Swasthya Samaj Ka Adhar Sadachar

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Swasthya Samaj ka Adhar Sadachar" (Right Conduct is the Foundation of a Healthy Society) by Acharya Devendra Muni Shastri, based on the provided pages:

The text emphasizes the fundamental importance of Achar (conduct/behavior) as the bedrock of a healthy society and individual well-being. It argues that Sadachar (right conduct) is not just a desirable trait but the very essence of dharma and a prerequisite for true prosperity and liberation.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• Achar as the Backbone of Dharma: The text asserts that Achar is the "merudand" (backbone) of dharma, without which it cannot stand. It cites scriptural authorities like Manu, Vyas, and Lord Mahavir, who all place Achar at the forefront. Shrutakevali Bhadrabahu states that Achar is the "essence of all limbs" of scripture.
• Achar and Character Transformation: The author highlights how adherence to Achar can transform individuals. Examples include:
  • Suryodhan becoming Duryodhan due to his bad conduct.
  • Shabri becoming a devotee despite being a tribal woman.
  • Valmiki transforming from a hunter to a revered sage.
  • Arjunmali turning from a murderer into a monk.
  • Kans, a king, being remembered as a butcher due to his lack of conduct.
• The Dual Nature of Achar: While "Achar" initially referred to the best conduct, it later bifurcated into Sadachar (good conduct) and Durachar (bad conduct) when negative practices emerged. Sadachar flows upwards towards righteousness, while Durachar flows downwards towards depravity.
• Sadachar Defined: Sadachar is defined as conduct that is inherently good, accepted by noble people, and proper. It is synonymous with "Right" (following rules and principles). Deviations from these rules are considered Durachar or Anachar.
• Acharless Thoughts are Superficial: Thoughts, no matter how eloquent or beautiful, are likened to "cultured pearls" – they lack substance and true beauty without the frame of Achar. Knowledge without Achar is only for displaying ego, not for self-realization.
• The Power of Sadachar:
  • Sadachar leads individuals towards Shreyas (ultimate good), attracting other virtues like a magnet.
  • Durachar leads towards Preyas (immediate pleasure), destroying virtues like a frost-burn withers delicate plants.
  • Even a poor or weak Sadachari is worthy of emulation because they are "healthy" in their conduct. A rich Durachari, however, possesses "worthless" wealth.
  • Sadachar and virtues are mutually reinforcing. Just as mountains give rise to streams, excellent Sadachari individuals manifest the Ganga of dharma.
• Sadachar and Character (Sacchharitra): The text equates Sadachar and Character, stating they are two sides of the same coin. Character encompasses a person's behavior, conduct, lifestyle, and moral standards. Sadachar is the manifestation of this character in front of oneself and society.
• Achar and Niti (Ethics/Policy): The author discusses the relationship between Achar and Niti. In the West, "Niti" is often used interchangeably with Achar, leading to "Niti Shastra" (Ethics).
  • Without Niti, humans become worse than animals. Niti helps determine what is right and wrong.
  • While Achar focuses on eternal principles, Niti considers contextual suitability (time and place).
  • Niti emphasizes relationships between individuals and society, whereas Achar connects more with the divine/soul.
  • Western philosophers like Descartes and Locke believe religion is the basis of Niti, while Kant believes Niti leads to religion.
  • The goal of Niti is "character purification," which in turn facilitates the worship of dharma. Therefore, Niti and Achar share similar goals.
  • Indian traditions emphasize controlling Achar with Niti and Niti with Achar.
  • Mackenzie, a Western ethicist, defines Niti as action, and religion as good intention, with Niti implementing that intention. Hence, Niti is a "Normative Science" and the ultimate limb of dharma and Sadachar.
• Achar and Vichar (Thought): Achar and Vichar are complementary. The complete development of personality requires both. Pure thoughts are essential for developing Sadachar. Thoughts devoid of the "divine light" of Achar are incapable of building character. True development occurs when Achar and Vichar are unified and interconnected.

Harmful Consequences of Night Meals (Section 3):

This section, presented as a quote from Acharya Shri Pushkar Muni, shifts focus to a specific aspect of conduct related to health:

• Nature's Rhythm: The text uses the examples of lotuses closing at sunset and birds returning to their nests before nightfall to illustrate nature's adherence to cycles. Humans, by defying these natural rhythms, invite disease and suffering.
• Ayurvedic Principles: Ayurveda states that the "heart lotus" and "navel lotus" (digestive system) contract after sunset, making digestion difficult.
• Health Experts Agree: Modern health experts advocate for eating meals in sunlight, as the sun's energy aids digestion. After sunset, the digestive fire (Jatharagni) weakens, making night meals indigestible and leading to issues like indigestion, constipation, and gas.
• Negative Effects of Night Meals: Night meals contribute to:
  • Deteriorating health.
  • Increased laziness.
  • Increased lust.
  • Weight gain and cholesterol.
  • Lack of bodily warmth, even with artificial light.
• Jain Scriptures and Yogic Principles: Jain texts warn of microscopic organisms and insects falling into food at night, causing various diseases. Yogashastra by Acharya Hemachandra details specific ailments caused by contamination:
  • Water insects leading to ascites (Jalodar).
  • Flies causing vomiting.
  • Ants and worms leading to dull intellect.
  • Spiders causing leprosy.
  • Thorns causing palate perforation.
  • Mosquitoes causing fever.
  • Poisonous creatures leading to poisoning, death, and cancer.

In essence, the book strongly advocates for Achar, particularly Sadachar, as the foundational element for individual character, societal health, and spiritual progress. It also highlights practical aspects of living in accordance with natural laws for physical well-being, as exemplified by the dangers of consuming meals after sunset.