श्रम की प्रतिष्ठा का आधार : आत्मतुला की अन्वेषणा
Summary
The text discusses the principle of self-balance (ātma-tulā) as taught by Lord Mahāvīra, emphasizing non-exploitation and equality. It critiques exploitation, stating that if the principle of not taking anyone's livelihood or exploiting others were followed, strikes and factory closures would not occur. The concept of balance is illustrated through the metaphor of a scale (tulā), where one should weigh oneself and another being with equal vision, seeking self-balance. This is considered the foundation of the dignity of labor. The text explores three cognitive processes: non-observation (anadhyavasāya), recognition (pratyabhijñāna), and continuous investigation (anveṣaṇa). It argues that true knowledge and truth require sustained observation, not superficial glances. For example, understanding a verse or discovering natural laws like "where there is smoke, there is fire" demands persistent effort over generations. The text cites ancient practitioners like Dhanvantari and Luqmān, who learned plant properties through deep, silent observation, akin to a laboratory of life. A key teaching from the Ācārāṅga Sūtra is that one who knows oneself knows others, and vice versa. By observing one's own reactions to pleasure and pain, one can understand others' experiences. Lord Mahāvīra discovered this through continuous observation, leading to the principle of self-balance. The text criticizes historical neglect of this principle, such as harsh rules for women and disregard for servants, animals, and lower castes. The principle is applied to behavior change: if one realizes that what causes pain to oneself also causes pain to others, exploitation and adulteration would cease. The text notes that today's major problem is tension and conflict in human relationships, exacerbated by increased sensitivity. The Jain householder's code of conduct embodies this principle, forbidding cutting off the livelihood of dependents. The text concludes that the Ācārāṅga Sūtra contains revolutionary formulas for a society enriched by non-violence and equality, with
Conclusion
The document’s core implication is that the principle of self-equality (ātma-tulā), as taught by Mahavira, offers a direct solution to modern social and economic conflicts, including exploitation and labor disputes. By urging individuals to weigh others’ suffering against their own, this principle transforms personal ethics into a foundation for justice, ending exploitation and ensuring fair treatment for all workers and dependents. The outcome envisioned is a society where strikes and closures cease because no one would deprive another of their livelihood. This ethical shift, rooted in continuous self-examination and empathy, is presented as essential for resolving contemporary tensions in human relationships and building a non-exploitative, equitable social order.