Sattabal Ane Satyabal

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Sattabal ane Satyabal" by Sukhlal Sanghavi:

The text "Sattabal ane Satyabal" (Power of Authority and Power of Truth) by Sukhlal Sanghavi, from the publication "Z_Darshan_ane_Chintan_Part_2_004635.pdf," discusses the fundamental forces that underpin freedom and societal well-being, contrasting the "Power of Authority" (Sattabal) with the "Power of Truth" (Satyabal).

India's Freedom and the Primacy of Truth: The author begins by asserting that the foundation of India's independence lies primarily in the "Power of Truth." He posits that without Mahatma Gandhi, the driving force behind the independence struggle would be difficult to ascertain. However, in the current context, it is undeniable that India achieved freedom through the force of truth. He warns that if this foundational power is not maintained, India's hard-won independence will be merely nominal.

The Nature and Challenge of Truth-Power: The text acknowledges that "Truth-Power" is a genuine force, and anyone who has genuinely incorporated truth into their life has experienced its strength. However, developing, sustaining, and expanding this power is not easy. The primary difficulty lies in the numerous opposing forces that challenge "Truth-Power." The author emphasizes the need to understand these opposing forces to effectively counter them and prevent them from undermining the essence of freedom.

Understanding Authority-Power (Sattabal): The text defines existence ("Hasti") as present in all things, both inanimate and animate. Every being strives to maintain its existence. When a conscious being makes this effort, it is termed "Authority-Power." The consciousness of existence, the drive to sustain it, and the conscious or unconscious efforts made for it all fall under "Authority-Power." This power manifests in various ways: a physically strong person seeks to dominate weaker individuals, a powerful speaker uses their voice to assert superiority, and those with wealth, knowledge, or other resources use them to control the less fortunate. Even the weak often seek to exert authority over those even weaker than themselves. This principle is observable in all spheres of life, societies, and nations, leading to divisions like high and low, rich and poor, educated and uneducated. These disparities are deeply ingrained and difficult to eradicate, a challenge that "Truth-Power" can address.

The Distinction Between Authority-Power and Truth-Power: While both "Satta" (Authority) and "Satya" (Truth) are related to existence, their manifestations differ. Authority-Power emerges as the tendency to dominate the weak. In contrast, Truth-Power is the inclination to be conscious of, and remain equal with, both the weak and the strong. When the tendency to remain equal with the weak arises, Truth-Power motivates individuals to elevate the weak to their own level, making them equals. When the tendency to remain equal with the strong manifests, it means that individuals with this quality do not succumb to the strong in an inappropriate manner; instead, they ensure that everyone is given their rightful place.

The Corrupting Influence of Authority-Power vs. the Liberating Power of Truth-Power: Authority-Power can make officials arrogant, the wealthy detached and proud, and the learned vain and boastful. "Truth-Power," on the other hand, does not foster such vices even when associated with authority, wealth, or learning. Instead, it uses these resources (authority, wealth, beauty, knowledge, learning) to benefit everyone, making individuals truly free. Those who possess Authority-Power may appear outwardly free but are inwardly enslaved, constantly harboring fears of others. Conversely, those with "Truth-Power" are fearless, and their inner selves remain completely free. The author points to Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave as examples of individuals embodying this "Truth-Power."

Achieving True Freedom: The freedom India has achieved is considered preliminary. To truly realize and sustain this freedom, one must eventually transcend Authority-Power. This involves officials and authorities behaving humbly towards all segments of the population, the wealthy relinquishing pride and narrow perspectives on their wealth to use it for the welfare of all, and the educated and learned using their knowledge to impart true understanding to the uneducated. This is the solid foundation of true freedom. An edifice built on such a foundation cannot be destroyed by any force of arms, as the power of weapons operates in the material realm, whereas "Truth-Power" is beyond such limitations. It does not diminish or disappear even when wealth or the body is lost.

Conclusion: The author concludes by urging readers to dedicate themselves to the worship of this "Truth-Power" in the new year of celebrating freedom.

In essence, the text argues that while Authority-Power can lead to domination and internal enslavement, Truth-Power fosters equality, genuine freedom, and societal well-being. True independence requires a commitment to and cultivation of Truth-Power, as it is the ultimate guarantor of lasting freedom and prosperity.