Shadjiv Nikay Suraksha Hi Paryavaran Suraksha - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shadjiv Nikay Suraksha hi Paryavaran Suraksha" by Dharmchand Muni, based on the provided pages:

The book, "Shadjiv Nikay Suraksha hi Paryavaran Suraksha" (Protection of the Six Lifes/Entities is Environmental Protection), by Dharmchand Muni, argues that the Jain philosophical concept of Shadjiv Nikay (the six categories of living beings) is fundamental to environmental protection.

Core Jain Tenet: Shadjiv Nikay

2500 Years Ago: Lord Mahavir expounded the principle of Shadjiv Nikay, asserting that not only moving beings (trasakaya) but also stationary beings (sthavarakaya) – earth, water, fire, air, and plants – possess a soul.
Beyond Strict Ahimsa: Even setting aside the minute details of non-violence (ahimsa), the protection of these six categories is essential for human survival.
Interconnectedness: The balance of nature and the existence of even the smallest living beings (both mobile and stationary) depend on each other. Harming them is equivalent to harming oneself.
Ahimsa Sutra: A profound quote from the Acharanga Sutra states, "What you wish to harm is none other than yourself," encapsulating the entire essence of environmental protection.

Scientific Validation of Jain Principles

The text highlights how modern science is increasingly validating ancient Jain teachings:

Microscopic Life: Lord Mahavir, with his omniscience, stated that even a drop of water or the tip of a needle contains countless life forms. They breathe and experience emotions like joy and sorrow.
Modern Research:
- Water Droplets: Kaiston Scoresby, in his book "Siddha Padarth Vigyan," observed 36,450 living beings in a single drop of water under a microscope.
- Plant Life: Jagadish Chandra Bose proved through experiments that plants possess life, emotions, and sensitivity to their environment, similar to animals and humans. He demonstrated their reactions to praise and abuse, with well-treated plants thriving and neglected ones withering.
- Plant Sensitivity: Dr. Weckster's experiments with a galvanometer connected to plants showed their reaction to pain (a cut finger) and recognition of humans (a gardener versus a woodcutter), indicating a deep sentience.
Ecological Benefits of Trees:
- Life Support: Trees are crucial for survival, providing fruits, flowers, shade, food grains, paper, and medicine.
- Rainfall and Flood Control: Trees facilitate rainfall and prevent floods. Their foliage absorbs rainwater, releasing it slowly, while their roots allow water to seep into the earth.
- Air Purification: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, purifying the air.
  - One hectare of trees absorbs 3 tons of carbon dioxide and produces 2 tons of oxygen daily.
  - A single leaf produces 200 grams of oxygen in 24 hours.
  - Approximately 2.32 square meters of green leaves can generate enough oxygen for one person daily.
  - A five-year-old neem tree can provide enough oxygen for an average family.
  - A 50-year-old Peepal tree absorbs 2252 kg of CO2 and releases 1716 kg of oxygen.
  - Trees are estimated to produce oxygen worth ₹2.5 lakh over 50 years.
Historical Significance: Ancient Indian culture thrived in forests, and Rishis and Munis gained profound knowledge in natural settings. Lord Mahavir attained enlightenment under a Shala tree, and Lord Buddha under a Bodhi tree. Plants like Tulsi, Peepal, Banyan, Amla, Ashoka, and Vat are venerated in Indian tradition for their environmental significance.

Role of Animals and Insects in Environmental Protection

The book emphasizes the vital role of animals and insects, often perceived as insignificant, in maintaining environmental balance:

Pollution Control: Aquatic life and even small insects play a role in combating pollution.
Pollution Indicators: Bees are useful in detecting pollution.
Symbolic Representation: Animals are incorporated into the zodiac (seven out of twelve signs are animal-based) and the eighteen Puranas (four named after animals) as a recognition of their importance.
Inspiration for Knowledge and Practice:
- Dattatreya's Gurus: Dattatreya learned from twelve animals, including pigeons, pythons, moths, bees, elephants, deer, fish, snakes, spiders, and more.
- Yoga: Yoga poses and asanas are inspired by animal movements (e.g., Cobra pose, Eagle pose, Fish pose, Crocodile pose).
Self-Defense and Protection: The tough skin of tortoises and rhinos historically served as shields. Tortoises are used to clean rivers by consuming cremated remains, and earthworms also aid in pollution control.
Warfare and Defense: Bees, snakes, and scorpions have been historically used to deter enemies.
Fertility and Seed Dispersal:
- Animal excreta acts as natural fertilizer, enriching soil fertility.
- Herds of sheep and goats significantly improve field fertility.
- Birds consume fruits and disperse seeds in distant locations, aiding in the growth of new plants, particularly the resilient Peepal tree.
Cultural Reverence: The worship of snakes, the peacock as India's national bird, and the presence of animals like monkeys and Garuda in national symbols reflect their cultural significance.
Tirthankara Symbols: The symbols of the 24 Tirthankaras are predominantly animals, signifying their inherent importance and connection to life.

Humanity's Disconnect and the Path Forward

The text contrasts nature's benevolence with humanity's destructive tendencies:

Human Greed and Exploitation: While nature has provided abundantly for a harmonious existence, humans, driven by desires and economic ambition, are ruthlessly destroying natural resources, polluting rivers with industrial waste, and disrupting the ecological balance.
The Paradox of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam": Despite the philosophy of the world being one family, humans have become afflicted by narrow-mindedness and a "Bhasmasur" tendency to possess everything at once, leading to environmental degradation.
The Threat of Climate Change: Continued pollution will lead to extreme global warming, with the sun's ultraviolet rays becoming destructive. The ozone layer, which protects from these rays, is being depleted by pollution.
The Root Cause: Uncontrolled Desires: The core reason for rampant environmental pollution is the unchecked desires and aspirations of humans. While Environmental Days are observed and funds are allocated, the fundamental issue of controlling human desires remains unaddressed.
Jain Solutions: The text proposes the Jain principles of Pancham Iccha Parinam Vrat (the fifth vow of limiting desires) and Saptam Bhogopabhog Pariman Vrat (the seventh vow of limiting consumption) as the true solutions to consumerism-driven environmental pollution.
The Way of Life: Limiting desires, aspirations, and unlimited needs voluntarily is crucial. Adhering to the twelve vows of a householder (shravak) and the Jain way of life offers a comprehensive solution to all environmental problems.
Embrace Universal Love: The book concludes by urging readers to internalize teachings like "Atmavatt Sarvabhuteshu" (All beings are like oneself) and to resolve not to harm the six categories of life, fostering hope and contributing to the preservation of humanity.