Book Title: ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02
Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/007712/1

JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY
Page #1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ dhammo maMgalamukkiLaM, ahiMsA saMjamo tvo| devA vi taM namasati, jassa dhamme sayA mnno|| Ubieg. "That which is non-violence, self restraint and austerity is Dharma (Spiritual Values). It is by virtue of spiritual values that supreme spiritual beneficence results. To him whose mind is (absorbed) in spiritual values even gods pay homage." Saman Suttam-82 STUDY NOTES V.5.0 Select Papers on Jainism VOLUME II = November 13, 2012 34:( Papers on Jain history, culture & society; philosophy and way of life Specifically for ISSJS program (Integrated within the American University System) International School for Jain Studies www.isjs.in Page #2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Preface INTERNATIO SCHOOL Volume I Jain History, Society and Culture Volume II Volume III ONAL CI STUDIES OF SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya SELF STUDY IS THE parama I am pleased to present this updated Version V.5.0 of collection of papers / articles / essays termed as 'Study Notes' and prepared under the auspices of The International School for Jain Studies and assisted by its affiliate Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi. i The distinguished scholars, who are the experts in their field of activity, are the faculty members of the school during the last five years and have contributed to these notes. Some selected papers by the alumni of the school have also been included. This version has incorporated massive changes as the Study Notes have been now compiled in three volumes as under: Jain philosophy including Karma doctrine Selected topics and application of Jain doctrine to resolve modern day issues The entire academic program of the school has also been reorganized on the above lines as can be seen from the syllabus enclosed. These papers aim to give a comprehensive experience of all aspects of religion, philosophy, cosmology, metaphysics, psychology and ethics along with papers on Jain history, culture, preceptors, and evolution of different sects, rituals, art and paintings, pilgrimages and their importance. Based on the feedback received from the visiting scholars attending the school since its inception in 2005, this syllabus is being continuously updated. The curriculum designed keeps the needs of learned scholars from countries like USA, Canada, Russia, Europe, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Cuba etc. attending the summer school in mind as well as while preparing these notes. References for further research are provided at the end of each paper. Further it is hoped that these papers Provide one stop reference to participants of the school for preparing and follow up their academic program while attending the summer schools Be a guide book for further research Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi, which has become our affiliate since 2010 and is managed by the school, deserves a note of special thanks. Dr. S. P. Pandey, Associate Professor of the Vidyapeeth, has taken great pains to reorganize the three volumes and ensure proper Page #3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL TIONAL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTENITY UN STUDIES Editing for language, format, diacritical marks Addition of several new papers to version V.5.0 Deletion of old papers from V.4.0. Update papers for references and details. I thank Dr. Pandey and his colleagues who had spent several hundred sleepless nights to achieve the above objectives. I hope this collection of essays in new format will succeed in its aim and give the message of Jain spiritual prowess, Jain way of life, its practical approach to non-violence, vegetarianism, international cooperation (parasparopagraho jivanam), Live and let live to all the living beings (klistesujivesu krpaparatvam) and friendship with all (satvesumaitri). This note will be incomplete without expressing my heartfelt thanks to the authors and faculty members of the school who have on a voluntary basis taken the time to prepare and present these papers. I thank Mr. Sushil Jana of the school to ensure compilation and presentation in book form. I invite all readers of these papers and scholars of Jainism to please send their views and comments on the papers presented here as well as new papers for addition/inclusion in Version 6.0 This will be the true test of the success of the efforts spent in bringing out this version. We are trying to bring these notes in eBook format also and hopefully soon we shall be able to put the same on www.isjs.in With Regards & Jai Jinendra New Delhi ii Shugan Chand Jain Page #4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ DIACRITICAL MARKS 15 __ a a A a i i I I u u U u R ! e e ai ai o 0 au au / ti kha kh ga g gha gh Ga n ca c cha ch ja j jh jh n Th th D d Dh dh N n t t th th d d dh dh n n . ph b bh myr IV ks no anusvAra :visarga mh 59 s Page #5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Curriculum for ISSJS S.No Course Number Title Lecture Lecture 4W 6W A.1.1 - - A.1.2 A.2.1 A.2 0 Orientation day Program can be common to all (4lectures) Registration, collection of dues and documentation (Informal) Facilities provided to all attending participants including books etc Facilitation, socialization, Indian and Jain customs Rules & regulations to be observed while attending the ISSJS programs; Hand book. Individual meeting of participant with ISIS representative for special needs. Introduction to Jainism Jain salutations, mantra, signs Indian philosophical scenario and placing Jainism in Indian philosophical systems A.2.2 A.3.1 A.3.2 A.4.1 r zr Aww A.4 Hml B B.1.0 Module 1 B.1.1 B.1.1.1 B.1.1.2 B.1.1.3 B.1.1.4 Academic Program History, society and culture History Pre-historic, ancient: Time cycles, eternity, 1st to 23rd tirthankaras with special emphasis on 1st, 22nd and 23rd tirthankaras. Mahavira: His life, society during his time, reforms/teachings Post Mahavira: schism, sects and sub sects. Important personalities (monks and laity) till 18th century A.D. Developments in 18-20th century A.D. Contemporary Jainism Jain Society Jain Society India Jain Diaspora Status of women in Jain society (historical) doctrine and its practice Status of lay women in Jain society (Jain law for women security) Culture Definition of culture and types (non material and material), Non material aspects discussed Ahinsa Anekant & Syadvada B.1.2 B.1.2.1 B.1.2.2 B.1.2.3 B.1.2.4 B.1.3 B.1.3.1 B.1.3.1.1 B.1.3.1.2 Page #6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.1.3.1.3 B.1.3.2 Aparigraha Religious rituals(daily essential duties, puja), ceremonies, festivals, pilgrimage, pilgrim places Arts, sculpture, paintings, temple architecture Iconography, Images, idols, Caves and stone engravings B.1.3.3 B.1.3.4 B.1.4 B.1.4.1 B.1.4.2 B.1.5 Historical development, classification of literature, Canonical literature (agamas) of both sects, Philosophical, commentaries, Story and world history (Puranas). Poems, plays, short stories, Liturgy, Mantras Contribution of Jain acaryas , scholars and laity (1) to Indian culture and society Chronological listing of significant acharyas, their contribution (to 18th cen A.D) 9 Recent ( 20th century) scholars, acaryas and laity B.1.5.1 B.1.5.2 17 B.2.0 Module 2 B.2.1 B.2.1.1 B.2.1.2 B.2.1.3 B.2.1.4 B.2.1.5 B.2.1.6 B.2.1.7 B.2.2 Philosophy Metaphysics & Ontology Nature of reality (ODP), special aspects compared to other religions Concept of substance (dravya), modes and attributes; types; astikayas (existents) Matter (pudgala), concept, types, nature etc Concept of soul, its nature, types, existences Advanced concept of soul/jiva Seven verities (tattvas), entities (padarthas).Concept of the path of spiritual purification Details of Moksa Liberation, merit and demerit Cosmology (0/1) Structure of cosmos; Units of measurement for time, space, weight Epistemology (1/2) Origin and growth of Jain Theory of knowledge Types of knowledge and its acquisition, Rational & perverted, fivefold, acquired and direct, Akalanka's classification, Pramana and Naya doctrine Types of Pramana (details of inference) Multiplicity of viewpoints (Anekantavada) & Conditional dialectic B.2.3.1 B.2.3 B.2.3.1 B.2.3.2 B.2.3.3 B.2.3.4 B.3.0 Module 3 B.3.1 Karma doctrine & Spiritual purification/ Psychology Causality, co-factors (five samvayas), Self effort (Purushartha) Karma (psychic and physical), karma particles (varganas) four properties; Species and sub species B.3.2 - 26 36 Page #7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.3.3 B.3.4 of karmas. Bondage of karmas, ten states of bonded karmas and their significance in spiritual exertions (sadhana) Path of spiritual purification (Moksa marga), detailed discussions on Spirtual awakening (samyaka darshan) Stages of spiritual purification (gunasthanas) and their discussions, comparison with eightfold Patanjali Yoga B.3.5 28 B.4.0 Module 4 B.4.1 B.4.1.1 B.4.1.2 B.4.1.3 B.4.2 B.4.2.1 Ethics: Concept Basis of ethics (Ahimsa), Five types of conduct, Religion & Morality Classification of practitioners monks and laity and basis Conduct of the monks (Major Vows, attitudes of restraint, carefulness; Afflictions and their conquest Details of conduct for laity Power of vows Conduct of laity /householders (1/2) Purity of food (basic virtues), Seven abstinences (Morality), Essential duties, Classification of laity (3 and stages of spiritual advancements (pratimas) Minor vows, enhancing vows, teaching vows, detailed discussions (1/2) Penance/ observing austerities (Yoga) Concept, types and sub types, detailed discussions Meditation, its types, significance and scientific basis Jain Yoga, comparison with Patanjali's yoga Ten fold virtuous practices, Scientific basis of supreme forgiveness Pious & Peaceful death: sallekhna/santhara. (1) B.4.2.2 B.4.3 B.4.3.1 B.4.3.2 B.4.3.3 B.4.4 B.4.5 36 B.5.0 Module 5 B.5.1 B.5.2 Special Topic: Science & Spirituality, Modern day issues Integrating Science & Spirituality including scientific explanations of practices like equanimity /veetragata for knowledge and spiritual development Leshya (aura), its principles, management and scientific basis Ahimsa and applications in business management (Either) Ahimsa and applications in management of schools (education) (OR) Ahimsa and its application in ecology and terrorism management Nonviolent food B.5.3 B.5.4 B.5.5 B.5.6 Page #8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.5.7 B.5.8 B.5.9 Nonviolent communications Application of Anekantvada in society (social harmony, peace and development) Application of Jain principles in business ethics Health: Preventive measures for being healthy, Faith based Self-Healing, Medical treatment and Euthanasia Jainism and Gandhi B.5.10 B.5.11 B.6.0 Module 6 dodobo : Scriptures Uttaradhyayana Ratna Karanada Shravakachara Saman Suttam Acharanga sutra Samayasara Bhagwati sutra Tattvartha Sutra (alongwith B.2.1) Pancastikaya Bhagavati Aradhana 46 58 Module Social interactions (Jain institutions, householders, monks, nuns, etc.) equivalent of 31 4 lectures 47-50 59-62 Module 51-53 63-65 Pilgrimages, rituals etc. actual observation. Equivalent of 4 lectures Lal Mandir, Delhi Ahinsa Sthal, Delhi Dadabari, Delhi Sanskriti, Delhi Hastinapur Imbudwip and other Jain temples Others Saturdays will be reserved for travel, social visits, pilgrimage etc i.e. Modules C & D. Sundays will be treated as OFF days and left for either for personal work of attending students/scholars. Tourism is not a part of the program and to be organized by the participants themselves (incl visit to Taj, ghats in Varanasi or places of interest in Delhi, Jaipur) Note: The above constitutes the comprehensive syllabus for ISSJS2013.4W & 6W programs. First figure is for lectures for 4W and second for 6W. 6W will have one week of library research and presentation of Page #9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ TIONAL AN STUDIES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. paper. Several 4W programs can be organized simultaneously if required as to limit the number of participants in each program to 20-22 maximum. Each working day, there will be two academic lectures and one tutorial before lunch. Each lecture will consist of 1 hour of lecture and 30 minutes of discussions Books recommended Study Notes published by ISJS. Available from www.isjs.in Religion and culture of Jains by Dr. J.P Jain Jainism Key to Reality edited by Shugan Jain Jain Way of Life by Yogendra Jain Jain Path of Purification by P.S.Jaini Jain community, social survey by Vilas Sanghave Jains in India And abroad by Prakash.C. Jain www.jainworld.com Grading System (TO AWARD 3 CREDITS FOR 4W participants): It is based on three parameters namely: 1. Attendance in the program 2. Student participation in the classrooms and outside 3. Evaluation of the weekly papers or quizzes as part of some lectures) by a faculty member viii Page #10 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ S.NO. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 2345 A.3.2.1 B.1.1.1.1 B.1.1.1.2 B.1.1.2.1 B.1.1.2.2 B.1.1.3 B.1.1.3.1 B.1.1.3.2 B.1.1.3.3 B.1.1.3.4 14. B.1.2.1.1 B.1.2.1.2 16. B.1.2.2 17. B.1.2.3.1 18. 19. 20. 12. 13. 15. Ref. No 27. 28. A.3.1 A.3.1.1 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. A.3.2 21. B.1.3.1.1.2 22. B.1.3.1.3 23. B.1.3.2.1 24. B.1.3.2.2 25. B.1.3.2.3 B.1.3.2.4 26. B.1.3.2.5 B.1.3.3 B.1.2.3.2 B.1.2.3.3 B.1.3.1.1 B.1.3.3.1 B.1.3.3.2 B.1.3.4 B.1.4.1 B.1.4.1.1 TABLE OF CONTENTS VOLUME - I Title Some Influential Jain Acaryas (Author Monks) Jain Acharya from South India and Their contributions Acarya Kundakunda and his literature Towards a sociology of the Jain Community Aspects of Social work / Social service in Jainism Jainism in North America Gender discussions in Jainism and its texts Women Ascetics in Jaina Tradition Reflections of a Jain woman Ahimsa / Non violence Uniqueness and relevance of Jainism Global Relevance of Jain Religion Primary Mantra of Jains: Namokara Mahamantra Concept of five Supreme Auspicious beings i.e. Hem Chand Jain Pancaparamesthins Mantras and 'My Prayer' (Meri Bhavana) Historical Background of Jainism History & Doctrinal aspects of Jainism Teachings of Mahavira Methods of Mahavira for Social Changes Evolution of Sthanakvasi and Terapantha sect Jain Thinkers: Srimad Rajacandra, Kanji Svami, Pt. Todarmal Ahimsa / Non violence its Dimension and Practice Aparigrahavada: Doctrine of non-possession Jain Festivals (Parva) & Jain Pilgrimages (Tirtha Yatra) Pilgrim Places of Bundelkhand to be visited The Holy Temples of Rankarpura and Abu The Holy Temples of Dilwara (Mt. Abu) Jain worship (Puja) Jain Sculpture Jain paintings Jaina Architecture Land Marks of Jaina Iconology Some Aspects of Jain Literature Mahavira Prakrit and Agamas Author ix INTERNATIO Shugan C. Jain N. P. Jain Shugan C Jain Shugan C. Jain Shugan C. Jain Shugan C. Jain SCHOOL ONAL Shugan C. Jain Sulekh C. Jain Shugan C. Jain K. Majumdar Sheel Parekh Shugan C Jain Shugan C. Jain Kalpana Jain Shugan C. Jain Shugan Jain Kamini Gogri Kamini Gogri SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya K.C. Sogani Kamini Gogri Kamini Gogri K.C. Sogani Bhag Chand Jain Bhag Chand Jain Prakash C. Jain Shugan Jain R.G. Majumdar Kamla Giri J.N. Upadhye M.N.P. Tiwari Prem Suman Jain K.C. Sogani OF parama STUDIES Page No 1-10 11-21 22-31 32-37 38-51 52-61 62-70 71-85 86-96 97-109 110-117 118-124 125-136 137-151 152-165 166-167 168-177 178-181 182-189 190-194 195-204 205-215 216-226 227-234 235-239 240-246 247-256 257-261 262-271 272-280 281-296 294-313 314-317 Page #11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ VOLUME - II S.No. Ref. No Title Author Page No B.2.1.1 Mimi B.2.1.3 B.2.1.5 B.2.1.6 N B.2.2.3.1 B.2.2.4 B.2.3.1 B.2.3.2 9. B.2.3.2.1 10. .2.3.5 Syadvad 11. B.3.2 B.3.2.1 12. 13. B.3.4 14. B.3.5 15. B.4.1.1 16. | B.4.1.1.1 Reality (Sat) and Concept of Dravya in Jaina Veer Sagar Jain Philosophy 1-14 Matter (Pudgala) and its Types M.R. Gelra 15-22 | Concept of soul/self (atma) in Jain philosophy Veer Sagar Jain 23-36 Anekant Kumar Seven Verities (Seven Tattvas) in Jainism 37-54 Jain Samyagdarsana: Right Belief Sushma Singhvi 55-68 Jain Concept of Omniscience Hem Chand Jain 69-81 Knowledge - Jnana Shugan C. Jain 82-110 Anekant Kumar Concept of Naya in Jainism 111-118 Jain Niscaya (transcendental) and Vyavahara (practical) | Shugan C. Jain 119-132 Naya Syadvada - Conditional Dialectic Expression of K.C. Sogani 133-137 Anekanta Karma Doctrine of Jainism Shugan C. Jain 138-157 Control of Kashayas (Toxic Emotions) Anop Bora 158-173 Spiritual Awakening: Devotion and meditation Jain K.C. Sogani 174-184 Perspective Gunasthana - Stages of Spiritual Development K. C. Sogani 185-164 Religion and morality (ethics) Jain K.C. Sogani | 195-202 Applications of Jain Ethics in Daily Issues D. N. Bhargava 203-210 Sramanacara - The Code of Conduct of the Jaina D.N. Bhargava 211-227 Monk Sravakacara (Ethics of the Householder) K. C. Sogani 228-246 Meditation (Dhyana Sushma Singhvi 247-252 Yoga in Jain Tradition Priyadarshana 253-266 Jain Samayika: Practicing Equanimity / Periodic Shugan C. Jain 267-275 Contemplation Das Laksana Dharma/ Ten Commandments/ Ten Shikhar C Jain 276-290 virtues Detachment (Vitragata) Shugan C Jain 291-295 Sallekhana (as per Jain holy text) D. N. Bhargava 296-299 Samadhimarana (Santhara / Sallekhana) Justice N. K. Jain 300-305 Uttaradhyayana Sutra Priyadarshana Jain 306-321 Ratnakaranda- Sravakacara Bhag Chandra Jain | 322-333 Samana-Suttam D. N. Bhargava 334-342 Acaranga Shugan C.Jain 343-349 Bhagvati Sutra Priyadarshana Jain 350-362 Tattvartha Sutra Veer Sagar Jain 363-372 Pancastikaya Anekant Kumar 373-378 Jain Bhagavati Aradhana Manjusha Sethi 379-385 17. B.4.1.3 18. 19. B.4.2 B.4.3.2 B.4.3.3 20. 21. B.4.3.4 22. B.4.4 23. 24. 25. RA 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. B.4.4.1 B.4.5 B.4.5.1 B.6.0.a B.6.0.b B.6.0.C B.6.0.2 B.6.0.f B.6.0.g B.6.0.h B.6.0.i 32. 33. Page #12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ S.No 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. Ref. No B.5.1.1 B.5.2 B.5.3 B.5.3.1 B.5.4 B.5.6 B.5.8 B.5.8.1 B.5.8.2 B.5.8.3 B.5.9 B.5.10 B.5.12 B.5.13 B.5.14.1 B.5.14.2 B.5.14.3 B.5.14.4 B.5.14.5 B.5.15.1 B.5.15.2 B.5.16 VOLUME - III Title Relevance of Sallekhana today society and Euthanasia Lesya and its Transformation Comprehensive Concept of Ahimsa and application in Real Life Human Rights and Jain Dharma Application of Ahimsa in High Schools for increased wellness therein Jain Diet Anekanta in Present Day Social Life Anekanta: Metaphysical Considerations Jain Theory of Tolerance Love Friendship and tolerance in Jainism Relevance of Jaina Economics Philosophy in Modern Times Spirituality and Organization excellence: Jain view Concepts of Freedom, Law and Justice in Jainism Discipline for Spiritual, Social and Family Welfare Bio Ethics and Medical Science in Jaina Texts Bio medical ethics in Jainism Bio-ethics: traces and foundations in Jainism Jain Voluntary Death as a Model for Secular End-of life Care Healing in Jainism Jain Theism and Gunanuvada Idealism And Realism In Western And Indian Philosophies its Ahimsa (non-violence) & Human Rights in Indian Culture:with special reference to Jainism xi Author D. S. Baya Viney Jain D.R. Mehta INTERNATION Justice N. K. Jain Shugan C. Jain Shugan C. Jain Kamla Jain K.C. Sogani Meenal Katarnikar Shugan C Jain Kamla Jain Shugan C. Jain Meenal Katarnikar Meenal Katarnikar Meenal Katarnikar D.K. Bobra Shugan C. Jain Sean Hillman Shugan C Jain Chuck Sapienza Sohan Raj Tater Justice N. K. Jain SCHOOL ONAL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama STUDIES Page No 1-14 15-34 35-50 51-61 62-78 79-89 90-95 96-104 105-110 111-119 120-126 127-136 137-142 143-147 148-150 151-165 166-184 185-201 202-216 217-229 230-238 239-273 Page #13 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page #14 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.2.1.1 Reality (Sat) and Concept of Dravya (Substance) in Jaina Philosophy Dr. Veer Sagar Jain & Dr. Shugan Chand Jain The problem of change - Is changing real? The problem of one and many - Is reality one or many? SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY, svAdhyAya paramaM tapa 1.0 Reality: Preamble Looking at the colorful and different forms of existences in the universe, it is natural to be inquisitive about the form and nature of reality i.e. their ultimate source of origin. Is it one entity with its manifold modifications or manifestations or the reality itself is manifold. Therefore all philosophers and philosophies start their enquiry about self and the universe around, with first understanding the reality (sat) and its nature. They soon came up with two related alternatives namely: In this paper we shall discuss Jain views of reality with reference to western philosophers. 1.1Prominent Indian philosophers Like the western philosophers, Indian philosophers also made similar statements, e.g.: STUDY NOTES version 5.0 INN STUDIES * Samkara's Advaita-Vedanta presents the thesis of unchanging, eternal, and conscious comprising one reality "Brahma." Change, plurality and all worldly things are illusory. On the other hand Buddhists consider change as real. (Only Nagarjuna like Samkara denies the reality of worldly things. Other schools of Buddhism do not deny worldly things) Samkhya believes in duality of existence namely: Purusa (sentient) and Prakrti (insentient) Nyaya talks of multiplicity of existences like air, water, fire and earth as different forms of insentient besides soul being sentient. Jain philosophers and spiritual leaders accept existence of all beings as real and reality itself being multiple, with broad grouping as sentient and insentient beings. Basic considerations about their views on reality are based on the following: It accepts Reality comprising permanence, change, multiplicity and identity or similarity simultaneously. This is supported by our experience of always finding particularity and universality or generality simultaneously. Page 1 of 385 Page #15 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ They look at an explanation that is free of fallacy of partial view of reality as any generalization about reality on the basis of single characteristic suffers from the flaw of mono-polar view of reality or its not being active/ transformation. It is therefore based on the doctrine of multiplicity of viewpoints (Anekantavada). Hence the reality should be viewed both from permanence viewpoint (substance) as well as momentary (mode) viewpoint also. It therefore considers both permanence as well as change as real. So they consider reality as permanence with change. 1.3 Nature of Reality in Jainism The nature and characteristics of reality (sat) are given by the three Sutras from TattvarthaSutra by Jainacarya Umasvati. This means that substance (dravya) is the indicator or representation of reality, sat is with origination, destruction and permanence simultaneously and substance is with modes and attributes. These will be discussed further in section 2.1 while discussing the characteristics of substance later on. Basically Jains talk of duality of existence / reality namely: Living beings (jiva) and Non-living beings (ajiva). 2.0 Need to know the nature and form of substance/dravya. As per Jain philosophy, this cosmos (loka) is another name of an amalgam of infinite substances. Therefore to know this cosmos, it is essential that we understand properly the ncept and nature of substance (dravya). Without knowing the nature of substance, we cannot understand the characteristics of any entity properly / correctly. As the cosmos is said to be an amalgam of infinite substances, knowledge of the nature of substance will help us understand the entire process of origination, destruction and changes taking place in the cosmos better. One of the Jain acaryas has gone to the extent of saying the foundation of all worldly or spiritual knowledge is the knowledge of the dravya itself.3 Acarya Nemicandra Siddhantadeva referred to earlier, says that the main reason of our worshipping the Jain ford-makers is that they gave us the true description of the substances like jiva (living beings) and ajiva (non living beings.2 Sat dravyalaksanam: Utpada-vyaya-dhrauvyayuktam sat; Gunaparyayavad dravyam/ Tattvartha-sutra, Sutras V.29, 30, 38: 2 Jivamajivam davvam jinavaravasahena jena niddittham, Devimdavimdavamdam vamde tam savada sirsa / Dravya sargraha by Nemicandra Siddhantadeva Verse 1. 3 Anena dhiman vyavaharamarga buddhva punarbodhati suddhamargama/Niyamasara by Kundakunda, verse 52 Page 2 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #16 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga OF parame STUDY NOTES version 5.0 AN STUDIES Thus without having the knowledge of dravya, how can anybody know correctly the constituents of the cosmos and to achieve our objective or attaining Bliss i.e. supreme soul status. Thus all our religious activities like worship, fasting is likely to become ineffective. One of the most respected Jainacaryas to date, Kundakunda says that the main reason to destroying delusion is to know the substance, its attributes and modes. We therefore infer that the knowledge of substance, its modes and attributes enable us to have the correct knowledge of soul and supreme soul thereby destroying delusion, the root cause of all our problems. Hence it is not only important but also essential to have full knowledge of the nature and concept of substance. 5 Satdravyalaksanam, Tattvartha-sutra, V.29 6 Utpada-vyaya-dhrauvyayuktam sat: Aptamimamsa by Samantabhadra, verse 72, Tattvartha-sutra, V.30 7 Gunaparyayavad dravayam, Tattvartha-sutra V.38 ES 26 M 2.1 Characteristics of substance / dravya. Dravya is a definitive term of Jain philosophy that in general represents an entity or an object. This is why 2nd century AD Jainacarya Umasvati in Tattvartha-sutra (considered as the most comprehensive Jain holy text) says that dravya/ substance is the characteristics / indicator of reality (existent). What is real is substance. Now the question arises what is reality sat? He then proceeds to say that reality is with origination - destruction and permanence. As per Jain philosophy, all objects/entities in this cosmos, whether sentient or insentient, are with origination-destruction-permanence characteristics i.e. substance is with origination - destruction and permanence simultaneously. New form of an entity is called its origination; giving up its old state is called destruction and the continuation of the nature of the substance is permanence; e.g. destruction of the state of milk results in origination of the state curd and the continuation of its being dairy product i.e. a bye product of cow's milk, for use by us, continues its existence. This way each and every entity in this cosmos goes through origination-destruction-permanence continuously at every moment. Hence all these entities are termed as substance and are real /sat. Besides reality /existent, another characteristic in Jain philosophy of substance is that it is always with attributes and modes (paryaya) as given by Umasvati in Tattvartha-sutra which says 'Those parts of the substance, which co-exists with it, are called attributes (guna) and those that occur serially (krama) are called modes (paryaya). There is no entity in this 4 Jo janadi arihamtam davvatta gunatta pajjayattehim, So janadi appanam moho khalu jadi tassa layam/Pravacanasara, Kundakunda, verse 80 Page 3 of 385 Page #17 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ cosmos, which is not always accompanied with attributes and modes. Knowledge, intuition, happiness etc are the attributes of living beings while mind-based knowledge, verbal testimony etc are the modes of knowledge. Similarly form, taste, odour and touch are the attributes of matter (pudgala) and black / white /yellow etc are the modes of attribute colour. Thus we conclude that dravya is what is real and real is with origination-destruction and permanence or with attributes and modes. Jain texts use the word dravya primarily to represent substance. However we also find the terms like object /entity (artha), thing (padartha), object of knowledge (jneya or prameya) etc. as synonyms of dravya. All these synonyms and other terms used are with the object of acquiring knowledge about them. Dravya is also called existent (vastu). 2.2 Categories of substance Dravya' There are infinite substances in this cosmos which can all be classified in six categories namely: Jiva: Living being Pudgala: Matter Dharma: Principle of motion Adharma: Principle of rest Akasa: Space Kala: Time Jain philosophy talks of duality of existence / reality i.e. it propagates Duopoly of existence of living and non-living beings (all the five non living being categories are grouped in this category). Jains say that both living beings as well as non-living beings are existent and hence eternal truth and not imaginary or pseudo-reality. Similarly knowledge and object of knowledge, eternal and temporary, soul and supreme soul etc are all existent and real. We shall briefly discuss each of these now. Jain literature however discuss at length the nature of living beings and matter as these are primary substance types which are helpful in following the path of spiritual purification and attaining emancipation. Aryate gamyate parichidyate va eti arthah 'i.e. the entity cognized is the object. Vasanti gunah yasmin tat vastu' or an entity in which attributes exist is called substance' Page 4 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #18 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ A. Jiva or living beings An entity with consciousness and its manifestation as knowledge and intuition etc are found is termed as living being. From absolute viewpoint, living beings do not posses attributes like taste, touch, odour or colour and hence are non-concrete. While existing in the cosmos as empirical living being, it lives/exists due to its capabilities of breathe, sense organs, life span and overall energy while as pure soul, it exists at the summit of the cosmos and exists/ lives forever with its attributes of knowledge, intuition and bliss. The nine special characteristics of living beings (jiva) are briefly discussed below:10 i. Jivatva or ability to live An entity which lives, as per transcendental viewpoint with the energy and capability of its consciousness and as per practical viewpoint with its four vitalities namely: capabilities of breathe, lifespan, sensual organs (enabling touch, taste, smell, hear, form) and its energy (mind, body, speech), is called to have jivatva or is called jiva. ii. Upayogamaya or able to manifest Here upayoga means primarily manifestation of consciousness into intuition (darsanopayoga) and knowledge (jnanopayoga). There are further sub divisions of these two manifestations of consciousness that we do not discuss at this stage. This is based on the premise that this manifestation of consciousness is the primary or main characteristic of jiva in Jain philosophy which is indicated as functional consciousness is the differentia of the living beings.11 iii. Amurtika - non-concrete Jiva by its nature is non-concrete and attributes like touch, taste, colour and odour are not associated with it. iv. Karta or Doer/ Agent From absolute viewpoint, it is the doer of its nature and from practical viewpoint it is the doer of the matter karmas. 19 jivo uvaogamao amuttikatta sadeha parimano; bhotta samsarattho siddo so vissasodthagai./ Acarya Nemicandra Siddhantadeva's text Dravyasamgraha, verse 2 "Upayogolaksanam, Tattvartha-sutra, 11.8 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 5 of 385 Page #19 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ v. Svadehaparimana or is of the size of the body it owns Jiva expands or contracts in shape and size according to the body it lives in at different times. When it is liberated of all its karmic impurities, it is of the size and shape slightly less than the last body it owned. vi. Bhokta or enjoyer From absolute viewpoint, it is the enjoyer of its nature and from practical viewpoint it is the enjoyer of its matter karmas. vii. Samsarastha or exists in this cosmos. From the beginning-less time, it exists in this cosmos at different places and destinies. viii. Siddha or Pure soul When it is fully free from all the karmic impurities, then it attains the status of siddha (one who attained its objective) or mukta (free from bondages). It stays in this status forever and is omniscient, detached and in a state of bliss. It does not get born again in any other form (no reincarnation). ix. Ordhvagamana or to move upwards Like the flame of a fire, its nature is to always move straight up but due to karmic bondage it appears to be moving in different directions. B. Pudgala or Matter Pudgala is a substance type that is concrete i.e. with touch, taste, smell and color attributes. It is active like jiva. However unlike jiva, its activity is not purposive to spontaneously result in its manifestation of its nature. It is thus affected to a large extent by jiva and is capable of greatly affecting jiva, due to its omnipresence. It is a major component of empirical soul and almost all knowledge acquired by empirical soul is through the use of matter as a means or the medium. Benefits and uses of pudgala for jivat2 are immense such as i. Identification of empirical soul and its activities are all due to matter associated with it; ii. Acquisition of knowledge by jiva to rid / dissociate itself of matter is matter; iii. Spoken words, activities of mind, body and speech, thoughts are all matter. 12 Sariravadmamanah pranapanapudgalanam, sukhdukhajivitamaranopagrahasca/Tattvartha-sutra, V/19.21 Parasparopagrahojivanam, Tattvartha-sutra, V/21 Page 6 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #20 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL Gross: OF The entire universe and its contents are perceptible due to matter only as it is the only concrete substance. Its basic or distinguishing characteristics are to associate with or dissociate (fusion and fission) from other matter (of same type or different) or to be attracted to jiva and be of use to it. The word pudgala, a definitive term of Jain philosophy is a union of pud (to complete or combine) + gala (to separate) i.e. fusion and fission. Thus matter particles can combine to form lumps/aggregate (skamdha) or the lumps can break to form smaller lumps and continue the process to reach the last stage i.e. Paramanu which is the smallest part which cannot be further subdivided. Some characteristics of matter are: SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya Matter in its primitive form is of just one type i.e. sub-atom or paramanu. It is the basis of all matter and energy. Both energy and matter can be interchanged. Light, Heat and other forms of energy are thus matter. Light is an aggregate of matter. Its speed is said to be 186000 miles per second by Einstein. Paramanu, as per Jains can travel at the highest speed of 14 rajjus per time instant called samaya. Acarya Amrtacandra in Tattvaratha-sara says that the paramanu has a natural tendency to move downwards versus of jiva to move upwards. IN STUDIES Matter is of two types namely aggregate or lump (skamdha) and paramanu. Lump is a collection of paramanus and is perceptible. Lump /aggregate is further classified as of six types namely fine-fine, fine, fine-coarse, coarse-fine, coarse, coarse-coarse. Paramanu even though with perceptible qualities cannot be perceived by senses and is classified as absolute (non divisible) and real like atom to give molecules. Skamdha is further classified in six categories as follows: Subtle: NES 20 Gross-gross: Lump, which can be broken in parts and the parts, cannot be lumped together again e.g. wood, stone. Subtle-subtle: Even smaller e.g. lumps of two or three paramanus. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Lumps, which cannot be broken in parts but divided and can be mixed together again e.g. milk, water etc. Gross-subtle: Those which can be seen but cannot be touched or held e.g. shade, light etc. Subtle-gross: Those which cannot be seen but cognized by some other sense organs e.g. words, sound, heat, odour etc. Cannot be cognized by any sense organ directly like karma particles. Page 7 of 385 Page #21 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ * SCHOOL TIONAL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY STUDIES Matter has eight types (4 pairs of opposite attribute of which one can be present at a time) of touches (2 out of 4 present at a time in any paramanu), 5 colors, 5 tastes and two smell types. Thus a total of 200 different types of aggregate (i.e. of different characteristics) can be formed. Science has to date found 102 types of basic elements. Matter types which are of use to jiva are called clusters/ varganas and are of eight types namely karmana, luminous (Tejas), gross body (Audarika), protean body (Vaikriyaka), conveyance body (Aharaka), mind material (Mano vargana), speech material (Bhasavargana) and breathe material (svasocchvasa varganas). Gross bodies, protean bodies and conveyance bodies are three types of matter endowed with associability. All clusters are respectively used by va to have karmana, tejas (luminous), physical and protean/celestial (for hellish and heaven beings) bodies, aharaka or knowledge body for ascetics of higher order and remaining clusters for mind, speech, body and breathe. Paramanu is the smallest and indivisible part of aggregate. It cannot be destroyed even by the sharpest and most lethal arm / fire or water. It is without space points, besides its own one space point. It is slightly concrete and slightly non concrete. Paramanu, which is the basic part of matter has special characteristics and is defined as the smallest indivisible part of matter. It is like a dimensionless and mass-less geometric point that has existence but almost no size and weight. It travels in a straight line if unobstructed otherwise it can travel in any direction including in waveform but under the influence of other entities. (Ref scientists Max Plank, Neil Bohr etc and others who proved this to be so). Paramanu in normal state occupies one space point but in special conditions, one space point can have almost infinite paramanus in it. Scientists have proved that specific gravity of matter in nebulae is approx 10-24 while some stars are said to be composed of matter which is 2000 times denser than gold. Paramanu can have one each color, smell, taste and two touch (hot or cold and hard or soft) qualities. As per Einstein's theory of relativity, e = mc2, matter can be converted into energy. So a paramanu can have almost infinite speed as paramanu which is almost mass-less and can travel 14 rajjus (i.e. the whole universe) or 1.4* (10)21 miles per samaya at its fastest speed while its normal speed is one space point (pradesa) in one samaya (smallest unit of measurement of time). Bonding of paramanus is only due to the dry (arid) and cohesive (smooth) attributes present in different proportions. This is similar to positive and negative charges of protons and electrons. The remaining five substance types are non-concrete and cannot Page 8 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #22 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parame OF be cognized by our sense organs directly. Word, Bondage, subtle, gross, darkness, shadow, light, heat etc. are the modes of matter. 13 ON STUDIES Now we shall discuss the four supportive substances i.e. by themselves these substances do not act but they support the activities of both active substance types namely jiva and pudgala. C. Dharma or Principle of motion & Adharma or principle of rest Here the terms dharma and adharma do not mean the contemporary meaning of religion and non religion. Jain philosophy says that like living beings and non-living beings, there are two more entities known as dharma or principle of motion and adharma or principle of rest. Both are real and existent and hence have all the attributes associated with dravya. Because they are non-concrete, they cannot be cognized directly by sense organs. Even the scientists have proved the existence of these entities. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Dharma14 in Jainism has been defined as a substance which itself does not move but helps the moving living beings and matters in their movement, just as water of river assists to movement of moving fishes. The fish swims by its own force but the water is essential for swimming. Principle of motion supports the motion of those objects (living beings and matter), which are moving e.g. water supports the movement of fish or the rail-lines support the movement of trains. It is one in number and omnipresent throughout the cosmos. Adharma (ibid ref 14) is the principal of rest and pervades the whole universe. This is the auxiliary cause of rest to the soul and matter. Adharma has been defined as a cause of helping the matter and souls which are at rest, in taking rest just as earth, which is at rest, helps those who want to stay and take rest. It is a substance, which supports the resting entities (living beings and matter), e.g. the shade of a tree supports a tired traveler's intention to rest. It is like force of friction in modern science. It is also one in number and omnipresent throughout the cosmos. 