Kanya Vikray Dosh

This document is the book "Kanya Vikray Dosh" (Harm of Selling Daughters) written by Muni Maharaj Shri Buddhisagarji, disciple of Muni Maharaj Shri Sukhsagarji. It was published by Shri Jainoday Buddhisagar Samaj, Sanand, in Veer Samvat 2431 (1961 AD). The book aims to highlight and condemn the practice of selling daughters, which was prevalent in certain parts of India, particularly Kathiawad (Saurashtra).

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content:

• Condemnation of Daughter Selling: The central theme is the strong denunciation of the practice of selling daughters for financial gain. The author argues that this is a grave sin, a major offense against Jain principles, and a cause of societal decay.
• Spiritual and Moral Arguments: The text draws heavily on Jain philosophy and ethics. It emphasizes compassion, righteousness, and the eternal nature of dharma, contrasting it with the transient nature of wealth gained through unethical means. It repeatedly stresses that such practices lead to suffering in this life and the next, resulting in lower births and eternal pain in hellish realms.
• Societal Impact and Consequences: The book details the detrimental effects of selling daughters on individuals, families, and society. It points out:
  • Widowhood: Many young girls are married off to old men, leading to early widowhood and the subsequent suffering and moral compromises they face.
  • Moral Degradation: The practice corrupts individuals, leading to greed, loss of compassion, and a disregard for familial bonds.
  • Deterioration of Jain Community: The author expresses deep concern over the declining state of the Jain community due to such practices, including a loss of faith, moral erosion, and a disconnect from core Jain teachings.
  • Economic Ruin: It argues that wealth acquired through unethical means is fleeting and ultimately leads to poverty and ruin, citing the example of Kathiawad.
  • Social Disintegration: The text highlights how the practice disrupts social harmony, leads to a decline in population (due to unhealthy offspring and social issues), and damages the reputation of the Jain community.
• Critique of Ignorance and Greed: The author attributes these societal ills to ignorance, misplaced priorities, and excessive greed. He criticizes parents who prioritize financial gain over their daughters' well-being and future happiness.
• Call for Reform and Education: The book serves as a strong plea for reform. It advocates for educating children, especially girls, instilling moral values, and promoting healthy, age-appropriate marriages. It emphasizes the importance of good conduct, compassion, and adherence to dharma for individual and collective upliftment.
• Illustrative Narratives and Examples: To drive home its message, the book includes various stories and dialogues. These are designed to illustrate the negative consequences of the discussed practices and to serve as cautionary tales.
  • The Story of Dharmachand: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the story of Dharmachand, a wealthy man's son who falls into bad company, indulges in bad habits, and ultimately faces a miserable life, losing his wealth, health, and reputation due to his poor choices and the consequences of his father's indulgence. This narrative is used to highlight the importance of good upbringing, moral education, and the dangers of neglecting children's well-being.
  • The Story of the Brahman and the Chandalini: This story illustrates the extreme depravity of selling a daughter for money by comparing it to the rituals of a Chandalini (outcaste woman) and emphasizing that such acts are considered more sinful than even the most degraded practices.
  • Discussions in Assemblies: The text depicts public gatherings and speeches by learned individuals (lawyers, elders) who advocate for societal reforms, the abolition of child marriage, and strict measures against those who sell their daughters. Resolutions are passed, and caste rules are discussed to address these issues.
• Emphasis on Righteous Conduct: The book repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteousness, honest labor, and adhering to Jain principles. It promotes the idea that true happiness and prosperity come from virtuous actions and adherence to dharma.
• Criticism of Child Marriage: Alongside the condemnation of selling daughters, the book also strongly criticizes child marriage, highlighting its negative impact on physical health, mental development, and societal well-being. It advocates for marriages between individuals of appropriate age and maturity.
• Role of Community Leaders and Education: The book implicitly calls for the active involvement of community leaders, elders, and educators in addressing these social evils through awareness, enforcement of rules, and promoting education based on Jain teachings.

In essence, "Kanya Vikray Dosh" is a passionate and detailed exposition of the perceived moral and societal decline caused by the practice of selling daughters and child marriage, advocating for a return to righteous living and the core values of Jainism for the upliftment of the community.