Jain Siddhanto Ke Sandarbh Me Vartaman Ahar Vihar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jain Siddhanto ke Sandarbh me Vartaman Ahar Vihar" (Present Diet and Conduct in the Context of Jain Principles) by Rajkumar Jain:

The book, authored by Rajkumar Jain and published as part of the "Pandit Sadhuvad Granth," argues that while contemporary society is highly materialistic and focused on outward pursuits, Jain principles offer significant health and spiritual benefits. The author contends that Jainism, though not a medical treatise, provides crucial guidelines for human conduct, which directly impact physical and mental well-being.

Key Arguments and Points:

• Materialism vs. Spirituality: The author begins by observing that modern humans are primarily outward-looking and drawn to material pleasures, neglecting inner development. This focus on the ephemeral leads to a disregard for spiritual growth. While this scientific and materialistic revolution has brought numerous achievements, it has also led to a change in human behavior, diet, and conduct.
• The Importance of Pure Conduct: Jainism places immense importance on the purity of human conduct, both physical and mental. Pure conduct is seen as vital for physical development and health, influencing it as much as diet and lifestyle. Mental and physical actions are interconnected, affecting each other and ultimately impacting one's inner strength (आत्मशक्ति). The author cites examples of spiritual leaders and laypeople like Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave who demonstrated enhanced inner strength through virtuous conduct.
• Jain Principles and Health: Although Jainism's primary focus is spiritual and philosophical, its principles contain significant health-promoting guidelines. These principles, even if not explicitly stated as medical advice, are crucial for protecting the human body from ailments and achieving spiritual purification.
• The Body as a Tool for Dharma: While spiritual detachment from the body is important, the author emphasizes that the body should not be neglected. Deliberate neglect of the body is considered a form of self-harm, the gravest sin in Jain scriptures. The body is the instrument for spiritual practice, and therefore, its health must be maintained through proper diet and protection from harmful influences. Jainism doesn't advocate for complete renunciation of the body's needs but discourages the pursuit of sensual pleasures through it.
• Jainism and Modern Science: The book highlights a strong convergence between Jain dietary and behavioral principles and modern medical science. The author suggests that principles that lead to a pure, sattvic (balanced and pure) life, protect health, and elevate the soul naturally align with scientific understanding.
• Specific Dietary and Behavioral Guidelines:
  • Water Purification: The Jain practice of filtering water before consumption is supported by modern science, which confirms the presence of microorganisms and impurities in water. While boiling is the ultimate purification, filtering is a significant step.
  • No Eating After Sunset: This is presented as a crucial guideline with both religious and scientific backing. Religiously, it's to avoid the violence of nocturnal creatures. Scientifically, the author explains that microorganisms that are killed by sunlight during the day can contaminate food at night, making it harmful.
  • Digestive Health and Timely Eating: The text explains the digestive process, stating that food remains in the stomach for about four hours. Therefore, it's essential to be awake and active during this period. Eating meals at least 4-5 hours before sleep ensures proper digestion. This aligns with the Jain practice of not eating after sunset, suggesting a meal around 6 PM, which allows for digestion before the typical 10 PM bedtime.
  • Inter-Meal Intervals: Modern science suggests an interval of at least eight hours between meals. If one eats at 6 PM, then the next meal should be around 10 AM, creating a natural rhythm that supports health.
  • Sattvic Diet: The importance of consuming pure and sattvic food for physical and mental purity is stressed. Tamasic (impure and dark) food is deemed detrimental to health and can cause mental disorders.
  • Consumption of Root Vegetables (Kandmool): This is a central point of discussion. While Jainism prohibits the consumption of root vegetables (like potatoes, onions, carrots, radishes, etc.) due to the belief in the presence of multiple lives within them (अनन्तकाय जीव) and the resultant violence (हिंसा), the author explores this from a scientific perspective.
    • Ayurvedic Perspective: The author highlights that many of these root vegetables, considered forbidden in Jainism, have significant medicinal properties according to Ayurveda. They are beneficial for health, boosting immunity, and preventing diseases.
    • The "Aprakrut" (Uncooked/Raw) Rule: The core Jain principle discussed here is that the prohibition is against consuming these vegetables in their raw or uncooked (आमानि) state. The author cites Acharya Samantabhadra's "Ratnakarand Shravakachar," which states that while raw vegetables containing living beings (सचित्त) are forbidden, if they are cooked (अग्निपक्व, प्रासुक), they become devoid of life (अचित्त) and are therefore permissible to consume. This resolves a significant dilemma for householders.
    • Modern Diet: The author points out that vegetables like onions and potatoes are now integral to modern cuisine and are widely available and used for their taste and nutritional value.
• Ayurvedic Properties of Common Vegetables: The book then details the medicinal properties of several common vegetables such as garlic (लहसुन), onion (पलाण्डु), carrot (गाजर), radish (मूली), ginger (अदरक), and asafoetida (हींग), elaborating on their benefits for digestion, immunity, and various ailments.
• Conclusion: The text concludes by reiterating that these traditionally forbidden vegetables, when cooked, become purified and do not pose the same religious or ethical issues. Therefore, householder Jains (गृहस्थ श्रावक) can consume them responsibly, ensuring they are cooked properly to avoid sankalpi himsa (intentional violence) and maintain a pure and sattvic diet. The overall message is that Jain principles, when understood and applied in the context of modern knowledge, offer a holistic approach to life, promoting both spiritual upliftment and physical well-being.