13 Saddo bandho suhamo thulo samthanabhedatamachaya; ujjodadavasahiya, puggala davvassa pajjaya. Dravya Samgraha, verse 16 14 Gati-sthityupagrahau dharmadharmayorupakarah,/ Tattvartha-sutra, V.17 The medium of motion and rest never lose their special characteristics of facilitating movement and rest etc., and their common characteristics of existence etc., they are eternal, Page 9 of 385 Page #23 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL TIONAL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY, svAdhyAya parama tapa STUDIES fixed in number (i.e.in one each and co-existent continuum) and colour less (non-material). These are also without activity. There are innumerable points of space in the medium of motion, the medium of rest. The cosmos is divided into two categories namely space or lokakasa where all the substances exist and void or alokakasa where only space exists. Both dharma and adharma pervade the entire lokakasa. It is important to note that both these principles of motion and rest are the efficient cause (nimitta) only for the entities to be in these states. They, on their own do not encourage or cause these entities to move or rest. This point is very emphatically clarified in all texts of Jain 15. D. Akasa or space The entity, which provides space for all jiva and matter, is called akasa or space. It is also one in number and omnipresent through cosmos and beyond. Even though it is one in number, yet from the point of view of six substance types, it is divided in two conceptual parts, namely lokakasa and alokakasa. Lokakasa is the space where all the substances are found. It is surrounded by an infinite space called alokakasa which is like void i.e. no other substance exists there except just space. To give an example, consider a glass half full with milk. Then in speaking terms one can say that this glass is with milk and this glass is without milk to give a feeling that there are two glasses though only one glass exists. Similarly akasa is just one but divided in two parts for the sake of understanding and function. E. Kala or Time. The entity, which supports transformation or change taking place in living beings and matter, is called kala or time. It is also non-concrete and innumerable in number. Time also is a nonliving being substance. It has no body as it occupies only one space point and has no extension or body. Still it is classified as a substance as it has the essential characteristics of substance namely origination, destruction and permanence and that which is an aggregate of qualities and modes. Both these characteristics also apply to time. For other substance types, transformation in them cannot be conceived without the presence of time. Like jewels, it is spread throughout space (lokakasa). From practical viewpoint, it is denoted as year, month, week, day, and hour, minute; second etc but these are all modes of kala. It is through time that changes are reflected in the other substances. This proves the importance of time. This fact itself proves existence of kala. In Svetambara texts, generally they do not consider 15 Acchamta neva so nei' and 'gacchamta neva so dharadi, Dravya Samgraha, verses 12,13 Page 10 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #24 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL 16 Vartanaparinamakriyah Paratvaparatve ca kalasya, Tattvartha-sutra, V.22 17 So(a)nantasamayah, Tattvartha-sutra, V.40 OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parame STUDY NOTES version 5.0 kala as substance but because of its usefulness, sometimes they do accept kala as substance also. Primary attributes of time16 are assisting substances in their continuous transformation; modifications, in their priority and non-priority in time etc. From practical viewpoint time is expressed in terms of year, month, day, hour ad minute etc. Smallest unit of time is called samaya (infinitely small part of time). Time is said to consist of infinite timeinstants17 tapa 2.3 Classifications of dravya Substances can be classified or grouped in two classes based on their similar attributes. The most prominent classification is as sentient (jiva) and insentient (ajiva). Similarly substances are classified as concrete and non-concrete or active (sakriya) and passive (niskriya) or selfsame (svadravya) and non-self-same (paradravya) as below. IN STUDIES 1. Concrete and non concrete: Only matter is concrete. 2. Active and passive: Only jiva and matter are active. 3. Self-same and non-self-same: This classification is seen in spiritual texts only where the soul/ atma is svadravya and all other living beings and other substance types are paradraya. This classification is essential to understand and contemplate on the self for spiritual purification. 4. Astikaya (have many space points or extension) and Anastikaya (one space point only or non extendable): Except time, all other substance types are with many space points and hence are classified as astikaya while time is with one space point only and not an astikaya. Kala is also called as without any space point. Thus, except time, all other substance types are clubbed together and called pamcastikaya or the five substance classes with extension or have bodies. A Kundakunda's famous text Pamcastikaya describes these five substances only. Page 11 of 385 Page #25 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL TIONAL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY 1. Jiva JAIN # Name 2. Pudgala 3. Dharma 4. Adharma 5. Akasa 6. Kala Nature Knowledge, bliss Page 12 of 385 Fusion & fission Supports motion Supports rest Provides space Supports change Number infinite infinite one one one innumerable Space points innumerable Concrete Sentient Active Astikaya do / / - / / / / - / - / - , No Y ru- ru- ru- ru- rts- tshu STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Yes 2 2 2 2 2 No No Yes Yes Yes / - / / It is important to note that as per Jain philosophy, the total number of substances in this cosmos do not change i.e. no new substance is created and no existing substance gets destroyed; they just change form. Hence all substances are eternal i.e. they were existent in the past, exist now and will continue to exist forever. Also it is true that they keep on transforming continuously. No substance stays in the same state even for a minute faction of a second i.e. transformation is the nature of all substances. It is also to be noted that transformation of any particular substance is within certain limits. No substance will ever leave its nature i.e. sentient can never become insentient and vice versa. Thus Jiva can never become matter and matter can never become jiva. Similarly we can surmise for other substance types also. Similarly each substance is the material cause of its own transformation; no other substance can be so. Other substances can have a relationship like cause and effect only i.e. other substances can be the efficient cause of transformation in the main substance.20 Page #26 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL * OF Another important feature of substances in Jain philosophy is that each substance is eternally independent and complete in itself. No substance has origination from ab-initio i.e. totally new and no substance gets totally destroyed. Similarly no substance is dependent on other substances. No substance does anything for any other substance and neither obstructs in the functioning of other substances. From practical point of viewpoint, however it is said that all substances are inter related but from absolute viewpoint no substance is the doer of anything for any other substance. 18 Every substance stays in its nature and they do not enter or interfere in the nature of other substances. Following verse from Kundakunda is worth mentioning here in this context19. * SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya rApa These substances do meet each other, interact with each, support other's activities; but they never leave their nature or adopt the nature of other substances. Like Kundakunda, other acaryas have also said similarly; notably Acaryas Virasena and Kartikeya. AN STUDIES 3.0 General and specific attributes of substances. As we have seen earlier, each substance has infinite attributes. Some attributes out these are generic in nature i.e. found in more than one substance types while the others are termed specific or unique to a particular substance type. Generic attributes which are found in all substances, be they sentient or insentient are as follows: STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Existence eternal existence (Astitva) i.e. by its virtue the substance exists forever and can be neither created nor destroyed. Causal efficiency or functionality (Vastutva) i.e. every substance is capable of performing a purposeful action (artha kriya) Substantive-ness or fluency or persistence (Dravyatva) i.e. due to this attribute the substance keeps on changing e.g. the ocean keeps on changing its modes by having waves at every moment but it always stays as ocean. Objectivity or measurability (Prameyatva) i.e. by its virtue a substance can become an object of knowledge. * Extension in the space / occupying space or some sort of form (Pradesatva) i.e. by virtue of this attribute a substance can occupy space and have some shape / form. 18 Samayasara by Kundakunda commentary verse 309 19 Samayasara chapter karta- karma, Annonnam pavisamta dimta ogasamannamannassa, Melama vi ya other, niccam sagasabbhavam na vija hamti. Page 13 of 385 Page #27 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ * Eternal persistence or identity / essence / invariance (Agurulaghutva) i.e. an attribute which prevents the substance and its attributes from leaving its substance hood or attributes, e.g. sugar even if mixed with poison does not leave its nature of being sweet. Generic attributes which are found in more than one substance types: * Insentient e.g. matter, space, time etc except living beings. * Non-concrete e.g. all substance types except matter. Specific attributes, specific to a particular substance type are as follows: * Living beings: Knowledge, intuition, conduct, bliss, energy etc. * Pudgala: Touch, taste, odour, colour or from etc. * Dharma: Supports motion Adharma: Supports rest Space: Provide space to stay / exist. * Time: Supports change/transformation We thus conclude discussion on substances as per Jain philosophy. For further details the texts Kundakunda's Pamcastikaya with commentaries; Nemicandra's Dravya Samgraha with commentaries; Kundakunda's Pravacanasara, Part I with commentary, Pamcadhyayi by Pt. Rajmal and Umasvami's Tattvartha-sutra are recommended. Page 14 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #28 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.2.1.3 Matter and its types Prof. M. R. Gelra According to Jainism, the universe comprises of six "existents". They are soul, matter, space, time, medium of motion, and medium of rest. In contrast with standard physics where one deals with matter in time and space coordinate systems, in Jainism it is the soul which is to be studied in terms of time, space and matter. These all are regarded as "substances" which is also a helpful way of considering them. 1.0 Pudgala Pudgala is one of the fundamental realities of the universe. The fundamental reality has been termed as 'Dravya'in Jaina philosophy. Six types of are considered in Jaina system. They are: Dharmastikaya Medium of motion Adharmastikaya Medium of rest Akasastikaya Space Pudgalastikaya Matter Kala Time 6 Jivastikaya Soul/ living beings Out of the six dravyas including Pudgala, first five are Ajivas (no life), and the sixth dravya is jiva (having life). Secondly except time, the remaining five dravyas are astikayas, that is, they exist in continuum. 1.1 What is Dravya? Acharya Tulsi defines dravya as: "Guna paryayasrayo dravyam". This means, "the substratum of attributes / (guna) and modes (paryaya) is dravya (substance). Umasvati in Tattvartha-sutra says, "Utpadavyaya dhrauvyayuktam sat". Sat means existent and existent is known to us through Dravyas (substances). Hence that entity alone, which is associated with and characterized by these, features namely: origination, destruction and permanence Tattvartha-sutra V.29 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 15 of 385 Page #29 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY AN STUDIES simultaneously are called substance. Dravya does not deviate from its essence- that is from these specific attributes. 1.2 What is Pudgala? The word 'pudgala, as found in Jaina literature is loosely equivalent to the scientific term 'matter'. It has two parts pud and gala. The first part pud means 'to combine' and second part gala means 'to dissociate'. So the etymological meaning of pudgala is that dravya (substance) which undergoes modifications by combination and dissociation is called pudgala - Puranagalandharmatvata pudgala iti. The definition is significant because these processes of combination and dissociation do not occur in the other five substance types. Succinctly, pudgala means tangible entity having four qualities of touch, taste, hue (color) and odor2. Pudgala is ajiva, that is, it does not have consciousness. There is an absence of cognition in pudgala 1.3 Positive Entity The question arises whether Ajiva is only a negative form of Jiva or it is a positive entity. Jainas emphasize that Ajiva is a positive entity also because dravyas have their characteristic qualities. Pudgala is nitya or eternal and avasthita or immutable. 1. Eternal means: Pudgala does not give up its general and the specific nature. 2. Immutable means: while retaining own nature, not to assume a nature that belongs to some other dravya. Therefore Pudgala shall remain pudgala always. It shows that universe will remain everlasting due to the permanent presence of Jiva and Ajiva. Limitation in existence In addition to their characteristics qualities, there is a universal law that Jiva (soul) can never change to Alva (non-living) and Ajva can never change to Jiva (living). 2 (i) Sparsarasagandhavarnavantah pudgalah, Tattvartha-sutra-V.23 Page 16 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #30 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Touch: Taste: Smell: Color: Earth 1.4 Characteristic modes Schubring, an eminent German Indologist has mentioned that among all inanimate fundamental realities, pudgala alone is palpable because it has four qualities, namely: cold, hot, rough, smooth, light, heavy, soft and hard acid, sweet, sour, bitter and astringent fragrant, foul black, blue, red, yellow and white Water Fire INTERNATIO Air SCHOOL Due to these qualities pudgala can be experienced through senses; that is through touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing. It addition to these quality pudgala has a form. Jainas have used the technical words rupa, murta / concrete for the word, form of the pudgala. We find an interesting discussion in this connection. All pudgala are said to be possessed of rupa and here rupa literally means colour but Jains have described rupa as form also. touch, taste, smell, color, The change in magnitude and intensity of various essential attributes of pudgala causes the evolution of certain other secondary qualities. They are: sound, binding, grossness, configuration, splitting, darkness, subtleness, shadow, hot radiation and cold radiation. touch, taste, color touch, color Touch OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parama 2. Other Indian Philosophies: The term pudgala has been employed by other Indian Philosophies. The Buddhists imply pudgala to mean Jiva, that is, conscious. It is just opposite to Jaina concept of pudgala. And in the systems like Vaisesika, Nyaya, Samkhya, pudgala is known by the names like pradhana, parmaanu and prakrti. The Jaina philosopher does not believe in class distinction of atoms like earth, air, fire and water as the Vaisesika philosopher does. The atoms are homogeneous and give rise to different species of matter like earth, air etc. on account of the manifestation and cessation of qualities. They have proposed as follows: STUDY NOTES version 5.0 tapa STUDIES 46 Page 17 of 385 Page #31 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF AN STUDIES SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY * svAdhyAya tapaH * 3.1 Atomic theory Mahaprajna has put the atomic theory in historical perspective. Indian philosopher Kannad and western philosopher Democritus are widely considered as the pioneers of particle theory. Democritus represented the era of 460-374 B.C. The evolution of Kannad's 'Vaisesika-sutra' is considered to be around 1st century A.D. whereas, the period of Lord Mahavira is 599- 527 B.C. His atomic theory precedes those of Kannad's and Democritus, but the historians of the philosophy have ignored this fact. The reason is neither the bias nor the discrimination; it is perhaps the unavailability of Jaina literature and lack of its serious study. Both Jain and Vaisesika philosophies agree to the fact that paramanu is indivisible. But they disagree about the adjectival attributes of the paramanu. In Jaina philosophy, all paramanu are identical as far as their physical form is concerned. But their classification is possible on the basis of quantum of various attributes (touch, taste, hue and odor) they possess as amalgam of paramanus. Since the extent of these attributes may vary from one unit to infinite units, Jainas believe that there are infinite such permutations and combinations possible. It must be observed that the atomic theory is just a part of whole theory of pudgala. 3.2 Sparsa (touches) of Pudgala Classification of Pudgala is: 1. Paramanu or Dion As stated earlier, it is the smallest part of a pudgala which is further indivisible. These dions can possess two touches (sparsa) out of the basic; positive- negative (snigdha-ruksa) hotcold (usna-sita). Author has carefully christened them as 'dion' by their virtue of having two touches. Though these dions could be of infinite varieties depending upon the qualities they possess, however, they can be subcategorized in four broad types depending on which two touches they inherit out of the four available: Page 18 of 385 * Type 1 combination of positive and hot Type 2 combination of positive and cold * Type 3 combination of negative and hot * Type 4 combination of negative and cold STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #32 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ It must be noted here that there is a restriction on having both the touches of same pair. Another important observation is that all four broad categories mentioned above have three attributes, namely taste, hue and odor. Infinite varieties of dions stem of the fact the quantity of the attributes in them may range from one unit to infinite units. 2. Bahu-pradesi Skandha or Quadons These pudgalas are one step higher in the hierarchy. Two or more dions combine to form 'multi-touch clusters' typically named Bahu-pradesi Skandha in the Jaina literature. These clusters, now, can possess all the four touches thus as christened as quadons. These quadons, since are made up of multiple dions, have all the four touches, namely, positivenegative and hot-cold. Quadons could comprise a minimum of two up to a maximum of infinite dions. When there is infinite joining together, it is known as "ananta-pradesi skandha". These quadons with infinite dions again come together to constitute an entity which is the first step of migration from micro towards macro level. 3. Ananta-ananta-pradesi Skandha or octons From this state onwards, the state of pudgala is such that it possesses eight touches - four primary ones, positive- negative and hot and cold, four secondary touches namely, lightheavy and soft - hard. Out of the four secondary touches, the former two are responsible for the constitution of mass of the octons. It thus turns out that the Jainas do not consider mass as the primary property of a pudgala, but it manifests only after the formation of octons from the relative quadons and dions. 3.3 Mass of Pudgalas This brings us to the second method of classification applicable to the pudgalas which is based on the property of mass. 3.3.1 Suksma (subtle) As far as dions and quadons are concerned, they do not have light heavy attributes, thus are almost mass less. They are so subtle that they do not obey certain principles of physics. One important example is that they are capable of attaining infinite speed far beyond the physical limit of speed of light. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 19 of 385 Page #33 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAyata STUDIES After treating mass as essential quality of matter, even science is convinced that certain facts be explained only if mass less particles are treated as realities. Scientists are already discussing some particles like photons, gravitons and gluons. Once the scientists are able to work out the entire set of physical laws applicable to such mass less particles, it will revolutionize the way we understand physics. Hopefully, many enigmatic questions will be answered then. 3.3.2 Badara (Macro) When the pudgalas achieve their third state of octons, they start manifesting mass. From this stage onwards, they come in the realm of human perceptions and predications. Octons are, therefore, referred to as Vyavaharika-paramanu also. In this state, they become comparable to the atoms as known to the modern science. 4.1 Pudgalas and qualities of matter The third classification of pudgalas is on the basis of the quality they impart to other pudgalas to which they are attached. It is a very interesting Jaina doctrine that the qualities of matter life big - small, micro - macro, light-heavy, long - short, integrated - fragmented, radiant - dark, hot - cold etc. are nothing but the types of pudgalas only. Besides, these pudgalas may vary in shape also. To consider all substances and all properties as pudgalas, indicates the deep insight of Jaina philosophical knowledge. 4.2 Pudgalas and association with soul A fourth classification is based on the various groups of octons which remain attached to the Jiva (soul). In Jaina philosophy, there are eight sets of quadons and octons which are related to the Jiva. * Set of octons forming mortal body * Set of octons forming transformational body * Set of octons forming projectile body * Set of octons and quadons forming respiration * Set of quadons forming thought . * Set of quadons forming radiance * Set of quadons forming karmic body . Page 20 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Audarika-vargana Vaikriya-vargana Aharaka-vargana Svasocchvasa-vargana Vacana-vargana Taijasa-vargana Karmic-vargana Page #34 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ In Jaina philosophy the relation of Jiva, that is soul and substance has been elaborately discussed. Whereas, in Vaisesika philosophy, individual paramanu is classified in four types only, viz. earthly, aquatic, irradiating, and aerial. The difference in classification has given rise to atomic theory which is unique to the Jaina school of thought 4.3 Functions There are numerous functions of pudgalas. Some are beneficial to Jiva's body, speech, mind, or internal organ, breathing as these are functions of pudgala. Distress, pain, death - these too are due to pudgala which are harmful to Jiva. All the five bodies, namely audarika etc are made up pudgala, karmic body is suprasensuous, it yields fruits like pleasure and pain etc. when conjoined with another concrete substance of the type of audarika etc. (five bodies). The activities of speech and manas (mind) are also operated by pudgala. Jainas have put forward the karma theory in which they explain that due to manifestation of some type of karma, the activities of the body take place. Bhasa, manas, prana, these are all found to suffer obstruction and suppression through the instrumentality of pudgala. 4.4 The Definition of Pudgala on the basis of its function Body, speech, manas - or internal organ, in-breath and out-breathe - these are benefits due to pudgala, that is, these are functions of pudgala. Of the numerous functions of pudgala some are enumerated here which prove beneficial or harmful to the Jivas. All the bodies of the types audarika etc. are certainly paudgalika that is, are certainly made up of pudgala. And though the karmic body is supra-sensuous it yields fruits like pleasure, pain etc when conjoined with another murta substance of the type audarika etc.- just as paddy seeds yield fruit when conjoined with water etc; hence it too should be considered to be paudgalika. Of the two types of bhasa or speech that of the type is a specific capacity which is acquired as a result of the particular type of the karmas, since it is dependent on pudgala, is paudgalika. And the aggregates belonging to the material grouping of the form of speech STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 21 of 385 Page #35 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL ONAL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY sAdhyAya parama STUDIES that are converted into speech when impelled by a soul possessed of the capacity in question constitute speech of the dravya type. Manas of the bhava type in the form of labdhi and upayoga is paudgalika because it is dependent on pudgala. On the other hand, those aggregates belonging to the material groupings of the form of manas which, as a result of the particular type of the karma prove beneficial to a soul in its task of considering the merits and demerits etc. that is, which stimulate the capacity of this soul- constitute manas of the dravya type. Similarly, prana that is out-breathe which a soul expels outwards from the abdomen and ucavayu or apana that is in-breathe which a soul conveys inwards into the abdomen are both paudgalika, and as much as they are life-giver they prove beneficial to a soul. Bhasa, manas, prana and apana these are all found to suffer obstruction and suppression. Hence just like body they are all doubtless paudgalika. The transformation of a Jiva of the form of easement is pleasure and it is produced through an internal cause of the form of special type of karma and an external cause of the form of the concerned substance, place etc. Distress, verily is pain and it is produced through an internal cause of the form of impure karma and an external cause of the form of the concerned substance etc. The continuance of out-breathe and in-breathe in the case of an embodied soul as a result of the manifestation of ayu-karma is like the discontinuance of out-breath is death. All these modifications pleasure, pain etc. are produced in Jivas through the instrumentality of pudgala. Hence in relation to Jiva they are treated as benefits due to pudgalas. 5.1 Pudgalastikaya The expression astikaya with pudgala is significant. According to Schubring the liberal version of astikaya is, 'mass of all that is'. The Jaina philosophers postulate six dravyas (substance) of which the five, namely Jiva, dharma, adharma, akasa and pudgala are astikaya. Astikaya means a substance that has a continuation of indivisible space points resulting in an extended body. The other interpretation of the term astikaya is the particle 'ast' indicates the persistent nature of a substance, whereas the expression "kaya" stands for the aspects of utpada (origination) and vyaya (cessation). The term "kaya" has also been interpreted to indicate the plurality of pradesas (points) in the substances, kaya means an aggregate. Page 22 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #36 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.2.1.5 Concept of Soul / Self (Atma) in Jain Philosophy Dr. Veer Sagar Jain Jain philosophy is based on the duality of existence i.e. as living beings and non-living beings. Here also the main focus of Jain philosophy is the living being only and there also it he self / soul or which is specific to me the individual l. To understand this through an example, we can say that atma is the addressee while the rest of the living beings and nonbeings are like the address on the envelope. Therefore a number of philosophers have called Jain philosophy highly spiritual. The holy texts of Hindus, namely Vedas and Puranas also mention that the first preacher of Jain religion, Lord Rsabha, was an exponent of the science and knowledge of soul. A reader will find extremely detailed and logical description of soul in Jain philosophical literature. There is no aspect of soul which has not been elucidated by Jain preceptors / Acaryas in Jain literature. Not only have they explained the subject but also they have analyzed the subject with facts and figures and with all their pros and cons. 1. The reason behind such a detailed treatment given to the subject by Jain philosophers and acaryas had been that the knowledge of self / soul is the foundation of the religion and ignorance about it is the cause of all pain in this world. One starts becoming religious by acquiring the knowledge of the self. Without knowledge of the self, our religious activities do not yield the desired spiritual beneficence. Jains say that one who knows the self knows everything, the cosmos, the canonical literature and on. In fact he has achieved emancipation. However the one who does not have the true knowledge of the self and has the vast knowledge of all books and other worldly arts, sciences and objects are still termed as ignorant (ajnani). Therefore, as per Jain acaryas, the first and foremost essential duty of every individual is to acquire the true knowledge of self, even at the expense of leaving all his worldly affairs. Until one has the knowledge of the self, he cannot progress further on the path of spiritual purification". 1 (1) Commentaries on Samaysara, gatha 15, 17 (ii) Paramatmaprakasa 2/99 commentary. (iii) Chahadhala 4/9 (iv) Yogindu, Yogasara 53 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 23 of 385 Page #37 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ To describe the detailed explanation of the self in the Jain literature, one article or even a book may not suffice. Therefore I suggest the books (given at the end of the paper), which the inquisitive reader can refer to know more about the self. I will now attempt to explain the concept of soul through the following points / topics. Existence of soul / self (atma) Difference between soul and jiva (living being) Synonyms of jiva and self in Jain texts and their meaning Etymological meanings of soul and jiva Nature of jiva, its nine basic virtues Elimination of wrong concepts of soul/ self Types and subtypes of jiva Nature of soul as per spiritual texts like Samayasara Experiencing the self and the ways to do so Three types of soul / atma Summary 1. Existence of soul / self (atma) Some people, due to their ignorance or insistence of their own perspective, blame Jain philosophy as atheists. To support this they say that Jain philosophy does not believe in soul/supreme soul, merit/demerit, heaven/hell etc. However this is totally false. We cannot discuss all the reasons and support this statement but insist that Jain philosophy believes very clearly and in lucid terms the existence of soul/supreme soul, heaven/hell and merit/demerit. Jain philosophy not only believes in the existence of soul but proves its existence with all its logic, examples etc. Jain acaryas in their philosophical works have presented many reasons/logic to prove the existence of soul. Samantabhadra (3rd century AD) has written a full text on 'The Existence of Soul', named as Jivasiddhi' and gave many reasons to establish the existence of soul. Some important reasons given by Jain acaryas to prove the existence of soul are as follows: Like a mechanical statue, with its features, tries to establish the existence of its sculptor, similarly capabilities (pranas) like breathing etc. establish the existence of soul.2 2 Sarvarthasiddhi, V.19 Page 24 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #38 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya I am happy, I am sad etc. etc such feelings involving 'I' automatically proves the existence of soul.3 STUDIES Since there is the word 'Soul'; therefore there should be a meaning of this word also. An entity which does not existence is also not representable by words.4 3 Syadvadamanari 17 4 Ibid 17 Aptamimarsa, 84 6 Syadvadamanari 17 Attributes (knowledge and bliss etc.) cannot exist without their owner (guni). That owner of these attributes is soul only.5 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Besides these supporting arguments, Syadvadamanjari gives this foolproof reason to establish the existence of soul. "What is the knowledge that this is soul? Is this knowledge a doubt (sansaya) or perverse (viparyaya), or indecisiveness (anadhyavasaya) or is true? It has to be some sort of knowledge. If it is a doubt, then it proves the existence of soul, as we do not doubt non-existent entities. If it is perverse, then also it proves the existence of soul, as an unknown or less known entity cannot have perverse. It cannot be indecisiveness, as from the beginning-less time we have experienced soul. And if it is true knowledge than it automatically proves is existence.6 Thus we find Jain literature full of assertive reasons to prove the existence of soul. 2. Difference between Jiva (living being) and soul (atma) Both jiva and atma are synonymous really. Function and nature of both of them is same. However both the terms are used differently and it is important to understand these terms and their usage. The word jiva is used in philosophical / textual and doctrinal discussions while the word atma is used in spiritual discourses. We can also say that jiva is the object of knowledge and study while atma is the object of meditation and experience. We can also say that jiva is the subject of academia / universities and atma is the subject of temples / holy places where monks stay. In fact we are all living beings but soul is used just for self and not for all. An example is we call man to all male human beings but we call husband specific to a woman; Page 25 of 385 Page #39 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ houses are many but home is one specific to an individual. Similarly living beings are infinite but soul is just self or l out of all living beings. I am soul / self for me but a living being for you all. Mathematically we can express this as follows: Jiva + feeling of 'l' = atma atma- feeling of l' = jiva In the terms of Logic texts, we can differentiate atma and jiva as pervaded (vyapya) and pervader or one who pervades (vyapaka). Soul is pervaded and jiva is pervader. Thus we can call atma as jiva but not vive versa. Like mango and tree are related as pervader and pervaded, so are jiva and atma. Hence a tree is called a mango tree but any tree cannot be called mango. Thus we see it is essential to understand the difference between souls / self and living beings. 3. Synonyms of atma and jiva in Jain texts and their meanings Jain texts, especially Dhavala (Acarya Virasena 10th century AD) and Gommattasara (Acarya Nemicandra Siddhantacakravarti 11th century AD), mention a number of synonyms or equivalents of jiva along with their meanings clearly. Briefly some synonyms of living being (empirical soul) are given below: 1 Jna Because it cognizes. 2 jnani Because knowledge is one of its attributes. 3 Jnata Knower or one who knows. 4 Karta Doer of its own nature; from practical viewpoint doer of its matter acts. 5 Bhokta Enjoyer of its own nature; from practical viewpoint enjoyer of its matter acts. 6 Vakta Speaker or who speaks. 7 Sakta Infatuated with the body, family, friends and worldly possessions. 8 Prani Has forces/capabilities of breathe, sense organs, lifespan and general energy. 9 Visnu Co-exists in the entire body it owns. 10 Svayambhu Originates and develops by itself. Page 26 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #40 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 11 Sariri With a body. 12 Dehi With spatial extensions. 13 Manava Built of and by knowledge. 14 Jantu Gets born in the four destinies i.e. hellish, human, sub-human, heaven. 15 Mani With the passion - pride. 16 Mayavi With the passion - deceit. 17 Yogi Owner of the activities of mind, body and speech. 18 Sankuta Contracts in a small body Expands to a very large body. Capable of knowing all territories in the cosmos. 20 Ksetrajna 21 Antaratma Stays inside the eight matter karmas. The above synonyms in fact indicate the attributes of jiva as per Jain texts. 4. Etymological development of the words siva and atma and their special meaning.? Even though there are numerous synonyms of the words soul and living beings in Jain texts, yet the most commonly words are jiva and atma. Therefore we shall attempt o understand the meanings and significance of these two words specifically. Jiva in Jain literature has been described as the one who lives, lived in the past and shall live in the future namely: Panehin caduhin jivadi sivissadi jo hi jivido puvvari8 Dasasu pranesu yathopattapranaparyayena trisu kalesu jivananubhavanat jivati, ajivait, jivisyati eti va jivah.9 Etymological development and meaning of the word Atma is said to be an entity that always manifests (transform, changes, originates and destroys) as knowledge. Atma in Sanskrit ? (a.) Dhavala 1/1/1/2 (6.) Gomattasara Jivakamda, 365,366 * Pravacanasara 147 Tattvartha-vartika 1.4 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 27 of 385 Page #41 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ formed with the syllable 'ata (ata satatyagamane) having two meanings namely to go and knowledge and both are applicable here. 5. Understanding the nature of soul by its nine attributes / characteristics. To present a lucid description of siva, Jain acaryas have used the nine characteristics of jiva. Acarya Nemicandra Siddhantadeva (11th century AD) in his text Dravya-sangraha has explained all these nine characteristics in thirteen verses (gathas). These nine characteristics are very briefly given below: 1. Jivatva An entity which lives, as per absolute viewpoint with the force and capability of its consciousness and as per practical viewpoint with its four forces /capabilities of breathe, lifespan, sensual organs and its energy, is called to have jivatva or is called jiva. 2. Upayogamaya or able to manifest Here upayoga means primarily manifestation of consciousness into intuition (darsanopayoga) and knowledge (jnanaopayoga). There are further sub divisions of these two manifestations of consciousness that we do not discuss at this stage. However it is to be understood that this manifestation of consciousness is the primary or main characteristic of jiva in Jain philosophy e.g. the verses 'upyogo laksanam'10 and 'cetanalaksano jivah 11'indicate this concept clearly. 3. Amurtika - non-concrete Jiva by its nature is non-concrete and attributes like touch, taste, colour and odour are not associated with it. 4. Karta or Doerl Agent From absolute viewpoint, it is the doer of its nature and from practical viewpoint it is the doer of its matter karmas. 5. Svadehaparimana or is of the size of the body it owns. Jiva expands or contracts in shape and size according to the body it lives in at different times. When it is liberated of all its karmic impurities, it is of the size and shape slightly less than the last body it owned. 10 Tattvartha-sutra II.8 11 Sarvarthasiddhi 1.4 Page 28 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #42 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 6. Bhokta or enjoyer From absolute viewpoint, it is the enjoyer of its nature and from practical viewpoint it is the enjoyer of its matter karmas. ii. Jiva is completely independent. INTERNATION 7. Sansarastha or exists in this cosmos. From the beginning-less time, it exists in this cosmos at different places and destinies. 9. Ordhvagamana or to move upwards Like the flame of a fire, its nature is to always move straight up but due to karmic bondage it appears to moving in different directions. iii. Infinite jivas exists in They look similar but are different and infinite. this cosmos. iv. Jiva is capable of manifestation. SCHOOL 8. Siddha or Pure soul When it is fully free from all the karmic impurities, then it attains the status of siddha (one who attained its objective) or mukta (free from bondages). It stays in this status forever and is omniscient, detached and in a state of bliss. It does not get born again in any other form (noreincarnation). v. Its nature is SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY consciousness svAdhyAya parama tapa 6. Elimination of wrong concepts of soul/ self. Jain acaryas used the above nine characteristics of jiva to remove the misconceptions about jiva of different philosophies/ philosophers. Besides these, they have also given logical explanations emphatically to clearly explain the Jain concept of iva. Given below is the explanation of iva as per Jain philosophy. i. Jiva has existence. It cannot be treated as void or non-existent or imaginary. It is not a part of any God. It exists by itself. OF STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Consciousness is not just an attribute but is nature of jiva. STUDIES 46 Neither created by nor a combination of the five basic elements. vi. Its non-concrete and It is neither with extensions, nor with origination / destruction. indestructible. Page 29 of 385 Page #43 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ vii. It is elastic by nature. It is neither omnipresent nor a pointless existence. It expands and contracts fully as per the body it owns. vii. Doer / agent of its Nobody else is the benefactor or agent of its activities. It is responsible for all its activities and their results. acts ix. Knows and experiences its self. Sva-para-prakasaka'i.e. it knows its own self as well as all other beings also. X. Delusion, attachment Delusion, attachment and aversion etc. are not its nature but etc. they exist to some extent. They look like that but after destroying all these, it can attain pure state. 7. Classification of Jiva or types and subtypes of Jiva. As per Jain philosophy, there are infinite jivas in this cosmos. By there characteristics, they look alike but from modal viewpoint they are all different. They are classified in different categories like on the basis of the sense organs or on the basis of their ability to move or the basis of their place of existence etc. One such classification is shown in the chart below. Jiva Sansari/empirical Mukta / liberated Sthavara / immobile (One sensed) Trasa /mobile (2-5 sensed) Water bodied 2 senses Air bodied 3 senses Fire bodied 4 senses Soil or earth bodied Vegetation 5 senses Similarly jiva can be classified in a number of ways based on its destiny (gati) (like human, sub-human, heavenly and hellish) or its capability to achieve liberation (bhavya and abhavya) or its state of spiritual purification (gunasthanas) etc. Page 30 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #44 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO 12. Vavaharenuvadissadi nanissa caritta darsanan nanan, na vi nanan na caritan na darsanan janago suddho. Samayasara 7 13 Arasamaruvagandhan avattavan cedanagunamasaddan, Ja na alingagahananjivamanidditthsantthanan ||Samayasara 49 14 Ahamekko khalu suddo darsanananamaiosadaruvi, SCHOOL na vi attha majjha kinci vi annan parmanumettan pi || Samayasara 38 15 Niyamasara, 44,48. