Paryavaran Raksha Aur Ahimsa

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Paryavaran Raksha aur Ahimsa" (Environmental Protection and Ahimsa) by Acharya Shri Devendra Muni, based on the provided pages:

The text, likely an excerpt from the "Z_Nahta_Bandhu_Abhinandan_Granth_012007.pdf," highlights the critical importance of environmental protection and posits Ahimsa (non-violence) as the most potent solution to the escalating environmental crisis.

The Jain Philosophical Framework of the Environment:

The author begins by explaining the Jain understanding of the atmosphere, correlating it with scientific descriptions. The atmosphere is divided into three layers:

• Tanuvaat (Thin Atmosphere): Corresponds to the Exosphere, the outermost, very thin layer.
• Ghanodadhi-vaat (Denser Atmosphere): Corresponds to the region below the Exosphere where the air becomes denser.
• Ghanavaat (Dense Atmosphere): Refers to the Ozone Sphere, extending from 20 to 50 miles above the Earth. This is considered the protective layer.

The Ozone Sphere: A Lifeline and the Core of the Crisis:

The Ozone Sphere is described as the protective shield of all living beings. It contains a sufficient amount of oxygen, essential for breathing. Ozone, a concentrated form of oxygen, plays a crucial role in reflecting the Sun's harmful rays, such as cosmic and ultraviolet radiation, which would otherwise decimate life on Earth. The current environmental crisis is directly linked to the deterioration of this ozone layer.

The Existential Threat Posed by Environmental Degradation:

The text emphasizes that the Earth is the only planet found to harbor life, and this is attributed to its unique and balanced environment. The author warns that if the ozone layer is further weakened:

• Sun's rays will cause extreme heat, melting glaciers and leading to catastrophic floods.
• Water bodies will dry up, and all vegetation and life will perish.
• The very existence of humanity and other species will be threatened.

The Root Cause: Pollution and its Manifestations:

The core of the environmental crisis is identified as pollution, which leads to environmental imbalance. The text categorizes pollution into five key areas from a Jain perspective:

1. Prithvi (Earth) Pollution:

   • Uncontrolled consumption and exploitation of Earth's resources.
   • Improper use of chemical fertilizers that disrupt soil elements.
   • Depletion of the Earth through mining for coal, petrol, and minerals.
   • Pollution from industrial waste and contaminated materials.
   • Depletion of groundwater due to population growth and overuse, reducing Earth's humidity.

2. Jal (Water) Pollution:

   • Discharge of industrial wastewater, garbage, and toxic substances into rivers and oceans.
   • Immersion of ashes and even corpses in rivers, contaminating drinking water sources.
   • The use of chlorine to purify polluted water has a double drawback: it makes water unhealthy for consumption and kills beneficial microorganisms that naturally purify water, a form of direct violence.
   • The dumping of petrol and acids into water bodies further exacerbates the pollution.

3. Agni (Fire) Pollution:

   • While fire is essential for cooking, its excessive and uncontrolled use contributes to pollution.
   • Modern reliance on gas for cooking releases harmful gases and pollutes the atmosphere.
   • Industrial furnaces and high-temperature processes release toxic gases and increase Earth's temperature, leading to volcanic eruptions and the release of poisonous gases.
   • The testing of weapons and satellite launches also contribute to heat and environmental disruption.

4. Vayu (Air) Pollution:

   • The increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere is a major concern.
   • Industries and vehicles are primary sources of carbon dioxide.
   • Population growth increases oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, making breathing difficult.
   • Various chemicals release toxic gases and foul odors, polluting the air.
   • This polluted air further contaminates water and the Earth, ultimately impacting the ozone sphere.

5. Vanaspati (Vegetation) Pollution:

   • Despite its vital role in providing food, medicine, and resources, humans have destructively exploited vegetation.
   • Vegetation is the producer of oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide, purifying the air.
   • Forests play a crucial role in cloud formation and rainfall, and in preventing soil erosion, thus protecting fertile land.
   • The text highlights that human actions have led to the degradation of this life-giving vegetation.

Ahimsa: The Solution:

The text strongly advocates for Ahimsa as the fundamental solution to all these environmental problems. It posits that:

• Violence is the root cause of environmental destruction.
• Lord Mahavir Swami recognized the right to a safe and comfortable life for all 8.4 million life forms.
• Mahavir Swami taught that all beings desire life and happiness, and humans should help other creatures live. Mutual cooperation and well-being are essential.
• Ahimsa, by controlling pollution, becomes a powerful tool to prevent environmental imbalance.

The Interconnectedness of Elements and the Principle of "Live and Let Live":

The Jain philosophy recognizes all five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Vegetation) as possessing life. Ahimsa encourages their protection. The text emphasizes that:

• Humans are indebted to nature's elements, which are inherently non-violent and support life.
• Humans should emulate this principle of "Live and Let Live" in their interactions with nature.
• This principle is evident in the exchange between plants (producing oxygen) and humans (producing carbon dioxide).
• Neglecting this principle is detrimental not only to nature but also to humanity itself.

Conclusion:

The article concludes by urging humans to embrace Ahimsa, recognizing the inherent life in all elements. This ethical approach will lead to a happy and secure existence for humanity and the entire world. The author quotes Upadhyay Shri Pushkar Muni, stating that one should fear sin and wrongdoing, not one's duty, and that knowledge and austerity become sinful if the intention is not pure. Living well is a skill that few possess despite desiring life.