Vishwa Shanti Me Nari Ka Yogadana - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vishwa Shanti me Nari ka Yogadana" (Contribution of Women in World Peace) by Nemichandramuni Siddhantideva, based on the provided pages:

The text argues that women possess inherent qualities that make them crucial contributors to achieving world peace, often surpassing men in their capacity for compassion, non-violence, and nurturing.

The author begins by identifying the causes of global unrest, attributing them to:

War and internal strife within families, societies, and nations.
The arms race, military build-up, and the threat of nuclear weapons.
Discrimination based on color, nationality, caste, religion, and political self-interest.
The increase in vices, diseases, natural disasters, and disturbances.
A lack of cooperation and the prevalence of selfishness.

The text suggests that while many of these issues require collective effort and societal change, women, due to their naturally inclined qualities, are uniquely positioned to address them. The author highlights that women generally possess greater gentleness, motherly affection (vatsalya), kindness, and a propensity to renounce vices.

The text then provides several historical and religious examples to support this thesis:

Mahasati Madanrekha: She intervened in a dispute between two brothers, King Namiraja and Chandrayash, over an elephant. Recognizing the potential for a bloody conflict, she, along with two other nuns, approached King Chandrayash. By reminding him of his fraternal duty and her maternal role, she successfully dissuaded him from war. She then similarly convinced Namiraja, leading to a reconciliation between the brothers and averting a devastating war, transforming the battlefield into a place of peace.
Mahasati Padmavati: She, a former queen and now a nun, resolved a conflict between her husband, King Dadivahana, and her son, Karkandu. A dispute over a village granted to a Brahmin escalated into a war. Padmavati revealed to Karkandu that Dadivahana was his father, resolving the misunderstanding and leading to a peaceful reunion and cessation of hostilities.
Bhogvati: The daughter of King Jayraj, her marriage to Nagraj, the son of King Surasen, initially brought a fierce-natured husband into her life. However, her devotion, service, and humility transformed him. Later, when Nagraj's younger brother rebelled, and Nagraj himself prepared to fight him, Bhogvati bravely stepped between them, refusing to let them shed each other's blood. Her words and wise counsel eventually led to the brothers reconciling and resolving their differences through a theatrical performance that evoked brotherly love.

The author further emphasizes the role of women in leadership and governance, suggesting that women leaders are often more successful than men due to their insight, compassionate outlook, and their ability to establish peace. Examples cited include:

Queen Victoria of England
Golda Meir of Israel
Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka
Indira Gandhi of India

The text specifically highlights Indira Gandhi's role in the Non-Aligned Movement and her advocacy for disarmament and the cessation of nuclear testing, which, it suggests, contributed significantly to global peace efforts. It also mentions her decisive action in supporting Bangladesh's liberation, demonstrating a woman's capacity for impactful leadership and humanitarian intervention.

The text also points to the significant contribution of women in fields of service and empathy, considering them as the "two lungs" of world peace.

Nurses are highlighted for their tireless service to the sick and wounded, including in wartime.
Florence Nightingale is mentioned for her role in the Red Cross movement.
Marie Curie is recognized for her scientific contributions, which have benefited humanity.

The text further discusses women's role in curbing vices, noting their efforts in discouraging alcoholism and addiction.

Vindhyashwari Devi is cited for her work among tribal communities to combat drinking.
Carrie Nation of America is mentioned for her anti-alcohol campaigns.
The text also acknowledges the role of Indian sati-sadhvis and devoted wives in saving men from the vice of lust and extramarital affairs, referencing figures like Mahamati Rajamati and Ratnemi, Meera, and Sita.

The author also points to women's leadership in religious practices like penance, chanting, and meditation, suggesting that these internal practices contribute to peace. They believe that organized collective participation in such practices by women could effectively destroy the seeds of unrest.

Finally, the text strongly advocates for providing women with opportunities in all spheres of life. It asserts that where women are respected, divinity resides. It views women as the emotional core (bhava-paksha) and men as the action-oriented aspect (karma-paksha), where the former inspires excellence in the latter. The text concludes by stating that if women are not suppressed and are given opportunities to develop their potential in knowledge, spiritual practice, sacrifice, intellect, and strength, they can play a vital role in establishing lasting world peace.