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga OF parama 8. Nature of the soul as per spiritual texts like Samayasara and others. As we have seen earlier that the word jiva is used in philosophical/textual and doctrinal discussions while the word atma is used in spiritual discourses. We can also say that jiva is the object of knowledge and study while atma is the object of meditation and experience. Jain philosophy is considered highly spiritual philosophy in which meditation on the self and its knowledge attribute are the focal points for study and practice. Jain Acaryas like Kundakunda in their texts have emphasized these two points extensively. Hence we shall discuss soul from the spiritual viewpoint only. It is said that existence of soul and its experience are inexplicable i.e. cannot be described by speech. Therefore we do find description of jiva in affirmative terms texts but description of soul is seen more from the negation form. Affirmatively Jain texts only say that soul is an amalgam of intuition, knowledge, and conduct etc. and even these are refuted immediately saying that these are different while soul is inseparable or cannot be divided into parts. Acarya Kundakunda says that from practical viewpoint we say that knowledge, intuition and conduct are the attributes of soul but from absolute viewpoint it has neither of these; it is just the knower. Similarly Samayasara explains these in a negation style-14. The particular verse of Samayasara found in all the five texts of Kundakunda, says that soul is without taste or form or odor and is inexplicable, is with consciousness, is without any gender and you know it like this. In the second verse it says, "I am one, pure, with intuition and knowledge, non concrete. Except my nature of intuition and knowledge, not even an iota of other matter is mine". tapa Another way of enunciating the difference between soul and living being is that living being is always described as a collection of pure and impure manifestation of its nature but soul is always described as per its just pure nature and without any impurities associated. Niyamasara1 maintains that from absolute viewpoint soul is without bondage, without ant attachments, free of all flaws, without any desire or anger or deceit or pride. Even the Page 31 of 385 Page #45 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ empirical soul from the absolute viewpoint is like siddhas (existing in the summit of the cosmos) without body or sense organs or destruction and is pure and without any karma attached to it. 9. Method of experiencing the existence of the soul. Jain texts repeatedly suggest/preach that we must experience the nature and existence of soul. Amrtacandra says that this is the only way to destroy delusion, "Meditate upon self, tay contented with self and be focused on it; you will attain contentment and then bliss". 16 Even Kundakunda has said the same at number of places in his texts. 17 Many spiritual texts of Jain say that one can never experience self with the aid of external media and the only way to experience is by meditating upon the knowledge attribute of the self.18 The practitioner who wishes to experience the self should think / contemplate that the entity which intuits and knows is me and everything else is non-self.19 We can explain the process of experiencing the soul in simple and lucid terms as follows: 1. Acquire true and correct knowledge of soul and understand it properly. 2. Divert all wandering and external tendencies of sense organs and mind towards the inner self or soul i.e. from gross body to subtle body and then to soul. 3. Get rid of thoughts of attachment, aversion and just concentrate / meditate on the inner self. 10. Three types of soul: external, internal and supreme Jain texts talk of three types of soul namely; external (bahiratma), internal (antaratma) and supreme (paramatma). External: The self that thinks that the body it owns is the soul is deluded and ignorant20. Internal: The self that understands its nature properly is with right vision and faith.21 16 Ayi kathamapi mrtva tatvakautuhali san, Anubhava bhava murteh parsvavarti muhurtam Prathagadha vilsantar svar samalokya yena Tyajasi jhagiti murtya sakamekatvamoham //Samayasara , commentary, verse 23 17 Samayasara 206 18 Samayasara 205, commentary verse 143 19 Samayasara, 298,299 20 Yogindu, Yogasara 10 21 lbid 8 Page 32 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #46 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL 22 Ibid 9 SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parama Status as external soul is to be eliminated; that of internal soul is good and the status of supreme soul is the aim to be realized. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 OF Supreme: The self that is completely detached from external impurities and is omniscient. Supreme soul is of two types namely with physical body (known as Arhanta) and without physical body (known as Siddha). 22 tapa 11. Summary To conclude, we see that Jain philosophy has detailed spiritual and logical explanation of soul. Jain thinkers have proved the existence of soul, synonyms of soul, its types and sub types, nature of self, need to experience the self and detailed the ways to do so. There are infinite living beings in this cosmos and each one is soul/ self just for itself. Everyone can become supreme soul by giving up its status of external soul, moving to the status of internal soul and then meditating upon it. Once we achieve the status of supreme soul, then we can get out of the cycle of birth-death i.e. samsara and enjoy our nature of knowledge and bliss (jnanananda) forever. Page 33 of 385 Page #47 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 1. Recommended books for further reading Samayasara, Niyamasara, Pancastikaya Acarya Kundakunda Dravya-sangraha Acarya Nemicandra Paramatmaprakasa Yogindudeva Satdarsanasamuccaya Acarya Haribhadra Suri Syadvadamanjari Acarya Mallisena Structure and function of soul in Jainism Dr S.C.Jain Bhartiya Gyanpeeth, Delhi Jain Darsana mein atma Vicara Dr. Lal Chand Jain, PVR Instt. Varanasi SOUL SANSARI / EMPIRICAL PURE * INFINITE KNOWLEDGE LIMITED BY KARMIK VEIL * INFINITE PERCEPTION LIMITED BY KARMIK VEIL * INFINITE CONDUCT (DETACHMENT) AFFECTED BY ACTIVE KARMAS * INFINITE POWER LIMTED BY KARMIKA VEIL * INFINITE BLISS DEPENDS ON ACTIVE KARMAS * NO BODY OWNS AT LEAST THREE BODIES * NO BIRTH OR DEATH LIFE SPAN, ASSOCIATED BODY Page 34 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #48 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Table 0.1 Soul / Jiva Distinguishing quality: Sentient. Number: Infinite Empirical soul Pure soul Samsari jiva 6 Mukta jiva 6 Quality Remarks Vision, knowledge Manifestation of consciousness (upayoga) Omniscient Consciousness Empirical Soul has its knowledge and vision obscured by respective karmas while pure soul is just knowledge and vision. Non concrete Live Lives (Jita hein) Senses, age, power, breathe Pure soul was empirical soul in the past. Pure soul has consciousness as its life and enjoys its own nature. YES Non concrete (amurtika) YES But looks like concrete due to karmic bondage. Empirical soul behaves like matter and thus interacts with matter. Agent / Doer (Karta) Of matter karmas due Of its own nature i.e. to activities of mind, infinite vision, body and speech knowledge, bliss and power Doer of own nature (svabhava) as well as affected by others (vibhava). Enjoyer (Bhokta) Of results (pain, pleasures of matter karmas. Consciousness and of its own-nature Enjoyer of the results of its own actions. only. Size (svadeha parimana) Adapts to the size- of Slightly less than the the matter body last human body it associated with it owned. Fixed. Soul is owner of countless space points and adjusts STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 35 of 385 Page #49 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ except at the time of changing-mode (samudghata). itself to any size of the body it owns. Pure soul has no karmas bonded and is hence of constant size. Existence Exists everywhere in the cosmos in different forms/ modes and capabilities. Only at the summit of Pure soul just stays cosmos. Does not at the summit of move from there. cosmos, as there is no dharma and adharma dravya beyond that Upwards movement* Has the capability. Is (urdhvagamana) the nature of pure Soul. Stationery, does not move Pure soul has a natural tendency to go up but due to its bondage with karmas, does not do so always Page 36 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #50 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.2.1.6 Seven Verities (Tattvas) in Jainism (Based on Tattvartha-sutra) Dr. Anekant Kumar Jain Introduction Total release of karmic matter from the self (soul) by self-realization is liberation/ emancipation/salvation. Everybody feels pain in transmigration and wants to eliminate this pain. Right belief-knowledge-conduct together constitutes the path of liberation. Umasvami, the Acarya revered by all sects of Jains, wrote an important text in Samskita in the first century AD. This text called Tattvartha-sutra, considered as Bible of Jains, has ten chapters and 357 Sutras. This text is also called as text for attaining liberation (Moksa Sastra). Tattvartha-sutral describes Samyagdarsana, jnana and caritra as means of emancipation. Umasvami defined right belief as firm belief in the true nature of the principles/verities/ tattvas. Right belief arises from the innate disposition or by acquisition of right knowledge The living being (jiva), the non living beings (ajiva), influx (asrava), bondage (bandha), stoppage (sanvara), dissociation (nirjara) and liberation (moksa) constitute the seven tattvas Iverities. Sutras 2nd and 4th from first chapter of Tattvartha-sutra define right belief and verities. This classification of the fundamental principles into seven verities is metaphysical with overtones of spiritual values. To these seven verities, merit (punya) and demerit (papa) have been added and the nine entities called padarthas giving them a flavor of religious content. 1. Jiva, the living being In this world, we do not meet jiva or pure soul as such. Jiva or the living being is a mix of pure soul and non-living being i.e. pure soul bonded with karmic matter. In common parlance, jiva is translated as soul or living being. An average individual, due to ignorance, regards his body as his soul and all thoughts and attention go to keep it in comfort. The root cause of our suffering lies in our ignorance of the essential characteristics of our soul. 1 Samyagdarsanajnanacaritranimoksamargah Tattvartha-sutra, 1.1) 2 Tattvarthasraddhanam samyagdarsanam, ibid 1.2 3 Jjivajivasravabandhsamvaranirjaramoksastattvam, lbid 1.3 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 37 of 385 Page #51 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ According to Jain philosophy, living beings are neither created nor destroyed. As already indicated, living beings and non-living beings are the two substance types which comprise the universe. The primary characteristic of living beings is consciousness that distinguishes it from non-living beings. Manifestation of consciousness is its inherent feature, as without it, it cannot perceive and cognize which are the prerequisites of any kind of knowledge. 1.1 Distinctive characteristics of siva (Living being) The further distinctive characteristic of living being (jiva) is its manifestation of consciousness4. That, which arises from both internal and external causes and concomitant with consciousness, is upayoga (active or attentive consciousness). Consciousness manifests itself in two ways namely intuition (darsana) and knowledge (jnana). The difference between intuition and knowledge is that the former is detail-less knowledge (a feeling of sheer existence) while the later is with all the details of the object of knowledge. It is important to understand the difference between these two terms as they occur very frequently in Jaina texts. Darsana is an indeterminate stage in the process of cognition. The object of knowledge gets in contact with sense organs and initiates the process of cognition. At this stage it is just a mere awareness of the existence of the object. So at this stage there is an indefinite and indistinct idea about the object in question. The details about the object are not perceived and so there is no question of identifying the object as belonging to a particular class or group. The process of discrimination or analysis that is inherent in the human mind enables the enhancement of mere sensual awareness into sensual perception. The vague consciousness of the object presented to the senses is replaced by a definite comprehension of its class and characteristics. The distinction of the object is grasped and this paves the way for a further expansion of the knowledge domain. According to Pujyapada knowledge is with details and the intuition is without details. Apprehension of the mere object (the universal) is intuition and awareness of the particulars is knowledge. 1.2 Two main types of living beings Living beings are further described as of two types, namely empirical souls or the tranmigratory soul (samsari-jiva) and pure or liberated souls (Muktatma). Transmigration * Upayogo laksanam, Tattvartha-sutra XI.8 5 Sansarino muktasca, Ibid II. 10 Page 38 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #52 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ rAya parama (metem-psychosis) means moving in an endless cycle of birth-death-birth and the living beings going through transmigration are called samsari jiva / empirical souls. Those living beings who have freed themselves from transmigration are the emancipated / liberated/ pure souls (Muktatma). 1.3 Living beings are inter-related / inter dependent/ help each other Souls are also substances. On of the function of soul is to help one another. The word paraspara means reciprocity of action. Parasparasya upagraha means rendering help to one another. What is it? Is it the mutual help between master and the servant or the teacher and taught. The master renders help to servants by paying them in cash while the servants render their physical and mental services to the master in return. The preceptor teaches what is good in this life and thereafter and makes his disciples follow them. The disciples benefit their preceptor by their devoted services. What is the purpose of the repetition of the word upagraha? It indicates that living beings are also the cause of pleasure and pain, life and death of one another. This Sutra is very important and famous in Jain community and used as a logo of Jainism. 2. Non - Soul (asiva) Jaina cosmology regards the universe as comprising six substances that are technically called dravyas. It is real and consists of Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul). While the Jaina Acaryas have divided the substances into broad categories of Jiva and Ajiva, or Living and non- living, they have further divided Ajiva (non-living) into five categories, namely: Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Akasa, Kala. The non soul substances (bodies) are the medium of motion, the medium of rest, space and matter. Here in the first Sutra the term Kaya is derived from 'body'. Here it is applied on the basis of analogy. The non-soul substances are called bodies on the analogy of the body of a Living being. The word 'body' is intended to indicate a multitude of space point. The spacepoints of the Medium of Motion are a multitude. According to Kundakundacarya also there are only five Astikayas (extensive substances), like Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma and Akasa. Time (Kala) is not Astikaya because of 6 Parasparopagraho jivanam, Tattvartha-sutra V/21 7 Ajivakaya dharmadharmakasapudgalahkalasca, Tattvartha-sutra, V/39 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 39 of 385 Page #53 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ only one space point. Out of these jiva and pudgala (and in pudgala also it is only karmic matter which is of interest in the discussions of tattvas or verities) are active and other four types of ajiva i.e. Dharma, Adharma, Akasa and Time (Kala) are inactive and just support the activities or interactions between jiva and karmas. Here we shall discussed only pudgala and jiva and the remaining shall be discussed in the paper on substances. 2.1 Pudgala (Matter) 'Pudgala'is a definitive word used for matter in Jainism. Matter (Pudgala) has been defined as that which undergoes modification by combination (Pud = to combine) and dissociations (Gala = to dissociate). It has rupalform, meaning, the qualities of colour, touch, taste and smell i.e. it possesses a form (Murta) or defined as concrete. Matter signifies anything that is liable to fusion and fission. It is an eternal substance with regard to quantity and quality. It may increase or diminish in volume without any addition or loss of particles. All material substances are characterized by the tendency to form aggregates (Skandha) or to break up into smaller and smaller parts. The smallest part, which cannot be divided further, is the subatom (paramanu). Compound objects of the material world including senses, mind and breath are the aggregates of atoms. Sound has been regarded not as a quality but only as a modification of matter. According to Kundakunda, matter is an entity, which can be cognized by the five-sense organs. The entire universe and its contents are perceptible due to matter only as it is the only concrete substance. Its basic or distinguishing characteristics are to join with or dissociate from other matter (of same type or different) or to be attracted to jiva and be of use to it. Matter types which are of use to jiva are called clusters/varganas. Clusters are of eight types namely karmana, luminous/electric (Tejas), gross/physical body (Audarika), protean/celestial body (Vaikriyika), conveyance body (Aharaka), mind material (Mano-vargana), speech material (Bhasa-vargana) and breathe material (Svasocchvasa-vargana). Gross bodies, protean bodies and conveyance bodies are three types of matter endowed with associability. All varganas are respectively used by jiva to have karmana, tejas (electric), physical and protean/celestial (for hellish and heaven beings) bodies, aharaka or knowledge body for ascetics of higher order and remaining varganas for mind, speech, body and breathe. Matter exists in two states namely paramanu and aggregate/ lump. Matter is further in four classes namely: skandha (aggregate), Skandha-desa (aggregate occupying space), Skandha-pradesa (aggregate occupying limited space) and paramanus. Lump/ Skandha is a Page 40 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #54 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE collection of paramanus and is perceptible. Skandha is further classified in six categories as follows: Gross Lump, which can be broken in parts and the parts, cannot be lumped together again e.g. wood, stone. gross. Gross Lumps, which cannot be broken in parts but divided and can be mixed together again e.g. milk, water etc. Grosssubtle Those which can be seen but cannot be touched or held e.g. shade, light etc. Subtlegross Those which cannot be seen but cognized by some other sense organs e.g. words, sound, heat, odour etc. Subtle Cannot be cognized by any sense organ directly like karma particles. Subtle Even smaller e.g. lumps of two or three paramanus. Pudgala is a substance type that is concrete i.e. with touch, taste, smell and color attributes. It is active like jiva. However unlike jiva, its activity is not purposive to spontaneously result in its manifestation of its nature. It is thus affected to a large extent by jiva and is capable of greatly affecting jiva, due to its omnipresence. It is a major component of empirical soul and almost all knowledge acquired by empirical soul is through the use of matter as a means or the medium. Tattvartha-sutra (V.19-21) beautifully describes the benefits and uses of pudgala for jiva. Thus matter is of immense use to the jiva. Identification of empirical soul and its activities are all due to matter associated with it. Even acquisition of knowledge by jiva to rid / dissociate itself of matter is matter. Spoken words, activities of mind, body and speech, thoughts are all matter. Matter has eight types (4 pairs of existent-nonexistent attributes) of touches (2 out of 4 present at a time in any paramanu), 5 colors, 5 tastes and two smell types. Thus a total of Sariravadmamanah pranapanapudgalanam/ sukhdukhajivitamaranopagrahasca/V/19-20 Parasparograhojivanam, Tattvartha-sutra, V/21 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 41 of 385 Page #55 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 200 different types of aggregate (i.e. of different characteristics) can be formed. Science has to date found 114 types of basic elements. 3. Asrava or influx Activities (called yoga in Jain texts) of mind, body and speech cause vibrations in the environment around soul. These vibrations cause the karmana-varaganas (matter particles) flow towards the soul. This flow of karmic particles towards soul is called Asrava. The soul forgets its own nature due to its being veiled by karmic impurities called karmas themselves. Jiva's involvement in the transmigratory cycle is due this influx. Just like water flows in a pond through a number of streamlets, so also karma particles flow towards soul from all directions due to activities of mind, body and speecho. 3.1 Punya (merit) and Papa (demerit) According to Umasvami, there are two kinds of influx namely: Punyasrava or influx of meritorious karmic particles and Papasrava or influx of De-meritorious karmic particles. Auspicious activities of mind body and speech are the causes of meritorious influx while inauspicious activities of mind body and speech are the causes of de-meritorious influx. If we add these two to the seven verities then we have nine padarthas. What is good and what is bad? Killing, stealing, copulation, etc are the wicked activities of the body. Thoughts of violence, envy, calumny etc are wicked thought activities. Opposites of these are good activities. An activity performed with good intentions is good and those performed with bad intention is bad. Good activities and intentions are the cause of influx of meritorious particles while evil activities and intentions are the cause of influx of demeritorious particles. 3.2 Two types of influx. Influx is also classified in another way as follows: (i) Bhavasrava or psychic influx (ii) Dravyasrava or matter influx Kayavadmanah karma yogah/ sa asravah /Tattvartha-sutra, VI/1-2 Page 42 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #56 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE The former is concerned with thought activities and the later with actual influx of matter particles. The causes of the former i.e. psychic influx are activities of five senses like attachment, e.g. flow of water into the boat through holes in its body when the boat is actually floating over water. Matter influx is the actual karmic particles, which fills our environment. Psychic influx is further classified in five categories namely delusion (mithyatva), lack of self-control (avirati), inadvertence (pramada), passion (kasaya) and activities performed by mind, body and speech (Yoga). 3.3 Influx varies from person to person According to Umasvami, there are two kinds of influx namely that of persons tainted with passions which extends transmigration and the other of persons who are free from passions which prevents or shortens it or is not affected by it. Living beings can have two types of dispositions, namely those actuated by passions (called sakasaya) and those who are free from passions (called akasaya). Passions are anger, deceit, pride and greed. These passions are called kasaya in Jain texts. Samparaya is samsara (transmigration). Karma which leads to samsara is called Samparayika. Trya means yoga or movement / vibrations. Karmas caused by vibrations are called Tryapatha. The influx of the former karma operates in the case of persons of perverted faith actuated by passions while the influx of later karma takes place in the case of ascetics who are free from passions. 4. Bandha (Bondage) The principle of bondage is an important spiritual concept of Jainism. It is the bondage which leads one to ever increasing involvement in transmigration. Bondage is caused by influx of karmic particles. Influx brings bondage10. An individual living being that is actuated by passions attracts particles of matter filling the environment, which are fit to turn into karma. This is called bondage. How does influx of karmas bind the soul? The process is illustrated by the example of a person who has fully smeared his body with oil and stands out in the open where wind is blowing. It is natural that particles of dust should stick to his body. Similarly when the soul is rendered weak by various kinds of passions and thought activities, it gives room for karmic 10 Sakasayatvajivah karmano yogyanpudgalanadatte sa bandhah, Tattvartha-sutra, VIII/2 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 43 of 385 Page #57 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ adhyAya pala particles to stick to it and get converted into karmas. It is invariably the process that the psychic influx or the thought activities are the direct and proximate causes of matter influx. 4.1 Bhava-bandha, psychic bondage and dravya-bandha or matter bondage It is the conscious state of mind that binds the karma with the soul when the soul is excited by any of the causes like passion or attachment/aversion. Bondage is also of two types namely * * Bhava-bardha or bondage by emotion or psychic bondage Dravaya-bandha or matter bondage. According to Nemicanda Sidhantadeva-11 1. That modification of consciousness consisting of attachment or aversion by which karmas are bonded to the soul is known as psychic bondage. Psychic bondage is therefore the alliance of the soul with mental or psychic activities that are produced when the soul is excited with attachment or aversion to the worldly objects. 2. There is an association of soul with actual karmas. This union consists of the interpenetration of the soul and karmas, and the bondage resulting bondage is called matter bondage. 4.2 Causes of bondage According to Umasvami, Mithyatva (wrong belief), Avirati (non-abstinence), Pramada (negligence), Kasaya (passions) and Yoga (activities) are the causes of bondage.12 4.2.1 Wrong belief It is the perversity of outlook. Wrong belief in these seven verities is called wrong belief. It has many subdivisions like ekanta (solitary viewpoint), viparyaya (opposite of right knowledge), vinaya, sarsaya (doubt) and ajnana (lack of knowledge). "Bajihadi kamman jena du chedanabhavena bhavabandho so Kammmadpadesanari annonnapavesanan idaro. Dravya-samgraha, 32, Tattvartha-sutra VIII/2 12 Mithyadarsanaviratipramadakasayayoga bandhahetavah Tattvartha-sutra, VIII/1 Page 44 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #58 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 4.2.2 Non abstinence It is the absence of self-control. A person who has no control over his senses indulges in sense pleasures and he looses direction for self-realization. There are five vows in Jainism namely non violence, non-stealing, speaking the truth, non possession and celibacy. Nonabstinence primarily means non-adherence to these five vows13. 4.2.3 Negligence Negligence here means indifference to higher values of life. Indulgence in sensual pleasures leads one to negligence and it again leads to activities like listening to reprehensible talks (vikatha) or activities leading to sensual pleasures again. Reprehensible talks can be about affairs of an individual, state, leader, organization, women etc. 4.2.4 Passions Passions create states of the soul, which are intensely affective in nature. Feelings and emotions like anger, greed, deceit and pride are responsible for the influx and bondage of karmas. 4.2.5 Activities. Activities of mind, body and speech cause vibrations in the environment and affect the state of the soul. 14 4.3 Four kinds of bondage Bondage is of four types according to the nature and species of karmas, duration, fruition and quantity of space points.15 4.3.1 Prakrti bandha / Nature of the bondage It refers to the nature of karma that has been bonded with the soul. 13 Hirsanristeyabramhparigrahebhyo Viratirvaratam. Ibid, VII/1 14 Tattvartha-sutra, VI/1 15 Prakritisthityanubhavapradesastdvidhayah Ibid, VIII/3 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 45 of 385 Page #59 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL ONAL OF NN STUDIES SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY * svAdhyAya tapaH * 4.3.2 Duration of bondage It refers to the state i.e. present and when it gets activated and is extinguished i.e. separated from the soul after fruition. 4.3.3 Potency or strength of karmas It refers to the intensity of experience resulting from the karmas which leads to the intensity if bondage. 4.3.4 Space-points of karmas It is concerned with the extensiveness and the aggregation of karmic particles associated with the soul. The three fold activities determine nature and space point bondages while the passions determine duration and potency of bondage. This diversity of bondage is due to the degree and intensity of passions. If the soul does not take the modes of activities and passions, then the karmic particles are destroyed. Hence the soul is not the cause of bondage. The four types of bondages as discussed above are intimately associated and affect the soul accordingly. So far we have seen that the soul gets involved in the cycle of life and is bound due to influx of karmas. This bondage is beginning-less but it has an end. The soul with its inherent capacity is pure and perfect and can achieve the ultimate sate of eliminating all types of bondages to it. This is possible by means of a process, which gradually stops new bondages and then eliminates the effects of exiting bondages (ksayopasama). From now onwards the self-realization starts. We therefore have to take steps in this direction namely Samvara or stoppage of influx and bondage (new) and Nirjara or dissociation of existing karmas with the soul. These steps follow that order i.e. Samvara first and Nirjara then. 5.0. Samvara - (Stoppage of influx of new karmas in soul) Samvara or stoppage of the influx of new karmas is the first significant step in the process of liberation of the soul from karma. Samvara is the opposite of Asrava, as it prevents the Page 46 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #60 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE attraction of karma particles towards the soul. Umasvami defines Samvara as obstruction of influx of karmas. 16 It is the harbinger of spiritual development that chooses the entry for new karmas. Continuing the earlier simile, if the entry of water in to a boat through a hole is to be stopped, the hole must be plugged. If the wind is blowing in through the window, the window must be closed. This is the common sense remedy. The some principle applies to stoppage of influx of new karmas. If the influx is to be stopped, the activities, which cause it, must be stopped. If the passions are the cause, they must be subdued. Many of karmas are due to wrong belief. When a person is in a state of delusion or in the grip of a passion, he will not know what is good for the soul. He becomes deeply involved in attachments of the world and affected with miseries of various kinds. 5.1. Dravya-sarvara and Bhava-sarvara Samvara is of two types- Dravya-samvara and Bhava-samvara. Dravya-samvara refers to the stoppage of the influx of the karmic particles. Psychic accompaniment of the influx of karmic particles has also to be stopped. The stoppage of the psychic accompaniments and psychic causes of the influx of karma is the bhava-samvara. 5.2. The means of stoppage According to Umasvami stoppage is affected by restraint (Gupti), carefulness (Samiti), virtue (Dharma) contemplation (Anupreksa), conquest by endurance (Parisahajaya), and conduct (Caritra).17 5.2.1 Gupti (attitude of restraint/control) That, by which the soul is protected from the causes of transmigration, is control (gupti). According to Umasvami - Restraining activity truly is control.18 There are three kinds of Gupti. 1. Manogupti (restraint on mental activity) 2. Vacanagupti (restraint on speech activity) 16 Asravanirodhah samvarah' Tattvartha-sutra, IX/1 " Sa gupti samitidharmanupreksaparisahajayacaritain Tattvartha-sutra, IX.2) 18 Samyagyoganigraho guptih, Ibid, IX/4) STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 47 of 385 Page #61 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 3. Kayagupti (restraint on body activity) 5.2.2. Samiti (carefulness) Carefulness in walking, speech, eating, lifting and lying down and depositing waste products constitute the five-fold regulation of activities. 19 5.2.3 Dharma (virtue) There are ten virtues described by Umasvami - Supreme forbearance (ksama), Modesty (Mardava), straight forwardness (Arjava), Truthfulness (Satya), purity (sauca), self-restraint (Samyama), austerity (Tapa), renunciation (Tyaga), Non-attachment (Akincanya), celibacy (Brahmcarya) constitute moral virtues or duties (Dharma). The practice of these moral virtues coupled with the thought of evil caused by the opposites of these leads to stoppage of karmic inflow.20 5.2.4. Anupreksa (Contemplation) Anupreksa or reflection or contemplation on transitoriness etc. helps one to practice moral virtues such as forbearance and consequently leads to effective stoppage of karmas. Reflection is mentioned in the middle for the sake of both. He who practices contemplation in this way is enabled to practice the moral virtues and also subdue of afflictions. There are twelve types of contemplation according to Umasvami. (TS/IX/7) 1 Anityanupreksa Contemplation of Transitory-ness 2 Asarananupreksa Contemplation of Helplessness 3 Samsaranupreksa Contemplation of Transmigration 4 Ekatvanupreksa Contemplation of Loneliness 5 Anyatvanupreksa Contemplation of Distinctness 6 Asucitvanupreksa Contemplation of Impurity 19 Tryabhasaisanadananiksepotsargah samitayah, Ibid, IX.5 20 lbid IX/6 Page 48 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #62 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 7 Asravanupreksa Contemplation of Influx 8 Samvaranupreksa Contemplation of Stoppage 9 Nirjaranupreksa Contemplation of dissociation 10 Lokanupreksa Contemplation of universe/cosmos 11 Bodhidurlabhanupreksa Contemplation of rarity of enlightenment. 12 Dharmanupreksa Contemplation of truth proclaimed by religion. 5.2.5. Parisahajaya (Conquest by endurance) Parisahajaya is conquering the afflictions. According to Umasvami the afflictions are to be endured so as not to swerve from the path of stoppage of karmas and for the sake of dissociation of Karmas.21 5.2.5.1. Types of afflictions There are following twenty-two afflictions to be endured:22 (TS/IX/9) 1 Ksuta hunger 2 Pipasa thirst 3 Sita cold 4 Usna Hot 5 Damsamasaka insect - bites 6 Nagnya Nakedness 7 Arati absence of pleasure 8 Stri women 9 Carya pain arising from roaming 10 Nisadya discomfort of postures 21 Margacyavananirjarartham Parisodhacyah/Tattvartha-sutra, IX.8 22 Ibid, IX.8 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 49 of 385 Page #63 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ STUDIES 11 Sayya uncomfortable couch 12 Krosa scolding 13 Vadha injury 14 Yacana begging 15 Alabha lack of gain 16 Roga illness 17 Trna- sparsa pain inflicted by blades of grass 18 Mala dirt 19 Satkara puraskara reverence and honour (good as well as bad reception) 20 Prajna conceit of learning 21 Ajnana despair / uneasiness arising from ignorance 22 Adarsana Lack of Faith 5.2.6. - Caritra (Conduct) Umasvami mentioned five kinds of conduct.23 1 Samayika equanimity 2 Chedopasthapna re-initiation 3 Pariharvisuddhi purity of non injury 4 Suknmsamparaya slight passion 5 Yathakhyata perfect conduct It is clear from what has been stated above that stoppage results when there is all round spiritual development. It is the activities and passion that lead to transmigration. Their cessation and conquest over passions stop the influx of Karmic matter, that is, results in Dravya-samvara. 23 Tattvartha-sutra, IX. 18 Page 50 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #64 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY 24 Tattvartha-sutra, IX.3 svAdhyAya parama tapa 6.0 Nirjara - (Dissociation of Karma) After samvara we came to the process of nirjara. The function of samvara is to arrest the influx of karma through different sources by stopping the inlets. But the function of nirjara is to remove the accumulated Karma already present in the soul. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 STUDIES According to Pujyapada - 'The karmas fall off after giving pain or pleasure, as these cannot stay on after complete fruition, just as food and similar things decay in course of time. Dissociation takes place after the fruition of Karmas. 6.1. Two kinds of dissociation of Karmas The separation of or dissociation of Karmas is of two kinds, namely ripening in the usual course (Vipaka or Akama) and being made to ripen prematurely i.e. (Avipakja) or (Sakama). In the great ocean of transmigration, the individual self wanders for countless periods of time, whirling round and round among the four states of existence in various births. And the auspicious and inauspicious Karmas associated with the self, reach the stage of fruition gradually and complete their ripe period and then dissociate themselves from the self completely. This is the first kind of dissociation. 6.2. Method dissociation Dissociation is effected by penance and also by other ways, according to UmasvamiPenance (austerity) is dissociation also- Tapasa nirjara ca. 24 Penance (Tapa) is very important for both samvara and nirjara. Though penance (religious austerity) in included under the moral virtues, it is mentioned separately in order to indicate that it effects both stoppage and dissociation and that it is the chief cause of stoppage of influx and dissociation. Page 51 of 385 Page #65 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY STUDIES 6.2.1. The twelve types of Penance (austerities) It is of two kinds: 1. External Austerities (Penance) There are six types of external austerities25_ 1 Anasana fasting 2 Avamodarya reducing the diet 3 Vrttiparisarkhyana special restrictions for begging food 4 Rasaparityaga giving up stimulating and delicious dishes 5 Viviktasayyasana lonely habitation 6 Kayaklesa mortification of the body These are called external, as these are dependent on external things and can be seen by others. 2. Internal Austerities (Penances) There are six types of internal austerities26 - 1 Prayascitta Expiation 2 Vinaya Reverence 3 Vaiyavritti Service 4 Svadhyaya Study of Agamas 5 Vyutsarga Renunciation 6 Dhyana Meditation These are called Internal because these are development on internal things and can be experienced by the practitioner only. The soul regains its purity after the Karmas have fallen of either due to enjoyment or destruction. Acarya Kundakunda has dealt with this subject in verses 144 to 146 of the Pancastikaya. According to him, a person who has practiced a number of austerities and observed rules for the purifications of his activities will be able to shed away many of his 25 Tattvartha-sutra, IX.19 26 Ibid, IX.20 Page 52 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #66 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF 27 Bandhahetvabhavanirjarabhyam Krtsnakarmavipramokso moksah, Tattvartha-sutra, X/2 28 Tadnantaramuradvam gacchtyalokantat, Tattvartha-sutra, XI.5 INTERNATION DD SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga Karmas. A person who understands the real nature of the self and the futility of attachment to objects of the world will have right knowledge and thereby acquire the ability to destroy the Karmas due to his purity of thought and action. He alone will be able to cast away his Karmas, who on an account of his right knowledge contemplate on the self with full concentration. The force which right belief, right - knowledge and non-attachment generates becomes the course of premature shedding of Karmas. Pursuit of self-absorption results in shedding karmas by thoughts (Bhava-nirjara) first followed by Karmic shedding (dravyanirjara). STUDY NOTES version 5.0 STUDIES 7.0 Moksa (salvation / liberation) The last verity of the seven verities is called Moksa. This is the ultimate goal of every religious practitioner like Sadhu, muni or monk. When the self is freed from the bondage of Karma and has passed beyond the possibility of rebirth it is said to have attained moksa. Moksa is the highest ideal to be attained by the self at the time of perfection.27 saal Owing to the absence of the cause of bondage and with the functioning of the dissociation of Karmas, the annihilation of all Karmas fully is Liberation. No new karmas flow in owing to the absence of causes such as perverted faith and as on. And the already acquired karmas fall of gradually in the presence of causes that lead to dissociation of Karmas. Owing to the absence of the cause of bondage and the functioning of dissociation indicate the case denoting liberation. Therefore Liberation is the total destruction of all Karmas at the same time, after leveling down the duration of all the remaining there Karmas, so as to be equal to that of the age determining Karma (Ayusyakarma). The final stage of self-realization is the stage absolute perfection in this stage of Sukladhyana. This stage lasts only for the period of time required to pronounce five shorts syllables. At the end of this period the soul attains perfect and disembodied liberation. This is a stage of perfection. However, the Jain conception of moksa does not obliterate the individuality of each soul. It is neither merged nor is identical with anything higher than itself. Its individuality is not lost. This is the permanent personality of the soul even in the state of perfection immediately after attaining release from all Karmas the soul darts up to the top/summit of the universe.28 Page 53 of 385 Page #67 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 8.0 Summary / Conclusion Annexe I shows the seven verities and the two states of bondage i.e. merit and demerit. If we see closely at the chart, we find that the seven verities relate to jiva and pudgala (primarily karma) as the constituents of cosmos and the remaining five verities are the states of their interaction and the resultant jiva. The next two states i.e. influx and bondage is the indicator of samsara or the world, as we know it or the transmigratory state of the jiva. The next two verities i.e. stoppage of influx and dissociation are the spiritual state of jiva where jiva tries to free itself of the karmic bondage and attain the state of pure soul called moksa, the last verity. Merit and demerit are the results of the interactions of the jiva and karma as auspicious (merit) and inauspicious (demerit). Annexe 1 Seven Tattvas/Verities/ Nine padarthas / entities Jiva Ajiva Stoppage Influx Asrava Bondage Bandha Dissociation Nirjara Liberation Moksa Samvara Merit Punya Demerit Papa Constituents of universe. jiva and pudgala active, others supportive World/universe. Causes delusion, inadvertence, laziness, passions and activities. Pravrtti lengagement. Moral ethics Spirituality, Disengagement/Detachment, Nivrtti, Major vows, guptis, samitis Page 54 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #68 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.2.2.3.1 Samyagdarsana: Right Belief Dr. Sushma Singhvi 1.0 Introduction Man's attempt to explain widely different human conditions has yielded religious and philosophical systems of incredible diversity. Within a given cultural environment however, it is usually possible to discover certain core beliefs "given" accepted by nearly all thinkers of that culture, which underlie the multitude of conflicting doctrinal developments. The history of Indian thought provides a clear example of this phenomenon; indeed, we can properly understand the doctrines of virtually all-Indian schools as efforts to encompass consistently, within a soteriological framework, the implications of two basic assumptions: i. Man has been forever bound in a state of suffering. ii. This bondage is fundamentally due to some kind of spiritual ignorance. This ignorance receives various names: avidya for the Buddhists, aviveka for the Samkhya, for the Jainas. In every case, however, it represents a misunderstanding or lack of awareness of one's "true nature", as well as of the factors, which cause that nature to be hidden from manifestation. Thus it follows that elimination of ignorance provides the key whereby the shackles of bondage, hence of suffering, can be removed. Certain difficulties come immediately to mind. If one has been in state of bondage since beginningless time, why will he suddenly turn away from delusion and set out upon a new course? What are the conditions that could bring about this momentous shift, conditions which have never been present before? These are among the most difficult questions that any stereological system must face, for each possible answer presents its own set of problems. If, for example, the factors required turning a soul away from delusion and towards salvation that has been eternally present in that soul in some potential, then we must seek the crucial external causes, which bring those potentialities into a manifest state. Can the soul, moreover, in any way influence the appearance of such "efficient causes", or does it remain totally at their mercy, languishing helplessly in bondage until some force beyond its control brings them into play? STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 55 of 385 Page #69 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 2.0 The Jain Solution Perhaps more than any other Indian religious tradition, Jainism is imbued with an emotional commitment to self-reliance. Thus Jains have found both theistic (grace) and fatalistic (sudden escape) doctrines repugnant, for these doctrines not only negate the efficacy of the Tirthamkaras path, but they totally deny soul's ability to influence its own future Jains grant the soul great powers of manipulation with regard to the karmas. For a Jain the knowledge, bliss, and energy can never be totally extinguished, whereas karmic influence is subject to complete elimination. Hence the soul possesses a sort of built-in advantage, an ever-present tendency to develop its qualities and temporarily reduce the influence of the karmas. When Jains say that a soul is free to work at its own salvation, it is this inherent tendency towards self-improvement that is referred to. Thus a soul will again and again progress to transitory states of relative purity and insight, only to be driven back by onrushing karmas, until a moment when the attainment of such a state coincides with the sort of external "activating" conditions mentioned above. We do not know precisely what happens at that moment; it would appear, however, that the bhavyatva (capability to become free) is moved to exert its catalytic influence upon the energy qualities, thereby redirecting it towards moksa. The mysterious event completely alters the future of the soul; its bonds of samsara begin to unravel, and ultimate salvation is assured. The first step therefore is to encompass the notion of; it is due to which the further development is possible. 