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असमाज का प्रवर्तन

Vol. 51 · No. 05May - 2003pp. 23-27Hindi

Summary

Based on the provided text, the document discusses the origins and philosophy of the Shraman tradition, primarily attributed to Bhagwan Rishabh. It argues that Rishabh was the first to establish the Shraman tradition, which includes various sects like Sankhya, Buddhist, and Ajivika. The text distinguishes between the Shraman and Vedic traditions, noting that age is not a measure of superiority. It describes how Rishabh, after observing a flower garden and contemplating the transient nature of material things, realized that material development alone leads to inequality. He concluded that a path of renunciation (tyag) was necessary to balance the material world. This led him to renounce his kingdom and walk towards the forest, followed by thousands of people. This event marked the beginning of the Shraman tradition, centered on the principle of "samata" (equanimity). The text explains that samata is intrinsically linked to the soul (atma); without accepting the soul, establishing equanimity is impossible. It contrasts this spiritual approach with politics, which is described as a realm of false promises and inequality inherent to the material world. The core message is that while the material world is necessary, it inevitably creates disparity. Therefore, a balance must be struck between the material and the spiritual, with the spiritual dimension of the soul being the only true foundation for equanimity. The text presents Rishabh as the pioneer who opened this new dimension of the soul, providing a path beyond mere material existence.

Conclusion

The document establishes that Bhagwan Rishabh initiated the Shraman tradition by introducing the dimension of the soul and equanimity, creating a necessary counterbalance to the material world. This has profound implications: it demonstrates that true equality cannot be achieved through material means alone, as the material world inherently produces inequality. The text argues that political promises of equality are merely assurances, while genuine equanimity is only possible through the spiritual dimension of the soul. The outcome is a dual framework where material development must be complemented by spiritual development, with the Shraman tradition providing the path of renunciation and equanimity. This balance between matter and spirit, the gross and subtle, is presented as essential for resolving societal problems, establishing that neither complete rejection of material life nor exclusive focus on it can lead to a well-functioning society.

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