Seva Sanskar Aur Hamara Dayitva

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Seva Sanskar aur Hamara Dayitva" by Gautam Parakh, based on the provided pages:

The book emphasizes the paramount importance of "Sanskar" (values/upbringing) in individual and societal development, with a particular focus on "Seva" (service) and the responsibilities of individuals within the family, society, and nation.

Core Themes and Arguments:

• The Family as the First School: The text begins by highlighting the family as the primary "school" for children. The mother's role is crucial, as the child's upbringing and moral development begin in the womb and continue through infancy. The scientific understanding of prenatal influence and the Mahabharata's example of Abhimanyu underscore this. The author stresses that mothers play a significant role in instilling good Sanskars in their children, and a family's collective behavior (thoughts, actions, and interactions) profoundly impacts children. Creating a home environment that feels like a temple, filled with respect for elders, compassion for the needy, hospitality, affection, and friendly relationships, is essential for nurturing Sanskar-filled children.

• The Importance of Values and Ideal Role Models: The book advocates for adopting virtuous individuals and righteous men as role models and treating them with respect. It encourages the cultivation of virtues like gratitude, avoiding ingratitude and malice, and focusing on the good qualities of others rather than their flaws. Life's journey, from infancy to old age, is guided by Sanskars, and their recent devaluation is a cause for concern. Strong Sanskars empower individuals to face adversity, strengthen their inner resolve, and remain committed to their duties. They provide the inner strength to overcome despair and move towards morality.

• The Role of Educational Institutions: Schools are presented as the second "school" where childhood Sanskars blossom. The early years of a child's life are described as a precious stage for sowing the seeds of Sanskar. A good beginning is crucial for success, and children need full positive support in their mental and physical development. Nurturing their emotions, thoughts, and efforts with good Sanskars from childhood through adolescence will lead to a well-developed personality.

• The Significance of a Virtuous and Addiction-Free Life: The text strongly advocates for living an addiction-free life, which brings unique joy, simplicity, and ease. Such a life naturally fosters a sense of friendship with all beings and strengthens the spirit of service, a hallmark of a Sanskar-filled individual. The author expresses a desire for universal friendship, compassion for the distressed, and equanimity even towards those who are wicked or misguided.

• Combating Modern Societal Decay: The book identifies a period of intellectual and character transition, where pollution of thoughts, actions, and deeds has led individuals into various addictions. Factors like blind imitation of Western culture, promotional media encouraging intoxication and non-vegetarianism, "hotel culture," and wrong friendships are blamed for overshadowing Sanskar and moral values. The author expresses concern about the widespread impact of addictions and the challenge of preserving moral and ethical values in such a scenario.

• Renunciation of Addictions: A critical aspect of the book is the call to renounce specific addictions to achieve a moral and pure life. These include:

  1. Gambling and betting.
  2. Consuming meat.
  3. Alcohol and smoking.
  4. Adultery.
  5. Hunting.
  6. Theft.
  7. Prostitution. Addiction-free living is presented as synonymous with a life of Sanskars and is essential for awakening Sanskars and building a new society.

• Service (Seva) as a Path to Divinity and Moral Fulfillment: Service is presented as a crucial aspect of Sanskar and the simplest path to reaching God. The true test of Sanskar lies in the sincere resolve to serve the distressed, the needy, orphans, the disabled, and the deprived. The author emphasizes that serving the disabled and orphans is akin to serving God. He points out the prevalence of suffering, deprivation, and illness around us that requires service, support, and assistance.

• Human Service and the Example of the Jain Sabha Kolkata: The book elaborates on human service by defining disability as a state where senses are present but their strength or vitality is diminished. Providing mental support, physical assistance, and financial aid to those affected by disability is described as worshipping humanity. The author quotes Swami Vivekananda, stressing the need to open the doors and windows of our hearts to serve the needy and suffering around us, providing medicine, care, and guidance.

• Appreciation for Charitable Organizations: The text specifically praises the Shri Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Sabha Kolkata for its comprehensive work in education, service, and spiritual practice. The Sabha's initiatives include:

  • Providing free textbooks, uniforms, and other facilities to financially struggling rural students from primary to higher education.
  • Running the Shri Jain Hospital and Research Center in Shivpur, Howrah, which offers affordable treatment for serious illnesses and conducts medical camps (eye, disability, polio).
  • Organizing meditation, yoga, and pranayama camps. These efforts are described as a great sacrifice and a significant contribution to improving public health and well-being.

• Call to Action and Reflection: The author encourages readers to visit and support other charitable institutions like Abhilasha (rehabilitation and service for the disabled), Desh Dharma Shikshan Kendra, Manokamna (education for intellectually disabled children), and Aastha (education and rehabilitation for deaf-mute children). Experiencing the lives of disabled children in these centers should serve as a lesson about the value of the human body and senses, acquired through immense merit. Misusing these senses for sensual indulgence, criticism, gossip, lust, injustice, and atrocities could lead to weakened or lost senses in future lives. Therefore, continuous reflection on not becoming dependent on one's senses is essential.

In essence, "Seva Sanskar aur Hamara Dayitva" is a profound treatise urging individuals to embrace a life of strong moral values, free from addictions, and dedicated to selfless service, thereby contributing to a virtuous and progressive society.