2.1 Definitions of Samyagdarsana Samyagdarsana is rendered as right belief or right faith or right attitude or right conviction. From the real point of view, samyagdarsana means a sense of realization of self. From practical point of view samyagdarsana means a firm belief in the fundamental principles of Jainism, as propounded by Jinas. Vyavahara-samyagdarsana i.e. practical point of view may be said to be the means of niscaya-samyagdarsana i.e. real point of view. Nature of samyagdarsana as defined and expressed by different acaryas in their works is given as follows: The Uttaradhyayana defines samyaktva as belief in the nine categories. 1 In the Darsanapahuda, Kundakunda also defines samyagdarsana as a firm belief in the six Uttaradhyayana, 28.14 Page 56 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #70 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 19 substances and nine categories. In Moksapahuda, he expresses the same idea in different words by defining samyagdarsana as belief in the dharma devoid of violence, in faultless deity and the way of life, prescribed by the omniscients. In Niyamasara, samyagdarsana is explained as a belief in liberated souls, Jaina scriptures and Jaina principles.2 In Mulacara, the samyagdarsana is defined as belief in nine categories. Svamikartikeya added belief in non-absolutism as a condition for samyagdarsana. He held that the nature of nine categories cannot be rightly ascertained without the help of pramana and naya. Umasvati, who is followed by Amrtacandracarya and Nemicanda Siddhantacakravarti, defines samyagdarsana as belief in the seven predicaments of Jainism.3 Samantabhadra defines samyagdarsana as a belief in true deities, true scriptures and true teachers as against the three follies of belief in pseudo-belief and pseudo-teacher. Samantabhadra also speaks of the eight essentials of right faith and the necessity of freedom from eight types of pride for a right believer. Vasunandi in the Sravakacara says that, in addition to belief in the seven predicaments, samyagdarsana includes belief in liberated soul and Jain scriptures. 2.2 Characteristics of right belief. Criterion or Right Belief, according to Jainism is the manifestation of the following characteristics: Prasama or sama Calmness or tranquility Samvega Absence of hankering Anukampa Compassion Astikya Belief in the existence of soul forever, karman etc. Right belief is the starting point of the life of a sravaka (votary). The essence of a religion is determined by the nature of belief upheld in it. The moral code of a religion necessarily based on the nature of the belief propounded there. The mental and moral discipline 2 Rayanasara, Kundakunda, 4 3 Tattvaratha-sutra, Umasvati, 1.4 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 57 of 385 Page #71 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY INN STUDIES prescribed for a layman, sravaka, in Jainism is inspired by the 5 criterions of belief / faith noted above: 1. An excited person, who becomes the victim of his own ill-considered actions, and is overcome by such negative ideas as that of rage, hatred and jealousy, cannot focus his energies with a single-minded devotion to the purpose of liberation. The calmness comes from the realization of the true aim of life. 2. A true aspirant of liberation is not only detached from all worldly pleasures but is also afraid of them because these allurements can take him away from the right path. This is called samvega and comes from the realization of the fact that happiness comes from within and not from without, hence he remains absent of hankering. 3. A right believer is not a bigoted, hard-hearted and bitter man but has respect for all, willing to let others lead a happy life, and has tendency of proving helpful in the miseries of others. 4. He understands the equality of all. 5. He has friendship for all (maitri) but feels special bondage of kinship for those who are spiritually advanced (pramoda). Those who are away from truth, he tries to improve their lot (karma). But if they do not listen to him, he does not develop any hatred for them; he rather becomes indifferent to them (madhyasthya). Besides these five primary moral qualities, a right believer is asked to renounce eight types of pride, i.e. the position of relatives on the maternal side (jatimada), the position of relatives on the paternal side (kulamada), beauty (rupamada), strength (saktimada), austerities (tapomada) and honour (arcanamada). The awakening of belief/faith: the spiritual awakening of a person sometimes takes place after a prolonged association with saints and study of religious literature. It can also take place spontaneously without any effort. This awakening is called samyagdarsana i.e. right belief or right view of things. This right view is technically called samyagdarsana which we have rendered as right belief/faith. Belief in essence is a kind of knowledge based on the vision of truth. In Jainism, this belief is explained as the consequence of lessening the intensity of passions as anger, pride deceit, and greed. These passions have a deluding faith. They act as impediments to spiritual awakening. These impediments are due to Karman, which covers and mutilates the inherent qualities of the soul. Page 58 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #72 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 2.3 Samyaktva is often Kinds4: 1 Nisaggarui Spontaneous faith in Jiva, Ajiva, merit, demerit Influx (Asrava), (nisargaruci) stoppage (Samvara) etc. in the framework of substance, space, time and modes, as propounded by the Jina. 2 Uvaesarui (upadesaruci) Firm faith in the above mentioned tenets on the basis of the instructions of a follower (with imperfect knowledge) of the Jina or the Jina himself. 3 Anarui (ajnaruci) Faith in the command (of the enlightened one) as a result of the suppression of lust, hatred, delusion and ignorance. 4 Suttarui (sutraruci) Firm faith consequent upon the deep study of scriptural law in all its varieties. 5 Biyarui (bijarui) Faith that permeates arising from a single word through all others, even as a drop of oil poured in water spreads over the entire surface. 6 Faith arising from a deep understanding of the scriptural law. Abhigamarui (abhigamaruci) 7 Vitthararui (vistararuci) Faith arising from a detailed study of everything through various organs of knowledge and different standpoints. 8 Kiriyarui (Kriyaruci) Faith arising from a genuine active interest in the triple gems namely Dansana, Jnana, and Caritta, as well as penance, modesty, truth, careful conduct and restraining. 9 Samkhevarui (samkseparuci) Faith arising from a brief study of the scriptural lore, which is free from obstinate attachment to wrong views, even though not well versed in them. 10 Dhammarui (dharmaruci) Faith arising from a deep understanding of the ontological realities, the scriptural lore and the moral and mental discipline. "Uttaradhyayana 28.16 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 59 of 385 Page #73 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL AN STUDIES SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAyata Four fold Sammatta-saddhana (samyaktvasraddhana):- A true cultivation of faith consists in acquaintance with the highest truth and association with those who have realized the truth and avoidance of the company of the misdirected people. 2.4 Three Signs of Sammatta: 1 Sussusa 5 Strong desire to hear the scriptures. 2 Dhammarao Predilection for the practice of the discipline. 3 Gurudevanam jaha Samahiya, Veyavacce Compulsive reverence for the teacher and Niyama the deity. 2.5 The five transgressions (Aticaras) of Sammatta": 1 Samka (samka) 2 Kamkha (kamksa) 3 Vittigiccha (vicikitsa) 4 Parapasandapasamsa (parapakhandaprasamsa) 5 Parapasamdapasamthava (parapakhamdasamstava) 5 Sutrakrtanga 1.9 Dasavaikalika 9.1 Tattvaratha-sutra Umasvati VII.18 Page 60 of 385 Doubt about the variety of the tenets propounded by the Jina in part or as whole. Desire super mundane. This is the interpretation given by Umasvati and Siddhasenagani. Haribhadra in Avasyakatika has given a different meaning, which appears more plausible and cogent. As addiction to or appreciation of many fold doctrines, (karnkha annannamsana gaho) in part or in whole. mundane or Misdirected intelligence resulting in doubt about the outcome of a spiritual discipline. Appreciation of followers of heretical creeds. Association with heretical teachers. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #74 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The fourth transgression differs from the fifth in as much as the former means secretly thinking admiringly of wrong believers, whereas the latter means announcing the praise of wrong believers loudly. Banarasi Dass in his Natakasamayasara, (13-38) has given the following list of transgressions of right faith: * * Fear of public censure Attachment towards worldly pleasures Thinking of attainment of worldly pleasures in the next birth Praise of false scriptures Service of wrong believers. * 2.6 The eight limbs of Sammatta: The firmness of an aspirant's belief is indicated by the following eight qualities, which are essential characteristics of Samyagdarsana. All these characteristics together make the faith complete and effective. Nissamkiya (ninsamkita): absence of doubt the variety of the tenets propounded by the Jina in part or as whole. The right believer, because of this quality, is free from the seven fears of * This world Another world Death Pain Accident Absence of protector and * Absence of forts, etc This shows a state of complete fearlessness, which is obviously necessary for a moral life. Nikkamkhiya (ninkarnsita): absence of appreciation of manifold doctrine or having no desire for the worldly pleasures. It comes from the firm belief that worldly enjoyments are ephemeral, fraught with miseries, root of sins and evils. A right believer, therefore, has a Natakasamayasara, (13-38) * Uttaradhyayana, 28.31 Samayasara, Verse 228 Tattvaratha-Vritti VII.23 i STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 61 of 385 Page #75 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ detached view of life. According to Amrtacandracarya, he has non-absolutistic attitude and avoids one-sided view. 10 Nivvittigiccha (nirvicikitsa): absence of doubt in the result of spiritual discipline. A right believer should not have any repulsion from the impurity of the body of a person possessed of three jewels. 11 Amudhadithi (amudhadrsti): un-deluded vision. Right believer does not follow the wrong path even if it may sometimes lead to seemingly favorable results. He disassociates himself from that person who follows the wrong path. 12 This is not out of any hatred for them but because of the possible dangers of deviating from right path by their association 13 He should not recognize violence as right under ant fear or greed. He should avoid pseudoguru, pseudo-deva, pseudo-scripture, pseudo-conduct and common false conceptions. Uvavihana (upabrhana): confirmation of faith. The right believer should perpetually endeavor to increase his spiritual qualities. 14 Another name for these characteristics is Uvavuha (upaguhana), consisting in concealing one's own merit and demerits of others. Thiriarana (sthirikarana): steadfastness of faith. Any time any one may be tempted by passions to follow the wrong path. It is the duty of the aspirant to re-establish him and others also on the right path by reminding him of its glory. 15 Vacchala (vatsalya): Affection for faith. It includes respect for spiritual principles and for those who follow them. 16 One must be devoted to meritorious persons, show respect to them and speak nobly. 10 Purusarthasidhyupaya by Amratacandra, 24 11 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara 1.13 Yogasastra 2.17 12 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara 1.22,23,24 13 Mularadhana, 144 14 Purusarthasidhyupaya by Amratacandra, 28 15 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara 1.16 16 Brhadvitti, Leaf 67 Page 62 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #76 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 19 Pabhavana (prabhavana): glorification of faith:17 One should try to propagate the truth to others also by means of charity, austerity, devotion, profound learning, by such means as are suited to the time and place. It may be observed here that the first five characteristics pertain to the individual life of the aspirant whereas the last three pertain to the social aspect of religion. A question is raised on the numerical discrepancy between these eight limbs and five aticaras in respect of faith/belief. Expanding the connoting of the last two aticaras namely parapasamdapasamsa and parapasamdasamthava to cover the opposite of the last five limbs eliminates the discrepancy. Kundakunda in his Samayasara has also explained the above eight characteristics from a different point of view. 18 3.0 The process of Samyagdarsana There is always a tendency in the soul to run away from the circle of worldly existence. But this centrifugal tendency is thwarted by a centripetal force that keeps the soul tracing the circumference of the world process. The centripetal force consists in the passion of attraction (raga) and repulsion (dvesa) or rather root like perverted attitude (mithyatva) towards truth. The centrifugal tendency is the soul's inherent capacity for emancipation, that is, the part of characteristics potency of the soul, which still remains unhindered or unobscured. It is this centrifugal tendency that ultimately leads the soul to the right path, to the virtuous ones only, because different individuals have different degrees of power manifested in them. The soul, during the course of its eternal wanderings in various forms of existence, sometimes is possessed of an indistinct vision of its goal and feels an impulse from within to realize it. This impulse is the work of eternal centrifugal tendency. The impulse is a kind of manifestation of energy, technically known as yathapravrtta-Karana. It is not always affective and so does not always invariably lead to spiritual advancement. But sometimes it so strong and irresistible that it goads the soul to come to grip with the centripetal force and to weaken it to an appreciable extent in the struggle that ensues. Here the soul is face to face with what 17 Ibid, Leaf 567, Yogasastra, Hemacandra, 2.16 Vitti 18 Samayasara 227 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 63 of 385 Page #77 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ is known as granthi or the Gordian knot of intense attachment and repulsion. If the impulse is strong enough to cut the knot, the soul is successful in the struggle and ought to be emancipated sooner or later within a limited time. The struggle consists in the twofold process known as apurvakarana and anivettakarana. By the yatha-pravittakarana the soul is confronted with the concentrated force of the passions, and the other two karanas enable the soul to overpower and transcend the force. The force of the passions was there from all eternity. But it is only on some occasions that the soul is feelingly conscious of this force. Such consciousness means coming face to face with the knot (granthi). This consciousness is the work of the process called yathapravittakarana. During this process the soul undergoes progressive purification every instant and binds the karmic matter of appreciably less duration. Further more, there is increase in the intensity of the bondage of auspicious karmas accompanied with the decrease in the intensity of the bondage of inauspicious karmas. And as a result the soul gets an indistinct vision of goal of its tiresome journey. This may be thought as the implication of the conception of granthi-and the soul's coming face to face with it. Originally the soul lies in a state of spiritual slumber. Gradually it awakens and becomes selfconscious. Moral and spiritual consciousness dawn only when it is sufficiently conscious of and confronted with the force that has eternally been keeping it ensnared and entrapped. But this consciousness alone is not sufficient to enable the soul to overcome the force. A more powerful manifestation of energy is necessary for the purpose. And the soul that lack in this requisite energy fails to fulfill the mission and withdraw before the force. It is only the soul having the requisite energy by way of the two process of apurvakarana and anivittikarana at the end of which the soul develops such spiritual strength as is destined to gradually develop and lead it to the final emancipation. In the process of apurvakarana, which like the yathanivrttakarana lasts only for less than forty-eight minutes, antaramuhurta, the soul passes through such states as it never experienced before (apurva). The soul had considerably reduced the duration and intensity of the karmas in the process of yathanivittakarana, and reduced them still further in the apurvakarana. The karanas are spiritual impulses that push the soul to fulfill its mission and realize the goal. And this is possible only if the soul can reduce the duration and intensity and also the mass of the karmic matter associated with it. What the soul did automatically without any moral or spiritual efforts until now, it now does consciously with spiritual exertion. During the process of apurvakarana the soul undergoes such purification, as has colossal effect on the duration Page 64 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #78 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ and intensity of the bondage of new karmas as well as the accumulated ones. This is made possible by the following four sub processes, which begin simultaneously from the very first, instant of the main process: 1. Sthitighata: destruction of duration 2. Rasaghata: destruction of intensity 3. Gunasreni: the construction of a complex series of the groups of karmic atoms, arranged in geometrical progression with an incalculable common ratio, transplanted from the mass of karmic matter that would have come to rise after an antarmuhurta for the sake of their premature exhaustion by fruit and 4. Apurvasthitibandha: an unprecedented type of bondage of small duration, whose length much smaller than that the duration hitherto bound. The soul undergoes yet another sub process known as: 5. Gunasamkramana transference of karmic matter. This process transfers a portion of the karmic matter of the inauspicious type of karma to some other types of karma. The mass of karmic matter thus transferred increases every moment until the end of the apurvakarana process. There are thus five characteristics sub-processes in the process of apurvakarana. At the end of this process the knot (granthi) is cut, never to appear again. The first process of yathapravittakarana leads one face to face with the knot and the second process of anivittakarana leads the soul to the verge of the dawn of the first enlightenment that comes like a flash on account of the absolute subsidence of the karmic matter of the vision deluding mithyatva-mohaniya karma. The soul undergoes the same five sub-processes in the process of antarakarana, whereby the soul divides into two parts the karmic matter of the vision deluding Karma that was to come into rise after the anivettikarana. The first of the two parts the soul forces into rise during the last few instants of anivrttikarana while the rise of the second part is postponed for an antarmuhurta during which no karmic matter of the vision deluding karma is allowed to rise and produce its effect on the soul. Thus at the end of the process of anivettikarana the vision deluding karma has no effect on the soul for an antarmuhurta. This antarmuhurta is the period when the souls enjoys the first dawn of enlightenment or the spiritual vision i.e. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 65 of 385 Page #79 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ samyagdarsana or samyaktva the manifestation of Prasama, sasvega, nirveda, anukampa & astikya. 4.1 Compassion (Anukampa) The soul has what are called "attributes" or characteristics or qualities. The attributes are manifested or become apparent in various human behaviours; one such being that can be termed as anukampa that the compassion, (beyond the commonly experienced emotional love) and therefore not susceptible to the changes and uncertainties which occur with emotion. That is, emotional love can change to the emotions of hatred and bitterness. The notion of compassion (unconditional love) is neither based on psychological need nor on reciprocal benefit. One does not love unconditionally or one does not become compassionate for the "pay-off'. Compassion is some underlying force or energy, which when expressed results in unbiased manifestation of beneficial human characteristics such as sense of equality, caring, releasing misery. Compassion is the fundamental attribute of human nature, valued throughout the globe, and throughout the ages. Granted hatred, harm and destruction have occurred under the guise of love but this is not the same as compassion that is an aspect of a more developed human nature. Compassion attribute of soul motivates or determines the benevolent conduct of people in their relation to other living beings. There are cases of young children, who without prior influence refuse to eat meat because it is from animals that have been killed, or because they do not want animals to be hurt or to suffer. This nature instinct of compassion attribute influences people's conduct and result in their attempting not to harm living beings. It comes from within, 'inside' and not from outside, this natural need of anukampa motivates non harming behaviour towards nonhumans and which results among other in greater feelings of harmony, peace, happiness, and identity with them. Philosophies, one of them like Jaina philosophy can do a great service to many people by providing a rational base for what is a complex and often difficult to articulate, fundamental human experience, traditionally referred to as the 'soul'. Society at large is experiencing an increase in incidents of violence leading to harm and detrimental debilitating feelings of fear and insecurity. In light of the increasing need of Page 66 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #80 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF KI SELF STUDY IS THE STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama tapa IN STUDIES humans to give in harmonious co-existence with other life-forms on this planet and importance of compassion for such occurrence, it would be important and beneficial to investigate samyagdarsana phenomenon with its kinds and limbs, so that humans can further develop non harming aspect of their nature. Our own happiness and well being is linked to our treatment of all living beings. Samyagdarsana provides the insights into the reality of our non-harming nature represented by sama or prasama, the first characteristics of samyagdarsana. Regarding anukampa, the compassion, the logical questions arise: How can someone love another being and at the same time be willing to kill that being? How can someone possess the capacity to love and happiness and also the capacity to kill? The current animal rights movements has primarily been focusing on the treatment of certain nonhumans discussing upon the characteristics that animals have in common with humans. Based on this ethical philosophical standpoint each living being should receive the same moral treatment as that advocated for humans, that is equal concern, care and consideration. Thus the thrust has been on presenting a greater understanding of what is know as the 'other'. Service to other is service to self and others, service to individual and universe. Why does the sight or thought of other's suffering (animal suffering etc.) provoke a strong reaction to assist them in some people and little or no reaction in others? Why do some people attempt not to harm any living being while other people do not hesitate to exploit and kill non humans if they desire so? Why people change from harming to no harming? It is because of manifestation of inherent attribute 'anukampa. It is the self that enables the development of such benevolent behavior. Some may say this change is a subject matter of psychology and sociology. Yet the philosophy of self also involves these questions. If someone professes to love animal, one cannot kill and eat them or satisfy fashion desire like using promoting use of animals for testing cosmetics, encouraging use of silk, leather etc. Knowledge & practice of anukampa can resolve the contradiction of love and killing, overcoming the emotional love by anukampa, the compassion. Page 67 of 385 Page #81 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY dhyAya parama AN STUDIES The question is 'is anukampa possible?' The answer is yes; it is not only possible but it is found to be the expression of fundamental nature of human in their ideal state, perfect state. Emotions are subject to change often depending upon ever changing situations and circumstances. Anukampa is an attribute of self or soul, this knowledge and reason can overcome the emotional terrorism and hatred. Concern for other life forms is the underlying principle of anukampa. Anukampa is an expression of permanent pure soul, which implies consistency, and sustained impartiality overtime. This anukampa is natural not conditional, and represents pure soul, it cannot change in hatred or disliking. Lack of energy or fatigue may affect emotions, anger, hatred may manifest in place of love but anukampa is not subjective, it is universal and based on self-control, it cannot cause destruction, pain, and suffering. Hatred and happiness cannot live together. Happiness out of compassion is an attribute of soul; it does not include killing, harming and hatred. Page 68 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #82 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.2.2.4 Jain Concept of Omniscience Br. Hem Chand Jain Benediction Moksamargasya netaram, bhettaram karma bhubhrutam Jnataram visva tattvanam, vande tadguna labdhayell INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Faraga I bow to the leader and promulgator of the path of liberation, the destroyer of the large of karmic impurities and the knower of the reality completely so that I may also realize these qualities. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 1.0 Introduction According to Jaina metaphysics, our universe is an amalgam of six kinds of substances, namely soul (Jiva), matter (Pudgala), principle of motion (Dharma), principle of rest (Adharma), space (Akasa) and time (Kala). Except soul, all the other five substances are non-souls (Ajiva). Thus the whole universe consists of souls and non- souls. Souls are infinite in number, matter (Pudgalas) are infinite times more, principle of motion (Dharma), principle of rest (Adharma), space (Akasa) are each one in number and omnipresent while time (kala) is innumerable. The soul's distinguishing quality is consciousness, which manifests itself as knowledge and perception. Distinguishing qualities of matter are touch, taste, smell and colour. All that is visible/perceptible in universe is matter. Soul and mater are both active i.e. have the capability to act and move while the other substances are inactive and just support the actives of both souls and matter. Except matter, remaining all the five substances are non-concrete (Arupi). Space provides accommodation to all the other five substances. Here the term 'Dharma' (religion) should not be confused with principle of motion (Dharma). Defining Dharma, Samantabhadra in his famous work' Ratnakaranda-sravakacara observes that 'Religion is something that takes the mundane beings out of the worldly misery and establishes them in the highest bliss. I will preach that true religion'.1 All the living beings in the universe want pleasure and are afraid of the pain and pangs of transmigration. Jain Tirthankaras have shown the path to remove miseries and attain true happiness. Here, one should know that everything in this universe is independent and eternal. This universe is 1Desyami samicinam, dharmam karma nivarhanam. Sansara dhukhatah sattavan, yo dhartyuttame sukhe, Ratnakaranda-sravakacara by Smanatabhadra, 112/1 Page 69 of 385 Page #83 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ without a beginning and end. No one has created it, no one can destroy it; it is there on its own merit, it simply changes every movement because "permanence with change" is its inherent nature. Each soul, in mundane existence, is having bondage of karma. Due to this bondage, the soul is suffering from different miseries in the four states of existence. It is continuously trying to ward off misery but without finding the right means, misery does not end. The root cause of all miseries and bondage are, the wrong belief about the self and non-self, perverse knowledge and ill conduct. Complete release from karmic bondage is liberation and it is attainable through adopting the right means. Right Faith/ vision, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct, the three together are the path to liberation. That which leads to liberation is Dharma in true sense. The Lord of Dharma (religion) has said - Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct are True Religion and reverse to these wrong faiths, wrong knowledge and wrong conduct augment miseries of worldly life and are "adharma". In the absence of true knowledge of self and non-self the whole of mankind is groping for happiness in the darkness of uncertainly and doubt. If knowledge is false, the belief or faith will definitely be false and vice versa. A true aspirant for liberation has to understand the nature of these substances and realities as the knowledge of which is condition precedent to right belief (insight).3 Svami Kartikeya maintains that the intrinsic inherent nature of substance is 'Dharma.' Supreme forbearance, modesty etc, ten types of pure dispositions of the soul are 'Dharma! The triple jewels (right faith, right knowledge and right conduct) are 'Dharma' and protecting the life of all living beings is 'Dharma, i.e., "Non-violence is the highest religion". This is as propounded by omniscient Lord Mahavira 2600 years ago along with the doctrine of total detachment' 2.0 Characteristics of Omniscience As per Jainism the omniscient monks with super natural corporeal body are called Arihantas! The omniscient souls without corporeal body are called "Siddhas! Both classes of souls are termed as true spiritual leaders (sacce deva) the adjective "true" has been used 2 Samyag-darsana-jnana-caritrani moksamargah, Tattvartha-sutra'by Umasvami, Verse 1.1 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara by Smanatabhadra, 1411 * Dhammo vatthu sahavo, khamadi bhavo ya dasviho dhammo-rayanattayam ca dhammo, jivanam rakkhanam dhammo, Kartikeyanupreksa || 47611 Page 70 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #84 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The main adjectives or characteristics of Arihantas are: INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF to differentiate them from celestial beings that are also termed as gods but they are not omniscient. SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga 5 Pravacanasara by Kundakunda, verse - 39 IN STUDIES Vitaraga i.e., totally detached from the worldly things and affairs, free from delusion, illusion, attachment-aversion, all sorts of passions, birth and death and 18 types of blemishes, viz. hunger, thirst etc. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Omniscient, i.e., perfect knowledge by which the whole of the universe (all substances with their attributes and modifications) and non-universe are reflected/ known. Apta i.e., true counselor or guide. This adjective has some specialty of its own. One who is wholly detached and omniscient is a kevali. All kevalis are not wise counselors or guides and the siddhas have no use of words, so only Tirthamkaras whose divine sermons/ sounds (letter less speech or words) show the true path to liberation to auspicious beings (Bhavya Jivas), are called true Apta: Literally 'Apta' means "He who has attained/achieved worth attaining/achieving". 2.1 Scriptural proof with respect to Omniscience Defining omniscience, Umasvami in Tattvartha-sutra has written the aphorism 'Sarva-dravya paryayesu Kevalasya, i.e., the subject of omniscience is 'all the attributes and modifications of three tenses (past, present, and future)' and its owner knows them all simultaneously in one unit of time (samaya) without any instrumentality of senses and mind. In the annotation of this aphorism Pujyapada in Sarvarthasiddhi says that "the past, present and future modifications of all the substances are infinite and omniscience operates in all these. These are no substances or mass of modifications, which are beyond the all-pervading omniscience. The splendor of omniscience is without any limits". To the nature of omniscience, Kundakunda maintains that "If the unborn modifications of future and the dead ones of the past are not known to the omniscient (sarvajna) omniscient, then who will call this sentience as divine'.5 Amrtacandra says that "The sequence operated, infinite and wonderful modifications of the past, present and future and the deep and infinite mass of substances are so exquisite to the pure soul as if those substances have been engraved in, painted, entered deep, nailed inside, drowned wholly or merged completely and reflected in Page 71 of 385 Page #85 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ the glory of pure consciousness and its manifestation". Further he has written in verse 47 annotations. Samantabhadra in "Aptamimarsa", Amitagati in Yogasara, Akalanka in "Astasati" and Vidyananda in "Astasahasri" have established the principles of omniscience at large. As a matter of fact the existence of "omniscient being" is the main topic of Jaina logic and the whole logical thought is dedicated to the establishment of the concept of an omniscient. The people with preserve attitude think that the independence of substances is deprived by fixing futurity as definite, but they forget that if further is taken for granted as take uncertain, the astrology, astronomy will be proved imaginary, when solar-eclipse, lunar-eclipse etc. will take place this can not be foretold the Jaina philosophy is full of definite declarations of further events which will happen lacs of years afterwards. All those declarations are very emphatic in their assertions of futurity. In words, they are like this - "Things will happen like this only and not otherwise. If we deny the certainly of futurity in the omniscient being we will have to deny whole of the Jaina Scriptures?! But before things any such wrong step, I would like to request the eager seekers of truth to ponder over coolly, calmly as it is a great principal of sequence bound modifications of all the substances. They may have a natural cause-and-effect-relationship in between them, yet the omniscient knows simultaneously all the events of futurity as well as all the events of the past. Once a true aspirant of liberation attains omniscience, he never loses it again. It is the fullest form of manifestation knowledge attribute of soul. There are no different degrees of omniscience. It is not caused by any eternal means. It is the complete enfoldment of our consciousness by itself. In the state of omniscience the consciousness ceases to be influenced by time etc. eternal causes whereas in the first twelve stages of spiritual development, i.e., is the state of non-omniscient the consciousness gets influenced by time etc. The omniscience is regarded as "All comprehensive Channel" of knowledge because it is characterized by the absence of Karmic bonds. In case of non-omniscient beings there are many different degrees of knowledge (knowing-activity) varying from minimum two types to maximum four types of imperfect knowledge. Some scholars may argue to how great Kundakunda has written in Niyamasara that the omniscient god knows and sees all (the substances with their all modifications) from the "Tattva-Pradipika by Amrtacandra, Verse 200 Page 72 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #86 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF HAN STUDIES SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama tapa conventional (vyavahara) point of view and from the realistic (Niscaya) point of view he knows and sees his soul only? Here one should not get confused with the earlier statement but he should know that all the prepositions are based on the principal -prepositions depending on the self and congruous to the self are real, while those depending on non-self and not congruous to the self are conventional. This is made clear in the 'Sanskrit commentary' on the above verse. In short, whatever depends on others is conventional. As such omniscient knows, sees his own soul is real assertion while that he knows and sees other is conventional assertion. This is the sum and substance of the above statement. But, that "He knows and sees non-self entities from conventional aspect" does not mean that He does not know them actually. Further in the above context a question has been raised and answered well in ParamatmaPrakasa chapter 1 verse No. 52 commentary as under: Question: If the omniscient knows non-self substances from the conventional aspect only, then his omniscience should also be deemed to be so from conventional aspect, not real one? Answer: It has been called conventional, because just as omniscient knows the self-soul as part and parcel of his own being, He does not know non-self substances similar and identical to that of the self, but not that He lacks the knowledge of non-self substances. If He knew the non-self substances with the same oneness affinity as with his own self, he would have been happy - unhappy by knowing the pleasures and miseries of others and would have himself become attached or aversions which, in fact would have been a great fault. