Kya Hum Badal Gaye Hai

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text "Kya Hum Badal gaye Hai" by Aditya Prachandiya, focusing on the key themes and arguments presented:

The author, Dr. Aditya Prachandiya, opens with a profound question that struck him during a contemplative moment: "Have we changed?" He clarifies that this isn't a poetic line but a genuine internal inquiry. He observes that our ways of living, dressing, eating, speaking, and behaving have indeed undergone significant transformations, suggesting that "clouds of change" have gathered over every aspect of our actions.

The core of the author's concern lies in the perceived loss of self-reliance and the rise of blind faith. He argues that individuals have lost faith in themselves, leading them to seek external validation and be ensnared by the allure of outside influences. This "caravan of self-confidence deficit" has, in turn, led to an abandonment of labor, spiritual practice (sadhana), and creation.

The author criticizes the modern pursuit of shortcuts, ease, and quick achievements. People are driven by the desire to reach goals with minimal effort, gain more with less input, and achieve maximum returns for minimal investment. This leads to the sacrifice of the extraordinary for the ordinary. He laments the lack of foresight in individuals who, in their haste to reach destinations quickly via easy routes, are actually ruining themselves. He emphasizes the value of the proper, albeit longer, path, stating that a longer but correct journey is more meaningful than a short, incorrect one.

A significant point of critique is the eroded trust in personal relationships. The author expresses astonishment at how individuals no longer trust their parents, spouses, or friends. Instead, they place their faith in external forces and miracles, discarding their own knowledge and beliefs. He points out that people are content with successes achieved through coincidence or delusion, having forgotten the fundamental principle of "as you sow, so shall you reap."

The current era is characterized by a weariness from war and struggle, and a sense of detachment from good deeds. The author describes a pervasive "dance of stress" and minds lost in labyrinths of confusion, leading to a life filled with sorrow. This, he attributes to a faith in "religious gambling" based on miracles and the abandonment of the "oars of labor." He poses a question about the depth of the ocean of life, suggesting it holds both pearls and death, and urges readers to take a leap to discover what awaits them.

The author then delves into the cultural and religious significance of labor, questioning whether we truly understand its importance or dismiss it with mere superficial gestures. He suggests that we are living in a state of deception, misleading both others and ourselves.

To clarify his point, he shares an anecdote about a question posed to a monk: "Who is the best father?" The monk's answer was, "The father who desires defeat from his son, who wishes for his son to be superior in every aspect." This leads the author to implore readers to strive to be better than their fathers, to elevate their families, and to contribute positively to their era and nation. He encourages valuing one's life and taking actions that lead to achieving one's goals, avoiding any stain of decline. He envisions a life illuminated by the light of labor and faith.

The text then shifts to the importance of right action and inner realization. The author uses the metaphor of a person at a crossroads, uncertain whether to follow preaching, action, propaganda, or silent contemplation. An enlightened person guides him, explaining that preaching can lead to ego, propaganda to worldly desire, and silence to self-realization. True improvement, he states, comes not from mere preaching, but from selfless advice that is untainted by attachment. Ethical propaganda for the welfare of the people is not a pursuit of fame but a pursuit of life. He emphasizes the importance of adhering to ethical boundaries while pursuing one's chosen path.

The author discusses the duality of human nature, noting that when individuals act as individuals, vices like cruelty and intolerance are not expressed. However, when individuals merge into a group, their flaws emerge. Enmity arises when there are two entities, and this can lead to the breakdown of life, causing chaos and unrest in families, societies, and nations. The resulting atmosphere becomes poisonous, fueled by the laments of suffering people. Conversely, the rise of friendship ushers in peace, where everyone lives happily and respects the right of others to do the same.

He identifies the current state as one of extreme enmity, where everyone is an enemy, directly or indirectly. To overcome this, he advocates for embracing friendship and adopting a mindset of fearlessness, non-aggression, trust, and tolerance. Fearlessness, he explains, is based on detachment. Reduced attachment fosters fearlessness, and fearlessness, in turn, reduces attachment. This creates an environment where the "creeper of friendship" can flourish.

The author highlights the negative impact of selfishness overriding the interests of others, which turns even friends into adversaries. In such situations, he stresses the need to ignite the "lamp of faith" in everyone's hearts. He believes that amidst diversity of interests and opinions, the fragrance of similarity will emerge. The generous-minded are inherently tolerant, not out of compulsion but naturally. This prevents aggression. This attitude fosters a flow of fearlessness, leading to widespread affection. Fearlessness and non-aggression are the foundations of trust, which is the nourisher of friendship.

The text emphasizes the importance of tolerance, particularly in thought, alongside physical fortitude. He cites Jesus' teaching to love one's enemies and Mahavir's teaching to consider no one an enemy, advocating for friendly behavior towards all. It is better to prevent illness than to treat it. Whether it be differences in thought or practice, within families, neighbors, castes, religions, or states, harmony and understanding are crucial. He urges readers to open the window of their minds and delve into the meaning of "harmony" and "understanding." He believes that by remaining firm in one's beliefs while respecting those of others, life will be blessed with joy.

Finally, the author introduces Anekantavada (the principle of manifold aspects) as essential in today's challenging environment. He observes that while modern progress is largely limited to the accumulation of material comforts, true progress lies in inner awakening. He criticizes the tendency to consider oneself absolutely correct and to ascend to the peak of ego based on a single aspect of truth. This, he warns, can lead to a downfall. He advocates for Anekantavada as a path to listening to and understanding others' perspectives, leading to a more holistic and integrated existence. He concludes that to resolve issues of conflict and violence, embracing Anekantavada is inevitable and perhaps the ultimate goal.