Payani Kelavani - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Payani Kelavani" by Sadgunashreeji, based on the provided page:

Title: Payani Kelavani (Foundational Education) Author: Pujya Sadhviji Shri Sadgunashreeji Publisher Information: Z_Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_Mahotsav_Granth_Part_1_012002.pdf and Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_ Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/230158/1

Core Theme: The text emphasizes the profound importance of foundational education for the betterment of society, with a particular focus on the role of women and the Jain monastic community (Sadhvis) in instilling virtues and shaping the younger generation.

Key Points:

Education Starts from the Roots: The author defines foundational education as encompassing the education of women and education through women. She highlights that children begin absorbing values and sanskaras from the womb, and the family environment plays a crucial role.
The Influence of Religious Places: Places of worship like temples and Upashrayas (monastic dwellings) also significantly contribute to shaping sanskaras.
The Impact of Environment: Just as a home environment filled with superstition can negatively influence a child, an environment in religious places and in the presence of spiritual leaders (Gurus) that fosters ahimsa (non-violence), truthfulness, humility, fearlessness, righteous conduct, and generosity will cultivate similar virtues in the rising generation.
Sadhvis as Pillars of Sanskar: The author argues that when Jain Sadhvis are given the opportunity to study and then impart this knowledge and sanskaras to women and the younger generation, it leads to a fundamental reshaping of society.
Empowering Sadhvis: The text notes the growing number of Sadhvis and urges the Jain community (Shri Sangh) to show as much enthusiasm for their education and for providing them opportunities to sow seeds of sanskaras in society as they do for initiating them into monastic life. Their strengths need to be developed and utilized for the broader public good.
Benefits of Sadhvi's Influence: Association with such learned Sadhvis can instill contentment, equanimity, and peace in women, reducing conflict and discord within families. This, in turn, leads to happier, more cultured, and service-oriented families and children.
Education Beyond Formal Learning: Even if formal education is limited, the presence of these sanskaras makes a family strong and peace-loving. This is the essence of foundational education.
The Power of a "Dharma Mata": The author likens a mother to a hundred teachers, implying that a spiritual mother or Guru, with a desire for the world's welfare, holds even greater significance. The key is to provide them with the opportunity to develop and undertake this foundational work.
Societal Transformation: Such an approach to education naturally guides society towards restraint (sanyam), simplicity (sadagi), and a love for labor (shrampriti).
The Legacy of Acharya Vijayvallabhsurishwarji: The text credits Acharya Vijayvallabhsurishwarji Maharaj Saheb for initiating this endeavor to provide opportunities to women, and particularly to the Sadhvi community, a significant contribution to the Jain community. His establishment of educational institutions ("Gyan ki Parab" - springs of knowledge) is also seen as foundational work.
Call to Action: The author calls for the formation of associations of education-loving brothers and sisters, who, with the blessings and cooperation of Sadhus and Sadhvis, can undertake this work on a larger scale. The text concludes with good wishes for the successful initiation of such endeavors.

In essence, "Payani Kelavani" is a call to action for the Jain community to recognize and actively support the critical role of educated women, particularly Sadhvis, in cultivating a virtuous and harmonious society by focusing on deep, value-based education from the grassroots level.