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 "One who knows the omniscient Lord in respect of his substance, attributes and modifications knows his own soul also and his delusion disappears." The remedy of conquering delusion has been shown in this verse; i.e., one who knows his own soul (true nature of soul), his delusion is eliminated. Thus, the understanding about the characteristics of Arihantas has been made compulsory for the annihilation of perverted belief. The substance and the attributes of our own soul and those of the Arihantas are exactly similar, difference lies only in the present modification over modification is completely developed and the same is our ideal and aim. This is the reason that along with the Page 73 of 385 Page #87 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Para parama STUDIES realization of the self, the recognition of true God Arihantas, true scripture (His divine discourses) and true monks is absolutely necessary for the achievement of right faith. Omniscience is the basic foundation of Jaina philosophy, so we need to know its nature and the process of achieving it. Without faith of true God, true scriptures and true monks is not possible because the difference of true faith of true God, true scripture and true monks is not possible because differentiate of the true God is omniscience and passionlessness (complete detachment). The origin of scriptures lies in the divine voice of the omniscient Arihantas. The true monks are followers of the path shown by the omniscient God. One who is going on wrong path cannot reach his destination. Likewise one who is having wrong concept about the self and non-self, yet thinks that he is on right path of liberation, he will never attain liberation. Samantabhadra in his 'Ratnakaranda-sravakacara (a sacred book on householder's religion) has written the following verses: The belief in the true God, scripture and preceptor (monk) by fulfilling the eight requirements of true belief and without three kinds of follies* and eight kinds of pride** is called Right Faith. The belief that the Jaina Tirthamkaras are the true Gods, the Jaina canons are the true scriptures and the Jaina saints the true preceptors is called 'Right Faith'. The three kinds of follies are: Folly of senseless deeds in the name of religion, viz. bathing in so called scared rivers & oceans; setting up heaps of sand & stones, immolating oneself by falling from a precipice or being burned up in fire etc. Folly of devotion, viz. worshipping with desire to obtain favour, of worldly false deities who themselves are full of passions, likes-dislikes etc. Folly of devotion of hypocrites consists in the worshipping of false ascetics who have attachment-aversion with worldly things. The eight types of pride boasting for: Learning Worship Family Page 74 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #88 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Tribe Power Affluence Religious Austerity and Person having strong or comely body 2.2 The eight Limbs of Right Faith The eight kinds of limbs of Right Faith are: * Unshakable faith in the nature of substances * Entertaining no desire for sensual enjoyment Loving the virtuous persons and monks for their excellent qualities without feeling disgust to see their soiled impure bodies. Non-recognition of the authority of false creeds and senseless acts at the name of religion. To remove the ridicule raised by ignorant and incompetent persons on the naturally pure path of Jainism. And also not to expose publicly the weaknesses of a layman or of a monk who is trying his best to be free from all faults and weaknesses. To help and re-establish therein them who, due to whatsoever reason, are wavering in right faith or conduct Entertaining love and proper respect for one's co religionists with pure heart and by crooked motives To establish the glory of the Jaina doctrines by removing in all suitable ways, the dense clouds of ignorance Now, coming back to our main topic of omniscient, we must know the true characteristics of an omniscient God. Samantabhadra in his 'Ratnakaranda-sravakacara' has described as per below: all sorts Naturally, in the nature of substances, the true God must be free from blemishes/faults and weaknesses which are found in all mundane beings. The knower of all things (omniscient) and the revealer/expounder of Dharma (true religion/path of liberation); else in no other way can Godhood/divinity be constituted. He alone who is free from hunger, thirst, senility, disease, birth, death, fear, pride, attachment, STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 75 of 385 Page #89 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY AN STUDIES aversions, infatuation, worry, conceit, hatred, uneasiness, sweat, sleep, and surprise (18 blemishes) is called a God. He who is the enjoyer of the highest status, who is of unsurpassed splendor, who is free from all kinds desires and impurities of sin, who is endowed with omniscience and devoid of beginning, middle & end and who is a friend savior of all kinds of living beings - such a Teacher is called 'Hitopadesi (who gives useful discourses showing the path of liberation). Just as a drum gives you out sound in consequence of the contact of the drummer's hand, but without any desire on its own part, so does the teacher reveal the truth without any personal motives of his own. That one is true scripture which is the word (revelation) of omniscient Tirthamkara, which cannot be over-ridden in disruption, nor falsified by perception, reason or testimony, which reveals the nature of things, which is helpful to men, animals and all other kinds of beings and which is potent enough to destroy all forms of falsehood. That preceptor (monk) is praiseworthy who has no desires for sensual pleasures, who has renounced all worldly occupations and possessions and who is always absorbed in study, meditation and self-contemplation. (Only such a capable soul-monk with right faith knowledge & conduct can attain omniscience and none else). Also Samantabhadra has described the characteristics of Right Knowledge as under: That which reveals the nature of things/substances/elements neither insufficiently, nor with aggression nor perversely but exactly as it is / as they are and with certainty, that the knower of scriptures call Right Knowledge. Based on this definition the adage -"Be wise, do not be over wise, do not be under wise and do not be otherwise", is prevalent in ethics. The Third Jewel of the right path to liberation is observing of Right Conduct and it has been described by Samantabhadra as under: To whom Right Knowledge has accrued by virtue of the acquisition of right faith on the destruction of Right Faith on the destruction of the darkness of faith - obstructing infatuation that excellent soul begins to practice the rules of Right Conduct to get rid of personal likesdislikes (attachment-aversion) that is to attain to the state of desirelessness. Page 76 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #90 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 19 From above discussion it is very clear that the attainment of perfection is the culmination of a gradual course of self-absorption, which needs to be followed step by step. The preceptors have therefore, divided the pathway into fourteen stages each of which represents a particular state of development, partial elimination of natural traits and qualities. These fourteen stages of spiritual purification are called "Gunasthanas" and are as under: 1. Mithyatva Perverse belief, wrong faith, gross ignorance 2. Sasadana A momentary psychic state of soul in the process of falling from the right faith prior to touching false faith. 3. Misra Mixed feeling, hovering between certainty and doubt. 4. Aviratasamyagdrsti Vow less true believer. This stage arises when faith deluding and the interest type of conduct deluding karmas are wholly or partially subdued or destroyed. 5. Desa-virata A true believer observing Anuvratas, small vows. This arises when the intense passion (conduct deluding) is also subdued or destroyed. This is a votary householder's stage. Pramatta A stage of possession less, occupation less and homeless naked monk observing complete conduct with slightly imperfect vows. This arises when the Pratyakhyanavarana Prakrti is also subdued partially. The mild passion 'Sarjvalana'is in operation. virata Apramattavirata A stage of perfect observance of vows of a true monk with real right conducts of self absorption but with slow rate. Apurvakarana A true monk with excessively increasing purity of thoughts with ascending ladder of perfect conduct and pure meditation. The 'Sarjvalana'mild passion being in subduing or vanishing state. Anivrttikarana A true monk in highly advanced state of pure thought activity than the preceding one. Suksmasamparaya A true monk in a very high spirituality advanced state than the preceding one with the slightest 'Samjvalana' greed passion which is also fully under control and remains to be eradicated in this stage. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 77 of 385 Page #91 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNA SCHOOL OF TIONAL 11. 13. NN STUDIES 12. Ksina-moha 14. Upasanta moha Sayogakevali Ayogyakevali Page 78 of 385 Subsidence of delusion. A true monk touches this stage then only when he ascends by 'upasamasreni (subsided ladder or flight of step) after 7" gunasthana This stage arises from the total subsidence of 'Mohaniyakarma', for a while and he falls back certainly due to rise of deluding karma. Destruction of delusion, i.e., completes eradication of the 'Mohaniya Karma'. A true monk reaches this stage if he ascends by 'Ksapaka Sreni eradicative ladder after 7 gunasthana and he certainly goes up and attains the omniscience in 13th gunasthana. Sa-with, yoga-three channels of activity, i.e., mind, speech & body and Kevali | Jina means omniscient. This is the stage of Jivana-mukti characterized by the total destruction of the four kinds of Ghati-karmas (destructive Karmas) and possessing omni- perception, omniscience, infinite bliss, infinite power etc. natural traits, but indicating the association with the physical body due to operation of "Aghatikarmas" (non-destructive Karmas). Those who evolve out the Tirthamkara-nama-karma become the Tirthamkaras who reveals the true 'Dharma' (religion). Surrounded by celestial beings (gods & goddesses) and human beings who offer him devotion, the omniscient Tirthamkara explains the truth in "Om" voice called divine speech and it is interpreted into popular speech for the benefit of masses by the highly advanced disciple monks called "Ganadharas". The truth thus known is called "Srut (revelation) and its perfect accuracy is guaranteed by the omniscience, which does not manifest until and unless the 'Mohaniya Karma' is totally annihilated. He (the omniscient) is totally free from partisan feeling because he has no trace of any attachment-aversion. He has conquered delusion so he is called "Jina". He is absolutely passionless; hence his revelation is cent percent true. Ayogya = without mind, speech & body and Kevali =omniscient. This is the last stage on the path to liberation and is followed by the soul's ascent to "Nirvana" on the exhaustion of the 'Aghati karmas. The soul who passes this stage is called "Siddha" A perfectly successful STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #92 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ accomplished soul free from Karmic matter & body & body possessed of omni-perception, omniscience, infinite bliss, and infinite power etc. natural traits in fully blossomed state. He is now no longer subject to any depressing influence of matter. He rises up immediately to the top most part of the universe to reside there for ever in the enjoyment of all those divine attributes which we may have never dreamt of. He the "Siddha" being the ideal of absolute perfection becomes the object of meditation and worship for we all the "Bhavyas" (souls capable to attain Nirvana) in the three worlds. The words fall short; rather have no power to describe his glory & attributes. Above discussion reveals that the arrangement of 'Gunasthanas' is not based on any artificial path but it is based upon the natural effects observable in the being who takes himself scientifically in hand to control his destiny. Jainism is nothing but the path of purification of soul and the science of attaining Godhood. Jainism is the illuminator of the path to liberation and also encourages the mundane beings to follow that path and assures that those who follow this path will definitely attain all blissful state of Godhood. Therefore, knowing and experiencing our souls is utmost necessary for the destruction of delusion and knowing the Arihantas (embodied omniscient God) in respect of their substance, attributes and modification is very essential to know our own souls. Kundakunda in his 'Pravacanasara'verse No. 82 declares: All the Arihantas attained 'Nirvana' by destroying the 'Karmas in the same pathway of attaining Godhood- our salutations to them. In annotation of this verse Amrtacandra says: "Let there be no more exposition and discussion. My understanding is settled well"." In the introduction of this verse he has written that "This is the only path of spiritual advancement as experienced and revealed by the omniscient Beings. Thus I have corrected/systematized my own understanding". STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 79 of 385 Page #93 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ From above discussion it is clear that omniscience or omniscient is the knower of events only, not the door of those events. The modifications or events are all without any sequence, not otherwise; i.e., a substance is sequence bound in respect of its modifications and without any sequence in respect of its attributes. This way the theory of relativity applies in a substance, which is a mass of attributes and modifications. Amrtacandra in Atmakhyati annotation on verse 2 of Samayasara'writes as: The soul or any substance, being possessed of multifaceted nature in such as has admitted sequence bound modifications and attributes without any sequence, both of which constitute its very existence. In short we can generalize as follows: * Each soul is independent and not under any other substance. Substantially all souls are equal none is higher or lower. Each soul possesses the seed power of infinite Knowledge and bliss. Happiness does not come from outside. Not only soul but all substances are possessed of the nature of "Permanency with a change", i.e., they on their own continue changing/modifying without quitting their inherent intrinsic nature qualities. Mundane beings are unhappy and miserable because of their perverse faith, false knowledge and false conduct. They can be happy by abandoning perversity and attaining Right Faith (insight) - Knowledge - Conduct. There is no imaginary so called creator God. Every soul may become a God by discriminating the self from non-self. The omniscient God is only the knower and seer of the universe and not the creatordestroyer-protector. Jaina philosophy is basically that of non-doing/non-doership as this principle is established with omniscience and the sequence bound modifications. Page 80 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #94 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Every soul (mundane being) is potentially omniscient, that is to say, the consciousness of every living being is endowed with the capacity to know all things, unlimited by time or space or distance. All things, whatever exists in this universe possess the basic quality of knowableness; hence they are known by perfect knowledge (omniscience) on annihilation of knowledge obscuring karma, perception obscuring karma & power obstructing karma and proceed by the annihilation of deluding karma. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 81 of 385 Page #95 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERN SCHOOL OF TIONAL pAdhyAya parama B.2.3.1 JAIN STUDIES Preamble Oxford English dictionary defines knowledge as: Knowledge-Jana Dr. Shugan C. Jain i. Expertise, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject; ii. What is known in a particular field or in total; facts and information; or (iii) be absolutely certain or sure about something. iii. Philosophical debates in general start with Plato's formulation of knowledge as 'justified true belief' However there is neither a single agreed definition of knowledge presently nor any prospect of one, and there remain numerous competing theories. Knowledge acquisition involves complex cognitive processes like perception, learning, communication, association and reasoning and used to develop better understanding a subject to use it for a specific purpose if appropriate. Religious meaning of knowledge is: Christianity: Knowledge is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Islam: The Knowing" (al-'Alim) is one of the distinct attributes of God. The Quran asserts that knowledge comes from God and encourages the acquisition of knowledge. Indian religions talk of two kinds of knowledge direct (paroksa) i.e. knowledge obtained from books, hearsay, etc. and indirect is the knowledge borne of direct experience, i.e. knowledge that one discovers for oneself. Knowledge is the most discussed subject in Jaina canonical literature which consider knowledge in its totality i.e. source, types, use and method to attain it. Its importance is established by the fact that attaining omniscience is an essential pre-requisite to achieve emancipation (Moksa). Dhavala by Virasena Svami, Pravacanasara by Kundakunda, Tattvartha-sutra by Umasvati and commentaries on it by Umasvati, Pujyapada, Akalanka and others plus a separate appendix prepared at Vallabhi-vacana called Nandisutra Page 82 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #96 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ containing just knowledge are the important sources for understanding the Jain theory of knowledge. Discussions of Knowledge (jnana) in Jainism Knowledge is an attribute of the soul. In fact knowledge is said to be the nature of the soul as it is found only associated with the soul. In empirical soul, it decreases or increases as per the thickness of karmic veil on it. Let us look at the example of moon to understand the Jaina concept of knowledge and soul concomitance: We see full bright moon on the full moon night called Purnima. After that night we start seeing moon gradually becoming less visible due to its being obscured by the relevant position of sun/earth and moon itself as well as other obstructions like clouds, trees, hills etc, till on the no moon night called Amavasy, we do not see the moon at all. This cycle does not mean that the light/ shining attribute of moon has gone but it simply gets obscured by impediments stated above. So as an example only; soul can be taken like moon and its attribute knowledge like brightness or light emitted by the moon. Pure soul is perfect knowledge. There is never a moment when even the empirical soul, be it in any destiny or state is without a trace of knowledge otherwise it will become by definition a non-soul. The states of imperfection and perfection, expressed by such terms as mati-jnana and kevala-jnana are in turn the modes of the attribute knowledge in partial or complete states. The empirical soul being defiled by knowledge obscuring karmas therefore needs certain media or external devices to acquire knowledge of others. Also there are limitations to its knowledge capabilities in terms of place, area, time or the substance type. Knowledge as a system in Jain philosophy: Object of knowledge Black box Result of knowledge / output Consciousness, its manifestation pramiti /result/just What we want to know? knowledge (Prameya or jneya) (Pramata /atma & pramana) STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 83 of 385 Page #97 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Jnana definition Some of the definitions and benefits of knowledge in Jain literature are given below: * * Jnana is an attribute of soul, which is capable of knowing both self and others.1 Nanan narassa saro, says that the sole purpose of human mode is to acquire knowledge, as jnana and soul are concomitant. Niryuktikara Bhadrabahu Il says 'nanassa saramayaro or the sole purpose of knowledge is to develop and practice right conduct to achieve the ultimate objective'. Sutrakitanga, the second canonical text starts with Bujjhejja meaning to know or try to know and then practice to destroy the bondage. Thus we see that Jnana is defined by different acaryas from time to time. Pujyapada3 defines it as, 'The means by which cognition takes place', 'one who knows' and 'the knowledge'. Dhavala 4 defines jnana as 'The specific entity which provides the true knowledge of the object', 'entity which enables to decide the true nature of a substance and 'means of cognizing substance, modes and attributes'. Nandi-curni on the other hand defines jnana as 'Just cognizing', 'means of cognizing' and 'the cognizer'. Other scriptures also define jnana similarly. So we can define jnana all inclusive as the: Process of knowing or cognition can thus be viewed as measurement system, the measure or standard also, knower (owner or the processor of knowledge)? Result of cognizing (knowledge): i.e. elimination of ignorance about the characteristics of the object. Jnana here implies acquiring the knowledge about what is good for adoption and what is bad to be given up for achieving the ultimate objective. Further jnana is a capacity (of soul) to know completely and directly as state (gross or subtle), distance, spatial and temporal constraints are not hindrances. Status of knowledge as right (samyak) or wrong (mithya) depends on the attitude of the owner of knowledge. An individual with right attitude (samyak-drsti) will have right knowledge and vice versa. Jainendra-sidhanta-kosa, Jlnendra Varni, V.Il p-255 2 Bodha-pahuda by Kundakunda 3 Sarvarthasiddhi- Commentary on Tattvartha-sutra, 1.7 * Satkhardagama (Dhavla) by Virasena 1.1.4/142/3 Page 84 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #98 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Consciousness Utilisation (upyoga): 5 Bhagvati Sutra 2/44-45 Caitanya or consciousness is the essence of Jiva. The two manifestations of consciousness are intuition/darsana and knowledge/jnana, the former is simple apprehension and the latter conceptual knowledge. The consciousness itself takes two forms namely attainment (labdhi) and utilization (upayoga). Attainment is the capacity to know whereas utilization involves its application for the purpose of knowing. The utilization of consciousness itself takes two terms namely intuition or darsana (which is indeterminate i.e. not definitive cognition) and knowledge (which is determinate, is definitive). Darsana is simple intuition of generalities of things while knowledge is with particulars or specific attributes of the thing. These two utilizations of consciousness occur either simultaneously or in continuous sequence of intuition followed by knowledge. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SCHOOL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya paramaM tapaH * Intuition (indeterminate) OF Knowledge (determinate) STUDIES Attainment (labdhi) Empirical soul cannot have pure knowledge or complete knowledge of a thing. Hence the object has to be viewed from many angles/view points to have near complete knowledge of the same. Lord Mahavira always replied from at least four angles namely substance, mode, time and space/place view points, e.g. when asked about loka, he said, "From substance view point it is one and with limits; from space/place view point, it occupies countless space but is limited and bound on all sides by aloka, from time perspective it is eternal i.e. was always there and will always be there, from mode view point it is infinite i.e. changing continuously and things existing in it are changing also. Later on from Bhagavati and other agamas, we find an object is always viewed from two view points at least i.e. from transcendental or absolute or substance view point which gives the substance or permanence perspective and from practical or mode view point which gives the changing state of the object at a particular point of time. These viewpoints were further classified into seven nayas (partial knowledge) being discussed in different agamas, which provide us the means to know an object from a specific viewpoint of the cognizer. The knowledge thus acquired through the doctrine of viewpoints, was expressed using syat (in some respect or a little bit 'kincita'). Page 85 of 385 Page #99 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Characteristics of Jnana Jiva is described as sentient (cetana) having sentiency (cetana) and its manifestation (upayoga) as the two essential characteristics. These characteristics set jiva aside from all other substances, which are all insentient. Thus soul / jiva and jnana are concomitant and the soul is the knowledge and the knower itself. Nature of pure soul has been defined as infinite intuition / vision / darsana, infinite knowledge, infinite bliss and infinite energy. Thus pure soul has the capacity to know all objects irrespective of temporal or spatial distances and as vividly as either present or in the near vicinity. Soul and jnana are of the same size and co-existent. If it were not so, then either the parts of soul will be without jnana or jnana itself will exist at a place other than soul. Jnana does not have spatial and temporal limitations, but is a capacity. Distance, spatial or temporal constraints are not hindrances for the soul to know. Knowledge, being co-existent with soul is as independent as existence and does not depend on any other knowledge. Further no physical contact, direct or indirect with objects is necessary for the emergence of knowledge. Senses etc are only the media of acquiring jnana. They can cognize only the concrete (rupi) objects and that too their present modes only. Thus empirical soul or pure soul defiled/bonded with matter karmas, whose jnana capability is masked with matter karmas (especially jnanavaraniya) acquires knowledge through external media like senses and mind. Pure soul does not need any media to cognize as it can cognize all substances (concrete and non-concrete) and their modes of past, present and future. Thus the knower and jnana is only the soul / Jiva. Knowledge types Jain literature is perhaps the only one of its type to have extensive discussions on jnana. In fact kevala-jnana (omniscience) is an essential requirement to achieve emancipation / nirvana. From absolute or transcendental viewpoint, jnana is of one type only i.e. omniscience which is a quality of pure self. However due to the masking of pure soul by karmic cover, it is classified into different categories, depending on the extent of the karmic cover it has, which are in fact the modes of pure knowledge. "Nandisutra , edited by Acharya Mahaprajna. Page 86 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #100 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Knowledge is of one type only. However, for the sake of explaining and its systematic investigation ranging from the most imperfect knowledge of one sensed jiva to the perfect knowledge of five sensed omniscient, right knowledge or samyak-jnana had been classified as of five types of knowledge in the canonical literature: * Mati or mind based or sensory perception: includes sense perception, memory (smrti), recognition (sanjna), hypothetical reasoning (cinta), and inference (anumana). Sruta or verbal testimony: knowledge generated by words Avadhi or clairvoyance or knowledge with limits: avadhi cognizes distant (temporally and spatially) physical objects Manahparyaya or telepathy or knowledge of mental modes i.e. which perceives directly the modes of other person's mind and hence the thoughts and their objects Kevala or omniscience The last three are supra empirical and are generated by special type of meditation and spiritual purification while the first two are empirical knowledge only and acquired through sense organs and mind. Further they maintained that the first three jnanas may be true (samyak) or wrong (mithya) depending on the state of knower as having samyak-darsana or not. Samyak-darsana was defined as the tendency or attitude that was conducive to spiritual progress. Thus knowledge being valid or not was dependent on spiritual progress and not on logic. This is the first phase of knowledge development in Jain canonical literature. Matijnana-Sensuous Perception or Mind Based Knowledge Sensuous perception is defined as the knowledge acquired through the aid of the five senses and mind. This originates with intuition followed by the four steps namely: Out linear-grasp; avagraha or awareness of some existence Discrimination; ina, a desire to know whether it is THIS or THAT Perceptual judgment; avaya is ascertainment of the right and exclusion of the wrong Retention of judgment; dharana There is a rule concerning complete cycle of the four steps indicated. Sometimes 1, 2 or even first three steps can occur and then forgotten. These four steps result with the aid of Pravacanasara by Kundakunda V. 15 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 87 of 385 Page #101 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ the sense organs. After retention of judgment; memory, comparison, logic or inference can occur serially and are the functions of mind. All these four steps after retention of judgment are also included in matijnana. Jain thinkers have defined touch or skin (sparsana), taste (rasana), smell (ghrana), form/ colour or eye (caksu) and hearing (sravana) as the five types of sense organs. Further they also consider mana / manas (mind) as no-indri (quasi sense) and the integrator of all the remaining five senses. Of these six senses, eyes and mind are not competent for contactawareness while the remaining four senses perceive the objects only on contact with them. Therefore contact awareness is possible through later four senses only while the objectawareness is possible through all the six senses. Matijnana is preceded by visual intuition I caksu and / or non-visual intuition / acaksu-darsana. Since all the senses and body are indicated as consisting of matter, matijnana is limited to knowing concrete objects only, i.e. objects which can be cognized by the senses as they have attributes which are the subjects of the five senses. Non-concrete objects, like soul/self, akasa, dharma, adharma and kala are not the subjects of matijnana. Hence we see that the sphere of its cognition even though is very limited, yet it is of prime importance as it is the knowledge, which affects our daily life. Stages of sensual perception discussed Let us take each stage of development of sensual perception at a time for brief discussion. Avagraha: - Out linear-grasp. Apperception Avagraha is the general knowledge of an object when it is brought in contact with sense organs. It consists of two stages namely vyanjanavagraha (contact-awareness) and arthavagraha (object-perception / awareness). Contact-awareness is the relation of the physical sense organ with the subject transformed into its sense data such as sound-atoms. Object-perception on the other hand is the last stage of contact-perception and is an instantaneous flash. Initial bare contact of the sense organs take place at the moment it reaches the senses. This is the stage of contact awareness. This contact awareness gradually proceeds towards the plane of consciousness and is called object awareness. Bhadrabahu II in Avasyaka-niryukti defines avagraha as cognition of sense data. Further it is instantaneous, i.e. it lasts only for one instant that is infinitesimal (samaya) and beyond human conception. However it relates to object-perception and not to contact-awareness, Page 88 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #102 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ which continues for countless number of instants gradually proceeding towards the plain of consciousness. Sequencing of Avagraha cognition is given in table below: Stage Details Activity name Avgrahana (Receiving) Updharana (Holding) Sravana (Hearing) Sense organs and object in contact continuously. Over a period the perception takes place and not at the first instance From first samaya to countless samaya, cognition of generic attributes get clearer. Receives cognition of the generic attributes of the object or its class. Grasp of the generic attributes of a specific object or its class. Avalambana (Grasping) Medha (gradual (awareness) Inquisitiveness of other attributes of the object arises during this stage. Following example will clarify the occurrence of avagraha in the cognition process. "A man is asleep and is to be awakened by a telephone call. . The sound of telephone ring, which Jaina thinkers regard as composed of matter paramanus (subtle-atoms) reach his ears and awaken him. This is the stage of awareness (darsana). However the sound subtleatoms reach his ears in succession, and countless instants elapse before the ears are sufficiently saturated with these subtle-atoms so that the person may be awakened to consciousness. As soon as the person is conscious, contact-awareness is over and then there occurs object-perception, which lasts only for one instant." The knowledge that occurs with the help of eyes and mind is of the expressed object only. The rest of the four senses i.e. ears, nose, tongue and body can perceive both expressed and non-expressed objects. Expressed and non-expressed objects are sub divided in twelve groups, from the viewpoint of their cognition; e.g. Multiple (bahu); Few (eka); Complex (bahuvidha); Simple (ekavidha); Quick comprehension (ksipra); Slow comprehension (Aksipra); Partially exposed (anihsruta): Unspoken (anukta) and Non-constant (adhruva) etc. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 89 of 385 Page #103 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Sense organs cognise only the general features of the object during avagraha. The object is free from association with names at this stage. For example in the above example, the man who is awakened is just conscious of some sound and not of the specific source or nature or its purpose etc. Actually he is at this stage not even aware of 'This is sound' which becomes firm only in the third stage of natijnana i.e. avaya. The object-perception being instantaneous cannot be considered to have developed such a form. Tha - discrimination Tha is the inquisitive pursuit for the knowledge of specific details of the perceived datum i.e. a desire to know whether it is THIS or THAT. Thus similarities and differences of the object with other objects become the subject of consciousness in this stage. It follows in the wake of avagraha whereby the object is cognized distinctly. For example in avagraha a person simply hears (partial cognition) a sound while in tha he cognizes the nature of the sound also. The process of Tha thus continues for a certain period of time though it never exceeds one muhurta (48 minutes). Some Jain scholars subscribe to this view and hence declare that contact-awareness is the beginning of awareness, object-perception is dawning of awareness and tha is the determinate tendency towards the ascertainment of the particular nature of the object. Though tha is a kind of discrimination, yet it is different from doubt. It strives to ascertain the true nature of the object by means of reason and logic to lead towards the acceptance of truth and avoidance of the untruth. Tha cognition starts immediately after avagraha and its stages are listed in Table below. Stage Details Activity name Abhoganta (leaning towards), Marganata (searching), 2 Intuition starts after contact of the object being cognised. Intuits anvaya and vyatireka attributes of the object. Intuits anvaya attributes after rejecting vyatireka attributes. Gavesanata (fathoming), Cinta (discursive thought) Repeated intuition of the object for its anvaya attributes. Enquires about nitya / anitya and similar opposing attributes. 5 Vimarsa (enquiry) Page 90 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #104 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 1 2 3 4 Avaya or Apaya - perceptual judgment After Tha arises avaya. Avaya excludes the non-existent characteristics of the object. Tha is enquiry about right and wrong; avaya is ascertainment of the right and exclusion of the wrong. It is thus perceptual judgment. For example, when on hearing the sound one determines that the sound must be of telephone and not of conch shell or a person because it is accompanied by certain rhythm being repeated. Avaya cognition starts immediately after Tha and its stages are indicated in the Table below. Stage Activity name 5 Avartana limited determination Pratyavartana, repeated determination Apaya (determination) Buddhi, vivid determination Vijnana (determinate cognition). INTERNATION SCHOOL OF CKI SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Details Nature of the object starts being cognised after Tha Repeated intuition of the object of the knowledge. Tha ends and the cognition of the object of knowledge get ready for retention. Stabilization of the clear cognition of the object. Clearer cognition of the object is achieved and ready for retention Dharana - retention of judgment Avaya is followed by dharana. Dharana means retention of the perceptual judgment for a number of instants, which can be countable or non-countable. Nandisutra gives dharana (holding), sthapana (placing), pratistha (fixing) and kostha (firmly grasping) as the synonyms of dharana. Akalanka defines it as condition of recollection, which is sariskara (trace). Vidyananda also says so and further clarifies that 'it is like Tha of the nature of knowledge called recollection'. Vadideva Suri says it is only concentrated persistence of avaya for a certain length of time. It is not by any means the condition of recollection in future, as it cannot last up to the time of recollection. Hemacandra says that dharana is the basis or cause of smrti. In our daily life, we can compare dharana to writing in certain books or memory, after ascertaining validity / truth, new information or updating old information for retrieval or use later. Dharana does not include retrieval of information from memory or written records. In psychology, activities of memory are described as encoding (sthapana), storage (kostha) and retrieval. Following characteristics of dharana emerge from the above discussions: Page 91 of 385 Page #105 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ * SCHOOL OF TIONAL * SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama It is the last stage of cognition by sense organs. No new cognition takes place during this stage but it is only the retention of the judgment. Sequence of dharana cognition. It starts immediately after avaya as given in Table below Stage Activity name Details Cognition of the object of knowledge continues to exist (avicyuti) 1 2 MY STUDIES 4 5 3 sthapana (placing), dharana dharana (holding), pratistha (fixing) kostha (firmly grasping) Page 92 of 385 Vicyuti of the object knowledge due to its non usage i.e. is capable of being recalled from memory for days. Object of knowledge is kept in storage (brain) for unlimited time. Intellect as enhanced mind based knowledge: It is of interest to note the two ways classification of abhinibodhika-jnana (mind based knowledge) in Nandisutra (verses 31-38); namely srutanisrita i.e. backed by scriptural learning or asrutanisrita i.e. not backed by scriptural learning. The four stages of sensual perception indicated above can be either srutanisrita or asrutanisrita. Asrutanisrita is further subdivided into four intellects (buddhis) by Nandisutra, namely: Object of knowledge with its clear identity is kept in storage (brain) for unlimited time. Permanent retention in the memory, like rice in storage chamber. Autpatika-buddhi or instantaneous comprehension i.e. it comprehends instantaneously the true nature of a thing never seen or heard before. It does not depend on sense organs or words. This implies original thinking as it does not include any thing read /heard or seen before. Digambara literature assigns knowledge acquired in previous births as a cause for this intellect. Akalanka says that owner of this intellect is said have wisdom (Prajna) and can give discourse to even the owner of knowledge of 14 purvas. (Example cock having a fight with itself (mirror given by the prince). Vainayika-buddhi or intellect born out of faithful service to an intelligent person or text i.e. it is capable of completing a difficult task and is fruitful in this life and thereafter. (examples of faithful service of the guru resulting in this intellect in the disciple (story of STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #106 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ two friends learning astrology one with complete dedication to guru becomes expert and the other acquires knowledge but no dedication to guru and hence has no effective intellect). Karmaja-buddhi or intellect developed by practical experience i.e. intellect which comprehends the truth due to attentive consciousness of both practical and theoretical sides of an action / object. It is born out of experience. Most people appreciate this intellect for worldly attainments /benefits; (ex goldsmith can differentiate between pure gold and alloy) Parinamiki-buddhi or mature intellect i.e. intellect which fulfils its purpose by means of inference, reasoning and analogy and results in well-being and ultimately salvation. These buddhis are purely mental only and not inspired by just learning. Dhavala talks of all these buddhis also but in the context of karma theory whereby all these intellects are due to the knowledge acquired in earlier life and giving special faculties (in the form of development of certain parts of the brain which processes knowledge which respond very fast due to prior learning in earlier lives and cognition occurring without the need of five sense organs) to the jiva in the present life. Such a person is called an intelligent person or a genius. Srutapanas - Verbal or Scriptural Knowledge / Verbal Testimony Originally it means knowledge embodied in the scriptures and falls in two categories namely Anga-pravista and Angabahya. Sruta literally means 'what is heard', so srutajnana is also called as knowledge developed due to hearing. Later on whatever is heard is also defined as sruta. Srutajnana thus got redefined as knowledge by testimony and not by acquaintance. This implies that expression of sensual perception in syllables / signs is srutajnana. The objects of this knowledge may be both concrete and non concrete (i.e. physical and non physical or murta and amurta) in the entire loka and of all times. Thus verbal testimony (srutajnana) can be defined as 'Knowledge or cognition of other related entities with the aid of mind using the knowledge cognized through the medium of sense organs'. It also follows from this discussions that srutajnana is matter as it is based on sensual perception which itself is matter as per Jain theory of knowledge. It is normally of two types namely verbal (through words heard or read) and inference (e.g. seeing smoke to know the existence of fire). & Nandisutra edited by Mahaprajna STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 93 of 385 Page #107 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL AN STUDIES * SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Sruta is classified in two categories namely material scripture (Dravyasruta) and psychic scripture (Bhavasruta). Sermons of omniscient composed as Dvadasariga by ganadharas is Dravyasruta while the knowledge acquired by their listener or reader is called Bhavasruta. As verbal testimony is preceded by sensual perception, it is identified as of two types namely verbal (through words heard or read) and inference. Since the subjects of the five sense organs are touch, taste, smell, sound and form; srutajnana can accordingly be classified as Aksara (ie. which can be represented by words /syllables, signs etc) and Anaksara (which cannot be so represented by words, syllables, forms etc, e.g. smell, taste, touch etc.). Aksara literally means indestructible. Even though all knowledge is aksara, still the conventional meaning of aksara is a syllable or alphabet. Sarja-aksara is the indicated meaning assigned to a syllable as per its form, size etc. as the same is always conveyed by that syllable. Vyanjana-aksara is the pronunciation or spoken form of syllables. Dhavala talks of 64 syllables (33-consonants, 27- vowels, 4-auyogavaha for a total of 64). Their different