning refinement and purification through "samskaras" (values/impressions). Culture encompasses a community's spiritual and material achievements, beliefs, practices, and aspirations. It's the essence of a nation, its philosophy, and its pursuit of both worldly and otherworldly goals.

Culture vs. Civilization: A distinction is drawn between civilization and culture. Civilization is likened to accumulated water, while culture is the motivating force that creates ripples on its surface. Civilization is the physical form, while culture is its soul; civilization is the way of living, while culture is the spirituality and eternal consciousness behind it. A cultured person is necessarily civilized, but a civilized person isn't always cultured.

Jainism's Core Tenet: Non-Violence and Universal Welfare: Jainism emphasizes the desire of all beings for happiness and avoidance of suffering. Its fundamental principle is to cause no harm or distress to any living being. The text highlights Jainism's directive: "Live happily and let others live happily." It argues that Jain culture aims to expand one's own happiness, welfare, and desires to encompass universal happiness, peace, and well-being, making it synonymous with "world culture" or "human culture."

Jainism and Modern Socialisms (Communism, Sarvodaya): The text then delves into the relevance of Jain principles in light of modern ideologies like socialism, communism, and Sarvodaya, which arose to combat feudalism and capitalist exploitation. These ideologies prioritize societal and national interests over individual interests, seeking to abolish distinctions like rich/poor, high/low, and master/servant. They aim for equal opportunities, basic necessities (food, clothing), and an end to suffering and deprivation.

Jainism and Communism: While acknowledging similarities between Jainism and communism in their goal of ending exploitation and class distinctions, the author points out fundamental differences:

• Basis: Communism is based on materialism and primarily focuses on society, often neglecting the individual (soul). Jainism is rooted in spiritualism.
• Means: Communism advocates for the use of force and violence (sword, bomb) to achieve equality. Jainism advocates for voluntary renunciation, love, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, penance, and sacrifice.
• Equality: Jainism believes in achieving equality through love and self-sacrifice, considering this form of equality to be enduring, whereas communist-imposed equality through force is not seen as sustainable.

Jainism and Sarvodaya: The concept of Sarvodaya (upliftment of all) is presented as ancient within Jain tradition, predating its modern usage by Mahatma Gandhi. Acharya Samantabhadra used the term "Sarvodaya Tirtha" to describe the Jain pilgrimage, signifying its role in ending all calamities.

• Meaning: Sarvodaya, meaning "the rise of all," was used by both Acharya Samantabhadra and Gandhi to signify universal upliftment based on non-violence, love, sacrifice, and tolerance.
• Modern Sarvodaya: Contemporary Sarvodaya movements identify a division between the rich and the poor, with the wealthy class exhibiting ego, cruelty, exploitation, and indulgence due to their control over resources. This leads to the suppression of their souls and humanity. Sarvodaya aims for the upliftment of both classes, urging the wealthy to be mindful of the welfare of others and to work for the collective good. Conflicts should be resolved through love and goodwill, not violence.
• Jainism's Extended Scope: While acknowledging the shared ideals, Jainism's philosophy is presented as even more comprehensive. The Western concept of "the greatest good for the greatest number" is seen as a precursor to Sarvodaya's focus on the upliftment and equal opportunity for all humans. However, Jainism extends this to all living beings (prani-matra).
• Universal Interdependence: Jainism posits that every creature in the universe is free and desires happiness. Therefore, no being's happiness or development should be hindered. Humans are part of a larger family that includes non-human beings, and their rights must be respected. Oppression of non-human beings will inevitably lead to oppression among humans.

Jainism's "Sarvodaya-Shasan": Lord Mahavir's governance is described as "Sarvodaya-Shasan," where the welfare and liberation of all are considered, without discrimination against any gender, status (rich/poor), age (child/elder), or even smallest creatures like ants. All souls are equal in their potential for self-development, possessing inherent freedom and infinite power, thus deserving equal rights and opportunities.

The Importance of Non-Possession and Sharing: Jainism strongly advocates against hoarding and emphasizes the sin of accumulating wealth without sharing. Lord Mahavir's declaration, "One who does not share is not eligible for liberation," underscores this point. True liberation comes from considering the welfare and happiness of all beings and contributing to their progress. Those who accumulate wealth for their exclusive benefit and aim for a monopoly of resources cannot achieve liberation. True happiness and eternal peace are attained by transforming one's personal happiness into the happiness of all beings and by expanding one's "self" to encompass the entire universe.