Navu Darshan Navo Samaj

This document is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text titled "Navu Darshan Navo Samaj" (New Vision, New Society) by Tulsi Acharya, published by Anekant Bharati Prakashan. The book explores various aspects of creating a reformed society based on Jain principles, adapted for modern times.

The summary covers the following key themes and chapters:

I. Core Concepts and Vision:

• Brotherhood (ભાઈચારો): The text emphasizes brotherhood as a universal currency for thought and action, transcending national boundaries. It highlights that true brotherhood fosters love, harmony, a sense of belonging, closeness, and fraternity. The concept is rooted in ancient social order established by Rishabha, and aligns with principles like "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) and "Maitri Bhav" (friendship with all beings).
• Change with Preservation of Originality (મૌલિકતાની સુરક્ષા સહિત થતું પરિવર્તન): The book advocates for embracing change while preserving the core essence of values. It warns against rigidity (જડતા) and being carried away by fleeting trends (પ્રવાહપાતિતા).
• The Need for a New Vision and Society (નવું દર્શન, નવો સમાજ): The author believes that every era and society has its own vision. Lord Mahavir's teachings, though ancient, hold scientific principles applicable today. The book aims to develop a new vision by integrating spirituality and science, leading to the development of Anuvrat, Prekshadhyan, and Jeevan Vigyan as the foundation for a new society.

II. Key Pillars of the New Vision:

• Anuvrat: Presented as a model for an ideal human being, Anuvrat promotes ethical conduct through small vows and principles. It is seen as an antidote to societal ills and an ethical awakening.
• Prekshadhyan: This ancient Jain meditation technique is presented as a practical method for self-transformation and aligning one's life with Anuvrat. It involves mental exercises and deep introspection.
• Jeevan Vigyan (Science of Living): This discipline focuses on the art of living, aiming for holistic personality development by integrating intellectual, physical, mental, and emotional growth, along with cultural preservation.

III. Societal Challenges and Solutions:

• The Problem of Obscenity (અશ્લિલતાની સમસ્યા): The text identifies obscenity in language, behavior, and visuals as a major societal issue, stemming from a lack of limitations and the commercialization of media. It advocates for self-control, ethical media consumption, and a return to traditional values.
• The Problem of Addiction (નશો): Addiction is portrayed as a global problem that cripples youth and society. The text traces its causes to stress, family issues, peer pressure, and curiosity, highlighting the severe physical and mental consequences. Anuvrat is presented as a key solution to overcome addiction.
• Democratic Purity (લોકતંત્રશુદ્ધિ): The book discusses the importance of a pure democracy, emphasizing that its success depends on the integrity of its leaders and citizens. It calls for an end to corruption in elections and highlights the need for ethical voting and responsible leadership. The concept of "Jatayu Vritti" (the courage to stand against injustice) is invoked to combat corruption.
• The Importance of Education (શિક્ષણનું પ્રાણતત્ત્વ): The text laments the loss of the core essence of education, which should focus on character building and cultural values, not just intellectual knowledge. It stresses the importance of mother tongue, motherland, and traditional values in education.
• The Role of Character and Values (વ્યક્તિત્વવિકાસના ઘટકો): The book emphasizes the development of both external (physical appearance, dress) and internal (humility, tolerance, compassion, discipline) personality. It argues that internal qualities are more significant and can be cultivated through self-awareness and consistent effort.
• Stress Management (તનાવથી મુક્તિ): Stress is identified as a modern-day ailment affecting all age groups. The text suggests meditation, self-discipline, and a balanced lifestyle as remedies. The author shares personal experiences to illustrate the power of positive thinking and spiritual practices in overcoming stress.
• The Need for the Training of Non-Violence (આહિંસાનું પ્રશિક્ષણ): Violence is seen as a disease, and the book calls for training in non-violence, not just as a philosophical concept but as a practical way of life. It draws parallels between Jain principles and the practices of Mahatma Gandhi, highlighting the need for inner transformation.
• The Foundation of Society (સમાજ સંરચનાનો આધાર): The text stresses that a strong society is built on strong individuals. It calls for overcoming divisions of caste, creed, and religion, and fostering unity through shared values and principles like Anuvrat.
• The Birth of a New Human (નવા માનવીનો જન્મ): This section explores the concept of creating a new human being who is free from societal prejudices, committed to non-violence, respects democracy, protects the environment, and lives a balanced life guided by spiritual and scientific principles.
• Mahavir's Economics (મહાવીરનું અર્થશાસ્ત્ર): The book discusses Lord Mahavir's economic principles, emphasizing self-sufficiency, contentment, regulated desires, and ethical means of earning. It contrasts this with modern materialistic approaches and highlights the importance of Anekant (multi-faceted perspective) in understanding economic issues.
• Poverty and Unemployment (ગરીબી અને બેકારી): The text critiques the current education system for failing to equip individuals with practical skills, leading to unemployment. It emphasizes the need for vocational training and a shift from mere degrees to character and practical capability.
• Wealth and Poverty as Curses (અમીરી અને ગરીબી : બંને અભિશાપ): The book argues that both extreme poverty and excessive wealth, when not managed with wisdom and detachment, can become curses. True richness lies in contentment and a balanced perspective.
• Environmental Economics (પર્યાવરણ અને અર્થશાસ્ત્ર): The text addresses the environmental crisis, highlighting the detrimental effects of human exploitation of nature. It calls for a balanced approach that respects natural limits and integrates ethical considerations into economic practices.
• The Two Chapters of Economics: Purity of Means and Restraint (અર્થશાસ્ત્રના બે અધ્યાય : સાધનશુદ્ધિ અને સંયમ): The author emphasizes that ethical means (Shuddhi) and restraint (Sanyam) are crucial in economics, as outlined in Jain teachings. Unethical practices and unchecked desires lead to societal and individual downfall.
• The Temporal Conception of Economics (અર્થશાસ્ત્રની સૈકાલિક અવધારણા): This section might refer to the idea that economic principles and their application need to evolve with time, while retaining core ethical values.
• Truth Alone Triumphs (સત્યમેવ જયતે): The text concludes by emphasizing the ultimate victory of truth, drawing parallels from Indian epics and the teachings of Jain Tirthankaras. It highlights the importance of living by truth, even when faced with adversity.

IV. Principles of Character Development and Societal Reform:

• The Power of Words and Thought: The book stresses the impact of words and thoughts in shaping personality and influencing the environment.
• The Importance of Self-Discipline and Management (સમયનું પ્રબંધન, સ્વપ્રબંધન): Emphasis is placed on managing time effectively, controlling one's impulses, and achieving self-mastery as crucial for personal and societal well-being.
• The Role of Health (શારીરિક, માનસિક, ભાવાત્મક સ્વાસ્થ્ય): The text outlines the importance of maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health through balanced living, meditation, and ethical conduct.
• The Essence of Character Building (વ્યક્તિત્વવિકાસના ઘટકો): The book delves into the components of character development, emphasizing inner strength, positive thinking, and the integration of spiritual and scientific knowledge.
• The Power of Practice and Experimentation (પ્રશિક્ષણ અને પ્રયોગ): The author advocates for practical application of principles through continuous practice and experimentation, citing examples from Jain tradition and modern science.

Overall Message:

"Navu Darshan Navo Samaj" is a call for a conscious and ethical transformation of individuals and society. It offers a synthesis of ancient Jain wisdom and modern scientific understanding to address contemporary challenges, proposing a path towards a harmonious, peaceful, and prosperous future guided by principles of non-violence, truth, restraint, and universal brotherhood. The book's overarching message is that true progress lies in developing a balanced and holistic way of life, integrating spiritual values with practical living.