Stree Purushna Balabalni Mimansa - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Stree Purushna Balabalni Mimansa" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, focusing on the arguments and examples presented:

The book "Stree Purushna Balabalni Mimansa" (An Examination of the Strength and Weakness of Men and Women) by Sukhlal Sanghavi delves into the comparative capabilities and moral strengths of men and women, challenging prevailing notions of female weakness.

Core Argument: Equality of Souls, Diversity of Manifestation

The central thesis of the text is that the soul (Atman) is the same in both men and women. The differences observed are not inherent to the soul itself but are rather a result of external influences, conditioning, and the specific body it inhabits. The text asserts that neither gender possesses an exclusive claim to virtue, intellect, or spiritual prowess.

Rejection of Gendered Weakness:

The author addresses the common arguments that women have "stolen men's manliness" or that men have rendered women weak. He posits that these are simplistic and often inaccurate generalizations. The underlying drives and impulses (vikar) are not limited to a specific gender.

Intellect and Spiritual Capacity are Not Gender-Bound:

Literary and Scholarly Pursuits: The text cites the view of the poet Rajshekhar, who in his analysis of poetry, stated that women, like men, can become poets because sanskar (impressions, upbringing, and cultural refinement) are connected to the soul, not to gender. Historical evidence is presented of many princesses, minister's daughters, courtesans, and other women who were learned scholars and poets.
Moral and Ethical Strength: Hemchandra, a self-manifested literary figure, is quoted as arguing that women are equally deserving of generosity, respect, and affection as men because they possess equal capabilities. The author contends that judging the entire female sex as weak or lacking in virtue based on a few impure individuals is as unfair as judging all men to be foolish or wicked because some men are so.

Illustrative Narratives (Akhyanas):

The book supports its arguments with several compelling narratives from various religious and philosophical traditions, highlighting instances of both men and women demonstrating extraordinary self-control and spiritual fortitude.

Yama and Yami (Vedic Narrative): This is presented as an example of male spiritual strength. Yami attempts to seduce her brother Yama, advocating for incest. Yama, however, firmly rejects her advances, upholding righteousness and resisting her temptations, even curses. This narrative showcases the "brilliant self-luminosity of the male soul" and the "covering of desire in the female soul."
Bharata and Sundari (Jain Narrative): This narrative presents a contrasting example of female spiritual strength. Bharata, a Chakravarti (universal emperor), desires his half-sister Sundari to become his consort. Despite the societal acceptance of such unions at the time, Sundari, with her awakened soul, remains unmoved by her brother's power or wealth. Instead, she undertakes severe austerities, channeling her physical beauty and inner radiance into spiritual discipline. She eventually persuades Bharata, calming his desires, and demonstrating how a woman's unadulterated spiritual power can uplift a man.
Rajimati and Rathnemi (Jain Narrative): This story illustrates the unwavering chastity and spiritual wisdom of a woman. Rajimati, engaged to Ariṣṭanemi (a Tirthankara), is pursued by his younger brother Rathnemi. Rajimati devises a clever plan to expose the impurity of Rathnemi's desires by making him drink her vomited mixture. When he recoils, she points out that if his brother's action (vomiting due to forced marriage) was impure, then her situation was also based on a similar compulsion. This prompts Rathnemi to renounce worldly life. In a later encounter, when Rathnemi is tempted by Rajimati's physical appearance, she delivers a powerful sermon on the instability of the mind and the consequences of succumbing to desire, which helps him regain his spiritual resolve.
Upalavanna (Buddhist Narrative): This narrative features a nun who displays remarkable mental fortitude against temptation. Upalavanna, known for her beauty, is approached by Mara (representing temptation or desire), who tries to disturb her meditation by evoking fear and primal urges. Upalavanna, however, firmly asserts her control over her mind, her knowledge of principles, and her freedom from attachments, repelling Mara.
Bhadra Kapilani (Buddhist Narrative): This story highlights exceptional marital devotion and shared commitment to celibacy. Bhadra Kapilani joins her husband, Mahakashyapa, in his vow of lifelong celibacy. They share the same bed but place garlands between them, signifying that any wilting of the flowers would indicate the arousal of desire. The narrative emphasizes their elevated mental state and unwavering commitment. The text draws a parallel to a Jain couple, Vijay and Vijaya, who also practiced lifelong celibacy by keeping an open sword between them while sleeping together. The author suggests that the flower garland represents the gentle aspect of celibacy, while the sword symbolizes its strictness, and that true adherence comes from inner resolve, not external aids.

Conclusion:

"Stree Purushna Balabalni Mimansa" argues that the perceived differences in strength and weakness between men and women are largely superficial and socially constructed. It emphasizes the inherent equality of souls and highlights numerous historical and religious examples where women have demonstrated extraordinary intellectual, moral, and spiritual power, often surpassing or guiding men. The text encourages a deeper understanding of individual character and spiritual potential, free from gender-based prejudice.