Samaj Vikas Me Samta Darshan Ki Bhumika

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text in English, focusing on the role of 'Samata Darshan' (Philosophy of Equanimity/Equality) in social development, as presented by Sajjansinh Mehta:

Book Title: Samaj Vikas me Samta Darshan ki Bhumika (The Role of Samata Darshan in Social Development) Author: Sajjansinh Mehta 'Saathi'

This text, authored by Sajjansinh Mehta, explores the profound significance of "Samata Darshan" (Philosophy of Equanimity or Equality) in fostering social development. The author posits that Samata, rooted in the concept of "Sama" (equality), is essential across all spheres of life – spiritual, political, economic, and social. It is presented as the cause, with equality being its fruit, and is the antidote to the prevalent disharmony and suffering in the current world.

Core Concepts:

• Definition of Samata: Samata means maintaining an equal perspective and practicing equality in every field of life. Its opposite is "Vishmata" (inequality/discord), which is often born from "Mamata" (attachment/possessiveness). Samata is considered the inherent nature of humans, while Vishmata is seen as an acquired, external condition.
• The Problem of Vishmata: The author highlights that the present era is characterized by widespread inequality and tension. This inequality originates at the individual level and expands to families, societies, nations, and the entire world. The primary causes are identified as human attachment, infatuation ("Moorchha"), and the cycle of likes and dislikes ("Rag-Dwesh"). Lord Mahavir defined infatuation as "Parigraha" (possessiveness). In today's materialistic world, the relentless pursuit of wealth leads to stress and unhappiness. The absence of contentment makes humans deeply miserable. This pervasive inequality destroys familial happiness and creates barriers of discrimination and partiality, leading to societal decline. The arms race and the threat of nuclear weapons further underscore the dire need for Samata.
• What is Samata Darshan?: Samata Darshan is defined as a philosophy that encompasses thoughts and principles for the welfare of individuals up to the entire world, based on equanimity, equality, and impartiality. The term "Darshan" here refers to a philosophical viewpoint or a system of thought, distinct from its meaning as "sight" or "faith." It advocates for the application of equality and equanimity appropriately in spiritual, social, political, and economic domains.

Samata Darshan in Different Spheres:

• Spiritual Sphere: Lord Mahavir taught that all souls are equal, possessing the same potential for ultimate development, with differences arising only from karma. He declared, "The soul is God" ("Appa so Param Appa"). To achieve this supreme state, he emphasized the importance of developing a "Samyak Drishti" (right or equanimous perspective), freeing oneself from a "Mithya Drishti" (wrong perspective) or "Visham Drishti" (unequal perspective). Samata is the beginning of "Samyaktva" (right faith/conduct). Lord Mahavir presented Samata Darshan in thought and action, advocating the principle of "Live and Let Live" ("Jio aur Jine Do") and the equality of all living beings, thereby prohibiting violence.
  • Thought: The principle of "Live and Let Live" and the equality of all beings.
  • Action: The practice of renouncing the seven deadly sins (meat-eating, alcohol, gambling, theft, hunting, adultery, prostitution), observing the twelve vows of a lay follower (Shravak), and the five great vows of an ascetic (Mahavrata) – Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
• Social Sphere: Samata Darshan asserts that all members of society are equal, and creating divisions based on caste, creed, or region is unjust. It calls for equal opportunities for development for everyone. While historical inequalities existed, they have lessened with societal evolution, and significant progress has been made in social equality.
• Political Sphere: The advent of democracy is a significant step towards political equality. Democracy, defined as "government of the people, by the people, for the people," has loosened the grip of ancient imperialism, feudalism, and expansionist politics. While it has established political equality to a great extent, further improvement is still needed.
• Economic Sphere: Economic Samata advocates for equal opportunities for all individuals. While philosophies like Marxism have attempted to address economic inequality, significant disparities persist globally. Samata Darshan clarifies that economic equality does not mean everyone having the same wealth regardless of effort or merit. Instead, it implies:
  • Equal opportunities for earning wealth.
  • Remuneration based on merit and ability.
  • Bridging the gap of economic disparity.
  • Utilizing individual potential in work.
  • Eliminating extreme economic inequality.
  • Ensuring the supply of essential goods for everyone.
  • Providing equal opportunities for education and development. Despite progress, extreme wealth accumulation coexists with widespread poverty, highlighting the necessity of Samata Darshan to address this imbalance.

Samata Darshan as the Key to Social Development:

The author reiterates that Samata Darshan, as taught by Lord Mahavir, is a life-practical principle that elevates both the individual and society. By eradicating societal inequalities, Samata Darshan can establish an era of peace and happiness worldwide. The text stresses that understanding and practicing Samata in daily life is crucial, as it is not just a theory but a way of living. Embracing Samata can lead to an elevated, happy, ideal, and beneficial life for individuals, which in turn guarantees societal progress. The concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) can be realized through the path of Samata.

Key Quotes and Emphases:

The text includes several impactful quotes from Acharya Shri Nanesh's book "Samata Darshan evam Vyavahar" (Samata Darshan and Practice):

1. Universal Vision: A world philosophy is meaningful only when the seer, with their enlightened vision, can make the entire observed world equanimous. True equanimity is revealed through seeing things as they truly are.
2. Inner Samata: As the inherent Samata in the human mind emerges, it uplifts human life with its broad influence, rescuing it from cycles of unrest, sorrow, and degradation, and shaping it towards peace, holistic prosperity, and excellence.
3. Realizing Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: The Indian cultural ideal of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" can only be realized by following the path of Samata, by embracing the entire world as a large family and infusing it with loving affection.
4. Beginning of Right Conduct: The advent of Samata can be called the beginning of Samyaktva. Developing an equanimous perspective is desirable because one who becomes equanimous will not only tread the path of Samata but also help others escape the labyrinth of inequality through their virtuous association.
5. The Capable Seer: The capable vision of the seer will seek equanimous elements wherever it falls on the vast stage of the world and will strive to make even unequal elements equal with equanimity. The true seer is one who can integrate Samata into their vision, and the vision is capable that can make the unequal equal. This equanimous foundation leads to successful universal philosophy. Such a progressive seer becomes a "Samdarshi" (one who sees equally).
6. Equitable Distribution: Basic necessities are food, clothing, and shelter. Therefore, emphasis is placed on the appropriate development and equitable distribution of all life-sustaining substances. The goal is to provide everyone with what they need according to their bodily condition, profession, or circumstances. This is true equitable distribution.

In conclusion, the author firmly believes that Samata Darshan plays a vital role in social development, leading to individual and collective well-being, peace, and prosperity.