Paryavaran Samrakshan Ke Sandarbh Me Jain Naitik Avadharna

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Paryavaran Samrakshan ke Sandarbh me Jain Naitik Avadharna" by Prof. L.K. Oad:

The article "Jain Ethical Concepts in the Context of Environmental Protection" by Professor L.K. Oad explores the Jain perspective on environmental conservation, emphasizing its deep-rooted ethical framework.

Core Jain Philosophy and Environmentalism:

The fundamental Jain concept, as articulated by Acharya Umaswati in the Tattvartha Sutra – "Parasparopagrahah Jivanām" (All living beings are helpful to one another) – is central to understanding Jain environmental ethics. This principle signifies that every living being is interconnected and interdependent. The entire cosmic cycle operates on this principle of mutual support. Each organism draws life force (energy) from others and provides life force to those dependent on it.

Broader Definition of Life:

Jainism's definition of "life" (Jiva) is exceptionally broad. It includes not only sentient beings but also microscopic, elemental forms of life like earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, and air-bodied beings (sthavara jivas), which other philosophies and science often categorize as inanimate. Therefore, the concept of "parasparopagraha" extends to the interaction between living beings ("Jiva") and non-living matter ("Ajava"). The universe is composed of these two elements, and there is no creator deity outside of them. This interconnectedness maintains a cosmic balance.

The Role of the Mind (Manas) and Human Responsibility:

The article differentiates between various categories of living beings. Devas and Narakas merely experience the fruits of their karma. Tiryanch (animals) lack a developed mind (sanjna) and are driven by instincts. Humans, however, possess a "mind" (manas) in addition to their sensory organs. This mental faculty, acquired through evolutionary development, allows humans to accumulate knowledge, innovate, and significantly impact the environment.

While natural ecological balance is maintained by the interplay of physical forces and the instincts of non-sentient and instinct-driven creatures, human actions, driven by the mind, can disrupt this balance. The article highlights how human desires, greed, and the pursuit of material comfort lead to environmental degradation.

The Destructive Nature of Human Greed:

The text quotes scriptures to illustrate the insatiable nature of human desires (trishna/lobha). This unchecked greed leads to:

• Overconsumption and Waste: Humans consume more than they need, leading to shortages for others and impacting the planet's resources.
• Exploitation of Natural Resources: Forests are cleared for agriculture, housing, and industry. Mineral wealth is extracted excessively, damaging mountains.
• Pollution: Air is polluted by factories and vehicles, water sources are contaminated, and even space is affected by rocket launches.
• Loss of Natural Harmony: Modern life disconnects humans from the natural sounds and beauty of nature, replacing them with artificial stimuli.

The Impact of Modern Consumerism:

The article criticizes the consumerist culture (bhogvadi sanskriti) that fuels the destruction of natural resources at an unsustainable rate. The depletion of minerals, agricultural land, and underground water reserves, coupled with excessive water consumption by industries and urban lifestyles, is creating severe imbalances. Damming rivers leaves them dry, and rapid extraction of groundwater outpaces replenishment. Deforestation has altered rainfall patterns, leading to droughts and floods.

The Jain Ethical Solution: Ahimsa and Sustainable Living:

The article posits that Jain ethical principles offer a solution to these environmental crises. The foundation of Jain ethics is Ahimsa (non-violence), which extends to all living beings, including plants, earth, water, fire, and air. For householders, Ahimsa means living in a way that causes no unnecessary harm to any creature. Essential violence for sustenance should be minimal, and what is taken from nature should be reciprocated.

The article outlines specific areas where Jain ethics can guide environmental protection:

• Water Conservation: Recognizing water as a limited resource and avoiding its wastage. Reusing greywater for nurturing plants.
• Energy Conservation: Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and utilizing sustainable energy sources like solar energy. Conserving energy is equivalent to preventing violence.
• Vegetation Conservation: Respecting plants as living beings, using them judiciously, and nurturing their growth.
• Air Conservation: Advocating for legal mandates for factories to install pollution control devices to prevent air pollution and its harmful effects on all life.
• Soil Conservation: Promoting agricultural practices that preserve soil fertility, avoiding harmful pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Recognizing the interconnectedness of life in agriculture.
• Conservation of Minerals: Balancing the exploitation of mineral resources with their replenishability to avoid future scarcity.
• Conservation of All Living Beings: Understanding the role of all creatures, including insects, rodents, and predators, in maintaining ecological balance. The argument that some species proliferate too rapidly is deemed a flawed justification for their extermination.

Humanity's Duty and the Path Forward:

The article concludes by stating that the Jain way of life, with its emphasis on Ahimsa and interconnectedness, can serve as a boon to humanity. It calls for the widespread adoption of Jain ethical principles as a way of life for every citizen. The article also draws a parallel between the Indian Constitution's directive principles of compassion towards all living beings and maintaining ecological harmony and Jain ethics.

Ultimately, the article stresses that humanity must internalize the value that all creatures have a right to live, just as humans claim for themselves. The Jain principle of "Mitrī me sarva bhūteṣu, vairam mazhya na kena'i" (I have friendship with all beings; I have no enmity with anyone) should become the guiding mantra for humanity to restore cosmic balance. The current trajectory of exploitative consumerism is unsustainable and threatens the very existence of life on Earth.