Manushya Jati Ka Sarvottam Ahar Shakahar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Manushya Jati ka Sarvottam Ahar Shakahar" by Shikharchandra Kochar:

The book argues that vegetarianism is the best diet for humankind. The author, Shikharchandra Kochar, posits that humans are naturally vegetarian based on their physical structure. He draws a comparison to the anatomical features of primates like monkeys, who consume fruits and flowers, and notes that humans share more similarities with them than with carnivorous animals like lions and cheetahs. He points out differences in teeth and intestines, highlighting that humans lack the specialized "saw-like intestines" found in animals that consume grass.

Kochar cites scientific research suggesting that fruits provide all the essential elements necessary for human sustenance. He mentions fruits like bananas, oranges, dates, figs, apples, pineapples, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and coconuts as containing all the vital nutrients for maintaining health. Some researchers even suggest that humans might not need cooked food and could thrive on naturally ripened items, similar to other animals.

The text emphasizes that humanity has historically been sustained by milk, starting with mother's milk and later cow's milk, indicating a long-standing vegetarian dietary lineage.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence), which is central to Jainism. Kochar argues that Ahimsa is prioritized in most religions. He quotes from various religious texts and figures to support the idea of compassion towards all living beings:

• Mahatma Gandhi is quoted as saying that human physiology indicates a natural inclination towards consuming vegetation and that humans are more akin to fruit-eating creatures.
• The Bhagavad Gita is cited for the concept of seeing all beings equally, considering their happiness and sorrow as one's own, and understanding that harming any creature is akin to self-harm.
• Lord Buddha's teachings are referenced, advocating against killing or causing harm to any living being, whether mobile (trasa) or immobile (sthavara).
• The Lankavatara Sutra (a Buddhist text) is quoted stating that meat is forbidden for the compassionate, as it is derived from the killing of living beings.
• Jesus Christ's teachings from Leviticus are mentioned, which permit the consumption of seeds and vegetation but forbid the consumption of fat and blood.
• Prophet Zarathustra is quoted as saying that everyone should be a friend to every creature and that those who unjustly kill animals will have their parts destroyed.
• Prophet Muhammad's teachings from the Quran are highlighted, mentioning the rain that brings forth gardens and fruits for human consumption and stating that protecting another's life is akin to protecting all of humanity.
• Guru Nanak (Sikhism) is quoted as saying that all meat is the same, and those who eat it are not true humans.
• Mahatma Kabir's verses are presented, condemning meat and fish consumption and linking it to suffering in hell, even for those who perform charitable acts while consuming such items.

The book also notes that vegetarianism has a long history across various cultures and time periods. It mentions Greek philosophers like Pythagoras, Empedocles, Plato, Socrates, Ovid, Seneca, Porphyry, and Plutarch, as well as Christian thinkers like Origen, Tertullian, Chrysostom, and Clement of Alexandria, who advocated for vegetarianism.

Furthermore, Kochar points to historical figures like Emperor Ashoka of India and Emperor Akbar of the Mughal Empire, who implemented policies promoting the protection of animals and limiting animal slaughter. He also lists numerous renowned scholars and thinkers from around the world who were vegetarians and promoted the practice in their writings, including Swedenborg, Tolstoy, Voltaire, Milton, Wesley, Isaac Newton, Booth, Isaac Pitman, and George Bernard Shaw.

Kochar debunks the argument that meat consumption increases strength, citing the example of the vegetarian elephant as a powerful creature. He asserts that numerous doctors and scientists agree that fruits, vegetables, and cow's milk are more nutritious than meat, leading to increased strength, energy, and intelligence, while avoiding the negative health consequences associated with meat consumption.

Finally, the author contends that vegetarian individuals tend to possess qualities like generosity, tolerance, patience, and diligence more than their meat-eating counterparts. He concludes by stating that the past all-round progress of India was largely due to the public's adherence to the principle of Ahimsa, and that Ahimsa is the ultimate means for peace and prosperity in the world. To establish love, peace, and harmony among nations, humanity must embrace Ahimsa and vegetarianism, as supported by all religious founders.