Sarva Mitra Gruhastha Sant

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sarva Mitra Gruhastha Sant" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, focusing on the contributions and philosophy of Kishorelal Mashruwala:

Core Argument: The Ideal of the "Householder-Ascetic"

The text argues that while two traditional paths exist in Indian thought – one emphasizing living within the grihastha (householder) life while practicing religion, and the other advocating immediate renunciation upon experiencing detachment – a more integrated and practical ideal has emerged. This ideal, exemplified by figures like Gandhi and prominently by Kishorelal Mashruwala, combines the fulfillment of householder duties with the spirit and practice of asceticism.

The "Shadow" of Great Souls:

The author begins by comparing great individuals to birds flying in the sky. Their physical presence (the "shadow") may fade with death, but their influence and legacy continue to grow and solidify in the hearts of people. This "shadow" is not just a memory but an enduring impact. Gandhi is presented as a recent example, and Kishorelal Mashruwala is placed in the same category, not as an avatar or acharya, but as someone whose intellectual rigor and thoughtful living will leave a lasting impression.

Critique of Societal Misunderstandings:

The text identifies a societal tendency to create a dichotomy between householder life and asceticism. This misunderstanding, fueled by the growing influence of monastic orders in Jainism and Buddhism, led to a perception that householders were solely concerned with worldly pursuits (artha and kama), while true spirituality was reserved for ascetics. This has led to a dilution of the true meaning of both concepts, with asceticism often reduced to mere outward appearances.

Kishorelal Mashruwala: The Embodiment of the Ideal:

Kishorelal Mashruwala is presented as a prime example of the "householder-ascetic." He lived his entire life as a householder but embodied the essence of asceticism. He never neglected his householder duties but lived the true meaning of renunciation within that framework.

His Life and Philosophy:

• Synthesis of Gita's Teachings: Mashruwala's life seamlessly integrated various interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita, whether focused on knowledge, devotion, action, or meditation.
• Action without Attachment: He lived a life of action without attachment, meticulously fulfilling his duties. His writings demonstrate the depth of knowledge informing his actions.
• Intellectual Rigor and Sincerity: His dedication to thought and action, and his singular focus, were remarkable. His writings, such as "Geeta Manthan" and his independent philosophical outlook, stemmed from a commitment to living what he wrote and understood. He followed Gandhi's path of living by one's principles.
• Profound and Broad-Ranging Writings: Mashruwala wrote extensively on a vast array of subjects, including social, religious, economic, political, cultural, philosophical, and spiritual matters. He wrote fluently in Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, and English, even editing the "Harijan" newspaper during his illness.
• Truth and Non-Violence as Guiding Principles: Despite his physical limitations, he managed his responsibilities with remarkable dedication, primarily due to his constant devotion to truth and non-violence. He fearlessly spoke the truth, even to powerful figures, without causing offense.
• Transcending Sectarianism: The text contrasts Mashruwala with historical figures like Buddha, Mahavir, and Shankaracharya, whose teachings, while profound, were sometimes confined within the boundaries of their respective traditions. These traditions, due to blind faith, often hindered the reinterpretation and application of their principles to changing human life. Mashruwala, initially influenced by the Swaminarayan tradition, experienced a profound moment of realizing the interconnectedness of different faiths. This led him to re-examine all religious and philosophical thought through the lens of truth and non-violence.
• Unflinching Commitment to Truth: While showing great care not to misrepresent any sect or philosophy, he never hesitated to speak the truth as he experienced it. When asked about his ability to solve complex problems, he attributed it to his limited reading but his unwavering use of truth and non-violence as a criterion for understanding everything.
• Breaking Guru-Disciple Norms: He did not believe in the rigid guru-shishya relationship and encouraged independent thought rather than blind adherence. He critically reviewed the ideas of even the most revered figures when necessary.
• Universal Brother and Enemy-less: By transcending sectarian limitations, he saw all great religious figures of humanity as equally important. He wrote insightful biographies of figures like Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavir, Jesus Christ, and Sahajanand. The author highlights a personal experience where Mashruwala's influence provided him with a profound sense of satisfaction during a critical health situation, underscoring Mashruwala's inherent compassion and the genuine friendship ("Sarva Mitra") that stemmed from it.

Conclusion:

The text concludes by emphasizing that Kishorelal Mashruwala was a true "Sarva Mitra" (friend to all) and "Ajatshatru" (enemy-less), embodying a life of intellectual integrity, selfless action, and unwavering adherence to truth and non-violence, all within the framework of a householder's life. His legacy lies in bridging the perceived gap between worldly living and spiritual pursuit, offering a vital model for modern life.