Vatsalyanu Amizarnu

The Jain text "Vatsalyanu Amizarnu" by Gunvant Barvalia is a profound exploration of the concept of maternal love and its various manifestations, extending beyond the biological mother to encompass spiritual, societal, and natural forms of nurturing. The book is divided into sections that highlight different aspects and embodiments of "Vatsalya" (affection, love, care).

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

I. The Essence of Vatsalya (Maternal Love): The book begins by defining Vatsalya as the highest emotion, superior to mere affection or love, as it is characterized by selfless giving and boundless generosity. It emphasizes that a life without a mother's presence is incomplete. Motherhood is portrayed as an eternal, ભાવના-સ્વરૂપી (form of emotion) presence that never dies, residing forever in the human heart.

II. Diverse Forms of Vatsalya: The author meticulously outlines various forms and figures that embody Vatsalya:

• The Birth-Giving Mother (Janani): This is the primary focus, celebrating the unparalleled love, sacrifice, and nurturing provided by a biological mother.
• The Spiritual Guru (Sadguru): The Guru is presented as a spiritual mother, guiding disciples from darkness to light and leading them towards liberation.
• Mother Earth (Dharti): Earth is revered as a nurturing mother, providing sustenance, shelter, and resources to all living beings without discrimination.
• The Sacred Cow (Dhenu): The cow is honored as a maternal figure, providing milk and contributing to human welfare, symbolizing selfless service.
• Mother River (Sarita): Rivers like the Ganga are depicted as life-givers and nurturers of civilization, embodying the maternal principle in sustaining life.
• Goddess Lakshmi: Represents prosperity and the nurturing aspect of wealth.
• Goddess Saraswati: Embodies knowledge and wisdom, nurturing the intellect.
• The Eight Mothers of Sadhakas: This refers to a broader concept of maternal guidance found in spiritual practices, possibly encompassing aspects like discipline, purity, and righteous conduct.
• Mothers of Tirthankaras: The text highlights the exemplary mothers of Jain Tirthankaras, emphasizing their role in nurturing and supporting spiritual giants.
• Mothers of Religious Figures: It also touches upon the mothers who shape religious leaders and guide them on their path.

III. The Changing Social Landscape and Erosion of Values: The author expresses concern about the modern era's value shifts, the emergence of the "generation gap," and the influence of materialistic attractions and distorted media portrayals. The erosion of traditional Indian values, particularly the sanctity of mother-child relationships, is a significant point of critique.

IV. Key Virtues and Roles of a Mother:

• Dedication (Samarpan): A mother's essence is defined by her dedication.
• Comfort and Solace: A mother's presence offers warmth and comfort.
• Foundation of Indian Culture: The mother is seen as the root of Indian values and traditions.
• Nurturing and Upbringing: Mothers are credited with shaping children's lives and instilling values.
• Unconditional Love: Even as children grow, a mother's love remains that of a child for her.

V. Vatsalya in Jain Philosophy and Practices: The book draws heavily from Jain principles and narratives:

• The Five Mothers: Reiteration of the birth mother, Guru, Earth, Cow, and River as embodiments of Vatsalya.
• Eight Mothers of Sadhakas: Detailed explanation of Pancha Samiti (five ethical conduct rules) and Trividha Gupti (three types of restraint – mind, speech, and body) as maternal guides for ascetics.
• Mothers of Tirthankaras: Specific examples like Marudevi Mata (mother of Rishabhadeva), Devananda Mata (mother of Mahavir Swami), and Trishala Mata (mother of Mahavir Swami) are discussed, highlighting their unwavering faith and role in spiritual upbringing.
• The Concept of "Guru-Mata": Emphasizes the importance of a spiritual teacher (Guru) as a maternal guide.
• Mother Earth as a Symbol of Patience and Forgiveness: The earth's ability to endure and provide is likened to a mother's virtues.
• The Mantra "Om Maiya Sharanam": This mantra is presented as a universal call for maternal love and surrender, encompassing the world as mother.
• Garba Sanskar (Prenatal Education): The importance of a mother's thoughts, actions, and diet during pregnancy for the child's well-being and character development is stressed.

VI. Reverence for Mothers Across Cultures and Religions: The text references figures and traditions from other contexts, such as:

• Mother's Day: Discusses the Western celebration of Mother's Day as a way to acknowledge maternal debt, suggesting its adoption to reinforce Indian cultural values.
• Historical and Literary Examples: Draws upon stories of figures like Shravan Kumar, Lord Rama, Lord Ganesh, and the mothers of religious leaders to illustrate filial piety and maternal influence.
• Quotes and Verses: Incorporates numerous poems, verses, and sayings from saints, poets, and philosophers extolling the virtues of mothers.

VII. The Role of Mothers in Shaping Great Individuals: The book features numerous inspiring examples of mothers who played a pivotal role in the lives of great men:

• Jijabai: Shivaji Maharaj's mother, who instilled valor and righteousness in him.
• Mahatma Gandhi's Mother (Putlibai): Her influence on Gandhi's principles of truth and abstinence is highlighted.
• George Washington's Mother: Her emphasis on obedience and discipline in shaping him as a leader.
• Napoleon's Mother: Her deep maternal love and influence are evident in his interactions.
• Bhishma Pitamah's Mother (Ganga): Her role in raising him as a righteous and devoted son.
• Shali Bhadra's Mother (Bhadra Mata): Illustrates a mother's deep wisdom and adherence to vows.
• Chaulani Pita's Mother (Bhadra): Her unwavering faith and role in guiding her son through trials.

VIII. The Broader Spectrum of Maternal Love:

• Daughter's Love for Parents: The text acknowledges the deep love and concern daughters have for their parents, even after marriage.
• The Generation Gap: Addresses the challenges and misunderstandings between generations, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding.
• The Importance of Parental Upbringing: Quotes from Chanakya's Nitishastra highlight the parents' duty to instill good values and discipline in their children.
• The Pitfall of Over-Indulgence: Warns against excessive pampering of children, which can lead to spoiled behavior.

IX. The Unconditional Nature of a Mother's Love: The book is filled with moving anecdotes and reflections on the boundless and selfless nature of a mother's love, even when faced with challenging circumstances or behavioral issues from their children. It emphasizes the mother's enduring presence and influence throughout life.

In essence, "Vatsalyanu Amizarnu" is a comprehensive tribute to the multifaceted concept of maternal love, woven through Jain philosophy, historical accounts, literary expressions, and profound personal reflections. It serves as a reminder of the invaluable role mothers play in shaping individuals, families, and society as a whole.