Niti Marganusarina 35 Bol Athwa Mansai Etle Shu - Book Summary

The book "Niti Marganusarina 35 Bol athwa Mansai Etle Shu" (Gujarati for "35 Principles of the Path of Morality, or What is Humanity?") by Ratnachandra Muni, published by Jain Siddhant Sabha, is a comprehensive guide to living a moral and ethical life according to Jain principles. The central theme is the understanding and practice of "Mansai" (humanity) through adherence to 35 specific principles.

The book is presented as a commentary on verses from Hemchandracharya's Yoga Shastra, specifically focusing on the 35 points that lead to a moral life. The author, Muni Ratnachandra, emphasizes that merely having a human birth is not enough; one must cultivate human qualities and conduct ("Mansai") to truly be considered human.

Here's a summary of the key concepts and principles discussed in the book, based on the provided pages:

Core Concept: "Mansai" (Humanity) as the Path of Morality

The book defines "Mansai" as the conduct and qualities of a true human being, which aligns with the path of morality ("Niti Marg").
It is presented as the foundational step towards higher spiritual attainments like detachment, liberation, sainthood, lay discipleship, equanimity, and a well-lived household life.
Without "Mansai," even a birth in a noble lineage or a Jain family is considered merely nominal.

The 35 Principles (Bol/Niyam):

The book elaborates on 35 specific principles, which are derived from Hemchandracharya's work. These principles are designed to guide individuals in their daily lives, encompassing ethical conduct, social responsibility, and personal discipline. The principles cover a wide range of topics, including:

Righteous Conduct in Earning and Spending:
- Earning wealth through just and honest means (e.g., fair trade, honest labor).
- Spending within one's means, avoiding extravagance.
- Practicing ethical business practices, not cheating customers or partners.
- Avoiding harmful or unethical professions (e.g., gambling, usury, illegal trade).
Social Etiquette and Respect:
- Appreciating and following good social customs and traditions ("Shishtachar").
- Respecting elders, parents, teachers, and virtuous individuals.
- Avoiding slander, gossip, and backbiting.
- Maintaining harmonious relationships with neighbors and the community.
Personal Discipline and Integrity:
- Controlling one's desires and senses.
- Practicing truthfulness and honesty in speech and action.
- Cultivating patience, tolerance, and forgiveness.
- Maintaining purity of thought, word, and deed.
- Practicing moderation in eating, drinking, and sleeping.
- Avoiding harmful addictions (e.g., alcohol, tobacco).
Ethical Family and Social Life:
- Marrying within one's own caste or lineage (emphasizing the importance of "Gotra" for harmonious unions and avoiding potential health issues from inter-Gotra marriages).
- Serving and respecting parents and elders.
- Raising children with good moral values and education.
- Maintaining a clean and orderly household.
- Being a good neighbor and contributing positively to the community.
Spiritual Foundation:
- Regularly listening to religious discourses and seeking spiritual knowledge.
- Practicing contemplation and reflection on one's actions.
- Cultivating virtuous qualities and abandoning vices.
- Developing a righteous understanding of Dharma and its principles.
- Understanding the consequences of one's actions (karma).

Key Themes and Explanations:

The Importance of "Mansai": The book repeatedly stresses that true humanity is developed through the consistent practice of these 35 principles. It's not just about birth but about conscious effort and cultivation of virtues.
Dharma, Artha, and Kama (Virtue, Wealth, and Desire): A significant portion of the book discusses how to balance these three aspects of life without conflict. It emphasizes that Dharma (righteousness) should be the foundation, guiding the pursuit of Artha (wealth) and the fulfillment of Kama (desires). Unrighteous pursuit of wealth or unchecked desires leads to downfall.
The Role of Wisdom and Discretion: Many principles highlight the need for wisdom, foresight, and careful consideration before acting. This includes assessing one's capabilities, understanding the consequences of actions, and choosing environments and associations wisely.
The Impact of Environment and Association: The book points out how one's surroundings and company (good or bad) can significantly influence character and behavior. Associating with virtuous people and living in moral environments is encouraged.
The Eight Qualities of Intellect: The book outlines eight qualities of intellect (Shushrusha, Shravan, Prashna, Grahan, Iha, Apaha, Dharana, Anushthan) as essential for understanding and applying the principles.
The Six Inner Enemies: The book identifies internal enemies like desire, anger, pride, greed, attachment, and aversion, and advocates for conquering them to achieve inner peace and spiritual progress.
The Significance of Truthfulness and Non-Violence: While not explicitly listed as separate principles in the provided snippets, the underlying themes of honesty, fairness, and avoiding harm to living beings are evident throughout the discussions on ethical conduct.
Practical Guidance: The book aims to provide practical guidance applicable to daily life, helping individuals navigate various situations with integrity and morality.

Structure and Presentation:

The book is structured to present each principle with a brief explanation and often elaborates with examples or discussions on the "why" behind the principle. It also includes a "Sajhjay" (a devotional song or poem) for each principle to aid in memorization and understanding. The language used is Gujarati, and the commentary aims to be accessible to a wide audience.

In essence, "Niti Marganusarina 35 Bol athwa Mansai Etle Shu" serves as a moral compass for Jains and anyone seeking to live a virtuous and purposeful life, emphasizing that true humanity is built on a foundation of ethical conduct and spiritual discipline.