Nari Prerna Aur Shakti - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text "Nari Prerna aur Shakti" by Madhubala Sadhviji, focusing on the chapter "Jainagam aur Nari" (Jain Agams and Women):

The text, "Nari Prerna aur Shakti" (Woman: Inspiration and Strength), authored by Sadhvi Madhubala 'Suman', highlights the significant and elevated role of women, particularly within the framework of Jain Agams (scriptures).

Elevated Status of Women in Jainism:

Equal Contribution: The text asserts that women have played a crucial role in the history of Bharatkshetra, contributing equally to the spiritual and societal progress as men. Jain Agams recognize women as the bearers of great souls and consider them precious gems.
Nurturing and Education: Women are portrayed as artists who can even make stones revered. They are the first beings to nurture and play with a child, providing maternal love and essential physical, practical, and religious education from infancy, which profoundly shapes an individual's life. Examples like Abhimanyu and Madalsa are cited to illustrate this point.
Spiritual Purity During Pregnancy: Mothers of great souls are described as diligently maintaining purity of thought during pregnancy, immediately discarding any negative thoughts.

Jainism vs. Other Traditions:

Contrast with Vaishnavism: The text contrasts the Jain perspective with Vaishnavism, where women were reportedly denied the right to listen to Vedic mantras and faced restrictions in religious spheres, being referred to by Rishis as "mines of hell."
Mahavir's Egalitarianism: In stark contrast, Lord Mahavir is presented as granting women an equal status, dispelling the notion of them being "mines of hell." While other traditions lacked specific doctrines for women, Lord Mahavir established principles for them.
Universal Right to Dharma: Jain Agams, according to the text, grant everyone, regardless of caste (Shudra, Vaishya), the right to listen to Dharma.

Opportunities and Attainments for Women in Jainism:

Pathways to Spiritual Liberation: Women were given the opportunity to enter both lay (Grahasta) and monastic (Angaar) life. They could become Acharyas (Pravartani) and were provided equal opportunities for knowledge, meditation, austerity, and breaking karmic bonds.
Attainment of Kevala Gyan and Moksha: The text emphasizes that women too can attain Kevala Gyan (omniscience) and achieve Moksha (liberation).
Adherence to Principles: Women were equally expected to follow the five Mahavratas (great vows), five Samitis (careful actions), three Guptis (control of mind, speech, and body), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and other ascetic practices. They were also taught to follow principles like Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (non-stealing), etc.
Rights and Education: Women were granted the right to read Jain Agams and were educated to uplift social, religious, and national interests. The text notes that women observed vows and asceticism with the same steadfastness as men.

Historical and Scriptural Examples of Exemplary Women:

Throughout Tirthankara Eras:
- Marudevī: Mother of Rishabhanatha, who conveyed the message of liberation to all beings.
- Brahmī and Sundarī: Learned Brahmi script, paving the way for women. They also attained spiritual heights.
- Sita, Kunti, Draupadi, Damayanti, Rajmati: These great women are credited with bringing glory to Jainism. Rajmati, in particular, is mentioned for guiding Rayasayan (Renemi) towards asceticism in the Uttaradhyayana Sutra.
- Kamalavati: Queen Kamalavati is highlighted for her spiritual discourse to King Ikshvaku, leading him to renounce worldly pleasures and attain Moksha, as described in the Ishuka Sutra.
Prominent Figures from Scriptures:
- Srimad Dantakruddhashang Sutra: Ten studies are mentioned in the fifth chapter featuring women like Padmavati, Gauri, Gandhari, Lakshmana, Sushama, Jambavati, Satyabhama, Rukmini, Mulashri, and Muldattā. The eighth chapter mentions ten more women like Kali, Sukali, Mahakali, Krishna, etc. These twenty women are noted for their strong adherence to Jainism in worldly life and for attaining imperishable states after initiation.
- Shravikas (Laywomen): Sulasa is recognized for her firm commitment to Samyak Darshan (right faith).
- Other Great Mahasatis (Great Ascetic Women): Subhadra, Anjana, Manjula, Surasundari, Kanak Sundari, Lilavati, Jhanhkara, Devananda, Trishala, Mrigavati, Shiva, Chelana, Prabhavati, Padmavati, Sujyeshtha, and many others are credited with greatly enhancing the glory of Jain Agams.
- Kalaavati: Endured hardships inflicted by men with a smile.
- Ratnavati: Remained a virgin even after marriage.
- Madanrekha: Despite immense suffering, she guided her husband to salvation through the Navkar Mantra.
- Priyardarshana: Daughter of Lord Mahavir, she propagated Jainism during his lay life.
- Aranaka Muni's Mother: Her maternal advice re-inspired Aranaka Muni to the path of asceticism.

Wider Cultural and Historical Impact:

Victors Hugo Quote: The text references Victor Hugo's quote, "Man have sight, woman have insight," suggesting women possess a divine vision. It also claims women have greater religious devotion than men.
Medieval Period: Women during the medieval period are venerated for their strength and character. Rani Son of Champraj Hada is noted for exposing falsehood in the Delhi court through dance. Princess Ratnavati of Jaisalmer defeated Aurangzeb. Panna Dhai sacrificed her son to save Uday Singh.
Voltaire Quote: The text quotes Voltaire: "All the seasonings of man are not worth one sentiment of woman," emphasizing the power of a woman's emotion.
Influence on Family: A religious woman can transform the entire household into a spiritual environment.
Heroic Acts: The story of Sumer Singh and his wife is recounted, where the wife beheaded her husband to fulfill a king's challenge for heroism, and then immolated herself, highlighting women's courage and commitment. Jasama is mentioned for sacrificing her life to protect her chastity.
Education and Character of Children: Medieval women instilled virtues like character, honesty, and truthfulness in their children, even sacrificing their lives for honor.

Scholarly Perspectives and Modern Contributions:

Mahatma Gandhi's Mother: Her upbringing of Gandhi is credited with his leadership in India's independence.
Bhagat Singh's Mother: Her bravery inspired Bhagat Singh to face the gallows for India's freedom.
Swami Vivekananda's Vision: Swami Vivekananda is quoted, stating that world welfare is impossible without women's upliftment. He advocates for providing women opportunities for development and encouraging their full potential, believing they are capable of managing their own affairs.
Suppression of Education: The text laments the historical neglect of women's education, where they were primarily confined to domestic chores. Vidya Bhushan is cited criticizing society's double standards in applying principles to men but not women.
Purda System and its Criticisms: The text discusses the restrictive Purda (veil) system, noting that while initially implemented for protection, it persisted, leading to women's confinement and subjugation. Swami Ram is quoted questioning why the veil, if meant to protect chastity, is not applied to men.
Intellectual Capacity: Women's intelligence is asserted to be greater than men's, yet they were treated as intellectually inferior and denied freedom of movement. Carlyle is quoted highlighting the "bankruptcy of intellect" in calling women weak who contribute so much and are deserving of self-reliance.
Discrimination Against Daughters: The historical practice of infanticide of daughters and the view of many daughters as a curse are highlighted.
Maharshi Dayanand's View: Maharshi Dayanand is cited stating that India's dharma is sustained not by sons but by the grace of virtuous daughters, and that if Indian women had abandoned their dharma, the country would have perished.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the text strongly asserts that Jain Agams and other literature accord women a high status. They are honored for their contributions in charity, chastity, austerity, devotion, celibacy, non-violence, non-stealing, and in the realms of country, nation, and religion. The chapter ultimately emphasizes the immense power, inspiration, and invaluable contributions of women across all aspects of life and spirituality.