Sakaratmak Ahimsa - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sakaratmak Ahimsa" (Positive Non-violence) by Kanhaiyalal Lodha, published by Prakrit Bharti Academy. The book explores the positive aspects of non-violence (Ahimsa) as preached in Jainism, countering the misconception that it is purely a negative or prohibitive concept.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and arguments presented in the book, based on the provided text:

Core Argument: Ahimsa is inherently Positive and Active

Beyond Negation: The book strongly argues that Ahimsa is not merely the absence of violence (himsa). While the literal meaning of "Ahimsa" is "not doing violence," its true essence in Jainism encompasses a range of positive virtues and actions.
Positive Manifestations of Ahimsa: These positive forms include:
- Daya (Compassion): Considered the root of Dharma.
- Dan (Charity/Giving): Deemed as Dharma itself.
- Anukampa (Sympathy/Mercy): Seen as a symptom of Right Faith (Samyaktva).
- Karuna (Kindness/Benevolence): Viewed as the inherent nature of a living being.
- Maitri-bhav (Friendliness/Goodwill): Universally advocated towards all beings.
- Vatsalya (Affection/Parental Love): Considered an integral part of Right Perception (Samyagdarshan).
- Veyavrittya (Service/Help): Categorized as internal penance (abhyantar tap), even considered superior to study (swadhyaya).
Countering Misconceptions: The book directly addresses and refutes the argument by some "intellectualists" who claim that these positive activities, being "purposive" (pravrittirup), lead to karma bondage and thus hinder liberation. They argue that true Dharma is solely about "withdrawal" (nivritti).

Jain Philosophy and Karma Theory:

Nature of Karma Bondage: The text clarifies that karma bondage (karmabandh) is primarily caused by passions like attachment (raag) and aversion (dwesh), which are rooted in "kashayas" (anger, pride, deceit, greed).
Positive Qualities as Sanvara (Stoppage of Karma Inflow): Karuna, Anukampa, Vatsalya, Pramod (joy in others' virtues), Maitri-bhav, and positive activities like Daya, Dan, and Veyavruttya are described as sanvara (the stoppage of karmic inflow) and thus are forms of Dharma, not kashayas.
Rejection of "Positive Activities Cause Bondage" Argument: The book asserts that considering these positive manifestations of Ahimsa as causes of worldly wandering is against Jain scriptures (Jainagam). According to Jain Agamas and karma theory, only "audayika bhavas" (states arising from the fruition of past karma) cause karma bondage. Activities like Daya, Dan, etc., do not arise from the fruition of specific karmic predispositions, and therefore, they do not cause bondage. On the contrary, being the cause of the decay of sins (pap-kshay), they aid in liberation.
Destruction of Sin: These positive aspects of Ahimsa are crucial for the cessation of negative karmas. Without their influence, the obstruction of sinful tendencies and the decay of sinful actions are not possible.
Holistic Development: These positive forms of Ahimsa contribute to self-development, individual welfare, and the creation of a beautiful society, leading to the all-round and proper development of life.

Scriptural Basis and Authority:

Daya as Root of Dharma: The text quotes extensively from Jain scriptures like the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, Shrankritanga Sutra, Bhagvati Sutra, Prashna Vyakarana Sutra, Dashavaikalika Sutra, etc., to establish the scriptural validity of positive Ahimsa.
Sixty Names of Ahimsa: The Prashna Vyakarana Sutra is cited for listing sixty synonyms for Ahimsa, many of which are positive and action-oriented, such as Daya, Raksha (protection), Vriddhi (growth), Pramod (joy), etc.
Emphasis on Compassion and Service: The book highlights the scriptural emphasis on compassion (Karuna), sympathy (Anukampa), affection (Vatsalya), and service (Veyavrittya) as integral to Jain practice and the path to liberation.
Examples of Tirthankaras: The lives and teachings of Tirthankaras, including their "Varshidaan" (annual donation) before renunciation, are presented as evidence that positive actions like charity are not hindrances but rather facilitators of spiritual progress. Lord Mahavir's act of saving Goshala from Tejo-leshya (fiery power) and his profound teachings are also cited.

Key Concepts Discussed:

Nivritti vs. Pravritti: The book discusses the relationship between non-action/abstinence (nivritti) and action/engagement (pravritti). It argues that true Dharma requires both. Nivritti purifies the path for Pravritti, and Pravritti guided by good intentions leads to the destruction of karma.
Maitri-bhav (Friendliness): The importance of extending friendliness and goodwill to all beings is emphasized as a positive manifestation of Ahimsa.
Daya (Compassion): The text delves into the meaning and importance of compassion, explaining it as an inherent nature of the soul that leads to actions of help and protection.
Seva (Service): Service is presented as a profound spiritual practice that not only benefits the recipient but also leads to the self-development and liberation of the server. It is described as a form of internal penance (abhyantar tap).
Daan (Charity): Charity is analyzed as an essential aspect of Dharma, a means to reduce ego, foster generosity, and contribute to societal well-being. It is highlighted as a key component of the householder's path.
Vatsalya (Affection): This aspect is discussed as a natural extension of compassion, leading to selfless actions for the welfare of others.
Aatmiyata (Sense of Kinship) and Sympathy: The book explores how developing a sense of kinship with all beings leads to natural sympathy and compassionate action.
Addressing Objections: The latter part of the book systematically addresses and refutes common objections raised against positive activities, such as the argument that all activities lead to karma bondage, or that compassion is merely attachment, or that harm to minute beings in service is unacceptable. The refutations are based on scriptural interpretation, karma theory, and logical reasoning.

Overall Message:

The book "Sakaratmak Ahimsa" aims to correct the perception of Ahimsa as solely a passive or negative principle. It forcefully advocates for the understanding of Ahimsa as an active, positive, and compassionate way of life that involves selfless service, charity, friendliness, and the active removal of suffering from all beings. This interpretation is rooted in the Jain scriptures and karma theory, emphasizing that these positive actions are not hindrances but rather crucial steps on the path to liberation and the holistic development of both the individual and society. The book also includes compilations of writings from other esteemed Jain scholars and thinkers to provide a multifaceted perspective on the subject.