Samprat Samasyanu Dharmma Samadhan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samprat Samasyanu Dharmma Samadhan" (Solutions to Present Problems in Dharma), edited by Gunvant Barvalia:

Overall Theme:

The book, compiled from research papers and essays presented at the Jain Literature Knowledge Seminar-19, explores how various religions and their principles can offer solutions to contemporary problems faced by individuals and society. It emphasizes the enduring relevance of religious teachings in providing guidance, ethical frameworks, and spiritual solace in modern life.

Key Contents and Perspectives:

The book features contributions from various scholars and spiritual leaders, each addressing a specific modern-day issue through the lens of their respective religious or philosophical tradition. Here's a breakdown of some of the prominent themes and their approaches:

Women's Rights and Safety (Naari Shoshan): Addressed by Pujya Sadhvi Sutirthikaji, this paper highlights the issue of exploitation and violence against women in India. It critiques societal mindsets, the misinterpretation of scriptures, and the need for a change in perspective to one of respect and empowerment for women, recognizing their significant contributions across all spheres of life.
Suicide and Spiritual Strength (Aatmahatya samne Adhyatmashakti): Dr. Kumarpal Desai discusses the alarming rise in suicides, particularly among youth. He attributes it to societal pressures, academic stress, disillusionment, and a disconnect from spiritual values. The paper emphasizes the need for spiritual strength, the value of life from a religious perspective (particularly Jainism's view of life's preciousness), and the importance of mental well-being through faith and adherence to virtuous principles.
Solutions Through Jain Narratives (Jain Kathanupray ni Prerana dwara Samprat Samasyanu Samadhan): Dr. Kanti Shah delves into the vast treasury of Jain narratives found in scriptures and post-scriptural literature. He argues that these stories offer timeless lessons on ethics, conduct, consequences of actions, and spiritual growth, providing practical guidance for contemporary moral and social dilemmas.
Terrorism and Islam (Aatankvad ni Samasya ane Islam): Dr. Mahbub Desai addresses the issue of terrorism, often wrongly associated with Islam. The paper clarifies the true meaning of "Jihad" in Islam, emphasizing peace, compassion, and spiritual struggle rather than violence. It argues that terrorism is a political problem, not a religious one, and that misinterpretations and political agendas are exploited by terrorists.
Intolerance and the Jain Solution of Anekantavada (Samprat - Sarvakaleen Samasya nu Samadhan anet Anekantavada): Dr. Abhay Doshi presents Anekantavada (the doctrine of manifold aspects or non-absolutism) as the ultimate solution to intolerance. He explains that recognizing that truth has multiple facets, as taught in Jainism, fosters understanding, empathy, and peaceful coexistence, countering the rigid, one-sided views that fuel conflict.
The Bhagavad Gita as a Solution (Samprat Samasya nu Samadhan etle Bhagvad Gita): Suresh Gala highlights the Bhagavad Gita's enduring relevance in providing solutions to timeless problems. He emphasizes its teachings on duty (karma yoga), equanimity in pleasure and pain, detachment, and the pursuit of self-knowledge as crucial for navigating modern life's challenges.
The Role of Jain Agamas (Samprat Jeevan ni Samasya na Samadhan mate Jain Agam ni Bhumika): Gunvant Barvalia discusses the foundational Jain scriptures (Agamas) as a guide for contemporary life. He outlines their comprehensive teachings on ethics, spiritual practices, and the nature of the soul, asserting that their study and practice can lead to inner peace and solutions for material and spiritual problems.
Christianity's Guidance on Unemployment, Divorce, and Abortion (Samprat Jeevan ni Samasya niwarva Isai Dharm nu Margdarshan): Dr. Thomas Parmar examines the Christian perspective on pressing social issues. He highlights the Church's efforts towards job creation, its strong stance against divorce as a sacrament, and its opposition to abortion, emphasizing the sanctity of life from conception.
Jainism and Stress Relief (Jain Darshan ne Jane Tena thi Stress Dur Bhage): Dr. Preeti Shah explores how Jain philosophy, particularly its emphasis on detachment, non-attachment, and the understanding of karma, can effectively combat modern-day stress. She points to practices like meditation and the understanding of kashayas (passions) as key elements for inner peace.