permutations and combinations give words (padas), which are countless. Anaksara, like inhaling, exhaling, thunder etc. is actual material scripture, are not written or spoken like syllable and is the cause of srutajnana. Living beings without mind i.e. with 1 to 4 senses and without mind have this type of srutajnana that originates without the use or effort of speech faculty. Types of srutajnana: Verbal testimony can be classified in many ways and accordingly is of many types e.g. Based on the state of owner or srutajnana (Dravyasruta & Bhavasruta) Based on the determining cause of srutajnana Form/representation Sruta is classified in two categories namely material scripture (Dravyasruta) and psychic scripture (Bhavasruta). Sermons of omniscient composed as Dvadasanga by ganadharas is Dravyasruta while the knowledge acquired by their listener or reader is called Bhavasruta. However from the perspective of the listener, it is with a beginning and end (reasons subsidence cum destruction mode is temporary. As verbal testimony is preceded by sensual perception, it can be classified as; verbal (through words heard or read) and inference (e.g. seeing smoke to know the existence of fire). Page 94 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #108 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Since the subjects of the five sense organs are touch, taste, smell, sound and form; srutajnana can accordingly be classified as Aksara (i.e. which can be represented by words /syllables, signs etc) and Anaksara (which cannot be so represented by alphabets, words, syllables, forms etc (e.g. smell, taste, touch etc.). Sanjnaksara is the indicated meaning assigned to a syllable as per its form, size etc. as the same is always conveyed by that syllable. Vyanjanaksara is the pronunciation or spoken form of syllables. Dhavalatalks of 64 syllables (33-consonants, 27- vowels, 4-auyogavaha for a total of 64). Their different permutations and combinations give words (padas), which are countless. Labdhyaksara is the subsidence cum destruction of srutajnanavarniya karmas and subsequent use of srutajnana. It is the facility by which mind and senses are able to cognize the syllables (aksara). Sanjna and Vyanjana are both dravya-sruta while labdhyaksara is bhava-sruta. Labdhyaksara is possessed by only those persons who are competent to learn alphabets / syllables and is possible through all the five senses. Anaksara, like inhaling, exhaling, thunder etc. is actual material scripture, are not written or spoken like syllable and is the cause of srutajnana. Living beings without mind i.e. with 1 to 4 senses and without mind have this type of srutajnana that originates without the use or effort of speech faculty. The sanjnijnana is considered in three ways; in as much as there are three varieties of Sanna (cognitional activities) namely: i. Discursive thinking that takes in accounts the past, present and future (kaliki); ii. Consciousness that discriminates between what is to be avoided and what is to be adopted for life but cannot think of past and future (hetupadesiki) iii. Consciousness due to the knowledge of right scriptures. (drstivadopadesiki) Sanjna in agamas mean the mental faculty of living beings (instincts) enabling their owner to decide the involvement in good and leaving the bad. Every living being has ten instincts like instincts for hunger, fear, sex, attraction, possessions etc. Nandisutra uses kaliki and no-indri interchangeably for mind. It is said to be the highest level of mental faculty and assigns six activities for it namely Tha (discrimination), apoha (exclusion), vimaria (enquiry), margana (searching), gavesana (fathoming) and cinta (discursive thought). Hetupdesiki is the lower level of Sanjna and is generally concerning present tense only. Living beings with it are generally using the faculty to accept right food and avoid wrong acts/ foods. Distivadopadesiki is based on attitude and / or vision. According to this, the person who has the right attitude (samyak-disti) is Sanjni and a person with wrong attitude is asanjni. This STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 95 of 385 Page #109 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ DIES state of mental development is due to subsidence cum destruction of mithyatva-mohaniya and srutajnanavaraniya karmas. Activation of mithyatva-mohaniya and subsidence cum destruction of srutajnanavaraniya karmas results in asanjni-sruta. Asajni are not able to indulge in right and avoid wrong activities. However it does not mean that they don't have the instincts at all but they have little traces of them only. Kundakunda in Pancastikaya gatha 41.2 says that it is of four kinds namely: i. labdhi or association i.e. capability to understand an object represented by a word. ii. bhavana or attention: To contemplate on an already known object repeatedly for deeper understanding. iii. upayoga or understanding: To derive knowledge from cognition e.g. this is red and that is blue etc. iv. naya or viewpoint: To understand the meaning conveyed by word with a specific angle/viewpoint. This classification of srutajnana is very important to understand the process of acquiring it. Labdhi corresponds to association of ideas (i.e. process of getting the meaning of one idea through its associated ideas); Bhavana is direction of one in idea with a view to get at the associated idea; upayoga is the process of understanding the meaning of idea consequent upon bhavana and naya is viewing the meaning from different relations. The first three are concerned with the psychic process of acquiring knowledge through the ideas contained in the books and the last is way of understanding things from different aspects. During philosophical era (Darsana-yuga) when logic was the main criterion of truth realisation and agamas as secondary, extension of srutajnana from the perspective of transferring knowledge to others also took place in the form of syadvada (conditional dialectic) and Naya (view point). This doctrine is based on the premise, "Object of knowledge is with infinite attributes and modes. Empirical self cannot know them all simultaneously by indirect means. Even if one knows them directly, like an omniscient, still he cannot express them through words simultaneously. Thus the expression of knowledge in words is always conditional and partial. When the cogniser has a specific objective or view point to know an object, then his knowledge is called as with reference to a specific viewpoint or naya". Thus srutajnana is of as many types (as the forms of speech or words and they are countless). Page 96 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #110 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ This is the basis of the doctrine of anekanta for self-cognition, syadvada for its expression for others and naya for partial cognition by listener or speaker. Similarly classification of pramana (as organs of valid knowledge) is possible based on certain specific consideration as they can also be of countless types/classes. Avadhi-jnana / Sima-jnana - Clairvoyance or Knowledge with Limitations Avadhi-jnana implies knowledge with some limitations (Avadhi) with respect to substance, space, time and modes. It is cognized directly by the self/soul (without the assistance of senses and mind). Only concrete objects are its subjects (objects of knowledge). The power or potency of Avadhi-jnana depends on the level of subsidence cum dissociation of avadhi-jnanavarnia karmas resulting in its having different levels of limitations of cognizing concrete objects with respect to spatial, temporal, substance and modes considerations. It can disappear also after its acquisition if it is of lower level or it can grow till the self attains omniscience. It is of immense use in worldly pursuits (like crystal ball gazing to tell future or advising others on worldly problems) but in attaining emancipation, it is of no use. Concerning the limitations of avadhi-jnana, these are as follows: As usual, there can be countless subdivisions or types of Avadhi-jnana. Nandi and Tattvartha-sutra talk of two types primarily, namely bhava-pratyaya (congenital or due to destiny in which born and associated throughout he lifespan in that destiny) and guna-pratyaya (due to merit or level of spiritual purification of karmas bonded with the soul). Bhava-pratyaya is due to the birth (due to the activation of nama and ayu-karmas of specific types) of living beings (e.g. denizens of hell and heaven). Guna-pratyaya, on the other hand is due to dissociation cum subsidence of avadhi-jnanavaraniya-karmas of the individual resulting from its spiritual purification effort (right faith and right conduct). S.No Name Explanation i Anugami Stays with the owner wherever he goes i.e. in different place! mode/birth. Example: sunlight. ii Ananugami Stays with the owner in his present birth / place / mode only. Example: Question raised by a fool. iii Vardhamana Increases in potency after its origination till the owner become omniscient. Example: Fire ignited in dry leaves heap. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 97 of 385 Page #111 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ iv Hiyamana Decreases in potency after its origination. Example: Light of the lamp without oil. V Pratipati Destroyed after its origination. Example: Lightening vi Apratipati Potent to know beyond cosmos. Stays till omniscience attained. Manahparyava-jnana - Telepathy or Cognition of Mental Modes Manahparyaya / Manahparyaya-jnana is the cognition of the objects thought of or contemplated by others. As thoughts are the functions of mind, it uses the mind of others to know the objects being thought; so the knowledge derived is called the manahparyayajnana.Objects thought earlier, or are being thought, or shall be thought in future can be the subject of manahparyaya-jnana. Since its subject is the modes of minds, its area of knowledge is limited to manusyaloka (abode of human beings) only. When a person is engaged in mental activity i.e. thinking / contemplation or analysis; then the self attracts a specific type of matter particles called manovarganas. These manovarganas are said to result in an eight-winged lotus shaped lump called mana situated near the heart (anywhere in the body as per Svetambara philosophers). These manovarganas take the shape / form of the object being thought and thought process (mode of dravya-mana or physical mind) of the person at that time. As per Jain philosophy, ascetics with high and special spiritual achievements, i.e. those born in karmabhumi or the place where firthamkaras are born, possess longevity, right faith and self control and have fully developed sense organs (paryapta), free from passions (apramatta) and possess extra ordinary powers (rddhis) develop this ability to know the thoughts (present, past and future) of the minds (their own as well as of the other person) by contemplating on respective manovarganas directly. The following example will clarify this point. A person goes to two ascetics (one of them is an avadhijnani and the other is (manahparyayajnani) staying together. The person's objective, being a non-believer in Jain philosophy, is to belittle their cognizing capabilities. He therefore catches a small bird and holds it in his palm. He thinks that he will hold the bird in his fist and ask the ascetics what he Pravacanasara by Kundakunda V 22-24 , Tattvartha-sutra 1/9-10 Page 98 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #112 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya holds in his fist, i.e. is the bird live or dead. He can let the bird fly or kill to negate the answer provided by the ascetics. His objective is to tell the ascetics that they both are wrong and their knowledge is limited. So he asks them as to what does he have in his fist? Replies by the two ascetics are as follows: IN STUDIES Avadhijnani: He knows that the man has a living bird and was about to say so but was stopped by Manahparyayajnan from saying so. 10 Sarvarthasiddhi by Pujyapada V.16,17 Manahparyayan. He says to the man, "Why do you want to have ill feelings towards us and spoil your thinking and future? If I say you have a living bird, you will kill it to prove me wrong. If I say that you have a dead bird, you will let it fly. Hence there is no use of your ill thinking and you should use your energies to improve your present and future lives." STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Kevala-jana - Omniscience The total destruction of mohaniya (deluding) karma is followed by short interval lasting for less than a muhurata (forty eight minutes) after which the karmas obscuring jnana and darsana as also antaraya (obstructing) karmas are destroyed completely (and the person is called Arharta then) and then the soul shines in its full splendor and attains omniscience which intuits all substances with all their modes (gross and subtle, concrete as well as non concrete). Kevala-jnana emerges after the total destruction of the four obscuring karmas. It is the nature of pure self. Hence Jain theory of knowledge is based on the concept of Arharta, a living human being becoming omniscient, as this jnana is ksayika i.e. results only after destruction of all obscuring karmas. It has the following salient features: The other four types or stages of jnana namely mati, sruta etc. also disappear and only kevala-jnana exists. This is also supported by the fact this jnana is called kevala (meaning only) jnana. This is pure knowledge or the state of pure soul (i.e. without any flaws or bondages or impurities) as pure knowledge and pure soul are concomitant and coexistent. This jnana is not a mode of jnana but is the nature of pure soul. Kundakunda states 10 The knower has knowledge of his nature and all the objects are within the range of his knowledge; just as the objects of sight are within the ken of the eye, though there is no mutual inherence'. Page 99 of 385 Page #113 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL JAN STUDIES SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY dhyAya parama It knows all objects, concrete or non-concrete or sentient / insentient or self and others directly.11 The owner of this jnana cognizes all objects including itself directly i.e. without the need of assistance of any external sources like sense organs, minds or light etc. 12 Kevalajnana itself is not an attribute but is a jnana itself. Hence it does not need two streams to know the self and others separately.13 Even though it knows all substances and their modes, yet it neither enters them nor becomes like them. It just knows them and that is it. It does not develop attachment or aversion to the object of knowledge. Like a mirror, all objects are seen in this without touching or affecting the mirror. However unlike mirror, which sees only a part of the object (front part facing it), this jnana sees and knows everything (front, rear, top, bottom and internal plus future /past) of the object. Different Entities / Limbs of Knowledge (Object of Knowledge, Knowledge, Source) Object of knowledge - Jneya, Prameya Jain philosophy talks of existent as reality / being / sat as the object of knowledge or simply as object. Existent is the indicator of substance (dravya), which is with origination, destruction and permanence simultaneously. Substance is a collection of qualities and modes. Thus substance is like persistence with change i.e. it is eternal but transforming continuously into different modes. It has infinite attributes and is existent. Thus the object of knowledge assumes serious complexity due to its ever-changing nature. Substance is classified in two categories primarily namely sentient (Jiva) and insentient (Ajiva). Jiva is further classified as empirical (sansari) and pure (mukta or siddha). Ajiva is further classified in five categories namely matter (Pudgala), principle of motion (dharma), principle of rest (adharma), space (akasa) and time (kala). Jiva and pudgala are active while the remaining are inactive and just support the activities of these active substances. Pudgala is concrete i.e. cognizable by senses and the rest are non-concrete and hence are not subjects of senses. 11 Sarvarthasiddhi by Pujyapada, Para 265 12 Jainendra-siddhanta-kosa by Jainendra Varni 11/430 13 Jainendra-siddhanta-kosa by Jainendra Varni II/408 Page 100 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY STUDY NOTES version 5.0 svAdhyAya parama tapa AN STUDIES Source of knowledge and its owner - Jnata Soul/self or Jiva is differentiated from other substances by its distinguishing characteristic of jnana. Hence jnana is found nowhere else except in jiva. Both soul and jnana are concomitant and co-existent and the soul is the knower (Jnata). Jnana and soul are both of the same size else parts of soul will be without jnana or jnana will exist somewhere (other than soul) svdehaparimana, Dravyasamgraha Gatha-10 Means of Indirect Cognition by Empirical Self Empirical soul needs other media to cognize the objects as it is masked by jnana and darsana obscuring karmas. Accordingly it has sense organs (indriyas). Mind is also described as quasi-sense in Jain scriptures. There are five senses namely skin (touch sense), tongue (taste sense), nose (smell sense), eyes (colors and forms sense) and ears (hearing sense). Eyes and mind can perceive their objects without touching or contacting them while the remaining sense organs need contact with their subjects to cognize. Each sense organ has limitations of the distance and time for their respective subject as detailed in Dhavala. Further the jiva is classified according to the number of sense organs it has (starting with touch and moving on to taste, smell, see and hear). Jiva with up to four senses cannot have mind and the five-sensed jiva can be with or without mind. Sense organs are classified as physical (Dravya) and psychical (Bhava) and shown below in Fig1. Physical sense organs are further classified as form (Nivrtt) and upakarana (capability to use physical organs to perceive matter). Nivrtti is further classified as external (form of each sense organ as we see it) and internal which is the internal part of sense organ associated with the external part. Upakaranal enabler are essential as they assist and protect (upakara) both internal and external sense organs (e.g. eye brow and black eyeball are the upakarana of eye). Psychical sense organs on the other hand are the manifestation of soul resulting in the inclination and capability of each sense organ to know their respective subjects. Psychical sense organs are further classified as capability and its utilization, which are due to the dissociation cum subsidence of mati-jnanavarniya-karmas. Matter sense organs are effective only when associated with psychical sense organs (as they have the cause-effect relationship). Each sense organ can cognize only its own attribute, e.g. skin can cognize touch, eyes can cognize form and colour and so on. Page 101 of 385 Page #115 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama tapha AN STUDIES Nivrati Form/shape external Dravya physical Upkaraya enabler internal Page 102 of 385 Indri Sense organs 14 Pramana-mimansa by Hemacandra, sutra 24 Bhava psychical Labdhi Capability Fig.1 Jivas are also classified according to the number of sense organs they have like one sense organ (sthavara or non mobile) and trasa (mobile bodies and with 2 to 5 sense organs and with or without mind). Further ear and eye are called kami as they cognize with the association of the word and form of the object while the remaining three sense organs are called bhogi or enjoyer as they contact and feel the object for cognition. Further eye is said to be aprapyakari as it does not get in contact with the object while the remaining four are said as prapyakari as they get in touch directly or indirectly with the object. Detailed cognition and spatial capabilities of different sense organs are given in Dhavala. Mind is the quasi sense organ as per Jain scriptures. It is also known as sanjna, no-indriya (nonsense organ) or anindriya (internal-sense organ). It is different from consciousness as it is primarily an integrator of all sensual perceptions (the word sarvarathagrahanam-manah" specifies the instrumental character of mind and different from soul which is an agent). It is also of two types namely matter and psychical or conceptual. Physical mind or dravya- mana is identified as a lotus like matter structure with eight petals near heart. Svetambaras consider mind to be existent everywhere in the body along with the soul (?). Hemacandra in Pramana-mimarisa defines it as a combination of manovarganas busy in contemplation / memory or imagination and changes its size and form every moment. Psychical mind or bhava-mana on the other hand is divided in two parts namely capability and its utilization (like in psychical sense organs) and is born out of the conscious substance (cetana-dravyajanya). Discrimination (Tha), Judgment (avaya). Retention (dharana), Memory (smrti), Comparison (pratyabhijnana), Discussion / argument / logic (tarka), Inference (anumana) and scriptures (agama) are all different aspects of mental contemplation. Comparative analysis of functions and capabilities of sense organs and mind are given in Table 1.2 Upyoga utilization STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #116 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Table 1.2 Feature Sense Organ Mind Functions Perception (by contact or from distance of the object) Contemplation, memory, imagination. Sensual perceptions analysed Object of cognition Concrete, in the vicinity Concrete / non-concrete objects Time Object of present time only Objects of present, past and future. Cognition process One at a time by each sense organ. Many objects at the same time Initiation of cognition Contact (except eye) essential Contact not required. Process of Knowing Soul (Atma or Jiva) is an inseparable lump of innumerable space points. It is of the same size as the physical / matter body it owns. Jiva's unique characteristic of sentiency and its manifestation (darsana and jnana) distinguishes it from other substances. Pure soul is pure knowledge. Empirical soul, defiled with karmas has a mask of matter karmas, which obscure its jnana characteristic partially. The nature and extent of the knowing capacity of the soul is obstructed by jnanavarniya-karmas (one of the eight types of karmas classified according to their nature), which mask the soul, and permits it only an imperfect comprehension of the world. Further it is said that the thicker the cover of karmas, the more obscured is the jnana quality of soul. As the senses are matter themselves, so the empirical soul can cognize only concrete entities requiring the assistance of sense organs. But when the soul is totally free of karmic mask (especially of jnanavarniya-karmas), its cognition becomes limitless and is extended to all types of entities (concrete or non-concrete of present, past and future). Thus cognition power of soul increases as the karmic veil masking it decreases. Pure soul cognizes all entities directly and does not use any media for cognition. It cognizes directly and simultaneously all objects of knowledge. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 103 of 385 Page #117 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Darsana - Intuition Darsana implies intuition of generalities (samanya) of things without particulars (visesa). There is no grasping of details in darsana. It just gives a feeling of say existence of the object or of being. Before we know an object in details, there is a stage where we simply see, hear, or otherwise become conscious of a thing in a general way without knowing the ins and outs of it. We simply know it as being or it belonging to a class. It is thus detail-less knowledge in Jain agamas it is also called Nirakara or formless upayoga or indeterminate cognition) or intuition. It is not necessary that this state of intuition be only through the senses. Accordingly it is identified as of four types: * Caksu (visual intuition) Acaksu (intuition of the object through senses other than the visual sense) Avadhi (peculiar kind of clairvoyant capacity), which is able to intuit things and events at distant places and times, past or future, without the use of sense organs and hence directly by the soul i.e. objects and events not evident to sense perceptions are obvious to it. It perceives only concrete things. Kevala (intuition par excellence) and associated with pure consciousness. It refers to the all-perceiving faculty of an omniscient. Thus the last two types of darsana are not sensual perception but a sort of indistinct awareness, which precedes the more complete or complete awareness in case of Avadhi and Kevala respectively. Concerning the first type of manifestation of consciousness i.e. darsana-upayoga, Jains talk of realization of the self - occurring in darsana and hence they use the word darsana instead of belief in samyak-darsana. On this basis, sometimes they say that darsana is svaprakasaka i.e. self-revealing or activating to distinguish it from jnanaupayoga (Table 1.1). Virasena in his commentary Dhavala states that intuition is the introspection of the self as every entity is with both specifics and generalities. This is partially true as both darsana and jnana are cohesive and occur together either serially or simultaneously, e.g. when one becomes introvert i.e. looks and gets immersed in his soul, then the object of knowledge also becomes the object of darsana and the cogniser starts cognizing the object. jnana - Cognition or Knowledge Darsana, which occurs on the first contact of the object with the knower, is followed by the cognition process (Avagraha) for cognition of specifics or details about the object. Empirical Page 104 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #118 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ gAya parama soul uses pramana and nayas to cognize an entity. As every substance has infinite qualities and modes and there are infinite substances, so the empirical soul cognizes them using pramana (for complete knowledge of the substance) and naya (for partial knowledge of the substance from a specific view point or objective). Empirical souls can cognize only concrete objects (mati and sruta with the assistance of senses and mind; avadhi and manahparyaya directly though) while pure self has just kevala-jnana. Further mati and sruta-jnana are the only types of acquired jnana (the other three types of jnana are direct by soul). Some acaryas say sruta-jnana can cognise non-concrete objects also, though indirectly with the aid of sermons of kevalis / omniscient. We shall now try to see how the empirical soul and pure soul use their sentiency faculty and its manifestation to know the objects of knowledge. Cognition by Empirical Soul The empirical soul, by its very nature, needs the assistance of external agencies, either as a medium or as an aid to acquire knowledge of the object of knowledge. The physical or celestial body, accompanying the empirical soul is used as a means or a medium to acquire and transfer knowledge. The human beings are said to have the five sense organs and the body comprising the nervous system including the brain (for processing), mind and a host of nerve centers. The karmana-sarira (like a database of programs and data in computers) accompanying the empirical soul is a storehouse of the traces (karmas) and activated by the taijasa-sarira (which connects the karmana-sarira with soul and the nervous system for information exchange purposes). The empirical soul is affected by the activities (called yoga in Jain literature) of the sense organs as well as the activation of the karmas and called as psychic or bhava-mana, which cause the lumping of mind particles (manovarganas) in the form of a lotus shaped entity called mind. This physical or material mind, in turn, interacts with the nervous system including the brain to transmit appropriate signals to sense organs and psychic mind back and forth. Brain is the first connection of physical mind. It processes all signals from physical mind and transmits the results for processing by other sense organs and vice versa. The brain has the capability to store information processing modules in its various limbs so that it process data received from sense organs and physical mind quickly and without recourse to physical mind all the time. The empirical soul acquires knowledge through indirect means i.e. mati and sruta-jnana. Table 1.3 gives the steps involved in acquiring these types of knowledge in a sequential manner. Thus we see that avagraha; the first stage of mati cannot start without intuition (i.e. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 105 of 385 Page #119 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ feeling of existence of the object by the cognizer) and the object getting in the zone of cognition of the cognizer, i.e. getting in contact with each other direct or virtual. Similarly Tha without avagraha; avaya without iha; dharana without avaya; Smrti without dharana and stages at serial number 7,8,9 and 10 are all serial and require preceding stage to occur to enable the succeeding stage take place. Smrti is however used in iha and avaya also. We have also seen that the empirical soul can acquire on its own, without the use of sense organs, the knowledge of concrete objects through two types of jnana namely avadhi and manahparyaya directly. These are said to be partial / ek-desa as they know the concrete objects only but directly without the assistance of sense organs. Soul, due to the subsidence cum destruction of avadhi and manahparyaya-jnanavarniya-karmas, attains a capability to know all concrete objects directly. However to some extent, these two types also are dependent on the physical body of the cogniser (Avadhi) and the mind of the other person for manah-manahparyayajnana. Avadhi knows the objects through some or all-specific space points of the soul associated with the body and spread throughout the entire body (bhava-pratyaya particularly). These space points are of the shape of conch shell, svastika, kalasa etc. for auspicious knowledge while for the inauspicious cognition these are of the shape like chameleon etc. Further these space points keep changing or getting added / deleted as a result of the purity level of the soul (i.e. subsidence cum dissociation of avadhi-jnanavarniya-karmas). Empirical souls in hellish and heavenly destinies have avadhi-jnana by birth and limited in nature. With matijnana, the cogniser knows the physical mind of the others and then manahparyaya cognises the objects being thought (or were /will be) by the mind of others as the thoughts are said to be the modes of the mind itself. Manahparyaya knows the objects with the assistance of mind and hence matijnana is its darsana. Being the empirical soul, it knows the mind and its modes; this jnana knows only the concrete objects thought of by the mind of others and not the non-concrete attributes associated with them. As the owner of this jnana is with a high order of soul-purity, his soul is able to directly cognise these objects and is of right type only. Page 106 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #120 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Avadhi, manahparyaya and kevala being direct cognition by the soul do not need any media or assistance. These types of jnana depend on the status of karmas masking the pure soul only. Avadhi and manahparyaya have limitations, as they are cognized by the empirical soul due to dissociation cum subsidence of respective jnanavarniya-karmas. To acquire knowledge of worldly and physical objects, Akalanka divided Matijnana into two types, namely samvyavaharika-pratyaksa (direct by tradition) and/ or paroksa (indirect) comprising memory, comparison, logic, inference. Further he kept srutajnana as scriptural knowledge for spiritual discussions as the last type of paroksa-jnana. In this process of acquiring knowledge, sruta is generally representing the knowledge acquired from others. In a way, it can be seen that sruta is further refinement of already existing knowledge, as it is first used as memory in acquiring knowledge then in updating this memory for use later on. It is acquired with the assistance of mati and is useful in enhancing the process of acquiring knowledge. Hence mati or mind based knowledge can be said as the most important type of knowledge to know the physical objects. 6.0 Origin and Growth of jnana Doctrine in Jain Philosophy We shall now review developments in the concepts and literature on jnana in Jain philosophy. a. Pre-Mahavira Time to 1st Century BC. Canonical Era Basis of our knowledge of Jain theory of knowledge is the transfer of knowledge on the tradition of preceptor to disciple for quite some time as no efforts were made for a long time to document the sermons of Bhagavana Mahavira or earlier tirthamkaras. Jain definition of the loka states that loka is eternal i.e. not created by anyone and existent from beginningless period. The entire time period divided into epochs and each epoch has a series of 24 tirthamkaras practicing and delivering the Dvadasangas. Thus jnana origin is beginningless as it is accepted as a co-existent quality of soul. Fourteen Purvas (old texts), which are the organised source of knowledge before Mahavira's time and non existent now, have Jnana-Pravada as number 5th purva dealing exclusively on the subject of jnana. Dvadasangas (compiled by Gautama, the principal apostle of Mahavira and based on His sermons) all through have discussions on jnana. So the period from Mahavira's time till say 1st century BC can be considered as the time of Yogi pramana as the basis of right / valid knowledge (due to the presence of either omniscient themselves or STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 107 of 385 Page #121 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya tapaH * the srutakevalis or acaryas having knowledge of some purvas or some Argas. Knowledge is described in canonical texts as of five types shown in Fig 1 to 3. Five types of knowledge as per Fig.1-Ref. Bhagvati-sutra Regrouping the five types of jana in two categories namely direct (pratyaksa) and Indirect (paroksa) Fig 2- Ref Sthanariga. Sensual perception being included both as direct and indirect, i.e. Mati divided in two categories namely sensual perception as direct and memory, comparison, logic, inference as indirect. Fig 3. Ref. Nandisutra. Mati, sensual-perception Kevala Avadhi Sruta Verbal or scriptural Page 108 of 385 Pratyaksa(direct) Bhava pratya ksayopasamika jnana knowledge Avadhi, Clairvoyance Fig. 1 No-kevala joana Manahparyaya Fig.2 Manaliparyaya Telepathy abhinibodhika STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Paroksa (indirect) srutanisrita asrutnisrita Sruta Kevala. Omniscience Apga pravita Anga bahia Page #122 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Samvyavaharika Direct - Pratyaksa Mukhya jnana Kevala Fig3 Avadhi Manahparyaya Indirect - Paroksa INTERNATIO STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SCHOOL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Faraga Memory-Smrti Pratyabhijnana Logic - Tarka Inference - Anumana OF Canonical literature-agama AN STUDIES The beginning of Jain logic is evident in the works of Kundakunda's (analyzes every aspect of reality from three view points), Samantabhadra (Aptamimansa) establishing the essence of omniscience; Umasvati (Tattvartha-sutra), Siddhasena Divakara (equating knowledge with pramana) in the period 1-4th century AD. They considered knowledge as valid or not from the point of view of logic and not just spiritual progress. They classified pramana into two viz pratyaksa (direct) and paroksa (indirect) first based on its origination by the soul directly or through some other external media. The next phase of Jain logic / theory of knowledge were initiated by Akalanka, called father of Jain logic (720-780AD). He wrote Laghistraya, Nyayaviniscaya, Pramanasangraha, Siddhiviniscaya and commentary on Tattvartha-sutra called Rajvartika. He studied all Indian schools of logic and then gave final shape to Jain logic, which was compact, comprehensive, authentic and subtle. Competent Jain logicians like Manikyanandi (Pariksamukha), Prabhacandra (980-1065AD) wrote commentaries on Pariksamukha and Laghistraya named as Nyayakumudacandra and Prameya-kamalamartanda a host of other logicians like Vadidevasuri etc. later on followed. Then in 1108112AD Hemacandra wrote an excellent systematic textbook on logic called Pramanamiimarsa followed by other logicians later on who wrote commentaries on this and Divakara's works. Yasovijaya (1608-1688AD) wrote Tarkabhasa and Jnanabindu dealing with subject systematically. Kundakunda in Samayasara (gatha 5) introduced the concept of pramana, Tattvartha-sutra equated jnana to pramana and further classified it as direct and indirect 8. Aryaraksita tried to define pramana and gave its four types as per Nyayasastra. Umasvati equated jana to pramana in Tattvartha-sutra. Samantabhadra established the validity of Jaina omniscient Page 109 of 385 Page #123 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL dhyAya parama IN STUDIES (apta), anekanta (multiple view points or relative pluralism), syadvada (conditional dielectic) and naya (view point) in Aptamimansa, Svayambhu-stotra and stopdesa. Siddhasena used logic to further detail the Anekanta and Naya doctrine and used them to discuss jnana as indicated in scriptures earlier. Pujyapada also did a comparative analysis of jnana with other philosophies. Haribhadra wrote Anekanta-jayapataka and also tried to establish harmony between Jain and Patanjali-yoga systems. Akalanka put Jain pramana on firm footing and wrote Tattvartha-vartika, Astasati, Laghistraya etc. He is described as the father of Jain Nyaya. Later on his followers namely Vidyananda (commentaries on Akalanka's works), Manikyanandi (Pariksamukha to describe Jain Nyaya in sutra form), and later on Hemachandra (Pramana-mimansa) etc. wrote extensive literature on Jain pramana and nyaya. Hemacandra15 says," literally pramana, when studied in parts, stands for pra means in excellent form i.e. to the exclusion of doubt; ma means to determine and the suffix nameans an instrument. Thus the whole word pramana stands for 'what is the most effective instrument of the determination of reality in its true character through the preliminary exclusion of doubt"". b. Recent Developments. 11th Century AD till now 11th century marks the beginning of Acarya Hemacandra's era. He wrote Pramana-mimarsa and simplified the definition of pramana as per the Jain scriptures namely samyagartha nirnaya pramanam or pramana is an entity, which assists in the determination of the right meaning of the object. He was followed by Prabhacandra (commentaries Prameya-kamalamartanda on Pariksamukha and Nyayakumudcandra on Laghistraya), Abhayadeva's commentary on Sanmati-tarka-prakarana, Yasovijaya using Akalanka's concepts of Pramana, nyaya to write books on Jain nyaya like Jaina-tarka-bhasa, Janabindu commentary on Sastra varta-samuccaya. Vimaladasa wrote Saptabhangi to elaborate the concept of this important aspect of anekanta. This is the era of developing literature with clarifications on Jain nyaya for commoners and the process continues to date. 15 Pramana-mimansa by Hemacandra V.1 Page 110 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #124 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.2.3.2 Concept of Naya in Jainism Dr. Anekanta Jain 1. Introduction This universe of ours is complex and it comprises of infinite realities. It is impossible for human intellect to have the simultaneous view of the totality of the infinity and infinitum, with all its subjective and objective characteristics, and with all its aspects of dialectical opposites, such as one and many, similar and dissimilar, eternal and ephemeral, determinate and indeterminate, prior and subsequent, cause and effect, good and bad, beautiful and ugly. The view taken by the finite Jiva (self/soul) and presented by its limited intellect is never a whole view. It is always partial. It is nearly a relative view - relatable to this beliefs, prejudice, mood and purpose of the seer. It would be seen that a single substance is endowed with infinite modification and there are infinite classes of substances; and to know one substance fully is to know the whole range of the objects of knowledge. This is possible only in omniscience, which is called Kevala-jnana in Jainism, and its domain is beyond the cognition of the senses. A substance is endowed with qualities, attributes modes and modifications. Although the substance is the same, it comes to be different because of its passing through different - modifications. So when something is to be stated about a substance, or anything for that matter, viewed through flux of modifications, there would be seven modes of predication. This is known as Naya in Jainism. 2. The Concept of Naya Different thinkers have taken different views and perceptions about the universe, reality, and the ultimate end. The philosophical standpoints propounded by them are nihilism, monism, dualism, materialism, atheism, and the like, each one of these 'isms' expresses only one aspect of manifoldness; and in turn, there can obviously be various points if views. According to Jain Philosophy, each view is true from a particular stand-point of the seer and none of them is exhaustive. This perception or conception of grasping a particular standpoint at a given situation presented through the concept of Naya in Jainism, and it is even called as Nayavada and Syadvada are the two main wings of anekantavada. 2.1. Systematic Development of the Concept of Naya STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 111 of 385 Page #125 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The age of canonical texts and literature of Jainism was the millennium following Mahavira. This age was followed by an era of philosophical writings. The Jain acaryas felt a serious need to construct new terminology for explaining the import and importance of Naya to the contemporaneous world. "In large part such an initiative was inspired by the necessities of the time, which was characterized by the ongoing philosophical and logical debated about the nature of reality often giving rise to competition and engendering conflicts among the debaters. The major Indian traditions attempted to explain the efficacy, worth and validity of their own points of views about the nature of reality. The Vedantists held the view of one ultimate unchanging reality, Brahmart, whereas for the Buddhists everything was in flux and momentary.3 During the first century AD, Acarya Umasvati (also known as Umasvami) undertook the task of defining the reality in his famous treatise Tattvartha-sutra on the basis of Mahavira's teaching. He articulated three levels for the comprehension of reality: permanence, origination and cessation (or end).4 Acarya Siddhasena Divakara, taking a step ahead from Acarya Umasvati, came up with the new terminology anekanta to reconcile the apparently opposing perspectives on the nature of truth and reality. The concept of naya is a part of the anekantavada. Siddhasena's main treatises which explain anekanta and naya are Sanmatitarka and Nyayavatara.5 Nayavada recognizes that ordinary, non-omniscient, knowledge claims they are based. Consequently, claims from one perspective must always be balanced and complemented by the claims from other perspectives. 