Jainagam Paryavaran Samrakshan

This document, "Jainaagum: Paryavaran Samrakshan" (Jain Scriptures: Environmental Protection) by Kanhaiyalal Lodha, argues that Jainism offers a comprehensive framework for environmental protection that extends beyond the natural world to encompass spiritual, mental, social, cultural, familial, and economic spheres. The author posits that true environmental protection stems from addressing the root cause of all pollution: spiritual pollution, which originates from desires and passions.

Here's a breakdown of the key arguments:

1. The Jain Concept of Pollution:

• Broader Definition: Unlike Western perspectives focused solely on natural pollution, Jainism defines pollution broadly to include all aspects of life. Any deviation from a pure, beneficial state is considered pollution.
• Root Cause: All forms of pollution – environmental, social, mental, etc. – are seen as stemming from spiritual pollution, characterized by vices like violence, falsehood, theft, and sensual indulgence.
• Interconnectedness: All spheres of life are interconnected, meaning pollution in one area inevitably impacts others.

2. The Six-Sensory Beings and Non-Violence (Ahimsa):

• Six Categories of Life (Shatkaya): Jainism recognizes six categories of living beings: earth-bodied (prithvikaya), water-bodied (apkay), fire-bodied (tejukaya), air-bodied (vayu-kaya), vegetation-bodied (vanaspatikaya), and mobile beings (trasakaya – with two to five senses).
• Prohibition of Harm: Jain ascetics are strictly prohibited from harming any of these six categories of beings through thought, word, or deed. This prohibition is fundamental to maintaining natural balance and preventing environmental degradation.
• Prana (Life Force): The text emphasizes that harm to any of the ten vital life forces (prana) of a being is considered harm. These include sensory faculties, mind, speech, body, breath, and lifespan. Any action that damages these is seen as pollution.

3. The Twelve Vows (Dwadash Vratas) as Environmental Solutions:

The author details how the twelve vows, particularly the five major vows (Maha-vratas) and the seven disciplinary vows (Shiksha-vratas) observed by householders, serve as practical guidelines for environmental protection:

• 1. Abstinence from Gross Violence (Sthool Pranati-paat Viraman): This vow directly addresses the killing or harming of beings. It's linked to pollution by explaining how exploitation of natural resources and practices that harm life (like industrial pollution) are forms of violence.
• 2. Abstinence from Falsehood (Mrishavada Viraman): This vow promotes truthfulness in describing things as they are. The author connects this to environmental issues by highlighting misleading advertising and the misrepresentation of harmful products as beneficial.
• 3. Abstinence from Stealing (Achaurya Vrata): This vow encompasses not taking what is not given. It's extended to economic exploitation, unfair labor practices, and hoarding of resources, all of which lead to economic and social pollution.
• 4. Abstinence from Unchastity (Brahmacharya Vrata): This vow promotes monogamy and abstains from sensual misconduct. It's linked to preventing diseases like AIDS and the negative social consequences of rampant sexual indulgence, which can be seen as a form of social pollution.
• 5. Abstinence from Possessions (Parigraha Pariman Vrata): This vow limits the accumulation of material possessions. Excessive accumulation is seen as the root of greed, exploitation, and competition, leading to economic pollution and scarcity for others. It encourages contentment and sharing.
• 6. Directional Limitation (Disha Pariman Vrata): This vow limits travel and movement. It encourages staying within one's own region and reduces the environmental impact of extensive travel and resource exploitation. It counters the tendency to leave one's homeland for urban centers, reducing overcrowding and its associated pollution.
• 7. Consumption Limitation (Upabhoga Paribhog Pariman Vrata): This vow restricts the consumption of goods and sensory pleasures. Overconsumption (consumerism) is identified as the primary driver of all pollution and vices. It emphasizes simple living and conscious use of resources.
• 8. Abstinence from Useless Killing/Harm (Anarth Dand Viraman): This vow prohibits actions that cause harm without any beneficial purpose, such as animal cruelty for entertainment or beauty products. It also covers the consumption of unhealthy processed foods.
• 9. Samayik (Equanimity): This vow involves periods of meditation and introspection, promoting mental balance and reducing stress, anger, and desires, which are seen as mental pollution.
• 10. Deshavakashik (Temporary Renunciation): This involves observing specific vows for a limited period, allowing for a taste of detachment and spiritual practice.
• 11. Paushadh Vrat (Fasting/Observance): This is a form of temporary renunciation and self-discipline, promoting spiritual growth and reducing the burden on resources for a day.
• 12. Atithi Samvibhag Vrata (Hospitality/Sharing): This vow emphasizes sharing one's resources with those in need, particularly ascetics and the vulnerable. It promotes a selfless and charitable way of life, counteracting hoarding and economic inequality.

4. The Impact of Jain Principles:

• Holistic Solution: By adhering to these vows, individuals can purify themselves spiritually, mentally, socially, and economically, which in turn leads to the purification of the natural environment.
• Harmony with Nature: The Jain emphasis on respecting all forms of life fosters a deep connection and harmony with nature.
• Sustainable Living: The principles promote a sustainable lifestyle that avoids excessive consumption and exploitation, ensuring the well-being of future generations.

In essence, Kanhaiyalal Lodha's work presents Jainism not just as a religion but as a comprehensive philosophy and practice for achieving true and lasting environmental protection by addressing the human element – desires, passions, and spiritual purity – as the ultimate solution to all forms of pollution.