Shastra Aur Shaastra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shastra aur Shaastra" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, based on the provided pages:

The text contrasts two fundamental principles and their manifestations in society: Shastra (scripture/knowledge/reason) and Shaastra (weapon/force/power). It argues that originally, these represented distinct but complementary roles in society, primarily embodied by the Brahmin (Shastra) and Kshatriya (Shaastra) classes.

The Ideal: Complementary Roles for Societal Protection

• Shastra-wielders (Brahmins): Their role was to protect through knowledge and guidance. They would enlighten others, impart wisdom, and guide individuals away from harmful paths through understanding and love. This form of protection was beneficial to both the protector and the protected, aiming for mutual upliftment and preventing harm.
• Shaastra-wielders (Kshatriyas): Their role was to protect through physical force and action. This involved defending against external threats and safeguarding the weak, often by neutralizing or eliminating aggressors. This protection, while necessary, inherently involved the potential harm or destruction of another.

Initially, both classes operated with selfless dedication within their prescribed roles, maintaining the prestige of both Shastra and Shaastra.

The Decline: Corruption of Purpose

Over time, both the Brahmin and Kshatriya classes deviated from their original noble purpose.

• The Shastra Class: Became increasingly driven by the desire for the prestige and material benefits derived from their knowledge. They shifted from enlightening the masses to exploiting them, competing amongst themselves for followers and disciples. This led to internal strife and a focus on self-enrichment rather than genuine societal well-being. The text likens this to dogs fighting over a piece of meat, where even brothers might not find peace.
• The Shaastra Class: Also became corrupted by the pursuit of power and luxury gained through their martial prowess. Instead of protecting the populace, they became obsessed with increasing their own authority and grandeur. Wars were fought not for genuine protection but for personal animosity and ego, leading to the sacrifice of millions for whom they were meant to be protectors.

This corruption led to a decline in the purity of Indian society, characterized by:

• Persistence of Ignorance and Conflict: Despite the abundance of knowledge-keepers, ignorance and disputes continued to thrive, partly due to the Shastra class's failure to disseminate knowledge effectively.
• Exclusion and Neglect: Lower castes (Shudras) and women were denied access to knowledge, relegated to service roles. Even those considered eligible for knowledge (Kshatriyas and Vaishyas) did not receive systematic education.
• Loss of Sovereignty: The Shaastra class, consumed by internal conflicts and indulgence, failed to protect the nation from foreign invasions, ultimately leading to subjugation.
• Erosion of Values: The Shastra class became weak and subservient, willing to compromise truth for wealth and power, and flattering the ruling Shaastra class. The Shaastra class, in turn, relied on patronage and flattery rather than genuine duty. This cycle weakened the entire society.

The Spread of Corruption Beyond Traditional Classes:

The text notes that this decline in ethical conduct was not confined to the traditional Brahmin and Kshatriya classes. Even those who were considered renunciates, such as Buddhist and Jain monks, fell prey to internal divisions, animosity, and the misuse of religious texts for personal gain, turning "pure" Shastra into "poisonous" Shaastra.

The Way Forward: Cultivating Generosity and Knowledge

The author then turns to the crucial question of how to rectify this situation. The solution lies not in the mere destruction of weapons or scriptures but in a fundamental shift in attitude and the cultivation of inner qualities:

• Generosity (Udarata): This is presented as the antidote to conflict. It involves two aspects:
  • Tolerance of differing viewpoints: Practicing neutrality towards those with opposing or different goals.
  • Elevating the ideal: Striving for a broader, more inclusive vision rather than a narrow, sectarian one. When ideals are constricted, the mind becomes restless and seeks escape from the cycle of negativity. A grander ideal provides a wider scope for the mind's natural expanse, leaving no energy for conflict.
• Growth of Knowledge (Gyaanvruddhi): This involves a sympathetic and comprehensive study of various branches of knowledge, religions, and philosophical systems. True understanding of another's perspective fosters empathy, which is essential for bridging divides.

The text emphasizes that unity and strength in society and the nation can only be achieved through the growth of generosity and knowledge. Individuals who follow different scriptures or belong to different sects can coexist peacefully only through these qualities.

Jain Principles as a Model:

The Jain principles of Anekanta (non-absolutism/multiplicity of viewpoints) and Ahimsa (non-violence) are highlighted as the very essence of this path. They advocate for a generous and loving approach, both within the Jain community and in interactions with other societies. Generosity and love are tested and proven most effectively in situations of difference and conflict. True understanding of Jainism, therefore, leads to the recognition that only through generosity and love can Dharma (righteousness) be protected, not through the perversion of knowledge into a weapon.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, "Shastra aur Shaastra" is a profound critique of how noble ideals can be corrupted by human desires for power, prestige, and material gain. It calls for a return to the core principles of wisdom and compassion, advocating for the cultivation of generosity and knowledge as the only means to overcome conflict and build a truly cohesive and prosperous society. The misuse of knowledge, like the misuse of weapons, can be destructive, but embracing wisdom and empathy can lead to genuine societal protection and harmony.