2.2. kinds of Naya 1 Tattvartha-sutra, by- Acarya Umasvami, Ed. By - Pt. Phool Chand Shastri, Chapter - 1, Sutra - 6, Published by Shri Ganeshvarni Digambara Jain Research Institute, Varanasi - (U.P.) Second - 1991, Pp-10 2 Laghiyastraya, by Acarya Aklankadeva, Trans. Pt. Kailashchandra Shashtri, Third Pravacanapravesa, Sixth Pravacana Pariccheda, Karika 52 Pub. Shri Ganeshvarni Digambar Jain Research Institute, Varanasi (U.P.) First-2000, pp 77 3 Pramana-naya-tattvaloka - by Shri Vadideva Suri, Ed. Panyas Arun vijayaji Maharaj, Chapter 7, Sutra - 1, Pub. Shri Mahvir Vidyapeeth Kalyana Kendra, Bombay, Second - 1994, Pp. 190 4 Nayachakko, by Shri Mailla Dhavala, Ed. Pt. Kailash Chandra Shashtri Gatha171, Pub. Bharatiya Jnanpith, New Delhi, Third-2001, Pp.98 5 Sammati Tarka - Sidhasena Divakara. Eng. Version Pt. Sukhlal Sanghvi, Bechardas Doshi, Chapter-III, Gatha -47, Pp. 164. 6 Samayasara-by Kundakunda, commentary by Acharya Amrtcandra, Bandhadhikara, Gatha - 272, Published by Kundakunda Kahan Digambara Jain Teerth Trust, Jaipur-15, Tenth-1995, Pp. 434. Page 112 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #126 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SELF STUDY IS THE OF SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga While operating within the limits of language and seeing the complex mature of reality with its multiple aspects, Mahavira used the language of naya. Naya is the partial expression of the truth. It enables us to comprehend the reality part by part. There are two kinds of naya. Niscaya-naya and Vyavahara-naya. Niscaya-naya enables us to understand the reality from the viewpoint of the substance without denying the existence of modes. Vyavahara-naya allows us to comprehend the reality from the perspective of modes and attributes, but does not deny the existence of substance. Take for instance a gold vessel. From the perspective of Niscaya-naya, it is matter in the form of gold. From the perspective of Vyavahara-naya, it is a vessel. Both the statements are true, because relative to the vessel, gold is the substance and vessel is its mode. However from the perspective of substance, the gold vessel id matter, and gold it is mode. Hence, to have a comprehensive view of reality, it is essential to understand to co-existence of both the nayas. In other words, to recognize the many facets of reality, we must consider it both in terms of the eternal and unchanging substance and also in terms of modes which are infinite, transient and changing. Thus, reality is both permanent and changing." 1 Tattvarthavartika - 1/33/2, by - Acharya Aklamkadeva, Ed. Prof. Mahendra Kumar Jain Pub. Bharatiya Jnanpith, New Delhi - Fourth-1993, Pp-95 8 Tattvartha-sutra, 1/6 STUDIES IN 2.3. Distinction between Pramana and Naya Pramana and Naya are the different ways of knowing the reality. They enrich our knowledge of real things. Pramana is the valid knowledge of multiform object endues with many qualities. Pramana is valid Knowledge of itself and of things not known before. It is the instrumental cause of right knowledge, which must be free from doubt, vagueness and perversity. Lack of discrimination between the real and unreal creates wrong knowledge. Mental or physical disturbances create wrong attitude, which again is the cause of wrong knowledge. Objects possess different characteristics, which can be fully comprehended by omniscience only. Our perceptions and knowledge have their own limitation and hence we often take a partial view of thing. This is naya. Naya is the valid knowledge of one part, aspect, quality, or mode of multiform abject. Naya is a part of pramana. It is partial valid knowledge. It deals with a particular aspect which the speaker has in view; it is therefore a theory of standpoints. That is why it is said Pramana-nairadhigamah Page 113 of 385 Page #127 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Acarya Akalanka has described the standpoints as the hidden intentions or presuppositions of inquirers, different points of view of persons searching for truth. He further states that a pramana results in knowledge while a standpoint is only a view of the knower. Each viewer views a thing from a particular point. For the ascertainment of reality, the doctrine of standpoints (naya) is necessary, in addition to that of pramana. In other philosophical schools, it is asserted that reality is revealed and cognized only by the means of knowledge. According to the Jainas a thing has innumerable characteristics, and a pramana may reveal a thing as a whole, but not its all particular features. Thus the standpoints (nayas), by putting emphasis on one aspect or other, can help us to grasp reality in a complete and proper manner. A Pramana reveals the thing as a whole of (sakala-grahi) while a naya reveals only a portion of it (amsa-grahi). A naya is only a part of Pramana. A pramana is compared to an ocean, while nayas are like drops of ocean kept in different pitchers. A naya is defined as a particular opinion (abhipraya) or a viewpoint (apeksa) a viewpoint which does not rule out other different viewpoints, and is, thereby, expressive of a partial truth about an object (vastu) as entertained by a knowing agent (jnata). A naya is a particular viewpoint about an object or an event, there being many other viewpoints which do not enter into, or interfere with the particular viewpoint under discussion. Although the other viewpoints do not enter into the perspective of the particular viewpoint under discussion they constantly, as it were, attack its frontiers and await its reconciliation with them in the sphere of a fuller and more valid knowledge which is the sphere of pramana. 2.4. Naya and Nayabhasa If we took an object from multiple points of view, we can say that there are many kinds of naya because abject is composed of multiform characteristics, and one naya knows only one characteristic. Naya or incomplete judgment is only one of the qualities of that abject and leaves the rest untouched. This does not mean that one rejects all other qualities except one, while advocating naya. The point is that a particular naya (viewpoint) selects one of the infinite qualities not rejecting the other viewpoints (nayas). If only one particular naya is accepted and all other are rejected it becomes a fallacious standpoint, which is called Nayabhasa. Page 114 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #128 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 3. The Seven Nayas The realities of the world are innumerable and they can be grasped from innumerable points of view. According to Acarya Akalanka, in Sanmati-tarka, the standpoints are the presuppositions of inquiries, embodying the points of view fro which they are investigating the thing in question. In ordinary cognition, the knower partially sees the thing from particular point of view. Consequently, the nature of thing that is revealed to him is necessarily conditioned and limited by this particular viewpoint which is giving only some partial knowledge. Acarya Siddhasena says, "Since a thing has many characters, it is completely comprehended only by the omniscient. But a thing becomes the matter of a naya, when it is perceived from a particular standpoint.' The Jaina acarya propose seven nayas even though there are many. These seven nayas are broadly divided into two categories: Dravyarthika Naya (substance view, dealing with generality) Paryayarthika Naya (model view, dealing with particularly) Substance standpoint is the view of looking at the identity of things (abheda), while mode or modal viewpoint is the view which looks at the differences of things. Man speaks of something either from the standpoint of identity or from that of difference. Statements of things from the form point of view are put under the head of Substance viewpoint. Propositions of objects, according their differences, fall under the category of mode viewpoint. Many minor classifications of things ranging between general (dravyarthika) and particular (paryayarthika) viewpoints are a possible. But briefly speaking, there can be only two groups of statements. The viewpoint identity on which the statements of generalization are founded is called the dravyarthika naya; while the viewpoint of difference on which the statements of particularization are founded paryayarthika-naya. Dravyanayas are of three kinds: 1. Naigama-naya 2. Samgraha-naya 3. Vyavahara-naya They are also called artha-nayas. They refer to objects or meanings. Paryaya or paryayarthika nayas are four kinds: STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 115 of 385 Page #129 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL ONAL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama STUDIES 1. Rjusutra-naya 2. Sabda-naya 3. Samabhirudha-naya 4. Evamhbhuta-naya They are also called Sabda-nayas, for they refer to words. 3.1. Naigama-naya(r) Naigama-naya is interpreted in two ways. First, Pujyapada takes it as the standpoint which emphasizes the purpose of series of actions, which is not yet completely accomplished. A person going with an axe, being asked for what purpose he is going, answers, 'I am going to bring a wooden measure." He is going to cut a bamboo and make a measure out of it. The measure is the purpose to be realized in the action. Secondly, Candraprabha Suri interprets naigama-naya in another manner. It is the common-sense point of view, which considers things as possessing both generic and specific qualities, which are not distinguished from one another. Advaita-vedanta denies the specific qualities. Buddhism denies the generic qualities. The Jaina holds that a thing is an organic unity of both generic and specific (particular) qualities. 3.2. Sarhgraha-naya10 Samgraha-naya is the class point of view. It refers to mere generality devoid of all particular or specific qualities. It considers things from general points of view, ignores the special features, and treats them as mere 'being'. The Samgraha-naya is of two kinds: Parasamgraha and Apara-samgraha. Para-samgraha-naya is the highest class view. All individual things in the world may be considered from the most general point of view as mere 'being irrespective of their particular features. Apara-samgraha-naya is the inferior class view. This naya considers dharma, adharma, space, times, soul and non-soul as identical with one another, since they have substantially. It considers all earth vessels as earth irrespective of their particular features. This is the inferior class view. 9 Sarvarthasiddhi,1.33 10 Jaina Tarka Bhasa, Yasovijaya, (Naya Parichcheda) p.60 Page 116 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #130 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 3.6. Samabhirudha-naya14 INTERNATION SCHOOL 11 Jaina Tarka Bhasa, Yasovijaya, (Naya Parichcheda) p.61 Ibid. p.61 13 Ibid p.62 14 Ibid. p.62 3.3. Vyavhara-naya11 Vyavhara-naya is the practical point of view based on sense perception. Vyavhara-naya is the particular standpoint which considers the particular individuals alone, without taking cognizance of their generic qualities and specific qualities. 12 OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parama 3.4. Rjusutra-naya12 Rjusutra-naya is literally the straight standpoint which considers only transitory modes of a thing at the present moment apart from the permanent substance. It does not consider the past modes which have vanished, and the future modes which have not yet come into existence. For example, 'pain exists at the present moment.' Here the transient mode of pain at present moment is considered, and its substratum, the soul is ignored. It is the extreme opposite of Samgraha-naya. Further, Rjusutra-naya is narrower than vyavahara-naya which considers individual things with certain duration. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 3.5. Sabda-naya13 Sabda-naya is the standpoint which refers to words and their meanings. A word implies a particular object, an attribute, a relation, or an action. Each word has its own meaning. Different words also may refer to the same object. The relation between the words and their object are relative and absolute. Words differing in gender, number, person, case and the like may refer to the same object. Pusya (masculine), Tara (feminine) and Naksatra (neuter), mean the same object - star. Darah (plural) and Kalatra (singular) mean the same object - wife. tapa Samabhirudha-naya refers to the different meanings of words according to their roots. Indra literally means 'all prosperous'. Sakra literally means 'all powerful'. Purandara literally means 'destroyer of the enemies'. Samabhirudha-naya emphasizes the literal meaning of the words and ignores their identical derivative meanings. The three words we have just seen have the same derivative meanings. They refer to the king of gods in heaves. Samabhirudha-naya is a special application of the Sabda-naya. It distinguished the synonyms from one another, Page 117 of 385 Page #131 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ ONAL SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY dhyAya parama * and applies each word appropriately to a specific object according to the etymological meaning. * STUDIES 3.7. Evarhbhuta-naya15 Evambhuta-naya is a special application of Samabhirudha-naya. It restricts a word to one particular meaning which emphasizes one particular aspect of an object suggested by its root meaning. The word gau literally means 'a moving animal.' A moving cow is gau. When it is at rest, it should not be called a gau. It should be designed by a different world according this naya. It uses a word in the strictest etymological sense. 4. Conclusion In conclusion, it could be said that the nayas serve to categorize the different points of view from which reality could be investigated. Nayavada also encourages investigators to assume other perspectives, including the important perspective of the other as persisting, but constantly changing, entity or reality. A substance has infinite powers, and can be known from various points of view. The nayas are partial, one-sided views, which are not adequate to the complete reality. They give only relative truths, and not absolute truths. All affirmations and negations are relative to time, place, and circumstances. This is what the doctrine of naya maintains in Jainism. Helpful Books: * A comparative study of the Jaina theories of Reality and knowledge-Y.J. Padmarajiah MLBD - 1963 The Central Philosophy of Jainism, by Bimal Krishna Matilal, University of Toronto Canada, Pub. L.D. Institute, Ahmedabad-9 Nyaya-dipika Primary text for Jain logic - by Itaru Warkirgo, Pub. Pratibha Prakashan - Delhi. Jaina Philosophy. An Introduction by- Mohanlal Mehta Pub. Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Banglore - 1. Compendium of Jainism, T.K. Tukol, Pub. Karnatka University, Dharwad, Karnatka, First Edition - 1980 Jaina-tarkabhasa, Upadhyaya Yasovijay, Sri Trolok Ratna Dharmika Pariksha Board, Pathardi 15 Ibid. p.62 Page 118 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #132 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.2.3.2.1 Niscaya (transcendental) and Vyavahara (practical) Naya Dr. Shugan Chand Jain 1.0 Reality / Sat / Existent Umasvami defines reality through its sutras Satdravyalaksanam' i.e. Substance is the indicator of real. Utpadavyayadhrauvyayuktam sat'2 i.e. nature of real is origination, destruction and permanence. Gunaparyayavaddravyam i.e. substance is with mode and attributes. But he did not elaborate about the nature of the relationship existing between them. Kundakunda established the relationship between them on the basis of concomitance. According to him, "Till such time a new mode is created, the old mode cannot be destroyed. Similarly without the destruction of one mode, other mode cannot originate. Hence both of them i.e. origination and destruction have concomitance of their existence." Similarly he related permanence to them by saying that origination and destruction can take place only when we accept existence as permanent. This can be explained easily by the following schematics for a small series of modes of an already existent object. ..D1 02D2 03D3... P_ 1.e. destruction of the previous mode and the origination of the present mode take place at the same instance while substance is always present. Thus according to Jain Nyaya (logic), both substance and mode are truth /real. When we are unable to visualize the substance hidden under the waves of modes, then we consider Tattvartha-sutra, Umasvami, V/29 2 Ibid, V/32 3 Ibid, V/33 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 119 of 385 Page #133 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama UM STUDIES modes as primary and the substance as secondary. Similarly when in the tranquil ocean of the substance, the modes i.e. waves are quite then substance becomes primary and modes as secondary. Different philosophers have presented different views of the truth based on determinate (savikalpa) and indeterminate (nirvikalpa) knowledge. In the indeterminate experience, we just come in contact with the object without knowing any specifics about it (i.e. something is there) while determinate experience being based on sensual perception results in perception of different details of the object. The third sutra above implies that every substance has infinite modes and attributes. Further there can be pairs of opposing attributes coexistent in an entity at any given time. Samantabhadra in Aptamimarsa has used permanence without origination and destruction in place of the generic attributes and origination and destruction in place of specific attributes of the entity. He has also said that origination, destruction and permanence are identical and different as shown in the following verse: Karyotpadah ksayo hetoniryamallaksanat prthak Na tau jatyadhavasthanadanpeksah khapuspavat | Origination and destruction of an activity is due to a cause/reason. There is a rule of causation in origination and destruction. Cause of the origination of an activity also becomes the cause of the destruction of substance/base. Cause for the destruction of the soil becomes the cause for the origination of the pitcher. Similarly cause of the destruction of the pitcher becomes the cause for the origination of the broken pieces of the pitcher. When our cognitive alternative tends to be unifying then we find the substance and mode gets lost in the background; and when the same is discriminative then the mode appears and the substance disappears in the background." Pijayvijuttam davvam davvavijutta ya pajjaya natthi/ Donham anannabhudam bhavam samana paruvimti// Pancastikaya by Kundakunda, gatha 12 Page 120 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #134 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Every object has two types of existences namely: Existence in its own nature (svarupastitva) Existence like similar objects (sadrsyastitva) SCHOOL OF There is not much distance between true. There is no bifurcation like one alternative is true and other is false; and that both are false if we accept that universal is independent of particular and particular is independent of universal. Both become true when they are both considered relative to each other. Similarly both become false when they start rejecting each other and become true when each starts talking of its subject/ domain. SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya tapa STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Svarupasitva provides unique identity to the object that differentiates it from other objects belonging to similar or dissimilar classes of objects. Due to it only various modes of the object keep themselves different from the modes of other objects. Further it assists the object to maintain its identity over a period of time in all of its modes and keeps it aloof from other objects. Svarupastitva is also called vertical universal or urdhavta-samanya. This is called the substance as it flows through its serial modes i.e. results in its generations. Sadrsyastitva causes the feeling of similarities between two different objects. This is also called tiryaka-samanya (horizontal universal) or sadrya-samanya. It is not correct to imagine existence of one entity or universal like cow-ness or man-ness in a number of independently existing cows and men. They cannot be accepted as the combined modes of two dissimilar substances as two objects of extremely different spaces cannot be the material cause in one mode as the spontaneous reaction takes place only after receiving an indication. A person who develops a feeling of sameness amongst many persons after observing some common parts / features amongst them can only experience existence of man-ness amongst them (due to the existence of sadrsya-samanya amongst them). Hence we should accept existence of sadrsyastitva as the cause of similarities amongst different objects that is present to some extent in each object. Vertical universal or svarupastitva had been discussed earlier and so we accept two types of universal attributes. Similarly the part / component which cause the serial transformation from one mode to another in a substance are called particular / specific or visesa. Specific / particular or visesa cause the feeling of difference between two objects is called vyatireka-visesa. This implies that the feeling of same in two modes of an object is due to vertical universal while the Page 121 of 385 Page #135 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Pr parama feeling of difference (like aging) in the same object is due to visesa called paryaya or mode as indicated in Pariksamukha, AN STUDIES Further the feeling of sameness in two different objects is due to vertical-universal attribute and the feeling of differences amongst them is due to vyatireka-visesa. This is explained in Pariksamukha as follows: "paraparavivartavyapi dravyamurdhvatamrdiva sthasadisu ekasmin dravye kramabhavinah parinamah paryaya atmani harsavisadadivat(r) || 8 Hence every object in this universe is with universal and specific attributes. This is the nature of the substance by which the part causing the feeling of sameness in an object is universal and the part, which is the cause, the feeling of differences in the same is called specific. 9 Origination-destruction - permanence in an object relates to transformation in the object. The permanence component of the substance relates to vertical universal and the origination - destruction to visesa called mode or paryaya. Past being the material cause of present and present being the material cause of future proves that the three moments are tied to the inseparable cause-effect - cause sequence. Existence of this combination of universal and specific attributes in an object indicates the existence of infinite attributes in the object. sadrsaparinamastiryark khandamundadisu gotvavat?\ arthantaragato visadrsaparinamo vyatireko gomahisadivat"|| 2.0 Cognizing the Reality Umasvami in the Tattvarthasutra says that the object of knowledge (prameya) can be cognized by pramana (organs of valid knowledge) and naya (doctrine of viewpoints). Pramana makes the entire truth as its prameya while naya makes only a part of truth its prameya. For people like us we have to use naya doctrine to cognize an object as per our objectives. This sutra also forms the basis of the doctrine of Anekanta or multiplicity of viewpoints. To know any entity, we have to view it from at least two viewpoints as follows: 5 Pariksamukha-4/5 6 Pariksamukha. 4/8 7 Pariksamukha-4/4 Pariksamukha-4/9 Pramananayairadhigamah, Tattvarthasutra 1/6 Page 122 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #136 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Origination (utpada) destruction (vyaya) i.e. from mode (paryaya) or practical viewpoint Permanence (dhrauvya) i.e. from substance (dravya) or transcendental (niscaya) viewpoint Here we have interchangeably used modal and practical views; substance and transcendental viewpoints. However Nayacakra in verse 182-183 says that transcendental and practical viewpoints are the main viewpoints while substance and modal viewpoints are the means to know them respectively. This appears to be so as we see use of ascendental and practical viewpoints used primarily in spiritual discussions (adhyatma) while substance and modal viewpoints used in canonical literature. This justifies their use in canonical literature as means to learn and experience spiritualism. Thus these are the two ways / methods of explaining the same concept / entity. Today we shall discuss the transcendental, some times referred as absolute viewpoint also, and practical viewpoints to develop a better understanding of pure soul and empirical soul. Acarya Kundakunda in Niyamasara and Samayasara, and Samantabhadra in Aptamimansa have used these extensively to make the reader appreciate and understand this difficult topic so that the Jain concept of pure and empirical soul is understood clearly. Transcendental viewpoint looks at an entity without breaking the same in parts and as per its true nature and without the impact of other entities. On the other hand practical viewpoint keeps on differentiating (or breaking it into parts) an entity and impact of other entities on it so that its true nature can be understood properly. In short we can say the following main features of the two viewpoints: Subject of transcendental viewpoint is the entity without dividing it in parts or it looks at similarities / universal attributes of the entity while practical viewpoint looks at differences or parts or a specific attribute in the entity. Transcendental viewpoint looks at the entity only while practical viewpoint views the impact of other things on the entity primarily. Transcendental viewpoint talks of the pure state of the entity and its nature while practical viewpoint looks at the union of the entity with others or like other entities. Transcendental viewpoint says that the nature and transformation of an entity as its own without intermixing them or their effects on each other. Practical viewpoint on the other hand STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 123 of 385 Page #137 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ even includes the efficient causes of transformation as if they have as the nature of the main entity and describes the entity in the form of other entities. For example, we call the tree of almonds, almond with the kernel and shell as almond also even though only the kernel of almond is of use to us and is the real almond. Similarly we call our body, family and house as ours or us even though only our pure soul (sometimes embodied with karmic impurities also) as us. Even at this stage, like almond with the peel, the empirical soul is bonded with external matter and so it is only pure soul we are interested in. Thus the pure soul becomes the subject of transcendental viewpoint while all other transformations or manifestations of pure soul with other karmic matter bonded with it are the subjects of practical viewpoint. Pure soul is therefore called to have transcendental or eternal existence. It is worthwhile to see the distinctions of empirical and pure soul for different attributes as placed in Annexe 1. From the table we see that pure soul and empirical soul, both being non-concrete and slightly concrete, cannot be a subject of sensual perception. Hence we base our knowledge about them through their association with matter as material body and thus say sometimes that body and soul is same. This statement is from practical viewpoint to use body as a means to go deeper and understand and experience the empirical soul first and then the pure soul. Similarly attributes of pure soul like infinite perception, knowledge and conduct are referred as the path of attaining pure soul status. We can discuss other attributes shown in table from both transcendental and practical viewpoints accordingly. As per definition of viewpoint doctrine, the intention of the knower is very important. So a person whose objective is to attain pure soul status has to view the soul from pure soul status only and perform activities of conduct, knowledge acquisition etc so that he can experience the attributes of pure soul and move forward to achieve that status completely. On the other hand in our day-to-day worldly lives, we have to know the means i.e. right knowledge, belief and conduct and practice them to achieve our worldly objectives while keeping the nature of pure soul in mind. For example to succeed in our profession we must have faith in our own resources, capabilities; acquire the knowledge of the business i.e. what it is, its scope and competition, money involved, technology and management skills needed; and then start acquiring knowledge and perform activities. This is what Jain path of purification i.e. right belief - knowledge - conduct together is the path to attain liberation is all about. One has to make efforts to succeed in its objectives. Page 124 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #138 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ It is important to keep in mind that on their both transcendental and practical viewpoints are incomplete and not the whole truth. Jain logicians like Kundakunda, Siddhasena Divakara, Samantabhadra and Hemacandra have even kept consideration of just one viewpoint as perverted or mithya knowledge. Like the ocean when its waves are influenced by movements of air and celestial bodies, then waves, like modes become primary and the peaceful ocean beneath i.e. transcendental viewpoint becomes secondary but both co-exist. Similarly when the ocean is calm and quiet then the peaceful state becomes primary and the stormy or wave formations become secondary. However one has to be careful as to when to focus on one or the other viewpoint, e.g. we must know when to get on and get off the boat while crossing a river lest we either do not cross the river or get drowned in the river.10 Coming back to empirical and pure soul again, it is interesting to note that empirical soul is said to be the doer/ agent and enjoyer of its karmas (practical viewpoint) while pure soul is the doer and enjoyer of its own nature (transcendental viewpoint). Here the implication is that the empirical soul, because of its association with karmic matter is influenced by, influences the external entities i.e. karmic matter either bonded with it or likely to be bonded with it or to be separated from it and even other living beings. It is this concept, which is of paramount importance in Jain path of spiritual purification i.e. the pure soul dissociates itself completely from karmic bondage. Similarly the Jain doctrine of Karma is detailed on the basis of the influence of matter karmas on various attributes and dispositions of the soul. 3.0 Types of Transcendental and Practical Viewpoints Jain logic is based on detailed analysis of an entity. Similarly the intentions of innumerable people to know an entity can be innumerable. Therefore Siddhasena even went to the extent of saying that there are as many viewpoints as the number of entities and their modes and the knower. However for the sake of ease in understanding they are all clubbed under these two viewpoints. Jain logicians have gone a step further and divided each viewpoint in two further categories as follows: * * Transcendental viewpoint: Pure and impure (suddha and asuddha) Practical viewpoint: Sadbhuta and Asadbhuta By the very definition of transcendental viewpoint, we cannot think of different limbs or parts / classifications of this viewpoint. However different acaryas have referred to it by different "Samayasara by Kundakunda, gatha 12 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 125 of 385 Page #139 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ names such as pure (suddha), impure (asuddha), supreme (parama-suddha) and true (bhutartha) transcendental viewpoints after making some additions to the explanations given earlier. Later on they started using them as different types of transcendental viewpoints also. For our discussions, we shall not go in details of these different types of viewpoints. Coming to practical viewpoint, it is possible to divide it in different types according to our intention and the infinite existences to be cognized and their utility. Broadly it is divided in two types namely Sadabhuta or and asadabhuta. In sadabhuta we talk of vertical universal (feeling of same in two modes of an object) attributes and serial transformation from one mode to another in a substance (called particular / specific or visesa) like ageing. In Asadabhuta we talk of similarities and differences of one entity with others like herd of cows, forest having many types of tree and plantations and animals. However it is be noted that practical viewpoint is used only to improve our understanding the attributes and nature of an entity and carry on our day to day life by discriminating between good and bad. Other Jain texts have further classified practical viewpoint on different basis as of 4, 7, 46 and innumerable. The most popular classification used is of seven viewpoints, which shall be discussed as a separate lecture later on under the topic epistemology. Annexure 1 Soul / soul Distinguishing quality: Sentiency (cetana) Number: Infinite Quality Remarks Empirical soul Samsari siva 6 Pure soul Mukta jiva 6 Vision, knowledge Manifestation of Consciousness (upayoga) Omniscient Consciousness Empirical Soul has its knowledge and vision obscured by respective karmas while pure soul is just knowledge and vision. Lives (Jita hai) Non concrete Senses, age, power, breathe. Pure soul was empirical soul in the past. YES Non concrete (amurtika) YES But looks like concrete due to karmic bondage Pure soul has consciousness as its life and enjoys its own nature. Page 126 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #140 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ gaya patma Agent / Doer (Karta) Of matter karmas due to activities of mind, body and speech. Of its own nature (svabhava) i.e. infinite vision, knowledge, bliss and power Empirical soul with matter karmas behaves like matter; interacts with matter, attracts them towards it and bonding them with its own svabhava as well as affected by others (vibhava). Enjoyer (Bhokta) Of results of its actions pain, pleasures of matter karmas. Consciousness and of its own nature only. Size (svadeha parimana) Adapts to the size of the matter bodyassociated with it except at the time of changing mode (samudaghata). Slightly less than Soul is owner of countless the last human body space points and adjusts it owned. Fixed. itself to any size due to the karmas associated with it. Pure soul has no karmas bonded and is hence of constant size. Existence Exists everywhere in Only at the summit the cosmos in different of cosmos. Does forms / modes and not move from capabilities. there. The empirical soul is born as beings in human, subhuman, hellish & heavenly forms according to its karmas and accordingly exists at appropriate place in cosmos. Upwards movement* (urdhva gamana) Has the capability. Is Stationery does not Pure soul just stays at the the nature of pure Soul move. summit of cosmos, as there is no Dharma and Adharma dravya beyond that. Empirical soul due to its bondage with karmas, does not do so always STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 127 of 385 Page #141 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Anekantavada - Non-one-sidedness Truth is knowledge of reality. According to Jaina philosophy, truth is a vast and wondrous complexity. However, reality is extremely difficult to fully grasp because of its four aspects: * Its extension over time (past, present, future) Its extension across space The mix of changing forms and Fixed qualities that characterize the different substances which create the universe * * The fact that those substances and forms are constantly undergoing new beginnings (origination) and endings (destruction), are still remaining permanent, all at the same time. We often see some individuals pushing what they feel are the only correct point of view. The dogma monger sees his or her perspective on human experience and the world as the only one that matters or makes sense. He tends to dismiss, ridicule or condemn those holding a different perspective. He may also prompt antagonism. In doing so he commits violence against others in his thoughts and speech, which all too often leads to physical violence by people mistaking dogma for intelligence. We've heard that in order to understand things as they truly are we need to be "objective". However, unless we know how to detach ourselves from the things we wish to understand and comprehend that true objectivity starts with letting go all of our forgone views and biases, we can never be objective. We are each clouded by an environment that prejudices us, by past experiences that have shaped us, and by fixed ideas about the world that seem to make sense in our limited minds. If we would approach our own natural omniscience we could fully comprehend this great universe. We would see the origins and destinies of every soul and substance, including our own selves. Persons who have attained such autonomy and whom Jains refer to as Jinas or Kevalins, experience this state of omniscience at all times. We, however, aren't quite there yet. Our situation is different. Our five senses are our indirect means to knowledge, but whatever they may grasp is always partial, and not always reliable. We see this partiality in the proverbial study of an elephant by seven blind men. Each man touches only part of the elephant and concludes that the creature is like a tree trunk, a rope, a fan, a wall, and so on. The same applies to our views and beliefs. We Page 128 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #142 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama tapa worldly souls tend not to rise above the limitations of our senses and experiences. So, our individual concepts of reality are not just incomplete, they are valid only from a particular point of view. "Absolute truth" cannot be grasped from any one point of view, by itself, because any viewpoint is dependent on the time, place, nature and state of both the viewer and whatever is being viewed. Hence, we can point to infinity of partially valid perspectives. What appears true from one point of view is open to question from another. Naturally, we need to benefit from the labors of seeing things from different perspectives - including ones we might not prefer initially - in order to gain any kind of realistic impression. This attitude begins a science of thinking called Anekantavada, which is the principle of "non-one-sidedness". Anekantavada is an informed and engaging method of reason. Such a principle does not ask us to try balancing in our minds a "multiplicity of viewpoints" regardless of whether they hold merit or not. It is also not the same as "relativism" or "nonabsolutism", meaning the belief in no absolutes. Rather than denying the existence of absolute truth, Anekantavada only reaffirms it - but with the cutting admission that truth is such an intricate and many-ended thing that no single belief system, no tower of dogma, no "grand unifying theory, and no faith or religion can ever do it justice. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Exploring the idea's four components will further reveal its meaning: AN is like the prefix "non-", which makes the opposite of whatever comes after it EKA means "one" or "singular" ANTA means "end", "boundary" and "conclusion", a conclusion drawn from an observation or an investigation or analysis VADA means "way of being", similar to the suffix "-ness". Together they mean non-one-sidedness. A remarkable term it might seem but its tremendous practicality is for any of us seeking to learn reason, investigate, theorize, visualize, systemize, solve or understand some issue, something, or someone. Non-one-sidedness is the principle of not settling for just one single conclusion about the truth or untruth of a given statement, or about the actual nature or makeup of an object or thing. While the whole truth about anything is a wide and complex reality, a particular object or issue of interest can be anything we choose: the mind of a person, a philosophy, an event, a physical object, or any claim such as, "The universe is infinite," or "Man has free Page 129 of 385 Page #143 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ will," or "War is a necessary evil," or "Emotional stress causes cancer," or "Corporations are beneficial to society", or "Light is composed of energy particles," or anything else more simple or complex. And why not be satisfied making just one conclusion about these things, whatever that conclusion may be? To help us see why, first let's simplify our words a bit. We'll use the term "picture" or "big picture" to stand for the full, unobstructed truth about the given statement or object, with all its broad aspects and its tiny intricacies. "Angle" will denote our one chosen way of looking into or investigating that big picture and the word "part" will simply mean that limited area of the big picture that we see from one particular "angle", perspective, or point of view. Just like every one of the seven blind men, any single perspective that we might take is inherently blind to some part, or many parts, of the big picture. Being attached to just one set of criteria for judging the truth or validity of something tends to distort our perception of it, by making other relevant facts and other possible criteria seem less significant to us, or by excluding them from our thinking altogether. If we would actually see and be aware of those other parts of the picture, we would also see that they could be crucial to the validity of whatever conclusion we might draw. One conclusion, by itself, can be the result of only one single investigation coming from one way of perceiving or approaching the reality or situation at hand. If one blind man investigates only the elephant's leg, and on that basis alone decides an elephant is like a tree trunk, he would be partly right but mostly wrong. That is because any one way of looking at things almost always leaves out some or most aspects of whatever is actually and fully going on in the big picture. Doing any observation or analysis based on the limited part of the picture we're able to grasp at one given time - what little bit of the proverbial "elephant" we can observe in just one attempt - leads to only one limited conclusion, which often appears wrong from a different angle, or way, of studying the picture. A single conclusion, by itself, is usually a mere part of the whole truth because it comes from a study of only part of the big picture. In other words, there's a lot more to a great big elephant than just a leg that feels like a tree, or an ear that feels like a fan, or a tail that feels like a rope. It is clear that just one way of Page 130 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #144 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF AN STUDIES SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya looking at an object or a statement, and just one investigation based upon that one way or theory, and just one judgment about the object or statement derived from that one single investigation just isn't enough! Say we even try to see the reality from a very wide angle, thinking that this way we will get a sense of the big picture. Even then, because we are not yet perfect and all knowing, we typically miss important details and nuances that would impact the validity of the conclusion we would draw from seeing the matter so broadly. And on the other hand, when we look only at details, we obviously lose perspective on the larger system or grand scheme of things. