Tirthraksha Na Karne Shu Hinsak Marg Apnavavo Shu Uchit Che

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tirthraksha na Karne Shu Hinsak Marg Apnavavo Shu Uchit Che" (Is it Appropriate to Adopt a Violent Path for the Sake of Protecting Sacred Sites?) by Bechardas Doshi, based on the provided excerpt:

The central question addressed in this text is whether it is justifiable for Jains to resort to violence to protect their sacred sites (Tirths). The author, Pandit Bechardas Doshi, is responding to a letter published in "Prabuddh Jeevan" by Shri Jethabhai Hirjibhai Mekpani, which suggested that violence for the purpose of defending a Jain Tirth from destruction by outsiders might not be considered sinful.

Doshi strongly disagrees with this notion, arguing that the core principle of Jainism is internal non-violence (Ahimsa). He emphasizes that the primary aim of a Jain individual (Atmarthi Manushya) is to reduce and subdue their inner passions (Kashayas) such as anger, greed, pride, and jealousy. This reduction of passions is seen as the path to achieving personal, societal, and national peace. All Jain rituals and practices are designed with this goal in mind.

Doshi criticizes some religious leaders for advising followers to make sacrifices for the sake of Tirthraksha, claiming it does not involve violence. He considers this advice "suicidal and anti-social." He asserts that the true purpose of a Tirth is to facilitate the reduction of the devotees' passions through focused worship, leading to inner peace and equanimity. He argues that increasing passions and committing violence against fellow humans cannot protect a Tirth.

The author draws a parallel, stating that advocating violence for Tirthraksha is akin to using darkness to protect light – a foolish and contradictory approach. He believes that those who justify violence under the guise of Tirthraksha are forgetting the fundamental objectives of Jainism. Because they themselves are driven by passions, they naturally resort to violence as a solution and then try to absolve themselves of blame.

To further support his argument, Doshi refers to the Upasakdashaang Sutra. He highlights the vow taken by Anand Shravak concerning the practice of Samyaktva (right faith). Anand Shravak pledged not to use any Jain temples (Arhant Chaityas) that had been taken over by other religious groups. Doshi reasons that if violence were considered appropriate for reclaiming such temples, Anand Shravak would have made a vow to actively fight and recover them, rather than simply refraining from their use.

Therefore, Doshi concludes that those who advocate for sacrifices and violence in the name of Tirthraksha fundamentally misunderstand the teachings of Lord Mahavir. He suggests that such individuals are merely displaying their own passion-driven tendencies under the guise of protecting sacred sites. He reiterates that using darkness to protect light is an act of foolishness.

Finally, Doshi laments that the Jain community tends to follow traditions without critical thought (Gatanugatig). People uncritically accept the pronouncements of those who wear the robes of sadhus. He points out that this unthinking adherence has led to negative consequences in the past and will continue to do so. He also expresses his dismay that even the exemplary path of non-violent activism demonstrated by Mahatma Gandhi, which is so evident to all, does not capture the attention of the sadhus. He calls this a form of "internal blindness" that needs to be considered. He concludes by observing that the community focuses on superficial matters (public announcements) rather than the core issues.