Jivan Path Par Kate Kisne Boye

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Jivan Path Par Kate Kisne Boye" by Amarmuni:

Book Title: Jivan Path Par Kate Kisne Boye (Who Sowed Thorns on the Path of Life?) Author: Amarmuni Publisher: Z_Panna_Sammikkhaye_Dhammam_Part_01_003408_HR.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/212368/1

This Jain text, "Jivan Path Par Kate Kisne Boye," by Amarmuni, delves into the fundamental nature of existence and the causes of suffering from a Jain philosophical perspective. The text argues that all living beings share three fundamental aspirations: the desire for happiness, the desire for purity, and the desire to be immortal (not to die).

The Core of Existence and Universal Aspirations:

The author begins by observing that every soul within the universe is driven by an inherent urge for happiness. No living being desires suffering or misfortune; all strive to escape it. Similarly, every soul desires to remain pure and clean, both physically and mentally. This aversion to impurity is evident in the care individuals take for their surroundings, clothing, and bodies. Lastly, no one desires death. The inherent aversion to death implies an aversion to the cycle of birth and rebirth, leading to a desire for eternal existence.

The text posits that these three fundamental desires – happiness, purity, and immortality – are universal because all souls are essentially equal in their true nature. Just as the heat and light of a fire are the same regardless of its location, the fundamental essence of every soul is identical. Therefore, the aspirations arising from this essence will also be the same. Our actions and intentions are all aimed at achieving these three core goals: escaping suffering, moving towards purity, and progressing from mortality to immortality.

The Origin of Suffering: A Self-Inflicted Wound

A central question explored is whether an external deity or power can grant happiness, purity, or immortality. The text asserts that Indian philosophy, particularly Jainism, teaches that no external force can rescue individuals from suffering, death, or impurity. These are tasks that individuals must accomplish for themselves. The text emphasizes that "You are the architect of your own life; you are the regulator of your destiny."

The author then poses the profound question, attributed to Lord Mahavir: "Dukhkye Ken Kade?" (Who created suffering?). The answer, revealed by Lord Mahavir, is "Jeeven Kade!" (Suffering is created by the soul itself). The reason for this self-inflicted suffering is "Maan" (pride or delusion) and "Pramad" (negligence or carelessness). Suffering is not imposed by others but is acquired due to one's own mistakes and negligence. Similarly, impurity is a result of one's own errors, not an external imposition.

The text quotes an acharya (a spiritual teacher) stating, "The soul itself performs actions and reaps their fruits. It wanders in the cycle of existence by itself, and it is freed from it by itself." This highlights the principle of karma and the soul's agency in its own journey.

Critique of Divine Intervention and the Concept of Karma:

The text addresses the common belief that God inspires actions, both good and bad. It challenges this notion by asking why an omnipotent God would inspire evil if He is also the giver of punishment. The author argues that this would be illogical and unjust, akin to a parent who educates their child in wrongdoing and then punishes them. The text criticizes the idea that God first destroys a person's intellect before inflicting suffering, suggesting it would be more just to provide good intellect to prevent wrongdoing altogether.

Furthermore, the text examines the idea that while the soul performs actions, God acts as a judge, dispensing the fruits of those actions. This is likened to a father who doesn't stop his children from doing wrong but then punishes them. The author argues that true justice would involve guiding individuals away from wrongdoing before they fall into it, rather than punishing them afterward. Citing a proverb, the text emphasizes that remaining silent when witnessing someone heading towards danger is also a form of sin.

The Soul as the Sole Actor and Experiencer:

To resolve these complexities surrounding divine intervention and karma, the text advocates for understanding the "Atma-darshan" (self-realization) within Indian philosophy. It reiterates that the soul acts on its own inspiration and experiences the consequences of its actions. This is supported by Lord Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita: "Uddharedatmanatman" (One should uplift oneself by oneself; one should not debase oneself).

The text concludes by emphasizing the freedom and consciousness of the soul. Both the agency of performing actions and the experience of their fruits are under the soul's control. Therefore, by realizing one's true nature, charting one's own path, and achieving purity, one can attain liberation from suffering and achieve immortality. The ultimate message is that the thorns on the path of life are not sown by any external force, but are the result of the soul's own choices and actions driven by ignorance and negligence.