Shuddhi Parva

This document, "Shuddhi Parva" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, published in the series "Z_Darshan_ane_Chintan_Part_2," is a profound exploration of the interconnectedness of the individual and society within the Jain philosophy, especially in the context of purification rituals like Paryushan.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key themes and arguments presented:

1. The Inseparable Link Between Individual and Society:

• The text begins by highlighting that the life and dharma of any being, not just humans but also animals, are deeply intertwined with society.
• While on the surface, each individual's life seems self-contained, a deeper, philosophical view reveals that a person's life is shaped by past and contemporary societal influences and the lives of others.
• An individual's life is built upon the inheritance of traditions and culture from previous generations, and this foundation is further enriched or marred by their relationships with the contemporary society.
• The author uses the analogy of a flower and its fragrance to illustrate the indivisible relationship between the individual and society.

2. The Unique Capacity of Humans for Moral Development:

• Humans are distinguished from other species by their ability to not only preserve ancestral traditions but also to modify and improve them. They can also create legacies that are either blessings or curses for future generations.
• Virtues and vices, while appearing personal, are in reality relative to society. An individual cannot cultivate virtues in isolation from society; virtues are demonstrated through interactions with others.
• The true test of a virtue like pleasantness lies in maintaining sweetness in one's attitude towards others, even amidst conflict. Similarly, vices like cruelty or greed can only be indulged or satisfied within a social context.
• The realization of virtues and vices, their growth or decline, is entirely dependent on a person's relationship with the external world.

3. The Example of Great Souls and Their Vision:

• The lives of great individuals are characterized by their perspective and conduct towards the world around them.
• Lord Mahavir is presented as an example of someone who elevated societal traditions through his compassionate and expansive outlook and gentle conduct. His teachings, like those of other spiritual leaders, aimed at the welfare and upliftment of humanity.
• Mahavir demonstrated how to cultivate virtues through individual effort within the framework of society and believed that the fruits of this virtuous cultivation were best realized in societal well-being.

4. The Significance of the Holy Paryushan Week:

• Wise ascetics have designated the Paryushan week as a time for introspection and listening to the teachings of Lord Mahavir.
• The core truths that Mahavir experienced and propagated to improve contemporary society can be summarized into three points:
  1. Empathy: Treating the suffering of others as one's own to foster happiness and prevent the intrusion of violence.
  2. Selfless Service: Contributing fully to societal welfare, transforming self-interest into altruism.
  3. Self-Awareness: Constant vigilance and introspection to guard against flaws stemming from ignorance or weakness and to maintain spiritual effort.

5. The Disconnect Between Outer Observances and Inner Reality (Self-Deception):

• The text critically examines the current state of the Jain community, suggesting that while many observe rituals like fasting, penance, and declarations of non-enmity, they might be living in self-deception.
• The author contends that the outward adherence to Jain practices (tapas, vows, knowledge, influence) can be hollow if not accompanied by genuine internal transformation and a true understanding of the principles.
• The superficial performance of rituals without addressing the underlying societal issues and individual shortcomings leads to a void in the actual observance of dharma.

6. Urgent Problems Demanding Solutions:

The text identifies three pressing issues that require immediate attention for a true "Shuddhi Parva" (Purification Festival):

• Scarcity and Poverty:

  • The author criticizes the detachment of Jain ascetics from the realities of scarcity and poverty. They tend to reside in places of comfort, failing to embody the principle of suffering with others.
  • Mistaking comfort for renunciation and failing to experience voluntary hardship diminishes their moral authority.
  • The author urges ascetics to embrace voluntary austerity and to bridge the gap in understanding between their teachings and the lived experiences of their followers.

• Black Marketing:

  • The Jain tradition emphasizes righteous earning as a primary virtue. The text points out the significant involvement of Jain traders in black marketing during wartime.
  • The author questions the silence of Jain gurus on this issue, suggesting it stems from their desire for comfort and the need to please their wealthy devotees who benefit from such practices.
  • True purification requires addressing the root cause of black marketing – greed – by advocating for a life of contentment even in hardship, as exemplified by Lord Mahavir.
  • The author emphasizes that accepting ill-gotten gains perpetuates a cycle of injustice and harms future generations. They call for a shift in focus from mere rituals to the active prevention of corrupt practices like black marketing.

• Untouchability:

  • The text acknowledges the historical struggle against untouchability initiated by Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavir, continued by various saints and reformers, and most notably by Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Mahatma Gandhi's extension of the principle of non-violence to all spheres of life, including social and political, is highlighted as a significant advancement.
  • The author expresses disappointment that many Jain gurus and traditionalists are hesitant to fully embrace the fight against untouchability, even when their historical opponents (certain Vedic traditions) are now aligned with this cause.
  • They warn that clinging to outdated perspectives will lead to ridicule by the younger generation and render their spiritual pronouncements meaningless. The current era presents a golden opportunity for Jains to actively participate in eradicating untouchability.

Conclusion:

"Shuddhi Parva" is a powerful call to action for the Jain community. It urges a shift from superficial ritualism to genuine spiritual and social reform. The author emphasizes that true purification, as embodied by the Paryushan festival, necessitates addressing societal evils like poverty, corruption, and discrimination, and that the Jain community, with its rich heritage of non-violence, has a vital role to play in these efforts. The text underscores the responsibility of spiritual leaders in guiding their followers towards a more authentic and impactful practice of their faith.