Vishwa Shanti Ke Sandarbh Me Nari Ki Bhumika - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vishwa Shanti ke Sandarbh me Nari ki Bhumika" by Pandit Munishri Nemichandra Shastri, focusing on the role of women in world peace:

The book argues that women possess inherent qualities that are crucial for establishing and maintaining world peace.

The text begins by acknowledging humanity as the most superior creature, capable of attaining liberation. However, it laments the current state of the world, characterized by widespread conflict, animosity, ego, and unrest. The author identifies several key causes for this global disharmony:

Conflict and Terrorism: Internal strife within families, societies, and nations, driven by selfishness.
Arms Race and Nuclear Threats: Escalation of weaponry and the ever-present danger of atomic bombs.
Discrimination: Divisions based on race, caste, nationality, religion, political power, and the clash of ego.
Vices and Immorality: The proliferation of gambling, theft, smuggling, meat-eating, alcohol consumption, hunting, prostitution, adultery, dowry-related female infanticide, animal cruelty, murder, riots, arson, and natural calamities.
Weakening of Principles: Lack of adherence to principles like coexistence and a deficit in selflessness.

The author emphasizes that the interconnectedness of the modern world means a spark of unrest in one place can quickly engulf the globe, leading to devastating consequences.

The text then shifts to proposing solutions for world peace, highlighting the significant role women can play. It states that while collective effort and societal change are necessary, adopting virtues like calmness, patience, fortitude, tolerance, forgiveness, compassion, universal friendship, pure love, sympathy, humanity, adherence to principles, and freedom from vices is essential.

Crucially, the book asserts that these qualities are often more developed in women than in men. It points to the inherent gentleness, forgiveness, kindness, affection, patience, steadfastness in vows, and abstinence from vices found in women as being vital for world peace.

The text provides several historical and mythological examples from Jain tradition to illustrate this point:

Maha sati Madanrekha: She intervened to prevent a war between her two sons, convincing them to reconcile through her maternal love and explaining the destructive consequences of conflict.
Maha sati Padmavati: She stopped a war between her husband (King Dadhivahana) and her son (King Karakandu) by revealing their true relationship and appealing to their paternal and filial love.
Maha sati Sita: She pacified a potential battle between her husband (Lord Rama) and her sons (Lava and Kush) by reminding them of their familial bonds.
Sati Draupadi: Her forgiveness of Ashwatthama, who had killed her sons, prevented a cycle of revenge and further bloodshed between the Kauravas and Pandavas, demonstrating that forgiveness is the path to ending enmity and establishing peace.
Sati Madanrekha (again): She provided spiritual solace to her dying husband, emphasizing the importance of mental peace and detachment to prevent further family discord.

The book strongly advocates for women in leadership roles, suggesting that if women held the reins of power, the horrors of war would diminish. It attributes this to their innate compassion, motherly affection, and humanity, which would prevent them from engaging in conflict. The author laments the male-dominated leadership of international organizations like the League of Nations and the UN, believing that a female leader would have fostered greater peace.

The text cites Vinoba Bhave's observation that entrusting governance to capable women would reduce war and conflict due to their inherent humility, tolerance, lack of ego, affection, and the power of non-violence.

Several historical female leaders are mentioned as examples of successful and peace-oriented governance:

Queen Ahilyabai of Indore
Queen Lakshmibai of Jhansi
Queen Chennamma of Karnatak
Chand Bibi Sultana of Maharashtra
Empress Victoria of England
Golda Meir of Israel
Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka
Elizabeth of Britain
Indira Gandhi of India

These women are praised for their wisdom, compassionate vision, simplicity, tolerance, frugality, and ability to establish peace, often proving more effective than their male counterparts.

The text further highlights women's significant contribution to humanitarian efforts and service, emphasizing their tireless work in hospitals, with the sick, and in educational and self-reliance programs. It commends figures like Miraben (Miss Slade) for her dedication to animal welfare and Mother Teresa for her lifelong service to the poor and orphaned. Florence Nightingale and Marie Curie are also recognized for their immense contributions to healthcare and scientific advancement, respectively, which indirectly contribute to peace by alleviating suffering.

The book also acknowledges women's role in combating social ills and vices. It states that women are often more successful in helping men, particularly their husbands and sons, overcome addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, and other destructive habits. Jain nuns are specifically mentioned for their active role in renouncing these vices. The author also points to the success of women in movements to ban liquor and combat other social problems.

The text addresses the role of women in preventing social evils like adultery and prostitution, stating that many women have sacrificed their lives to save men from these vices and to guide others towards righteous paths. Examples like Maha sati Rajimati and Mira Bai are provided.

Furthermore, women are lauded for challenging superstitions and harmful customs such as animal sacrifice, dowry, and restrictive social practices, thereby preventing social disharmony.

The book concludes by asserting that women often surpass men in spiritual practices like penance, prayer, renunciation, and adherence to vows. It suggests that such practices develop inner strength and can mitigate causes of unrest. The author emphasizes that women, given the opportunity, demonstrate remarkable talent and capability in all fields. Quoting a scripture that states "Where women are honored, there the deities reside," the text asserts that women are the embodiment of peace and sentiment, the emotional aspect of society, complementing the action-oriented nature of men. The author firmly believes that a society where women's emotional strength is respected and their potential is nurtured will experience immense peace and prosperity.

In essence, "Vishwa Shanti ke Sandarbh me Nari ki Bhumika" is a powerful argument for the indispensable role of women in achieving global peace, highlighting their inherent virtues, historical contributions, and potential for leadership and societal transformation.