Know To Enlighten - Book Summary

This document, "Know to Enlighten" by Acharya Rajyash Surishwarji, is a compilation of articles that aims to bridge the gap between religious practices and scientific understanding, encouraging readers to understand the rationale behind various traditions. The book was published on the occasion of a Chaturmas at Munisuvrat Tirth, Bharuch, Gujarat, in 2004.

Here's a summary of the key themes and arguments presented across the provided pages:

1. Women's Health and Menstruation:

Religious Prohibition and Scientific Rationale: The book argues that the traditional religious prohibitions during a woman's menstrual cycle (often referred to as M.C.) are not arbitrary but are based on scientific and health reasons, which have been observed and documented even by ancient scientists and modern medical professionals.
Hygiene and Purity: It posits that women during menstruation may emit a "poison" or toxins that can affect food, plants, and even inanimate objects. This is supported by citing various religious texts (Jainism, Bible, Islam, Parsi) and historical observations from figures like Pliny and S.L. Sixney, who noted spoilage of items in the presence of women during their cycle.
Rest and Recuperation: The text emphasizes that this period is meant for rest and recuperation for women, suggesting that modern disregard for these practices is unhygienic and detrimental. It calls for women to embrace this period as a "gift" for self-care.
Husband's Cooperation: It also highlights the importance of husbands cooperating with their wives in observing these period-specific restrictions.
Cross-Cultural Practices: The book mentions similar practices observed in various cultures (Red Indians, Jews, Congo, South America, China, England, Mexico, Germany), suggesting a universal recognition of the need for caution during this time.

2. Abortion as "Civilized Crime":

Ethical and Moral Argument: The book strongly condemns abortion, labeling it a "murder" and a "civilized crime" committed in the name of modernization. It asserts that life begins at fertilization and that abortion is the killing of an innocent being with a predetermined destiny.
Scientific and Religious Support for Fetal Development: It details the stages of fetal development from conception to birth, citing scientific research and ancient Jain scriptures (like "Samveg Rang Shala" by Jin Chandra Suri) that corroborate the existence of life and the formation of organs from early stages. This is presented to demonstrate that the fetus is a living being.
Abortion's Detrimental Effects: The text outlines the severe physical and psychological consequences for mothers who undergo abortions, including infertility, lifelong diseases, mental health problems, and damage to family harmony. It highlights statistics on maternal deaths and illnesses related to abortion, particularly illegal abortions.
Social and Cultural Impact: The book links abortion to social issues like dowry and female foeticide, citing a stark imbalance in sex ratios as a consequence of sex-determination tests and subsequent abortions of female fetuses. It warns of societal breakdown and increased problems like prostitution and the spread of diseases like AIDS.
Religious Opposition to Abortion: It references the stance of various religions, including Islam (prohibiting abortion unless the mother's life is in danger) and historical laws in India that treated abortion as a criminal offense.
Philosophical Argument Against Violence: The book posits that accepting a mother's right to kill her child undermines the principle of not killing each other and promotes a culture of violence.

3. Eating Habits: "Eat to Be Great":

Prohibition of Eating After Sunset: A core tenet discussed is the religious and medical prohibition of eating after sunset. This is presented as a universal principle, not limited to Jainism.
Religious and Philosophical Basis: Jain philosophy views eating after sunset as sinful, associating it with demonic influences and the consumption of harmful microorganisms that can impair intellect and health. It quotes religious texts and sages who equate eating after sunset to grave sins like drinking blood or eating meat. The concept of "Breakfast" is used to illustrate the idea of breaking a fast, implying a period of abstinence.
Scientific and Medical Support: The book cites medical opinions from various experts and publications (e.g., T. Hartley, Prof. Albert J. Beloj, Dr. Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. S. Parot) that advocate for eating before sunset. These opinions link late-night meals to digestive problems, reduced energy, and various health issues, while eating before sunset promotes better digestion, health, and longevity. Ayurved principles are also invoked, stating that digestive power is stronger during the day.
Health and Spiritual Benefits: The text suggests that adherence to proper eating times (before sunset) not only leads to physical health but also enhances concentration and aids in spiritual pursuits, ultimately contributing to greatness.

4. Non-Violence: "Problems and Prospects":

Universality of Non-Violence: The book asserts that non-violence is a fundamental virtue recognized across all religions and cultures, calling it the "mother of world giving bliss and love."
Defining Non-Violence: It clarifies that non-violence encompasses not just the absence of physical violence but also the presence of positive qualities like friendliness, welfare for humanity, politeness, and softness of heart.
Critique of Violence in Religious Practices: It questions the practice of animal sacrifice in some religious rituals (like "Yagna"), citing scriptures like the Mahabharat and various Puranas that condemn such violence and advocate for non-violence as the true religion.
Vegetarianism as a Manifestation of Non-Violence: A significant portion discusses the link between vegetarianism and non-violence. It argues that consuming non-vegetarian food promotes cruelty and sinfulness, while vegetarian food fosters purity, good thoughts, compassion, and peace.
Cross-Religious Support for Vegetarianism: The book highlights that major religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity (Jesus' teachings), Sikhism (Guru Nanak's teachings), Buddhism, and Jainism advocate for or prohibit non-vegetarian food, emphasizing mercy and non-violence. It quotes religious figures and texts to support this point.
Medical Benefits of Vegetarianism: It presents medical opinions and research that associate non-vegetarian food with diseases like cancer and other health issues, while vegetarian diets are linked to better health, stronger lungs, and freedom from diseases.
Societal Impact of Non-Violence: The text suggests that widespread adoption of vegetarianism and non-violence can lead to peace, prevent wars, and foster love and compassion, contributing to the well-being of individuals, society, and the nation.

5. Mob Psychology and Television's Impact:

Television as a Powerful Medium: The book acknowledges television as a dominant communication medium with a significant impact on viewers, especially children.
Negative Effects on Children: It presents a detailed account of the deleterious effects of TV viewing on children, including:
- Behavioral Issues: Copying violent scenes, aggression, self-injury, and increased criminal and violent behavior.
- Health Concerns: Eye strain, blurred vision, radiation exposure (X-rays), potential for blindness or deformities in children of pregnant women watching TV, and adverse effects on brain development, sleep patterns, and physical growth.
- Academic Decline: Lower exam results in schools with TV integration compared to those without.
- Psychological Impact: Increased dependency, bad dreams, disturbed routines, dullness of the left brain.
Erosion of Social Bonds: The book argues that TV viewing destroys interpersonal relationships within families and communities, leading to isolation and a lack of sentiment and affection.
Time Wastage: It stresses that TV is a significant time-waster, diverting individuals from productive activities and personal development.
Consumerism: Advertisements on TV fuel unnecessary desires and consumerism.
Call to Action: Parents are urged to limit children's TV exposure and provide alternative, positive activities to counteract the negative influence of television. The text compares keeping a TV at home to keeping a bomb, emphasizing its dangerous potential.

In essence, "Know to Enlighten" is a persuasive work that seeks to revive an understanding of traditional religious practices by presenting them as rooted in scientific validity and beneficial for individual and societal well-being. It encourages critical thinking by inviting readers to explore the "why" behind religious injunctions and to adopt a lifestyle that promotes health, purity, and non-violence.