Nari Shakti Ke Badhte Charan

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Nari Shakti ke Badhte Charan" by Gayatri K Kankaria, focusing on Page 1:

The author, Gayatri K Kankaria, begins by referencing the poet Pant's beautiful words, "Beautiful bird, beautiful mind, most beautiful of all is man," to express the profound realization that humanity is the most exquisite creation, free and capable of self-upliftment through personal effort. She emphasizes the importance of becoming one's own "lamp" to cross the ocean of existence.

The text asserts that while human inspiration often stems from physical needs, there's an inherent, infinite upward-moving power within. It states that "sensations expressed become art," and the "creation pulsates with the sensation of every atom." True understanding and self-awareness arise when inner sight is opened, revealing a mirror to the self. The author defines the "best person" as one who doesn't wait for opportunities but rather masters them. Success is achieved through actions aligned with self-identity, and true self-possession is only attainable by valuing oneself.

A central theme is the inherent connection between genders: "In reality, man is contained within woman." The author posits that while the roles of daughter, beloved, and mother might be perceived as a woman's limitations, the physical form granted by the creator is imbued with consciousness. Where there is consciousness, there is power, and where there is devotion, there is joy. Womanhood is described as being fully enveloped by compassion, love, and forgiveness. While a woman may not rule over the physical body, her dominion over the heart is absolute.

The text then delves into the nature of truth and language, suggesting that truth, when confined to language, can become distorted. However, when released from language and brought into "emptiness," it becomes pure and complete. The ancient saying, "Where women are honored, there the gods reside," is quoted to highlight the esteemed position of women.

The author identifies "man's division into pieces" as the only wrong thing, while "man's coming together," attaining the ultimate truth, and being trustworthy towards fellow humans are the only true and simple realities. Life is built through endurance, not mere speaking. To ascend in life, one must strive and labor diligently, but this effort is contingent upon developing the aspiration, thirst, and desire to achieve, gain, and discover something in life. The self is presented as the true scripture and the true guru.

The text emphatically states that creation itself originated from woman's willpower and that her contribution to the universe's functioning is profoundly significant and incomparable. The development of a child within the mother's womb, entirely dependent on her, showcases the mother's love, patience, determination, self-confidence, and firm convictions as the source of inspiration for holistic development.

In the current materialistic age, advancements in science have brought numerous facilities through new inventions. The author highlights that women have embraced these opportunities with their full strength, striving to encompass even the sky within their reach. She asserts that women are no longer inferior in any aspect or domain, with their prowess evident in sports and entertainment contributing to life's progress.

The text further emphasizes women's current dominance in every direction and field. History is cited as evidence of women possessing seventy-two arts, compared to men's sixty-four. Today, through their intelligence and courage, women have demonstrated their capability to realize every dream at every turn, excelling in competition and holding the potential to achieve the highest positions in familial, social, professional, and political spheres.

The author draws parallels to the divine feminine, likening women to the powers of Vishnu (the sustainer, Mahalakshmi), Brahma (the creator, Mahasaraswati, who refines knowledge, perception, and character), and Shiva (the destroyer, Mahakali, Durga, Chandi, who fights obstacles and grants peace). She states that even in the Kali Yuga, women can establish themselves as Yogamaya and Adishakti.

The eternal principle of philosophy and science, that "what is true remains true forever," is invoked. It is declared that intellect has sought and defined the divine through personal experience. Woman is not a fragile lamp that can be extinguished by a light breeze; rather, she is the sun, an inextinguishable flame that even storms cannot extinguish.

The text concludes by describing the pervasive presence of woman power. Just as the word "man" transforms into "woman" with the addition of the vowels "a" and "i" (in Hindi, although the direct explanation here is a bit symbolic of transformation), women become distinct. Similarly, by maintaining balance, staying on the middle path, fulfilling duties, understanding and living by their "vigraha" (physical form), and becoming "moonlit" from within, women can shower the world with coolness, peace, joy, and divine vision, remaining unified.

The publication details are provided: Aurangabad (Maharashtra), 6 Ashtami / 1300.