Dharma as Guidance (Samprat Jeevan ni Samasya niwarva Dharma nu Margdarshan): Prof. Prafulla Vora discusses the multifaceted role of Dharma in addressing contemporary issues like materialism, economic disparity, health problems, and mental stress. She highlights Jainism's emphasis on detachment, simple living, the principle of karma, and the importance of virtuous conduct.
Problems and Solutions (Samasya Che to Samadhan Pan Che): Dr. Gulab Dedhiya underscores the inherent nature of problems in life and the availability of solutions within Jainism. He emphasizes the importance of mental training, self-reliance, ethical conduct (like non-violence and right conduct), and the acceptance of karma as crucial for problem-solving.
The "Uvasaggaharam Stotra" as a Problem-Solver (Samasya Niwaran Mate "Uvasaggaharam" Stotra): Dr. Malti Shah explains the significance of the "Uvasaggaharam Stotra," a Jain devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha. She details how reciting this stotra with understanding and devotion can help overcome obstacles, diseases, and negative influences, leading to spiritual well-being and liberation.
Jain Dharma's Guidance on KASHAYAS (Samprat Jeevan ni Samasya - Kashayo - Jain Dharm nu Margdarshan): Dr. Ratanben Chhadva elaborates on the Jain concept of "kashayas" (passions: anger, pride, deceit, and greed) as the root cause of many human problems. The paper explains the nature of kashayas, their different classifications, their detrimental effects, and the Jain path to overcome them through virtues like equanimity, humility, honesty, and contentment.
Dharma's Guidance for Contemporary Life (Samprat Jeevan ni Samasya Niwarva Dharma nu Margdarshan): Miteshbhai Shah explores how Jain teachings on truthfulness, non-violence, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession can provide solutions to modern-day issues like corruption, falsehood, and unethical behavior.
Jainism and Environmental Protection (Bharatiya Veddarshan ma Prithvi Sanrakshan ni Samasya na Upayo): Dr. Naman Buch draws upon the Atharva Veda to highlight ancient Indian wisdom on environmental protection. He discusses the concept of the Earth as a mother and the human duty to nurture and protect it, echoing the principles of ecological harmony found in Jainism.
Dharma's Guidance for Physical and Mental Well-being (Samprat Sharirik ane Mansik Samasya Niwarva Dharm nu Margdarshan): Jitendra Kamdar emphasizes the practical application of Yogic practices like asanas, pranayama, and meditation, rooted in Jain principles, for maintaining physical and mental health. He links these practices to stress reduction and overall well-being.
Dharma's Guidance for Health Issues (Samprat Swasthya ni Samasya Mate Mara Dharma nu Margdarshan): Dr. Hemali Sanghvi discusses how Jain dietary principles (like vegetarianism, moderation in eating, fasting) and lifestyle practices contribute to physical and mental health. She highlights the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and spiritual practices for a healthy life.
Swaminarayan Dharma's Guidance (Samprat Jeevan ni Samasya Niwarva Swaminarayan Dharm nu Margdarshan): Dr. Devvallabh Swami outlines the Swaminarayan tradition's contributions to addressing modern issues like addiction, social inequality, communal disharmony, women's empowerment, and superstitions. The emphasis is on ethical living, community service, and the importance of righteous conduct.
Consumerism and Jain Vows (Upbhoktavad - Jain Dharm na Vrat dwara Nirakaran): Dr. Preeti Shah analyzes consumerism as a major contemporary problem. She proposes that Jain vows (anuvratas and mahavratas), with their emphasis on detachment, moderation, and non-possession, offer a powerful antidote to the excessive desires and materialism fueled by consumer culture.

Publisher and Contributors:

The book is published by Ashok Prakashan Mandir and Navbharat Sahitya Mandir. It acknowledges the guidance of Pujya Acharya Shri Rajhans Suri M.Sa. and the contributions of various scholars and institutions.

In Essence:

"Samprat Samasyanu Dharmma Samadhan" is a multifaceted exploration of how religious and spiritual wisdom can provide practical solutions and ethical guidance for the complex challenges of the modern world. It demonstrates the universal appeal and applicability of these ancient teachings in fostering a more harmonious, ethical, and peaceful society.