Panchma Arani Sharuatma Manushyani Chalwani Shakti Maryada

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panchma Arani Sharuatma Manushyani Chalwani Shakti Maryada" by Ramanbhai B Shah, based on the provided pages:

Core Argument: The author challenges the common belief within the Jain community that humans at the end of the fourth era and the beginning of the fifth era could walk 100-125 miles per day. He argues that this ability was significantly higher, potentially 1,000-1,200 miles per day, due to the superior physical structure (Sanghata) and greater height of beings in earlier eras.

Key Points and Supporting Arguments:

• Physical Structure (Sanghata) and Height:

  • The text emphasizes the concept of Sanghata (body structure) in Jainism, ranking them from the first (Vrishabhnaracha Sanghata) to the sixth (Seva Sanghata).
  • The author contends that the first Sanghata, coupled with greater height (like 7 hands, compared to the current 3-4 hands), directly correlates to significantly increased walking capacity.
  • He extrapolates that if beings with the sixth Sanghata and 3-4 hands can walk 70-100 miles per day (even citing historical and modern examples of exceptional walkers), then beings with the first Sanghata and 6-7 hands would possess a capacity 20-25 times greater, leading to the 1,000-1,200 miles per day estimate.

• Scientific Analogy:

  • The author uses an analogy of lung capacity and walking ability: smaller children, despite shorter legs, can walk more steps and cover more ground than older, taller individuals due to stronger lungs.
  • Similarly, he posits that better Sanghata implies stronger lungs, leading to greater endurance and speed in walking.

• Jain Cosmological Concepts:

  • Aatmangul and Pramanangul: The text introduces the Jain concepts of Aatmangul (an individual's thumb width used as a measure) and Pramanangul (a standardized measure). The conversion of Aatmangul to modern miles (1 Yojan = 72 miles) is used to calculate the vast dimensions of ancient cities.
  • Six Eras (Aras): The author references the cyclical nature of time in Jainism, with beings in earlier eras (specifically the fourth and fifth) possessing superior physical attributes.

• Historical and Geographical Examples:

  • Dwarka City: The text delves into the immense size of Dwarka city during the time of Lord Neminath. Using Aatmangul measurements, it calculates Dwarka to be approximately 864 miles long and 648 miles wide. This vast scale is used to explain how 56 crore (560 million) Yadavas and other populations could reside there. The author contrasts this with modern Mumbai's relatively small area.
  • Ancient Cities and Devotional Travel: The author cites instances of people traveling 70-100 miles to listen to sermons in ancient cities like Rajagriha, returning home by noon. This demonstrates a daily travel capacity of 150-200 miles for these individuals. Similarly, people traveled 200-300 miles round trip for initiation ceremonies.
  • Modern Examples of Long-Distance Walking: To support the idea of enhanced walking capacity, the author includes several modern examples:
    • A person walking from Kerala to Mumbai (approx. 1,000 miles) in 14 days.
    • A Norwegian man covering thousands of miles in short periods in the 19th century.
    • An elderly man (90 years old) walking 90-100 miles in three days to reach Ambaji and back.
    • A 73-year-old man walking 25 miles daily.
  • Historical Migration and Settlement: The text touches upon the migration of Yadava descendants, suggesting they established settlements in Egypt and later migrated to India, influencing regions like Kutch and Saurashtra. The presence of Yadava rulers in historical records strengthens this point.

• Challenging Historical Misconceptions:

  • The author debunks the idea that ancient Indian republics like Vaishali were democratic or governed by elected representatives. He asserts that they were monarchies ruled by kings like Chetaka, who led a confederacy of kingdoms. He clarifies that "republic" in this context referred to a confederation of monarchies, not a democracy.

• Geographical Theories:

  • The author speculates about the original location of Dwarka, suggesting it might have been off the coast of Africa, and mentions a city called Taratambel as a possible intermediate settlement.
  • He also references the theory that human civilization originated in landmasses extending from South India to Madagascar.

• Jain Religious Practices and History:

  • The text mentions the presence of Jain temples and populations in Arabia, evidenced by the statue of Lord Jivatswami being originally housed in Mecca before being brought to Mahuva.
  • It highlights the belief that Arabs consider Lord Krishna their ancestor, indicating historical connections.

Overall Message:

The book argues for a re-evaluation of the physical capabilities of humans in earlier Jain eras, attributing their enhanced walking abilities to superior physical structures and greater height. It uses a combination of Jain scriptures, scientific analogies, historical accounts, and geographical theories to support its thesis, encouraging readers to consider these ancient texts and concepts with a broader perspective, rather than measuring them solely against modern standards. The author aims to dispel misconceptions and provide a deeper understanding of the immense scale and capabilities described in Jain literature.