Prarthana Ane Safalta

This Jain text, "Prarthana ane Safalta" (Prayer and Success) by Bechardas Doshi, published by Z_Sangiti_004849.pdf, explores the profound connection between prayer and its effectiveness, emphasizing that mere recitation is insufficient for achieving desired outcomes. The catalog link provided is: https://jainqq.org/explore/249423/1.

The text begins with a universally applicable prayer: "May all the worlds be well-being, may all beings be dedicated to the welfare of others, may all faults be destroyed, and may all people be happy." The author highlights that this prayer embodies a noble sentiment that transcends religious boundaries, appealing to anyone.

However, the core message is that for prayer to be truly successful, it must be sincere and reflected in one's actions (mind, speech, and deed – mansa, vacha, and karmana). The text presents an anecdote to illustrate this point. A merchant, despite diligently reciting this universal prayer twice daily with meticulously correct pronunciation (even hiring a pundit to ensure accuracy), complains to his spiritual guru that his household is still plagued by illness.

The guru points out that the merchant's prayer might not be truly aligned with its spirit. This suspicion is confirmed when a neighbor interrupts their conversation, loudly confronting the merchant about an unpaid debt from a wedding. The neighbor threatens public disgrace if the money is not returned within three days.

The merchant, instead of addressing the legitimate debt, dismisses the neighbor, asking why the guru is interfering in worldly matters. The guru, witnessing this, firmly tells the merchant that his intentions are impure and he is not fit to be in the spiritual place. The guru explains that reciting prayers with good intentions while harboring ill intentions, such as misappropriating others' money, will yield no benefit. He emphasizes that true success and well-being, including the removal of illness, are only possible when one's intentions and dealings are honest.

Shamed, the merchant returns home and confronts the pundit who had praised his prayer's correctness. The pundit, in turn, reminds the merchant that his salary is three months overdue and he needs the money to pay his doctor's bills. The merchant dismisses the pundit, mirroring his earlier dismissive attitude. He then proceeds to his bath and resumes reciting the same universal prayer.

The author then broadens the scope, stating that this story is not just for merchants but applies to industrialists, lawyers, academics, doctors, artisans, ascetics, publishers, and even government officials at all levels. The central theme is reiterated: prayer is only successful when coupled with pure intentions and honest dealings. If one's actions move in the opposite direction of their prayers, the outcome will be nothing.

The text further elaborates that industrialists practice their Vaishya Dharma (merchant's duty) when they focus on producing useful, durable, and excellent goods by incorporating all necessary and beneficial components in their products. Prayers, worship, and other religious activities performed alongside such thriving industries become more radiant and truly embody religious practice. This also naturally instills good values in future generations.

The author stresses that education should be aligned with domestic industries. Without an education that supports these industries, true progress and religious practice cannot be achieved. Similarly, laws, however good on paper, are ineffective if not properly implemented. The example of laws against untouchability is given, highlighting that despite legal provisions and punishments, the reality for Dalits in India (and specifically Gujarat) remains dire.

The text also points to discriminatory practices in some Jain temples, where even a clean Harijan (Dalit) is barred entry. The author questions the legality of such notices and whether authorities are aware of them. The core argument remains: good laws are meaningless without proper enforcement.

In conclusion, the text asserts that if prayers like "Shivamastu Sarvajagat" are merely recited words without corresponding actions, and if domestic industries are not genuinely promoted, merchants do not uphold their Vaishya Dharma, and education is not industry-oriented, then true progress for the common people is impossible, even with divine intervention. The author strongly advocates following the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi, warning that any delay in doing so will lead to further exploitation and suffering for the common populace.