Santbal A Saint With A Difference

This document is a summary of the book "Santbal: A Saint With a Difference" by T. U. Mehta. Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:

Book Overview:

"Santbal: A Saint With a Difference" chronicles the life and mission of Munishri Santbalji, a Jain saint who significantly departed from traditional practices to engage in social service and reform. The book highlights his revolutionary outlook, his deep understanding of Jain philosophy, and the challenges he faced from orthodox traditionalists for his progressive views. It emphasizes his unique blending of spirituality with social action, his adherence to Gandhian principles, and his profound impact on society.

Key Aspects of Santbalji's Life and Philosophy:

• Revolutionary Approach to Renunciation: The book begins by quoting Pt. Sukhlalji, who emphasizes that Santbalji's acceptance of "Pravrutti Dharma" (social service) after careful consideration challenged the prevailing, narrow interpretation of "Nivrutti" (renunciation) among some Jain thinkers. His approach was deemed necessary for making Jain doctrines universally acceptable.

• Radical Statement after Total Silence: Following a year of "Kasta Maun" (total silence) on the banks of the Narmada River in 1937, Santbalji issued a public statement outlining his reformed views on various traditional Jain practices. This statement created a stir among the orthodox.

• Key Reforms and Beliefs:

  • Inclusive Alms-Taking: He would accept alms from anyone, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, as long as they were completely vegetarian and non-alcoholic.
  • Humility and Equality: He believed all living beings were equal and renounced customary respect, preferring affectionate embraces over bowing.
  • Renunciation of Titles: He renounced all titles typically given to Jain saints.
  • Muhapatti Practice: He found the constant covering of the mouth with a Muhapatti unhygienic and decided to practice it only on specific occasions.
  • Respect for Nuns: He rejected the irrational tradition of male saints never bowing to female saints, deeming it derogatory to womanhood and against Jain principles.
  • Hair Uprooting: He considered the practice of uprooting hair by hand as disgusting and renounced it, believing it didn't always lead to spiritual upliftment but could foster ego.
  • Cleanliness: He stressed the importance of bathing and keeping clothes clean, linking cleanliness to non-violence.
  • Social Service as Duty: He believed that entering the saintly order meant entering a universal life, making it a duty to work for the social good, identify, and remove the causes of social afflictions, aligning with the Shraman tradition.

• Social Reconstruction and Ethics: Santbalji strongly advocated for reconstructing society on moral and ethical foundations, believing that materialism and self-interest had failed to bring social harmony. He emphasized the interdependence of society and the need for universal morality.

• Shuddhi Prayog (Cleansing Process): This was his devised method for resolving conflicts and injustices. It involved stirring human consciousness through non-violent means, appealing to ethical values, and patiently addressing resistance. This technique aimed to transform individuals and society without creating animosity.

• Focus on Rural Development: He was deeply influenced by Gandhian ideology and believed in touching the lives of people in villages. He chose the backward area of Bhal-Nalkantha for his social work, addressing issues like poverty, water scarcity, lack of education, feudal exploitation, and social evils.

• Establishment of Prayogik Sanghas: To put his ideas into practice, he established two institutions: "Bhal-Nalkantha Prayogik Sangh" for rural development and "Vishwa-Vatsalya Prayogik Sangh" for urban development. These institutions conducted experiments in social reconstruction based on ethical principles and the "Anubandh" ideology (harmonizing state, people's associations, spiritual leaders, and saints).

• Adherence to Jain Principles: Despite his reformist views, Santbalji remained a strict observer of fundamental Jain doctrines like truth, non-violence, non-stealing, restraint in possessions, and Brahmacharya. He proved that his rationalized practices were consistent with the core tenets of Jainism.

• Unconventional Lifestyle and Teachings: He lived simply, washed his own clothes, and personally responded to correspondence. He accepted food from anyone meeting his vegetarian and non-alcoholic criteria, regardless of caste or creed. He showed great respect for women and advocated for gender equality within the Jain order.

• Intellectual Prowess: He was a learned scholar who wrote commentaries on Hindu scriptures like the Gita, Mahabharata, and Ramayana, as well as Jain scriptures. He was also a Shatawadhani, possessing exceptional memory.

• Empathy and Fearlessness: The book provides numerous anecdotes demonstrating his compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to his principles, even in the face of opposition, personal danger, and the risk of social boycott.

• Legacy: Santbalji's work inspired many, and his institutions continue to operate, carrying forward his mission of social reconstruction based on ethical values. He is remembered as a saint who transcended dogma and sectarianism, spreading the message of truth, non-violence, and compassion.

Challenges and Opposition:

Santbalji faced significant opposition from the orthodox Jain community. His progressive views led to his expulsion from the order, and he was ostracized. However, he remained undeterred, choosing a solitary path of service and spiritual advancement.

Overall Impact:

The book portrays Santbalji as a truly unique spiritual leader who redefined the role of a saint in society. He demonstrated that spirituality and social action are not mutually exclusive but can be harmoniously integrated to create a more just and ethical world. His life serves as an inspiration for those seeking to blend spiritual ideals with practical efforts for social betterment.