Shir Tuz Aan Vahu

This comprehensive Jain text, titled "Shir Tuz Aan Vahu" (which translates to "I carry your command on my head"), is a collection of essays by Muni Shri Hitruchivijayji (formerly Shri Atul Shah). Published by Viniyog Parivar, it delves into various aspects of Jain philosophy and practice, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the teachings of the Tirthankaras.

Here's a summary of the key themes and points discussed in the text:

Core Philosophy and the Title's Meaning:

• "Shir Tuz Aan Vahu" - Carrying the Command on the Head: The title itself encapsulates the central message: the deep reverence and commitment to follow the commandments of the Jineshwar (Jain Tirthankaras). This is interpreted not merely as a physical act of placing scriptures on the head, but as a life lived according to the divine instructions, striving to embody the principles of Jainism in thought, word, and deed.
• Jainism as a Path to Divinity: The text highlights that Jainism is not just a religion but a path to becoming "Jinan" (divine or enlightened). It acknowledges the difficulty of this path but stresses the importance of following the Jina's commandments as essential steps.

Critique of Modern Practices and Advocacy for Tradition:

• Critique of Modern Upashrayas (Monastic Lodges): The book criticizes the blind adoption of modern architectural styles in Upashrayas, arguing that they often fail to consider the climatic needs and the unique requirements of Jain monastic life. It advocates for a return to traditional designs with open courtyards for better ventilation and light, rather than excessive windows that can be detrimental to monastic discipline.
• Critique of Modern Medicine and Chemicals: The text expresses concern over the reliance on modern medicine, including homeopathy, which it argues may not be as innocent as perceived, often involving animal products and alcohol. It promotes Ayurveda as a more suitable and less harmful alternative for health. It also warns against the use of chemical colors in painting, advocating for natural dyes derived from plants and minerals for religious artifacts and vessels.
• Critique of Modern Financial Practices: The book strongly criticizes the investment of Jain funds in banks, stock markets, and industries that promote violence (himsa), such as slaughterhouses and fishing. It argues that such investments, even for generating interest for religious purposes, are a form of participation in violence and a violation of Jain principles. It suggests alternative, less harmful investment methods and encourages a return to traditional, community-based financial support systems for religious institutions.
• Critique of Modern Lifestyles: The text laments the increasing adoption of materialistic and Westernized lifestyles, contrasting it with the simple, austere, and ethical way of life prescribed by Jainism. It uses examples from the Amish community in America to illustrate how a life of minimal consumption and adherence to tradition can be maintained even in the modern world.
• Critique of "Permanent Funds" and Fixed Donations: The text questions the concept of "permanent funds" and fixed endowments, arguing that if these funds are invested in businesses that promote violence, it leads to further sin. It advocates for a system of annual tithes or donations (tithis) from families, which fosters a direct connection with the divine and avoids the pitfalls of harmful investments.

Emphasis on Traditional Practices and Values:

• Preservation of Scripture: The book stresses the vital importance of preserving and propagating Jain scriptures through memorization (kanthasthan) and hand-writing (hastalekhan). It criticizes the over-reliance on printed materials and advocates for a return to the practice of creating handwritten manuscripts.
• Importance of Traditional Crafts and Materials: The text champions the use of traditional materials and crafts in religious buildings and daily life, such as lime plaster instead of cement, traditional wooden furniture, natural colors for painting, and bullock-powered oil mills over modern industrial ones.
• Ethical Conduct in Daily Life: The book provides detailed guidance on ethical conduct in various aspects of life, including the selection of food items, the management of religious institutions, the organization of festivals, and the upbringing of children. It emphasizes minimizing harm (arambh and samaraambh) in all activities.
• Meaningful Celebrations and Rituals: The text suggests that religious festivals and ceremonies should be conducted with a focus on the underlying spiritual significance and the promotion of traditional arts and practices, rather than mere displays of wealth or modern extravagance.

Specific Issues Discussed:

• "Abhakshya" (Forbidden Foods): The book delves into the specifics of forbidden foods for Jains, going beyond obvious meat and eggs to include items like ice cream and biscuits, which may contain animal-derived ingredients or be processed in ways that violate Jain principles.
• Government Patronage of Violence: A significant portion of the text criticizes government policies that indirectly or directly support violence, such as the operation of slaughterhouses and the encouragement of industries that harm the environment and living beings.
• Narmada Dam Project: The text specifically criticizes the Narmada Dam project, deeming it a "maha-arambh" (great commencement of violence) that leads to the displacement of people, destruction of forests, and harm to aquatic life, and strongly advises against investing religious funds in such projects.
• "Yantra-vad" (Mechanization) and its Impact: The book argues that the proliferation of machinery and industrialization is a primary cause of increased violence in modern society, leading to job losses for traditional artisans and the exploitation of resources.
• Importance of Personal Conduct: The author repeatedly emphasizes that true adherence to Jainism begins with individual conduct and the practice of non-violence (ahimsa) in one's daily life.

Call to Action:

The book serves as a strong call to the Jain community to re-evaluate modern practices, return to traditional values, and actively work towards creating a society that embodies the principles of ahimsa and ethical living. It encourages introspection and a conscious effort to live in accordance with the teachings of the Tirthankaras.

In essence, "Shir Tuz Aan Vahu" is a profound and detailed exposition of Jain principles, urging readers to live a life of minimal harm, conscious consumption, and unwavering devotion to the path of the Jinas.