Woman

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about "Woman":

This text, titled "Woman" by Saurabh Golash, explores the historical and contemporary position of women in society, with a particular focus on contrasting ancient Indian ideals with modern realities, and touches upon potential causes for the degradation of women. While the text doesn't explicitly delve into specific Jain religious doctrines, it is presented within a Jain educational context and offers observations that can be interpreted through a Jain ethical lens.

Historical Perspective:

• Early Vedic Age: Women enjoyed dignity and were permitted to choose their life partners.
• Later Vedic Age: A decline in societal standards for women is noted, with the birth of a girl being considered a misfortune.
• Mughal Period: Women were largely confined to the home, subjected to the "Purdah" system, and faced practices like Sati and Johar, which are described as penance caused by a "rotten system."

Contemporary Issues and Observations:

• Male Dominance: The author observes a continued male predominance in society.
• Marital Title: A woman's identity and title change after marriage to reflect her husband's status.
• Purdah System: While acknowledged as "good to some extent," the Purdah system still exists.
• Modern vs. Rural Women: A stark contrast is drawn between modern urban girls who have "forgotten the culture of ancient India" and rural girls who face restrictions on education and whose birth is seen as a burden, despite their loyalty.
• Preference for Male Children: The societal prayer for male children fuels the use of technologies like ultrasonography for sex-selective purposes.
• Lack of Choice: Even in cities, women are often not allowed to choose their husbands.

Responsibility for Degradation:

• The text challenges the notion that men are solely responsible for the degradation of women. It posits that women themselves are often responsible, characterized by selfishness, jealousy, and a desire for superiority over other women. This leads to unhealthy relationships and the degradation of women by other women.
• Dowry System: This is identified as a "stigma on society" that needs immediate eradication.

Positive Attributes of Women:

• Nation Builders: Women are described as builders of a nation and of a man's character.
• Inspirational Figures: Susmita Sen, Miss Universe, is quoted stating that women are the origin of children and teach men about love, sharing, and caring.
• Inherent Strengths: The author emphasizes women's inherent strengths, citing scientific (though unspecified) proof that women are:
  • 6 times more powerful than men.
  • 8 times more merciful than men.
  • 4 times more enduring than men.
  • 10 times more attractive than men.
• Despite these qualities, women are often "degraded and disgraced by man."

Specific Areas of Concern:

• Politics: The environment is not conducive for lady politicians, and women are partially responsible for this.
• Film Industry and Modelling: Women are reduced to "sexual bombs" and used for sexual attraction. Vulgarity is prevalent, with body parts being "thoughtlessly exposed." Actresses are portrayed as puppets controlled by directors through money, unable to speak out or refuse their demands. The author urges action against this "disease" that harms women's character.
• Women's Liberation: The author critically views modern women's liberation as a "mere stage-show" that promotes rights without responsibilities, leading to family chaos. The frustration of women is seen as a path to destruction.

In essence, the text presents a critical, albeit sometimes contradictory, analysis of the status of women. It acknowledges women's inherent strengths and importance while also pointing to societal and individual factors that contribute to their perceived degradation, including traditional patriarchal structures, economic pressures, and, controversially, the actions of women themselves and the shallow nature of modern women's liberation movements. The underlying theme is a call for societal change to uplift and respect women.