Jivan Ki Prayogshala Ke Prerak Prayog - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jivan ki Prayogshala ke Prerak Prayog" by Animashreeji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jivan ki Prayogshala ke Prerak Prayog (Inspiring Experiments in the Laboratory of Life) Author: Animashreeji Publisher: Z_Mohanlal_Banthiya_Smruti_Granth_012059.pdf

This book, "Inspiring Experiments in the Laboratory of Life," by Sadhvi Animashreeji, focuses on the practical application of Jain principles for a fulfilling and meaningful life. It emphasizes that the ultimate truth of life is not to be found in external directives but in personal exploration and understanding.

Core Message:

The author stresses that to create a "new human" in today's fragmented and stressed world, a transformation of lifestyle is essential. A life, whether long or short, gains significance from how it is lived. The Jain way of life provides a dynamic framework for achieving this and navigating life's challenges with balance and purpose. Mental stress is pervasive, and true peace and happiness are unattainable without self-transformation and refining one's lifestyle. The book encourages readers to embrace the nine tenets of the Jain lifestyle, as propounded by Gurudev Shri Tulsi, as practical experiments in the laboratory of their lives.

The Nine Pillars of the Jain Lifestyle:

The book elaborates on nine key principles of the Jain lifestyle, presented as essential for a balanced and meaningful existence:

Samyak Darshan (Right Faith/Perception):
- This involves unwavering faith in the Arhats (omniscient beings) as divine, who have conquered passions (attachment and aversion).
- It includes reverence for monks and nuns who are disciples of the Arhats and strive for equanimity.
- Right Faith is adherence to the teachings of the Arhats, which is the path to equanimity.
- It fosters a balanced perspective, reduces rigid adherence to one's own views, cultivates humility and compassion, and promotes friendship and brotherhood.
- False perception is seen as an impediment to life's growth. Embracing the style of Samyak Darshan removes obstacles and is the touch of light and pulse of development.
Anekant (Non-absolutism/Multifacetedness):
- Recognizing that individuals live in relation to society, family, and community, Anekant emphasizes the importance of understanding different perspectives.
- It encourages valuing one's own thoughts while also trying to understand others'.
- Believing only one's own viewpoint to be true prevents one from grasping truth and softening relationships.
- An Anekant-centric lifestyle leads to a straightforward and humble approach, fostering a relative perspective. It enables one to illuminate difficult situations with harmony, leading to a coordinated mindset and balance during stress, frustration, and agitation.
- Anekant can significantly improve interpersonal relationships, resolving conflicts and filling life with joy.
Ahimsa (Non-violence):
- While complete cessation of violence might be impossible in life, embracing the principles of Samyak Darshan guides individuals towards minimizing necessary violence.
- Avoiding unnecessary violence nourishes the principle of Ahimsa.
- Humans often engage in violence for pleasure, amusement, and indulgence, not just for survival. An Ahimsa-oriented lifestyle constantly focuses on reducing violence and avoiding all possible unnecessary harm.
- Ahimsa is a bright stream of a compassionate heart. Cruelty is identified as the root of violence, leading to acts like abortion and murder.
- An Ahimsa-centric lifestyle prevents such acts and can potentially end terrorism. Strengthening the seeds of Ahimsa at the ideological level can resolve many family and social disharmonies.
- Ahimsa enhances human sensitivity and fosters friendship.
- It also plays a crucial role in environmental protection by preventing the excessive use of resources like soil, water, and vegetation, and curbing land exploitation and mining.
Shraman Sanskriti (Culture of Renunciation/Asceticism):
- Derived from the Prakrit word "Shraman," it has three core elements:
  - Sam (Equality): Treating all humans and beings equally.
  - Sham (Control of Emotions): Regulating impulses and emotions.
  - Shram (Diligence and Self-reliance): Leading a life of hard work and self-sufficiency.
- Adherents of Shraman culture do not behave in a degrading manner towards others, as no one wishes to be treated as inferior.
- Practicing "Upsham" (tranquility, cessation of passions) is essential for health, mental happiness, and purity of consciousness, as emotions can lead to stress and imbalance.
- A diligent person is never a burden; they embrace health and become an inspiring example for society. A life lived with equality, emotional control, and diligence makes every moment successful.
Iccha Pariman (Limitation of Desires):
- Lord Mahavir introduced this principle to curb infinite desires, like the boundless sky.
- It plays a vital role in constructing a healthy society. The unchecked pursuit of desires in the current era has led to breakage and suffocation, with unlimited aspirations giving rise to disappointment and sorrow.
- To escape suffering, the principle of limiting desires is crucial. The aspiration for a healthy society can be realized if people learn to control their desires, leading to a peaceful and happy life.
Samyak Aajivika (Right Livelihood):
- This principle is essential for all householders seeking to earn a living.
- Individuals who believe in an अहिंसक (non-violent) lifestyle and Iccha Pariman cannot engage in dishonest practices in business and trade.
- They choose vocations that provide a comfortable living without fostering any corrupt practices.
Samyak Sanskar (Right Values/Upbringing):
- This is a crucial factor in guiding life in the right direction, not only illuminating but also determining the correct path.
- Right values, founded on equality, balance, and self-discipline, are the core of life.
- The values embedded in the Jain lifestyle inspire individuals to adapt and change according to time and place. They foster a healthy mindset by moving away from rigid traditionalism.
- One's upbringing is reflected in their behavior, including interactions and correspondence. The use of "Jai Jinendra" signifies the Jain lifestyle, and decorating homes with Jain cultural symbols and phrases reinforces these values.
Aahar Shuddhi aur Vyasan Mukti (Purity of Diet and Freedom from Addictions):
- Food is the life-giving essence ("Anna vai Prana"). Without food, longevity diminishes.
- Dietary practices have become distorted, with a growing trend towards consuming meat, especially among the youth.
- The book highlights that Western cultures are increasingly abstaining from alcohol and meat because they are detrimental to health and cause serious diseases.
- Medical research shows that eggs can narrow blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Alcohol damages the liver and lungs and weakens the digestive system. Tobacco and similar substances are invitations to heart disease and cancer due to nicotine.
- Gambling and other addictions increase mental stress and disrupt peace.
- Those who practice sensory control and discipline their palate lead a more enjoyable and healthy life. Embracing dietary purity and freedom from addictions is essential for a healthy life and mental well-being.
Sadharmik Vatsalya (Affection for Fellow Religious People):
- While various community and religious organizations exist, Sadharmic Vatsalya strengthens the bond of brotherhood among followers of the same religion.
- It is a duty to understand the difficulties of fellow religious brethren.
- The ancient scholars defined a "Sadharmic Bandhu" (fellow religious brother) as someone born in different lands, nourished by different diets, but who has accepted the Jain faith and the Namokar Mahamantra.
- Sadharmic Vatsalya plays a crucial role in stabilizing one's faith and fostering societal harmony and communal cohesion. Through mutual support in education, healthcare, and livelihood, one can overcome various challenges.

Conclusion:

The book urges readers to make these nine principles of the Jain lifestyle the standards for their own lives. It calls for introspection and the adoption of this lifestyle to set a new ideal.