Sattveshu Maitri - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sattveshu Maitri" by Sunandaben Vohra, drawing from the provided Gujarati pages:

Book Title: Sattveshu Maitri (Friendship towards all Living Beings) Author: Sunandaben Vohra Publisher: Sunandaben Vohra Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004904/1

Core Theme: The book "Sattveshu Maitri" is a profound exploration of the four core Jain ethical principles of Maitri (Friendship/Benevolence), Pramod (Joy/Gladness in others' virtues), Karuna (Compassion), and Madhyasthya (Equanimity/Neutrality towards the unwise). It emphasizes how cultivating these four qualities is fundamental for spiritual progress and achieving inner peace, ultimately leading to liberation (moksha).

Key Concepts and Arguments:

The Foundation of Dharma: The author asserts that these four Bhavanas (attitudes/emotions) are the very root of the "Kalpavriksha" (wish-fulfilling tree) of Dharma. Without understanding and practicing them, achieving spiritual realization is extremely difficult.
The Essence of Jain Philosophy: The book explains that these four bhavanas are not mere sentiments but are deeply intertwined with Jain principles like ahimsa (non-violence), samata (equanimity), and detachment. They are presented as the gateway to religious meditation and the path to divine qualities.
Maitri (Friendship/Benevolence):
- Definition: Maitri is defined as universal love and goodwill towards all living beings, devoid of enmity. It's about seeing oneself in all beings and wishing them well.
- Practice: This involves cherishing the well-being of others as much as one's own, respecting their virtues, and overcoming feelings of jealousy or ill-will. It's a selfless love that extends beyond family and friends to encompass all creatures.
- Benefits: Cultivating Maitri eliminates anger, hatred, and ego, leading to inner peace and harmony. It fosters positive relationships and creates a peaceful environment. The text draws examples from the lives of Tirthankaras like Shantinath and Neminath to illustrate the power of Maitri, even towards adversaries.
Pramod (Joy/Gladness in Others' Virtues):
- Definition: Pramod is the sincere happiness and appreciation for the good qualities, achievements, or virtues of others, without envy.
- Practice: This involves celebrating the success and virtues of others, whether they are friends, relatives, or even strangers. It means rejoicing in their accomplishments as if they were one's own.
- Benefits: Pramod combats the negative influence of envy and ego. It helps in developing a virtuous character by inspiring one to emulate good qualities. It leads to inner joy and contentment. The text contrasts Pramod with Pramad (carelessness), highlighting the former as an elixir of life.
Karuna (Compassion):
- Definition: Karuna is the deep empathy and desire to alleviate the suffering of others. It's feeling the pain of others as if it were one's own and actively seeking to remove it.
- Practice: This involves extending compassion to all beings, especially those who are suffering, in distress, or have strayed from the righteous path. It’s about offering help and solace without attachment or expectation.
- Benefits: Karuna purifies the mind, eliminates hatred and contempt, and fosters a sense of interconnectedness. It is the antidote to indifference and cruelty. The text emphasizes that true compassion is selfless and not driven by worldly attachment. It highlights the importance of acting on this compassion through acts of charity and support.
Madhyasthya (Equanimity/Neutrality):
- Definition: Madhyasthya is the ability to remain balanced and neutral in the face of dualities like pleasure and pain, praise and blame, friend and foe, virtue and vice. It's about maintaining inner stability without being swayed by external circumstances or the actions of others.
- Practice: This involves understanding that one's own well-being and suffering are often due to past karma. It means not getting overly attached to pleasurable experiences or distressed by unpleasant ones. It also implies maintaining neutrality towards those who act wrongly or are ill-behaved, without succumbing to hatred or disdain.
- Benefits: Equanimity leads to inner peace, freedom from emotional turmoil, and a clear perspective. It prevents the accumulation of negative karma stemming from reactions of attachment or aversion. The text stresses the importance of this quality for navigating the complexities of life and spiritual practice.
The Interconnectedness of the Bhavanas: The book highlights that these four bhavanas are not isolated but work in conjunction. Maitri forms the basis for extending love and goodwill, Pramod celebrates virtue, Karuna addresses suffering, and Madhyasthya maintains balance and prevents negative reactions.
The Human Potential: The author emphasizes that humans possess immense latent potential for divinity. By cultivating these four bhavanas, individuals can awaken their inner spiritual power and achieve their true nature.
Practical Application: The book uses relatable examples and analogies to explain how these principles can be integrated into daily life, even for householders engaged in worldly activities. It stresses that these bhavanas are not passive sentiments but require active cultivation and practice.
The Role of True Gurus and Tirthankaras: The teachings of Tirthankaras and enlightened gurus are presented as guiding lights for developing these bhavanas. Their lives and teachings serve as powerful inspirations and practical guides.
The Ultimate Goal: The ultimate aim of practicing these four bhavanas is to purify the mind, overcome karmic bondage, and ultimately attain liberation (moksha) – a state of eternal bliss and freedom from suffering.

In essence, "Sattveshu Maitri" is a spiritual guide that advocates for a life of universal love, appreciative joy, selfless compassion, and unwavering equanimity. It presents these four core principles as the pathway to not only individual well-being but also to a more harmonious and peaceful world.