Kamnao Ka Ant Karna Hi Dukh Ka Ant Karna Hai

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Kamnao ka Ant Karna hi Dukh ka Ant Karna Hai" by Manav Muni, focusing on its core message and arguments:

The Jain text, "Kamnao ka Ant Karna hi Dukh ka Ant Karna Hai" (Ending Desires is Ending Suffering) by Manav Muni, strongly advocates for ahimsa (non-violence) as the supreme dharma and a fundamental principle for achieving true happiness and ending suffering.

The author begins by contrasting the past with the present, highlighting the abhorrent practice of animal and even human sacrifices in ancient times performed in the name of religion. This was rooted in the misconception that such acts brought religious merit. Lord Mahavir's preachings, however, led to a significant reduction in this practice. Despite this, the text points out that the idea of sacrifice persists in some forms even today, with Hindus sacrificing animals to appease deities.

Manav Muni argues that true sacrifice is not the offering of innocent, voiceless creatures, but rather the sacrifice of negative qualities within oneself. This includes sacrificing malice, false attachments, worldly desires, and one's inner animalistic tendencies. By making these internal sacrifices, the soul is purified and elevated, paving the way for true happiness. Sacrificing animals in the name of religion is condemned as superstition, ignorance, and a means of accumulating severe karmic bondage.

The core message is that ahimsa is not merely a religious tenet but the art of living. It brings happiness to oneself and to others. Lord Mahavir emphasized that practicing ahimsa also involves making sacrifices for the welfare of others. This can manifest as dedicating one's time, wealth, or personal comfort to serve the sick, provide medicine, or liberate animals from slaughterhouses, thereby offering them the gift of fearlessness. The text emphasizes that donating wealth for such noble causes is a proper utilization of resources.

The text identifies unending desires (kamnao) as the root cause of violence, injustice, and suffering. This is directly linked to the concept of trishna (thirst or craving). Therefore, the central thesis, as stated by Lord Mahavir, is reinforced: "Ending desires is ending suffering."

The author calls upon individuals to embrace the flag of ahimsa and to spread its message. In the age of science, the text asserts that there should be no room for violence, exploitation, injustice, or unethical practices. Instead, it envisions a world characterized by honesty in business, the absence of adulteration, and the reign of friendship, compassion, love, and virtuous conduct. This ideal world can only be achieved when individuals embrace renunciation (tyag), self-control (sanyam), and vows (vrat) in their lives. By doing so, they can influence the world and deliver the message of peace through ahimsa.

The text concludes by stating that no nation can establish peace without ahimsa. Religion, as taught by Jainism, is not about external rituals but is a philosophy of life that transforms humans into embodiments of humanity, great souls, and ultimately, divine beings. By living according to these principles, one can achieve the status of a "Mahavir" – a great conqueror of oneself and the cycle of suffering. The date "V. Ni. San. 2503" indicates the Jain era year.