Vyakti Evam Samaj - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Vyakti evam Samaj" by Deshbhushan Aacharya, focusing on the core themes presented in the excerpts:

Core Message: The Indispensable Nature of Jain Culture, Centered on Ahimsa (Non-Violence) and its Practical Application in Society and Individual Life.

The text, "Vyakti evam Samaj" (Individual and Society) by Acharya Ratna Shri Deshbhushanji Maharaj, emphasizes the profound relevance and practical application of Jain culture in contemporary times. It highlights Ahimsa (Non-Violence) as the paramount contribution of Jainism, positioning it as the most effective means for world peace, capable of neutralizing destructive forces.

Key Themes and Arguments:

Interdependence of Individual and Society: The fundamental Jain principle that no individual can exist in isolation from society is strongly asserted. True enjoyment of life and the upliftment of others are only possible through integration and mutual understanding within a community. This necessitates cultivating an open and expansive heart and fostering complete trust amongst people. Without this sense of "oneness" and mutual acceptance, societal welfare is impossible, and distrust is identified as the root cause of destruction.
Human-Caused Suffering: While acknowledging natural suffering, the text argues that much of the prevalent suffering in the world is self-imposed by humans upon other humans. If individuals could eliminate the suffering they inflict on others, the world would transform into paradise.
Ahimsa as the Solution to Conflict: Lord Mahavir, the last Tirthankara, offered Ahimsa as the solution to inter-nation wars. His ideal was to instill self-contentment and deter the desire for external possessions, which often leads to covetousness and aggression.
The Analogy of the River: The text uses the analogy of a river to illustrate the principle of living within one's bounds. A river flowing within its banks benefits the world, but when it oversteps, it causes destruction. Similarly, when humans stay within their rightful sphere, there is peace; disharmony arises when individuals overstep their boundaries, crush others' rights, and seize their resources.
Aparigraha (Non-Possession) as the Seed of Ahimsa: The text connects the principle of Aparigraha (non-possession) directly to Ahimsa. The Jain ideal is to fulfill one's proper needs through proper means. Hoarding possessions beyond one's needs is considered theft in Jainism. The root of conflict (between individuals, societies, or nations) is identified as this immoderate accumulation. True happiness cannot be achieved by disregarding the welfare of others.
Controlled Power and Disarmament: While acknowledging the right to self-defense, the text cautions against excessive accumulation and organization of power, which inevitably leads to destructive actions and compromises Ahimsa. It draws a parallel between modern disarmament movements and the teachings of the Tirthankaras thousands of years ago, who advocated for limited armament. Excessive resources make humans arrogant and prone to aggression.
Rejection of War and Support for Imperialism: The text strongly condemns the historical tendency of religious leaders to support wars and offer divine justification for them. In contrast, Jain Tirthankaras were uncompromising in their opposition to war. It cites the example of Lord Mahavir's disapproval of Ajatashatru's invasion of Vaishali, even though Ajatashatru was a devout follower. Jain Tirthankaras aimed to eradicate the root causes of violence.
Ahimsa as Love and Universal Brotherhood: The Jain concept of Ahimsa is presented not as passive inaction but as love, philanthropy, and universal brotherhood. The ideal is to "live happily and let others live," but it extends further to actively helping others live. A life solely dedicated to ritualistic devotion without service to the needy is deemed insignificant. Lord Mahavir's emphasis was on obeying his command to bring comfort and happiness to all living beings.
The Transformative Power of Jainism: The text recounts the state of Indian society 2,500 years ago – characterized by animal sacrifices, alcoholism, untouchability, and the deprivation of women's rights. Lord Mahavir's message of Ahimsa is credited with transforming this "dark age" and ushering in an era of humanity and compassion for all beings, leading to the construction of "palaces of human reform." The current decline of these values and the looming threat of war necessitate a renewed adherence to the Jain message of Ahimsa.
The Lay Follower (Shravaka): The text then delves into the characteristics of a Shravaka (Jain lay follower). To achieve spiritual freedom, one must renounce actions that strengthen karmic bonds. The root cause of these bonds is Mithyatva (false belief). True knowledge of reality and devotion to righteous deities, scriptures, and gurus, while renouncing the unrighteous, leads to Samyaktva (right faith) and halts the accumulation of karma from false beliefs.
Overcoming Avirati (Unrestraint): The second cause of karmic bondage is Avirati (unrestraint), which stems from a lack of control over the senses and mind. This leads to engaging in the five cardinal sins: violence, falsehood, theft, improper conduct, and excessive accumulation.
The Vow of Anuvarata (Minor Vows): While complete renunciation of these sins is possible for ascetics, householders (Shravakas) are expected to practice Anuvarata, or minor vows. This involves:
- Abandoning intentional violence against sentient beings.
- Renouncing falsehood that leads to punishment or condemnation.
- Not taking anything without permission, except for water and soil.
- Renouncing sexual relations outside of one's married spouse.
- Regulating and renouncing further accumulation of wealth beyond one's needs.
Qualities of a Shravaka: The text outlines specific virtues for a Shravaka, including earning wealth justly, honoring gurus, speaking truth, pursuing Dharma, Artha, and Kama appropriately, maintaining a modest home, being modest, having suitable diet and conduct, associating with virtuous people, being intelligent, grateful, self-controlled, listening to religious teachings, fearing sin, and being compassionate.
Ethical Business Practices: The text emphasizes the importance of honesty and justice in all business dealings. This includes using correct weights and measures, fair pricing, avoiding adulteration, and paying taxes honestly, as withholding taxes is considered treason. Businesses should operate with the welfare of the public in mind, not with selfish desires for profit from misfortune.
Employer-Employee Relations: Employers should treat their employees with kindness and fairness, akin to family members, and not withhold wages unjustly.
The Importance of the Guru: Reverence, humility, and respect for virtuous gurus are highlighted as crucial duties for a religious Shravaka, as they are the true guides to salvation.
Speech: A Shravaka's speech should be beneficial, measured, pleasant, and truthful. It should be free from anger and pride and avoid causing fear or agitation. Sweetness towards the suffering and speaking only when necessary are encouraged.
Prioritizing Dharma: The primary goal should be spiritual practice, which leads to merit, wealth, and the means to enjoy worldly pleasures. Religious activities like darshan (viewing the deity), puja (worship), Samayika (meditation), and Swadhyaya (scriptural study) should be undertaken in the morning before engaging in wealth-generating activities.
Brahmacharya (Celibacy) and Procreation: The text discusses the importance of Brahmacharya for the production of virtuous offspring. It advises maintaining Brahmacharya during menstruation, illness, specific religious periods, and after conception until childbirth. Couples should have pure thoughts during conception, focusing on having a virtuous and renowned child.
Maternal Influence on the Unborn Child: The text emphasizes the profound impact of the mother's thoughts, feelings, and environment on the developing fetus. It cites the Mahabharata story of Abhimanyu's incomplete understanding of the Chakravyuh, learned in the womb. Pregnant women should engage in uplifting activities, read the lives of noble individuals, and maintain a positive mental state.
Child Rearing: The text concludes by stressing the importance of proper upbringing. Mothers should have pleasant thoughts while nursing. Children should be sung uplifting songs and touched with love. They should be fed as needed, not forced. Crucially, sexual activity should never occur in the presence of children, as it leaves a negative impression on their developing minds. Children should be taught good values and protected from abusive language and lies.

In essence, "Vyakti evam Samaj" by Deshbhushan Aacharya is a profound exposition of Jain philosophy, grounding its core tenets of Ahimsa and ethical conduct in practical applications for individual and societal well-being, urging a return to these principles for lasting peace and prosperity.