हर समस्या का समाधान संभव
By आचार्य तुलसी
Summary
The text discusses the application of Jain ethical principles, specifically the five great vows (mahavratas) and their lesser counterparts (anuvratas), to contemporary societal problems. It begins by clarifying that renouncing home alone does not make one a monk, referencing the tradition of Acharya Tulsi. The five mahavratas—non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possessiveness—are presented as containing solutions to all worldly problems, though they represent an advanced stage. The anuvratas are proposed as a more accessible foundation for daily life. The article then identifies five major problems. The first is terrorism, which it claims is spreading across India and is often seen as unsolvable. The text argues that no problem is without a solution if all parties are willing, and proposes the anuvrata of non-violence as the key. The second problem is a pervasive lack of trust, where even family members doubt each other. The truth anuvrata is suggested as a protective shield against this distrust. The third issue is fraud and deception, causing fear in business, markets, and even from religious figures. The anuvrata of non-stealing, embodying honesty and integrity, is offered as the remedy. The fourth problem is overpopulation, which persists despite family planning efforts. The text advocates for the practice of chastity (brahmacharya) as a powerful solution, noting that weak parents cannot produce healthy children. The fifth problem is greed and the endless pursuit of wealth, which leads to corruption and anxiety. The principle of non-possessiveness (aparigraha) is cited as the solution, with the suggestion that even setting limits on one's possessions can free a person from this cycle of worry. Finally, the text criticizes humanity's tendency to blame external factors like administration or market policies for suffering, rather than recognizing the root cause: the five vices. It concludes that as long as this ignorance (mudhata) persists, an end to sorrow is impossible.
Conclusion
The document argues that fundamental human problems—violence, distrust, fraud, overpopulation, and greed—are not insurmountable. It posits that the five great vows of Jainism, particularly in their more practical anuvrat (small vow) form, offer a direct and effective solution to these contemporary crises. The text suggests that while full asceticism is not for everyone, adopting the anuvrat principles of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and limited possession can resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, curb corruption, and control population growth. The ultimate implication is that individual moral commitment, rather than political or administrative measures alone, is the key to breaking the cycle of suffering and achieving a more peaceful, stable, and ethical society.