Khari Adhyatmikta - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Khari Adhyatmikta" (True Spirituality), based on the given pages:

The text, "Khari Adhyatmikta," by Sukhlal Sanghavi and Bechardas Doshi, argues that true religion (Dharma) is essential for human well-being and progress, not as mere adherence to rituals or doctrines, but as a force that fosters moral elevation, universal brotherhood, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Necessity of Religion (Dharma):

Moral Elevation: The authors contend that simply knowing right from wrong (ethics) is insufficient for virtuous conduct. Humans often fall into sin not due to a lack of moral knowledge but due to a deficiency in moral strength, which they identify as "Dharma-bala" (religious strength). True Dharma provides the necessary fortitude to uphold high moral ideals and prevent succumbing to temptations.
Universal Brotherhood and Compassion: Religion is presented as the sole means to cultivate brotherly love for all humanity, awaken a spirit of service, and broaden one's heart. These deep emotional sentiments cannot be generated through intellectual study or scientific knowledge alone. It is spiritual inclination (Dharmikta - Adhyatmik vrutti) that fosters compassion, sympathy, and a willingness to serve, even in challenging circumstances.
Strength in Adversity: Dharma is crucial for developing courage and fortitude during times of crisis. Whether it's the death of a loved one, a personal calamity, or illness, a spiritual outlook provides the inner strength to face such events with equanimity. The belief that the universe operates according to a benevolent plan, even through difficulties, allows individuals to maintain courage.
Post-Mortem Progression: The text emphasizes that apart from Dharma, there is no other way to ensure the continuous advancement of the soul after the death of the physical body. While there may be disagreements about the afterlife, it is acknowledged that the conscious soul (Atma) undergoes a state after death, and this state necessitates progression. The authors question where else this upward progression could be achieved if not through Dharma.

Defining True Religion (Khari Adhyatmikta):

The authors strongly assert that any religion or sect that fails to meet these fundamental needs – moral upliftment, universal compassion, and resilience – cannot be considered true religion, regardless of its age or prestige. Such doctrines are deemed "vjya" (to be discarded).

Ethical Incompatibility: Scriptures or tenets that contradict the highest moral principles are rejected. Even if a doctrine contains profound philosophical or esoteric concepts, if it hinders ethical thought or action in practice, it is not true Dharma and is "sarvatha agrahya" (completely unacceptable).
Lack of Inner Strength: A religion that, despite strict adherence to its external practices (bahyachar) with pure intentions, fails to provide the courage to overcome mental disturbances during crises or fails to grant supreme peace and a tranquil mind, is deemed useless as a religion.
Divisiveness and Selfishness: Any religious practice that narrows one's outlook, replaces broad-mindedness with divisions (like "mine" and "theirs," high and low, pure and impure), and fosters selfish tendencies instead of universal brotherhood is considered not true religion but merely a "dhagmatra" (a mere facade of religion).

Call to Action for Religious Leaders:

The text concludes with a strong call to action for religious leaders (Dharmacharyas). It urges them to:

Rethink and Re-plan: Consider religion and religious institutions from a new, broader perspective, taking into account the current aspirations and needs of human society.
Prioritize True Spirituality: Refuse to prioritize outdated and irrelevant external practices (jeern ane nirupayogi bahyachar) at the expense of the actual essence of religion or true spirituality.

Failure to do so, the authors warn, will lead to the demise of these religions, religious leaders, and institutions, causing them to become "nashtapray" (near destruction) and "vilupt" (extinct) from the pages of history.