Manav Sanskruti Me Vrato Ka Yogdan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Manav Sanskruti Me Vrato Ka Yogdan" (Contribution of Vows in Human Culture) by Amarmuni:

The book "Manav Sanskruti Me Vrato Ka Yogdan" by Amarmuni, as presented in the provided PDF excerpt, explores the significant role of vows (vratas) in shaping human culture and society, particularly from a Jain perspective. It traces the evolution of human civilization and how Jain principles, embodied in vows and rituals, brought about positive transformations.

Early Human Civilization and the Emergence of Vows:

The text begins by describing the early stages of human existence, characterized by dependence on nature and a lack of self-reliance. In this "akarma-bhumi" (land of no action), humans lived a simple, less ambitious life, their needs met by wish-fulfilling trees (kalpavrikshas). They were largely driven by personal consumption and lacked a strong sense of responsibility.

The Transformative Power of Vows and Jain Reforms:

A significant portion of the text focuses on how Jainism introduced and reformed various societal customs, emphasizing the principle of non-violence (ahimsa) and the importance of vows. Two key examples are highlighted:

• Wedding Rituals: An ancient practice involved covering the bride and groom with the fresh, bloody hide of a bull at the time of marriage. Jainism rejected this violent ritual as it contradicted the vow of ahimsa. Instead, Jain ascetics and householders modified it by suggesting the use of a red cloth, symbolizing auspiciousness, joy, and love, thus preserving the original intent while upholding ethical principles. This act is presented as a significant cultural revolution.
• Festival Practices: Another detestable tradition involved carrying human skulls during festivals. Jainism replaced this with the practice of carrying a coconut, which visually resembles a skull. This substitution aimed to retain a semblance of the old custom while eliminating the barbaric element and symbolizing the head or intellect. The author argues that these reforms replaced violent and primitive customs with practices that fostered humane values.

The Transition to the Age of Action (Karma-Yuga) and the Birth of Festivals:

The text then describes the shift from the "akarma-bhumi" to the "karma-yuga" (age of action), initiated by the first Tirthankar, Lord Rishabhdev. As the wish-fulfilling trees declined and the population grew, scarcity and conflict arose. Lord Rishabhdev encouraged humans to use their hands for earning and contributing, not just for consumption. This marked a significant turning point, emphasizing self-effort, responsibility, and the dual role of being both a doer and enjoyer.

The joyous adoption of this new way of life led to the celebration of festivals. The text posits that these moments of collective joy and celebration became the basis for vows and festivals, transforming individual happiness into societal joy and marking a shift from individualism to collectivism. The proliferation of festivals for different age groups and genders in ancient India is cited as evidence of a vibrant and joyful society.

The Message of Vows: Living with Purpose and Responsibility:

The book emphasizes that vows are not merely historical relics but serve as a guide for the present. They offer a blueprint for living a meaningful life, teaching the art of living well. While Jainism's ultimate goal is liberation (moksha) through renunciation, it doesn't advocate for neglecting worldly duties or relationships. Instead, it stresses living within societal structures while maintaining inner purity and detachment.

The text asserts that individuals should be masters of their senses and possessions, not slaves to them. Wealth and position, if not managed with detachment, can lead to downfall.

Societal Debt and the Spirit of Giving:

The concept of "societal debt" is introduced, highlighting that individuals owe a debt to society for the opportunities and support they receive. Just as one brings nothing into life, one also leaves everything behind. This accumulated wealth, status, and happiness are products of societal contribution. The author quotes a Vedic mantra: "Gather with a hundred hands, distribute with a thousand hands," emphasizing the importance of giving back.

A mythological story of gods feasting, where they could only eat by feeding each other, illustrates the principle of mutual support and selfless giving. Those who fed others were called gods, while those who focused only on themselves were deemed demons. This parable underscores that contributing to society leads to personal fulfillment and a divine existence.

The True Meaning of Vows and Festivals:

The book explains that Jain vows and festivals are not just about worldly enjoyment but also about preparing for the afterlife. They encourage a broad perspective, ensuring that one's actions in this life also benefit the future. The example of "Paryushan," a major Jain festival, is presented as a "lokottara parv" (transcendent festival) that connects the material and spiritual realms.

The text critiques practices like "pindadan" (offering food to the departed) as ineffective for reaching ancestral souls. True respect for ancestors, it argues, lies in remembering and honoring them. Jain festivals aim to bring joy to both the present and the future, encouraging individuals to manage their lives and prepare for what lies ahead.

The Analogy of the Emperor and the Forest:

A Buddhist narrative about an emperor with a five-year reign, after which he was to be abandoned in a dangerous forest, serves as a powerful allegory for life. The emperor's fear of his impending doom is overcome when a philosopher advises him to transform the forest into a city. By proactively transforming his future circumstances through his current power, the emperor escapes his fate and lives a happy life.

This analogy is applied to human life, suggesting that the "terrible suffering" of hell can be transformed into a "heavenly kingdom" through virtuous deeds like charity, penance, celibacy, truthfulness, and spiritual practice during one's lifetime. The message is that individuals have the power to shape their future, turning the "frightening forest" of the afterlife into a beautiful land.

Conclusion: Vows as Self-Discipline for Spiritual Growth:

In conclusion, the book states that all Jain vows are efforts towards self-discipline and the awakening of the divine within. They highlight that humans are not merely physical beings but souls—consciousness, an infinite collection of qualities. While worldly festivals focus on the body, "lokottara" vows delve into the core of the soul. They guide the seeker from the body to the soul, and ultimately to the pure, eternal self-nature of the soul, the परमात्मा (supreme soul). The ultimate message is to remain focused on this inner spiritual goal, regardless of external circumstances.