Shramanachar Aur Adhunikta Se Grast Shravak

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shramanachar aur Adhunikta se Grast Shravak" by Mohankaur Jain:

The article "Shramanachar aur Adhunikta se Grast Shravak" (Ascetic Conduct and Householders Gripped by Modernity) by Mohankaur Jain highlights the significant challenges faced by Jain ascetics (Shramans and Shramanis) in obtaining pure food and water due to the lifestyle changes and technological advancements adopted by Jain householders (Shravaks and Shravikas). The author argues that modern conveniences have become "diseases" that hinder the adherence to ascetic practices.

The article identifies several specific modern inventions and practices that create obstacles for ascetics:

• Electric Doorbells: In modern nuclear families living in apartments with closed doors, ascetics arriving for alms cannot announce their presence without violating the principle of not operating electrical devices or disturbing fire elements (Agni Kay). The use of battery-operated doorbells is still considered problematic as they involve fire elements.
• Pet Dogs: Householders keeping dogs, even for security, pose a problem. If dogs are fed meat or eggs (even if the owner abstains), the presence of any residue in the house makes it impure for ascetics.
• Gas Stoves/Electric Heaters: The shift from traditional wood or coal fires to gas stoves and electric heaters, coupled with the desire to avoid the labor of lighting fires, means that food prepared may not be suitable for ascetics, especially if it involves recent heating or the presence of ashes (which are now scarce).
• Refrigerators: Storing food, including dough, fruits, milk, and vegetables, in refrigerators creates issues. Ascetics arriving unexpectedly may find householders unable to provide fresh, pure food, resorting to offering less suitable items like candies or biscuits, which themselves may contain non-vegetarian ingredients.
• Television (TV): The author considers TV more detrimental than tuberculosis. Householders, engrossed in TV programs, become oblivious to their duty of offering alms to ascetics and ensuring their children consume pure food, often resorting to unwholesome hotel food. Many householders, particularly women, are unaware of their responsibilities as Shravikas and the principles of pure and impure substances.
• Telephones: If an ascetic arrives at a house and the phone rings, householders prioritize answering the phone. This action, involving fire elements, causes ascetics to leave without taking alms and refrain from eating or drinking for the entire day.
• Battery-Operated Watches: Wearing watches powered by batteries is also seen as a violation of ascetic principles due to the involvement of fire elements, making any food or water touched by such individuals unacceptable to ascetics.
• Elevators (Lifts): Ascetics typically travel on foot. In modern multi-story buildings, it is impractical for ascetics to climb many floors, receive alms, and then descend, especially if the householder is unable to come down easily.

The article also laments the general ignorance of Shravakachar (the code of conduct for householders). It points out that the practice of washing utensils with specific ash-based cleaners (Dhovan) has been replaced by chemical powders and that the concept of suitable ashes is lost. This lack of knowledge affects the purity of food and water offered to ascetics.

The author further criticizes the deterioration of ascetic practices themselves, noting that some sects have adapted to modern times by using vehicles instead of foot journeys, wearing footwear, accepting water from taps without proper purification, using tiffin services, and employing fans and microphones. This adaptation, while presented as a compromise, is viewed as a departure from the strict teachings of Lord Mahavir.

The article concludes by emphasizing that the pursuit of wealth and modern lifestyles has led householders to neglect their spiritual duties. Many are merely "nominal" householders who are unaware of their responsibilities. The author urges householders to become aware, embrace the principles of Shravakachar taught by Lord Mahavir, and actively support ascetics in maintaining their pure conduct. The dwindling number of ascetics and the difficulty in sustaining their lifestyle are presented as a critical concern for the future of Jainism.