Paryavaran Ke Pradushan Ki Samasya Aur Jain Dhrm

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Paryavaran ke Pradushan ki Samasya aur Jain Dhrm" (The Problem of Environmental Pollution and Jain Dharma) by Sagarmal Jain:

This text argues that Jainism offers profound insights and practical guidelines for addressing the pressing global issue of environmental pollution. The author highlights the escalating problem caused by rapid population growth and a consumerist culture, which leads to unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, threatening not only humanity but all life on Earth.

Core Jain Principles and Environmentalism:

The fundamental principles of Jainism – restraint in enjoyment (संयम - samyam), non-violence (अहिंसा - ahimsa), and non-possession (अपरिग्रह - aparigraha) – are presented as the bedrock of its environmental ethics. These principles have led to numerous ethical guidelines that are highly relevant for preserving the environment today.

The Concept of Life (Jiva) in Jainism:

A key Jain tenet, expounded over 2500 years ago by Tirthankaras like Mahavir and Parsva, is the presence of life (jiva) not only in animals and plants but also in earth, water, air, and fire. This understanding is crucial because:

• Interdependence: All life forms are interconnected. The misuse or destruction of earth, water, and vegetation directly leads to the destruction of countless beings dependent on them.
• Intrinsic Value: Earth, water, air, and fire are not merely resources but are considered fundamental life-supporting elements (जीवन के अधिष्ठान - jeevan ke adhisthan). Their misuse or destruction is seen as the destruction of life itself, which Jainism classifies as violence (हिंसा - himsa) and sin (पाप - paap).
• Six Life-Forms (षट्जीवनिकाय - Shatjeevnikaya): Ancient Jain scriptures, like the Acharanga Sutra, extensively discuss the six categories of life (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied, and beings with mind) and provide detailed instructions on how to avoid harming them. These guidelines are considered invaluable for contemporary environmental protection.

The Jain Perspective on Existence and Cooperation:

In contrast to the "survival of the fittest" or "life feeds on life" philosophies, Jainism champions a vision of mutual cooperation among living beings (परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम् - parasparopagraho jeevanam), as articulated by Acharya Umāswati. This perspective emphasizes:

• Symbiotic Relationship: Life depends on the cooperation of other life forms. We need plants for oxygen and food, while plants need water, air, and nutrients, which humans can indirectly provide.
• Responsibility: While we take from nature, we also have a duty to support it. The author points out that what we consider our rights concerning others also represent our duties towards them.
• Holistic View: Harming another being is essentially harming oneself, as our existence is intrinsically linked. The Acharanga Sutra states, "He whom you wish to kill, that is you, because he is the basis of your existence."

Specific Jain Guidelines for Environmental Protection:

The text then elaborates on how Jain principles translate into practical measures for preventing pollution:

1. Water Pollution and Conservation:

   • Prohibition of Contamination: Jain tradition strictly prohibits polluting water bodies by defecating, urinating, or disposing of waste in rivers, ponds, or wells. This prevents harm to aquatic life and water contamination.
   • Careful Usage: A popular Jain saying advises using water with even more caution than ghee, reflecting a deep respect for its scarcity.
   • Water Filtration and Rationing: For monks, only purified water (sterilized) is permitted. For householders, filtering water before consumption and using it sparingly are emphasized. Unfiltered water is considered sinful.
   • Combating Consumerism: The author critiques modern consumerism as the primary cause of water wastage, contrasting it with the past where water usage was more mindful and integrated with natural cycles.

2. Air Pollution:

   • Avoiding Polluting Professions: Jain householders are advised against professions that generate excessive smoke.
   • Respect for Plants: The text reiterates that plants, like humans, experience suffering. Unnecessary harm and misuse of vegetation are forbidden.
   • Mouth Coverings (मुख वस्त्रिका - Mukh Vastrika): The tradition of wearing mouth coverings by monks and the practice of not exhaling contaminated air onto living beings demonstrate awareness of airborne pathogens and the impact of exhalation.
   • Vehicle Usage: The author advocates for reducing vehicle use to minimize smoke pollution, suggesting a return to more sustainable transportation or walking.
   • Discouraging Fermentation: The prohibition of businesses that ferment fruits to produce alcohol is also linked to preventing air pollution.

3. Vegetation and Environmental Harmony:

   • Protection of Plants: Jainism views the destruction of plants as equivalent to the destruction of human life. Practices like felling large trees are considered grave sins (Maharambha).
   • Regulated Agriculture: While agriculture is permitted, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is strictly forbidden due to the violence inflicted on small organisms and the contamination of food.
   • No Root Consumption: Eating roots is prohibited to prevent the destruction of plants.
   • Respect for Forests: Forests are considered invaluable for rain and pollution control. Their destruction is a major sin.

4. Night Meal Prohibition and Purity:

   • Scientific Basis: The prohibition of eating meals after sunset is seen as a scientific measure to prevent pollution.
   • Hygiene: Food cooked and eaten in sunlight is considered cleaner and healthier. Nighttime eating increases the risk of contamination by minute organisms and leads to poor digestion.

5. Hunting and Non-Vegetarianism:

   • Water Purity: Hunting aquatic life pollutes water bodies.
   • Ecological Balance: Wild animals and insects are crucial for ecological balance.
   • Foundation of Jainism: The primary condition for entering Jainism is the vow against hunting and meat consumption. The prohibition of fish, meat, eggs, and honey demonstrates a commitment to protecting animal life.

6. Chemical Weapons and Warfare:

   • Threat to Existence: The proliferation of nuclear and chemical weapons and their testing are identified as major sources of environmental imbalance and pollution, posing a threat to all life.
   • Ahimsa as Supreme: The author quotes the Acharanga Sutra emphasizing that there is nothing superior to non-violence (अशस्त्र - ashastra) over weaponry. Disarmament is presented as a vital imperative for humanity's survival.

Conclusion:

The text concludes by emphasizing that Jain teachings offer comprehensive guidelines for environmental preservation. The Jain reverence for natural elements and their commitment to non-violence extend to all forms of life, from the smallest to the largest. By embracing the Jain message of living in cooperation with nature rather than exploiting it, humanity can avoid its own destruction and ensure a sustainable future for all beings. The symbolism of associating a specific tree with each Tirthankara further underscores the deep connection Jainism fosters between spirituality, nature, and environmental consciousness.