Kyo Hai Atikraman Ka Atank

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kyo Hai Atikraman ka Atank" by Shankarlal Mehta, based on the provided pages:

The book "Kyo Hai Atikraman ka Atank" (Why is there an epidemic of encroachment?) by Shankarlal Mehta, as presented in this excerpt, delves into the pervasive nature and destructive consequences of "Atikraman" (encroachment or transgression) across various aspects of life and society. The author argues that encroachment is a formidable problem today, with news of it frequently appearing in the media.

Core Argument:

The central thesis of the book is that encroachment, in its myriad forms, is a significant and destructive force that disrupts collective interests, harms individuals, and damages the environment. It stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of one's place in the world, a disregard for natural laws and ethical boundaries, and an unchecked desire for material gain and personal advantage.

Manifestations of Atikraman:

Mehta illustrates the concept of encroachment through numerous examples:

• Physical and Urban Encroachment: This includes the shrinking of roads and sidewalks due to illegal constructions, the encroachment on public spaces like schools, parks, and even cemeteries and cremation grounds. Houses built too close to railway tracks are cited as an example of dangerous physical encroachment. Government accommodations are illegally occupied, and land and housing are wrongly allocated, necessitating judicial intervention.
• Upward and Interpersonal Encroachment: Encroachment isn't limited to ground level; it extends to illegal expansion of upper floors in buildings. It also involves people encroaching on each other's land, diverting water from others' fields, and falsifying land records.
• Encroachment on Nature and Resources: The book highlights the encroachment on forest wealth, which is described as an attack on forests. The overuse of natural resources, such as trees, leads to ecological problems like deforestation, impacting wildlife and causing natural disasters like droughts and floods. Encroachment on grazing land deprives cattle of fodder. The author also points to the depletion of water resources, with underground water levels dropping significantly, and the hole in the ozone layer causing temperature increases. The mining of coal has rendered large areas of land hollow.
• Human Domination over Nature: The author contends that human superiority, derived from knowledge and science, has led to an exploitative mindset where humans believe they have dominion over nature and other living beings. This leads to humans becoming oppressive, not just by making other creatures dependent but by taking their lives for pleasure, comfort, and necessity. The principle of "one living being is food for another" is not meant to be an encroachment that disrupts balance or disregards necessity.
• Violation of Ethical and Spiritual Boundaries: The core of "Atikraman" lies in violating prescribed limits and transgressing boundaries, whether they are legal, social, or spiritual. The text emphasizes that Jain philosophy sets boundaries through vows (vratas). The five great vows (Mahavratas) – non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession – are for ascetics, while householders take limited vows. The author stresses the importance of protecting these self-imposed boundaries, akin to national borders.

The Jain Perspective on Atikraman:

The book draws heavily on Jain principles to explain and counter encroachment:

• Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Violence, in any form, is seen as an encroachment on the right to live happily. Lord Mahavir's teaching that "the one you kill is yourself" is presented as a call to universal compassion. Abhaydaan (granting freedom from fear) is considered the highest donation.
• Truth (Satya): Violating truth can lead to innocent people being falsely accused and tarnished, creating numerous problems. The gap between a person's thoughts and actions, and their expression and behavior, is highlighted as a form of encroachment on truth.
• Non-Stealing (Achaurya): The book addresses various forms of theft, including fraud, deceit, and the exploitation of rights, leading to scams and corrupt practices. It criticizes those in power who amass wealth illegally while claiming innocence.
• Chastity (Brahmacharya): The institution of marriage is discussed in relation to controlling lust, and transgressing its boundaries through misconduct is seen as leading to societal ills and incurable diseases. Incidents of rape and harassment are cited as severe forms of relational encroachment.
• Non-Possession (Aparigraha): The author links individual ownership and boundless greed to hoarding and the desire to accumulate wealth for generations. This, in turn, fuels violence, as those lacking feel resentment towards those who have abundance. Inequitable distribution of resources in a democracy is also seen as a form of encroachment.
• Self-Reflection and Repentance (Pratikraman): The book strongly advocates for the practice of "Pratikraman," a daily reflection and self-criticism of one's actions. This involves acknowledging transgressions, both intentional and unintentional, and seeking atonement through repentance to purify oneself. The "Anuvrat" movement is mentioned as playing a crucial role in preventing ethical transgressions by setting boundaries.

Consequences and Solutions:

Mehta warns that unchecked encroachment leads to a breakdown of social order, environmental degradation, and suffering. He advocates for a return to the Indian culture of "Pratikraman" and self-correction. The solutions proposed include:

• Self-Discipline and Restraint: Practicing restraint in the consumption of food, clothing, and material possessions is essential.
• Equitable Distribution: Ensuring fair distribution of resources and opportunities is crucial to reduce inequality.
• Moral Rectitude: Individuals and those in power must adhere to ethical boundaries.
• Consciousness of Harm: A realization within every soul that encroachment is detrimental to oneself and the nation is needed.
• Culture of Repentance: Living in a culture of "Pratikraman" is presented as the path to a life free from fear and apprehension.

In essence, "Kyo Hai Atikraman ka Atank" is a critique of modern society's pervasive tendency to transgress boundaries and exploit resources and others, rooted in a philosophical understanding that emphasizes self-control, ethical conduct, and respect for all living beings, as taught in Jainism.