Jan Shasan Aur Jin Shasan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jan Shasan aur Jin Shasan" by Santbal, based on the provided pages:

The core argument of the text is that Jin Shasan (the teachings and order of the Jinas, i.e., Jainism) cannot stand firm without the strong foundation of Jan Shasan (the governance and well-being of the people or society). True spiritual knowledge, upon its manifestation, naturally inspires compassion for all beings, a desire to lead them towards the path of the Jinas. However, this spiritual edifice requires a robust societal structure.

The author begins by quoting a renowned phrase: "Savve jeev karun shasan rasi, aisi bhavdaya man ulsi." This means that when true self-knowledge dawns, a compassionate desire arises to make all beings inclined towards the Jinas' teachings.

The Importance of Jan Shasan as the Foundation:

Humanity as the Cornerstone: The text emphasizes that humanity is the primary and most crucial element. The Uttaradhyayana Sutra lists four rare attainments: human birth, good listening, faith, and vigor in asceticism. Humanity (Jan Shasan) is the bedrock.
Lord Rishabhnath's Legacy: The first Tirthankara of this era, Lord Rishabhnath, initiated a proper "Jan Shasan" by ending the era of the "Yuglik" (a time of innate bliss). He inspired people to learn agriculture, animal husbandry, commerce, and even weaponry for self-defense. This made people diligent and self-reliant, fostering individual freedom, social harmony, and human development. He established a balance between intellect and heart, even if early industry was rudimentary.
Evolution and Growth: Subsequent eras saw further development of intellect and industry, even through challenging times ("Kalratris" or dark periods).

Illustrative Examples from the Time of Lord Mahavir:

The text then presents three anecdotes from the era of Lord Mahavir to illustrate how Jan Shasan was strengthened, thereby supporting Jin Shasan:

The Jewel Blanket Seller: A seller of jewel blankets was disheartened that even King Shrenik of Magadha, with its capital Rajagriha, didn't buy his wares. Bhadra Sethani, a citizen, overheard him and explained that while the king's treasury might be hesitant to spend on luxury, the people of Magadha, like herself, appreciate art and possess the wealth to do so. She then purchased a blanket for a huge sum and ordered many more. This shows that the appreciation of art and the financial capacity reside within the citizens, not just the king's coffers. It highlights the collective wealth and appreciation of the populace.
Shalibhadra's Renunciation: Shalibhadra, a wealthy individual, was visited by King Shrenik. His mother, Bhadra, felt honored by the king's humility, recognizing the king as a protector. However, Shalibhadra, upon meeting the king, realized that "truth is greater than power." He found the true "power of truth" in Lord Mahavir and renounced worldly life to become a Jain monk. This exemplifies how spiritual pursuits are considered superior to material wealth and political power, and how societal figures can be inspired to embrace a higher path.
Punia Shramanopasak: Punia, a devout Jain lay follower (Shramanopasak), possessed neither wealth nor power. His true wealth was his righteous livelihood earned through hard work and his spiritual possession of "Sarvabhootaprootam" (being present in all beings), signifying immense spiritual wealth. King Shrenik, in humility, asked Punia if he could give him his "Samayik" (a meditative practice). Punia explained that Samayik is an inner state of being, residing within oneself and in the hearts of all beings, and cannot be given or taken. This shows that true spiritual states are internal and not transactional, and that even kings can acknowledge the spiritual superiority of a lay follower.

These three incidents demonstrate that while Jin Shasan fulfills its duty through followers like Punia and ascetics like Shalibhadra, rulers like Shrenik come to understand the supremacy of truth. Bhadra Sethani's action shows that the people are greater than the king, and by considering the welfare of the people, she earned great merit, even "Tirthankar Gotra."

The Present Era and the Call to Action:

Decline in the Current Age (Pancham Kal): The author states that the current era (Pancham Kal) has seen the foundation of Jan Shasan weaken, leading to the instability of Jin Shasan. The dominance of state power has become prevalent.
Mahatma Gandhi's Role: Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a leader who challenged the supremacy of British rule by asserting that the power of people's moral laws and collective conduct is greater than the laws and armies of the state. His victory through non-violence proved this point.
The Need for Moral Governance and Spiritual Guidance: After Gandhi's era, a void was felt. The "Bhalnal Kantha Prayog" (an experiment in the Bhalnal Kantha region) was initiated with the principle: "Rajya ne apeksha praja mahan chhe. Praja ne apeksha naitikta mahan chhe!" (The people are greater than the state; morality is greater than the people!). To ensure morality remains spiritually oriented, the guidance of revolutionary monks and nuns is essential.
Efforts for Wider Impact: The author and his colleague, Shri Nemimuni, have been working to connect with large cities like Mumbai and other regions, just as they dedicated 25 years to rural Gujarat. Their travels and stay in various states signify their commitment to spreading this message.
The Congress and the Path Forward: The Congress party is undergoing a transformation, accepting that its organizational structure is greater than state power. However, for a true transformation, the Congress must accept the guidance of moral institutions of villages, women, and backward classes.
The Role of Monastics and Devotees: The author calls upon revolutionary monks, nuns, their followers (Shravakas and Shravikas), and devotees to lend their spiritual and moral strength to these societal institutions, and to establish them where they don't exist.
Strengthening Jin Shasan: If this happens, even if such dedicated individuals are few, the edifice of Jin Shasan, which relies on the foundation of Jan Shasan, will become strong.
Fulfilling the Legacy: The text concludes by posing a rhetorical question: If Jan Shasan is absent and people, public servants, and ascetics bow before power, how can this commemorative book (in tribute to Pujya Shri Hazarimalji Maharaj) be meaningful? It argues that if the Chaturvidh Sangha (four-fold order) can exist, even in a diminished form, until the end of the sixth era, then this crucial work of strengthening Jan Shasan for Jin Shasan can and must be achieved in the current fifth era.

In essence, the book argues for a symbiotic relationship where the strength and moral guidance of Jain monastics and devoted lay followers (Jin Shasan) are crucial for establishing and maintaining a just, moral, and prosperous society (Jan Shasan), which in turn provides the necessary foundation for the flourishing of Jainism.