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Non-one-sidedness is a solution. To really understand something as fully as we can, first we need the steel to set aside and relax (but not discard) our initial biases, preconceptions, paradigms and theories. This means among other things that we shouldn't shrink from considering either the fine details or the broad generalizations. We set out to do one investigation after another, multiple inquiries into our object, statement or issue of interest -each investigation or observation done from a different perspective, angle, paradigm or theory. In order to accomplish this we simply change our position, meaning we put ourselves in different shoes or we adopt a totally new or different method of investigation (depending on the kind of subject matter we're dealing with). We shift our sights to as many different perspectives as we are able to discover or synthesize. At each unique angle we stop for the opportunity to do a brand new observation or analysis, each one leading us to perhaps a new and unique conclusion. Then, we consider each conclusion that we are able to draw as one partial truth, as one aspect, dimension, sampling or part of the whole truth about the object or statement. At last we have the more involved intellectual job of attempting to integrate together each of those partial truths into a more complete understanding of the big picture. We use each conclusion - each anta, or boundary - to help structure a whole new concept of what the object under study, or the statement under analysis, entails. We might not get the big picture quite right the first time we try integrating all the partial truths we have derived. But that only means we need to continue the process. The more different perspectives we adopt, and the more different independent investigations we do, the more different conclusions we will gain, and Page 131 of 385 Page #145 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama AM STUDIES the more deeply and comprehensively we are bound to understand. The more powerful will be our information, our ability to analyze, our solutions and our creativity. Non-one-sidedness multiplies the freedom of the mind. Jains see even this principle from more than one angle. Its two philosophical developments are known as Nayavada, which is the scrutiny of contentions through a variety of specific perspective modes, and Syadvada, which is the truth-analysis of any given statement using disparate combinations of Its affirmation, Its negation, and The admission of its inexpressibility While academic in nature, these methods of insight are a major contribution to epistemology and logic. Anekantavada is intellectual humility that empowers the user. It is an essential part of being non-violent in our thoughts and words. It shows us why we shouldn't wed ourselves to rigid opinions that disconnect us from reality and stifle the pursuit of fuller understanding. It also demonstrates why we should not cower to ambiguous or nihilistic positions with little or no sense of right and wrong. Non-one-sidedness encourages us to examine and be critical of all beliefs and claims from many different angles, helping us recognize the value of others' views and opinions as well as the limitations of our own. This means respecting a person's individuality by discovering his or her concept of the world and trying to see things through that model. Fostered by a mature view of human experience, on a different level Jains are able to appreciate the sincere insights of those who may interpret Jain ideas in new or innovative ways. Page 132 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #146 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.2.3.5 SYADVADA-Conditional Dialectic Expression of Anekanta Dr. K. C. Sogani SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya The significant fact about knowledge is its communicability. When knowledge is for one's own self, the question of communicability can be displayed with; but when it is for the other, the question needs serious consideration. Communicability is accomplished through properly worded propositions. Thus knowledge to be communicable is to be reduced to propositions. This goes without saying that formulation of propositions is dependent on the content of knowledge. It is not idle to point out that if there is discordance between the content of knowledge and formulation of propositions, serious misunderstandings are bound to arise. Syadvada is the linguistic device to represent without any omission and distortion the content of knowledge. Thus in a way Syadvada and knowledge become observe and the converse of the same coin. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Knowledge, according to the Jaina, reveals itself and the object. In consequence the Jaina thinkers propound that the object has infinite characteristics some known, some in the process of being discovered and many as yet unknown. This is known as the doctrine of Anekantavada. Syadvada is the method of communicating the manifold characteristics of a thing to the other. In the absence of this technique real knowledge of a thing cannot be passed to others without any incongruence. Thus Syadvada is the expression of Anekantavada in the mode of cognition; Syadvada is the mode of expression. The significant point to be comprehended in regard to Anekantavada is that every characteristics of a multiphase thing is maintaining its identity through the existence of its opposite as its aspect. In fact, a thing cannot be the same thing without the negation of other things in it. For example, a colour cannot remain a colour without the negation of other characteristics like taste, smell etc. in it thus non-existence is as much an essential aspect of the real as existence is. Negative propositions cannot be asserted without accepting nonexistence as an element in the constitution of the real. Similarly, the characteristics of one and many permanence and change, generality and particularity are reconciled in a thing without any incongruity. Thus when the Jinist is faced with the problems of expressing the complex content of knowledge in language in a way, which can communicate to the other the knowledge as such, he had to devise the method of Syadvada. The word 'Syat' implies that the subject Ghata is a manifold of attributes, of which the attribute of being colourful referred to in the propositions is there in the Ghata as a matter of fact. This should not be Page 133 of 385 Page #147 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ understood, as it is generally done, to mean that the existence of colour in the Ghata is doubtful. In other words, certainty of colour along with the manifoldness of characteristics is indicated by the word 'Syat'. The word 'Syat' can also be understood differently, though the difference is of expression and not of meaning already discussed. As already pointed out, a thing is the repository of infinite attribute. Hence the apprehension of it from a particular angle of vision or point of view, technically called Naya, does not exhaust the whole of the multiphase thing. It is important to note that the Naya is objectively given and not subjectively contemplated. So in order to avoid the possible misunderstanding that a thing is exhausted by a particular Naya, every predication should be preceded by the word 'Syat' thus making us aware of the possibility of other predications in regard to that thing. Thus Syadvada is the custodian of clarity, certainty and non-ambiguity in the field of philosophy. It is by no means the doctrine of doubt and uncertainty. Although an existence is possessed of infinite attribute yet the knowledge of it is not a simple affair. The question is what is it to know a thing? And how many propositions are requisite to express the content knowledge? The conviction of the Jaina is that seven distinct propositions, neither more or less, are needed to express the content of knowledge in regard to an existent. The significant point to be noted here is that each proposition is not the result of mere subjective necessity possesses attributes as an ontological truth. All this implies that since the existents or their characteristics are infinite in number, seven propositions can be expressed with reference to each. Consequently, their will be infinitely seven - fold propositions without any inconsistency. Let us now illustrate the doctrine of seven - fold propositions by taking an example of the attribute existence or permanence or oneness etc. in respect of pen. 1. The first proposition is: Syat pen exists. This means that the existence of pen is contextual, the context being its own Dravya (substance), Ksetra (Space), Kala (time) and Bhava (state). It is by virtue of this context that the pen derives its individuality and becomes meaningful. In fact this context is interwoven into the constitution of the pen itself, so it cannot be separated from the object. This proposition controverts the possibility of unqualified existence of a thing without the consideration of substance, space, time and state. Page 134 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #148 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 2. The second proposition is: Syat pen does not exist. The proposition does not, as it seems, negate the existence of pen referred to in the first propositions, but it states the non-existence of pen in respect of other Dravya, Ksetra, Kala, and Bhava. Thus it strengthens the first propositions rather than cancels it. The pen is pen only because it is not pen. In other words the existence of pen in respect of its own Dravya, Ksetra, Kala, and Bhava cannot maintain its identity, if non-existence of pen in respect of other Dravya, Ksetra, Kala, and Bhava is not considered the concomitant aspect of pen. Thus both existence and non-existence is co-present in the pen without any contradiction. According to the Jaina, non-existence is as much constitutive of the nature of thing as existence. The critics fail to see that contradictory statement can be made about a thing, if context is changed. The conviction of the Jaina is that if this proposition is denied, it shall be difficult for us to account for the differences of things. Hence, by asserting this proposition. We come across a new aspect of thing, which is not given in the first proposition. 3. The third proposition is: Syat pen exists and does not exist. In this proposition the two attributes of existence and non-existence in their relevant contexts are successively predicated of the pen. Thus this proposition, which appears merely the summation of the first two propositions is not really so. It expresses a new aspect of pen under consideration. This aspect is not present either in the first or in the second proposition considered separately. If mathematics is our guide, the third proposition is nothing but a summation of the first two. But according to the Jaina experience, which is our sole guide, tells us that the combination or separate units give rise to a distinctive meaning, not apprehended in any of its constituent elements. The fourth proposition is: Syat pen is inexpressible. In this proposition the two attributes of existence and non-existence instead of being asserted successively as in the third proposition, are asserted simultaneously. The need for simultaneous assertion of these appositive attributes is man's desire to express in words the apprehension of pen as such. Since words are incapable of expressing this apprehension of pen the pen is inexpressible. It may be noted here that inexpressibility is a novel and factual characteristics of pen. The distinction between the third and fourth propositions is that in the former the novel attribute is the result of consecutive togetherness of the elements of existence and non-existence, whereas in the latter it is the result of simultaneous presentation of the two elements in question. It goes without saying that this inexpressibility is not absolute, it is only so in the context of the two opposite attributes STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 135 of 385 Page #149 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ being together synchronically. "The common sense principle implied in its recognition is that what is given cannot be rejected simply because it is inexpressible by a single positive concept". The fifth, sixth, and seventh propositions are: 5. Syat pen exists and in inexpressible. 6. Syat pen does not exist and is inexpressible. 7. Syat pen exists and does not exist and is inexpressible. All these propositions according to the Jaina represent a new aspect of the real. It may be noted here that the Jaina texts have not discussed these propositions clearly. Now the question arises: What is the basis of regarding the number of propositions as seven, neither more nor less than this? The answer of the Jaina is that since affirmation and negation are possible in regard to the real, there are only seven questions possible in regard to the real. These questions know a thing, which in turn is dependent on the seven objective aspects of the real. In fact, the enquiry starts upon the initial doubt, for example does a pen exist or not? Or is a thing permanent or changing? And the answer is seven distinct propositions or Bhangas. What I feel here is that the Jainas in propounding the seven propositions are making use of mathematical knowledge, which necessarily leads to these seven Bhangas. Out of these the first four are empirically verifiable or understandable and the last three are mathematical possibilities. That is why the Jaina texts have not explained the first four ones. But there is nothing wrong in saying that they are possibilities confirmed by mathematics. So if one speaks of more than seven Bhangas, there will either be duplicated or assertion of propositions neither confirmed by mathematics nor by experience, if one speaks of less number of propositions, there will either be omission or suppression of the aspect of the real given to us either mathematically or experientially. It may now be argued that since Jaina philosophy is known as Anekantavada (nonextremism and non-absolutism) does the seven-fold prediction apply to Anekantavada itself? The answer of Jaina is in the affirmative. Syat Anekantavada, Syat Ekantavada and so one will be the seven propositions (Saptabhargi). Knowledge which takes into account the nature of the real as consisting of an infinite plurality of attributes is called pramana and this is non-absolutism, knowledge which takes into account one attribute without negating the order attributes present in the real is called, Nyaya and this is Ekantavada. In other words Page 136 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #150 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ gAya parama the Anekanta can not be sub stained without admitting Ekanta as it's opposite, just as a tree can not he saved if the branches are taken out. Of the many charges alleged against the doctrine of Syadvada, the most fundamental is that of self-contradiction. In other words, the charge is that the Jaina doctrine flagrantly violates the law of non-contradiction which says that A cannot be both A and B at the same time. Thus how can pen have the characteristics of both existence and non-existence? Before answering this objection, let us first discuss the attitude of the Jaina towards the law of noncontradiction propounded by formal logic. The conviction of the Jaina is that the law of noncontradiction is a priori and thus does not state any facts about reality. If it were asked what is the criterion of contradiction the reply of the Jaina would be that it is experience and not pure thought. It is by the former that the notion of contradiction should be decided. Two facts are contradictory, if they are not found to coexist in experience just as light and darkness, heat and cold, and the like. On the contrary, if experience confirms the coexistence if seemingly contradictory attributes in a thing it should be regarded as valid. Thus the Jaina insists that the source of the law of non-contradiction should be sought not in a priori thought, but in experience of the behaviour of things. Following this mode of logic, the Jaina finds no empirical contradiction in asserting that the pen has the characteristics of both existence and non-existence, as has been explained above. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 137 of 385 Page #151 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.3.2 Karma Doctrine of Jainism Dr. Shugan C. Jain 1.0 The Karma Doctrine The word karma has many meanings namely to act, activity, and special types of matter particles which get associated with soul. The doctrine of Karma is the central dogma of the Indian religions. It means: every action, every word, and every thought produces, besides its visible, an invisible a transcendental effect called as vasana (trace) or seeds left behind. Further every action produces certain potential energies which, under given conditions, are changing themselves into actual energies, forces which, either as rewarded or punished, enter sooner or later into appearance. As in the case of a bond which, although the amount borrowed may long ago have been spent, continues to exist and only loses its validity on the repayment of the capital sum, so also the invisible effect of an action remains in existence long after the visible one has disappeared. This effect does not confine itself to the present life, but continues beyond it; it destines qualitatively and quantitatively the state after death. Actions performed during the present existence are the causes of the future existence, and the present life is, in its condition and duration, the result of the actions of the preceding one. The picture at Annex I describes beautifully this doctrine of karma. Thus the natural difference between individuals, one finds, are explanation that is so plausible that inversely they prove the validity of the Karman theory. The idea of the eternity of the transmigration (samsara), as soon as life was contemplated pessimistically, necessarily led to the endeavor to bring the painful re-birth to an end and eradicate the power of the Karman. Jains are the most realistic of all that have had their origin in India. Their fundamental idea of karma as a complexity of material particles infecting the sinful souls is indeed unique. The fine matter called pudgala (as known in Jainism) particles, which can become karma, fills the entire cosmos. An empirical soul does some activity, as a result of its energy (virya) quality through the faculties of mind, speech and body. All these activities are karma and mind, speech and body are the media through which it acts. This is okay. But with these activities, 1 Doctrine of Karma by H. V. Glasenapp,Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi Page 138 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #152 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 19 called karma or psychic activities affect subtle matter particles and they get attracted towards the space points of the soul and then form unison with them. However it is to be noted that all matter particles attracted towards the soul are not bounded with it. Bonding of these particles depends on the state of the soul at that time i.e. state of attachment, aversion and passions affecting it at that time. If the soul is free of these impurities (i.e. is in a state of vitaraga or detachment) the attracted particles fall of like dust particles from a shining and polished surface. These subtle particles when bound with soul are called matter or dravya karma and they are concrete and have taste, touch, odour etc. As the empirical soul keeps on performing psychic activities, these material karmas keep on getting bonded with the soul depending on the state of the soul at that time. That the soul, pure in itself, is polluted through its actions and, in order to regain its natural state, must be freed from its stain has been adopted by the Jains in the real sense of the word, and has been worked up into an original system, which even now is the foundation of the belief of over five million people. The matter that entered into union with soul separates itself into a greater number of particles, the karma-prakrtis with varying effects. Their number and character are conditional upon the conduct of soul; if it is good, the jiva assimilates good karma species, he binds good karmas, when bad, he binds bad karma. The karma may stay latent for a long time but may appear after a long time or quickly when the right moment arises. The duration and intensity of the effect of karma depends upon the state of mind (adhyavasaya) at the moment of assimilation. When its efficacy expires it becomes extinguished. Matter eternally infects the soul; soul's union with the karma has no beginning and, at every moment it is gathering new matter and in natural course of things has no ending. The deliverance of soul from the karman is, therefore, only possible through a series of special processes by the jiva to first eliminate the absorption of new karman and to eliminate the karma already bound with it. This doctrine of karma has been remarkably described by Jains in a systematic manner. Texts like Satkhandagama, Pancasangraha, Karamgranthas, Gomattasara etc give detailed explanations of this doctrine. Salient feature of Jain karma doctrine can thus be listed as follows: STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 139 of 385 Page #153 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Karmas are material aggregates of extremely fine or subatomic wavelets pervading entire cosmos like sunlight. They are sense imperceptible. Not all the above particles are karmas. It is only those particles, which are capable of associating with jivas, are karmas. Karma influences the physical and spiritual properties of jiva by A A A A Obscuring Defilements Counteracting Chaining with attachment and aversion > Linking with past and future > Making jiva dependent and > Creating sufferings for him. * Their existence is conformed by difference in physical and spiritual conditions of jivas. The karmas may be Sacred or profane, General or quasi- physical and Volitional or destructive. The materiality of karmas is confirmed due to > > Color etc. in them, Origination of volitions and feelings of pleasure and pain etc. * * The karma undergoes bonding and de-bonding. The karma doctrine is not applicable to > Liberated souls / siddhas > Permanent nigodas or micro organism > Non-liberation-ables labhavya. The Jains have dealt karma doctrine under four heads namely: > Name and kind of karmas - Definition, causes and mechanism of bonding > Possibility of shedding of karmas > Methods of shedding Page 140 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #154 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 2.0 Name and kinds of Karmas Karmas can be contemplated from four points of view, namely: i. According to the manner of their effect (prakrti) or species ii. According to the duration of their effect (sthiti) iii. According to the intensity of their effect (rasa) iv. According to their quantity, i.e. number of their pradesa bonded 2.1 Species (prakrti) As indicated earlier, the soul's state (and its activities in that state) transforms simple karmic matter into appropriate 'specific function karmas' which interact with soul in their own ways. There are 8 primary species (mula-prakrti) of the karma, namely: i. Jnanavarana, which obscures knowledge, i.e. affect knowledge quality of the soul. ii. Darsanavarana, which obscures undifferentiated cognition or intuition. iii. Vedaniya, which produces the feeling of joy and grief, iv. Mohaniya, which obstructs belief and conduct, i.e. misguides the soul and make it confused and desirous of others. V. Ayus, which determines the duration of life for the next birth, vi. Nama, which gives the various factors of individuality through body features. vii. Gotra, which gives family and surroundings, viii. Antaraya, which hinders the jiva in his capability of resolution and enjoyment, limit the energy (virya) attribute of the soul to weaken every aspect of the soul. Each of these mula-praktis is divided into a number of uttaraprakstis i.e. sub-species. The latter can, on their part, be separated into yet smaller sub-divisions, so that the entire number of the karmas is exceedingly large as are given in Annex II. Thus we see there are a total of 148, which can exist (satta). Similarly in activation (udaya) state of Karma, prakstis number only 122 as those associated with bondage are not included and the 20 of taste, touch, odour and colour are taken as just 4 instead of 20. Similarly in Bandha state the number goes down to 120 as two praktis of mohaniya i.e. samyagmithyatva and samyaktva cannot be bound by jiva. The Karma prakrtis can be grouped in two classifications namely ghatia i.e. obscuring (which to some extent affect the nature of the soul) and agahtia or non-obscuring (which do not STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 141 of 385 Page #155 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL AN STUDIES SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama affect the nature of the soul but are to be enjoyed by it). These distinctions of the karmas are important for Jains mainly to defend their acts on the basis of morality. For example it is said that Lord Rsabha in his previous birth put a mouth band on a cow so that the cow does not eat; as a result of which during his ascetic life he had to go without food for six months; charities or service of monks result in nice births in heavens etc or not sharing or imparting knowledge to others may result in knowledge obscuring karmas affect that individual later in the present or future lives. 2.2 Duration of Karma Effect (sthiti) The time that karma remains associated with the soul is called duration (sthiti) of the karma. Sthiti literally means existence of karma with the soul. The maximum duration of all karmas whether good or bad is considered inauspicious and the minimum duration is considered good. Duration of karma of a living being is dependent on his psychic state (adhyavasaya) and therefore on the strength of passions (kasayas). The more sinful a being is, the more is the duration of the karma bonded while the purer the psychic states the shorter is the duration of bondage. The duration is of two stages i.e. state called abadha of karma (when the karma just exists as associated with the soul) and the other when the karma is active. Duration of different karma is different and expressed in the units of time from smallest being samaya and the largest being utsarpini. For details please see Doctrine of Karma by Glasenapp. 2.3 The Strength of Karma Effect (rasa or anubhaga) The karma shows its effect, according to circumstances, in a more or less similar manner. The intensity of this effect corresponds to weakness or otherwise of the four kasayas | passions (anger, deceit, greed and pride). According to the four-degrees (anantanubandhi, pratyakhyana, apratyakhyana and sanjvalana) of passions, four degrees of strength are recognized. With the bad prakrtis the strongest (anantanubandhi), the 4 degree of the rasa is produced by the most violent passions, those of life long duration. Similarly the decreasing intensities are produced by pratyakhyana, apratyakhyana and sarjvallana states of passions with the last one being the weakest. With the good karma species, reverse is the case. However a rasa of first degree i.e. anantanubandhi does not exist with the good prakrtis which are Page 142 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #156 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ gAya parama doctrine in the discussed in stages of spiritual purification (gunasthana) or mysticism karmagranthas and such texts. 2.4 The Quantity of Space Points (pradesas) of Karma The jiva assimilates karma matter, which is within its own space points, called pradesas, (infinitely small space of the jiva which can be grossly compared to a pixel in a photo) and not matter lying outside of them, just as fire only seizes inflammable material which is lying within its reach. Therefore every part of the soul is filled with karma particles, which if the necessary conditions are fulfilled, adhere to the jiva just like dust to a body besmeared with oil. The jiva seizes a karma particle simultaneously with all his parts, because an exceedingly close connection exists between all the pradesas of a jiva, as with the links of a chain. The Karma particles absorbed by the Jiva develops into the 8 species of the Karma, as food consumed at a meal changes itself into blood and other constituents of the body. The shares, which fall to the 8 mula-prakrtis, differ from one another, their measure corresponds to their sthiti. The part following to mula-prakstis is then further divided among the uttaraprakrtis. Thus the extent of the pradesabandha of the different prakrtis does not depend on ethical factors, as with sthiti and rasa bandhas but upon mechanical ones. 3.0 Concept of Bandha (bondage), Samvara (stopping influx) and Nirjara (dissociation) of Karmas 3.1 Karmic Bonding Karmic bonding may be described under four heads: i. Bonds (nature and definition) ii. Kinds of Bonds iii. Bondable (Aggregates) and iv. Bonder jivas Bonding requires association of at least two entities. The bonders must have the necessary properties for bonding. Bhagavati indicates presence of an adhesive (sneha) between the ? Jainendra-siddhanta-kosa, Ganesh Varni, Bharatiya Jnanapith, New Delhi, 1944 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 143 of 385 Page #157 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY NN STUDIES jiva and karma particles to lead to bonding. However, material karmas and non-material soul cannot have bonding together. In current science, the atoms bind together due to opposite charges with necessary internal and external energy for bonding. They have been called as 'smooth and rough' in scriptures with lightning as their example. The material karmas and worldly was should also have these properties. The free karma particles are very powerful, but a large amount of their energy is spent during their conversion into bondable karmas. Still, they have sufficient energy to cause continuous jiva -karma bonding. The worldly jiva's association with karmas is already charged. These karmas particles are charged as described in scriptures: 3.1.1 Theories of Bonding Currently, there are many theories regarding karmic bonding, some traditional and some recent based on scientific experimentations. The first one has developed from time to time based on factors of bonding and nature of karma and jiva while the latter are the results of developments of atomic theory. In the first instance, Jainism was taken as an ascetic religion. All its theories were based on their spiritual progress. Accordingly, the first theory involved bonding due to activities emerged from physical and social possessions. The theory postulates that All activities are sinful and they bind karmas. Activities and Karmas are synonyms. The activities (mental, speech or physical) emerged from passions; attachment and aversion etc result in binding karma. The control on activities (mental, speech or physical) leads to lesser bonding. It is only actual actions, which leads to bonding other factors are just instrumental. The activities of ascetics performed vigilantly may not lead to rebirth. All activities of laity are long-time bonding ones. The scriptures mention 25 kinds of activities, which may be incidental, natural, induced due to ignorance or thought that may bind karmas. Similarly there is theory of functional consciousness, which states 'When entities or sensual perceptions are in proximity, they create passions, which are a form of consciousness and Page 144 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #158 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya which, then, lead to bondage'. Recently Kachhara, Nahata and Mardia have developed bonding theories based on formation of molecules and chemical compounds. sthiti bandha STUDIES 3.1.2 Nature of Karmic Bond There are different opinions about factors in karmic influx and bonding, which are simultaneous processes. Their description is scattered in many places under different contexts and, hence, they vary from 1 to 28. Dhavala favors four causes with 57 subvarieties. Some other texts like Tattvartha-sutra follow five causes with 72 varieties. In fact, ignorance, different kinds of volitions and wrongness are the basic causes. On detailed analysis we find that almost all kinds of internal and external activities lead to bondage. The degree of bondage depends upon their nature and intensity. The scriptures give specific details under spiritual stages. One must see that all the causes are extensions of only one causes or wrongness. The jiva or empirical soul is taken as karma bonded since beginningless time. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 According to the moral value of their activity and corresponding also to the kind of karma, which they bind - the jivas can be divided into six categories. The first is characterized by the possession of the greatest sinful, while each following one improves and the last is finally standing in the state of highest attainable purity. The attainment to one of these six classes shows itself in the soul externally; the soul, which is free by nature from all distinctions perceptible by the senses, receives colour, taste, smell and touch. In short it becomes a defined type, which distinguishes from the other souls although not recognizable by the senses. This type of soul is called lesya. The different lesyas are distinguished according to different colours, which they give to the soul namely black, dark blue, gray, fiery red, lotus pink and white. Lesya is considered to be a product of passions (kasayas) or activity called yoga in the Jain texts or a product (parinama) of 8 karmas by different authors. 3.1.2.1 Kinds of Bondage Dhavala and other karma texts have classified karma bonds in many ways including the four major divisions under different heads namely: Space point bond pradesabandha Species bond prakrtibandha Intensity bond rasa or anubhagabandha Duration bond Page 145 of 385 Page #159 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The nature of these bonds has been discussed earlier in section 2.0. The spiritual stages of purification, the different species of karma and their cause and effect are detailed in Dhavala and other karma texts. 3.1.3 The Causes of Bonding The penetration of matter particle into the soul and its transformation into karma proceeds through the activity (yoga) of the jiva. The species of the karma into which the matter can be transformed is, in addition to yoga, conditional upon three other causes of which each as long as it operates, affords the bandha of a certain number of karma-prakrtis. The four causes of bondage are: Mithyatva Wrong belief. (5) Avirati Lack of self-discipline or lack of interest in observance of the vows. (12) Kasayas Passions. (25) Yoga Activities. (15) Each of these chief causes is subdivided into a number of subdivisions, the secondary causes as shown in () against each. Each chief cause results in binding certain types of karma species. For example hostility against knowledge and undifferentiated cognition (i.e. samyag-jnana and darsana); those who know and the means of cognition; disregard of the doctrine and it commandments; lack of respect/ dedication towards teachers and masters and destruction of books are the causes of bondage of knowledge obscuring (inanavarana) and undifferentiated cognition (darsanavarana) prakrtis. 3.2 Stoppage of Bonding or Samvara Two processes are required for de-bonding namely: no bonding of new karmas (sarvara) and dissociation of accumulated karmas (nirjara). In fact, Kundakunda states stoppage is instrumental in dissociation. Bonding is due to passion. Hence, activities or observances without passions are required. As stoppage leads to flushing, the factors for it are also the factors for dissociation. Various texts have mentioned observances for being without passion. Here we shall refer to Tattvartha-sutra. Obstructing of influx i.e. flow of matter particles towards the soul is stoppage (samvara). It is of two types namely: psychic andphysical (dravya). The cessation of activities that lead to Page 146 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #160 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ * Saguptisamitidharmanupreksaparisahajayacaritrail * transmigration is psychic stoppage (bhava-samvara). When these activities are checked they result in karmic matter being interrupted (dravya-samvara) from flowing towards the soul. The means of stoppage are: SCHOOL OF i.e. Stoppage is affected by attitudes of control /restraint and carefulness, virtue, contemplation, endurance of afflictions and conduct. That by which the soul is protected from the causes of transmigration, is: SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga STUDIES 40 3 Tattvartha-sutra, IX.2 Tattvartha-sutra, IX.4-18. Control or restraint (gupti) i.e. restraint on activities of mind speech and body. Careful movements to avoid injury to organism in regulation are carefulness (samiti) (care in walking, speaking, food, picking and placing and excretions). Which takes to the desired goals is virtue (dharma). These are Supreme-forgiveness, humility, honesty, non-greediness, truth, restraint, austerity, renunciation, celibacy and STUDY NOTES version 5.0 non-possession. Meditating on the nature of body and so is contemplation (anupreksa). Twelve contemplations are on world (transmigration), soul's transientness, refuge lessness, solitariness, separateness, impurity of body, influx, stoppage, dissociation, rarity of enlightenment and Jina teaching. To endure the bodily afflictions for the sake of dissociation of karmas. Conquest by patient endurance is (parisaha). 22 afflictions are: hunger, thirst, heat, cold, insect-bite, nakedness, disliking, women, wandering, seating, sleeping, agony, injury, begging, nongin, illness. Blades of grass, dirt, reward and honor, wisdom, ignorance and lack of faith Conduct (caritra) is observance of vows and other spiritual purification activities assigned. Five types of conduct are equanimity, re-initiation after atonement, purity though exclusion, subtle passion and perfect conduct. The above means are explained in details in Tattvartha-sutra. As these are effective in stoppage activities, these are mentioned as instrumental causes. Stoppage is also affected by penance/austerities (tapa). Austerities are mentioned separately to show that it is effective in both stoppages of new bondage of karmas as well as dissociation of existing karmas. Page 147 of 385 Page #161 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ * * SCHOOL OF Austerities are: External: O TIONAL O JAN STUDIES SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Pr parama Internal: o Expiation (9) O Reverence (4), O Selfless service (10), Self studies (5), Renunciation (2) Fasting, under eating, giving up one specific taste daily Limitation of begging foods, Lonely habitation Physical mortification; . Meditation (4) O 3.3 Karmic De-bonding/Dissociation or Nirjara The spiritual objective of life is to acquire infinite bliss over physical pleasure. Karmas bonded with the soul are the major hindrance factors in fulfilling it. To eliminate their effects, there are the stages of influx, bonding, stoppage, fruition and dissociation to consider and act suitably. We have already discussed bonding in details. We have to consider what happens after bonding? The empirical soul or jiva has to develop a force of austerities etc. to counteract the force of attraction and aversion (main causes of bondage). The force of austerities must be greater than the force of attraction and aversion if ultimate spiritual progress is desired. The debonding process i.e. enhancing the forces of austerities and gradual elimination of the forces of attraction and aversion when followed continuously results in elimination of all the karmic bondage with the empirical soul till the pure soul state is achieved. There are ten operations in Karmic systems where bondage and existence are also counted and which do change the volitional states of jiva or empirical soul and lead to de-bonding. These operations result in ten states of the karmas bonded with empirical soul, which shall be discussed later on in section 4.0. Page 148 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #162 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ * SCHOOL Checking the Influx or bonding of new Karmas Letting Karmas produce their effects naturally or pre-maturely Flushing of accumulated Karmas OF KI SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SELF STUDY IS THE parama Each of eight types of karma can only be bound so long as its cause of bondage is in existence. If the cause disappears, the bandha of the corresponding prakrti ceases. Further the causes can only be eliminated successively and not out of order i.e. avirati, and yoga respectively. 3.3.1 Processes of Dissociation The karmas are bonded with jiva for specific duration depending upon intensities of various bonding factors. If we have to de-bond ourselves, we will have to undergo three processes either simultaneously or consecutively: STUDIES The first process is discussed in section 3.2 earlier. It is stated that karmas, bonded with the empirical soul already, affect the various capacities of jiva until their duration lasts when they are automatically flushed out like ripened fruits from trees. The rate of fruition depends upon substance, location, time, mode, birth state and duration etc. Thus the jiva experiences these fruits and then dissociates them off (nirjara). This process will go on forever unless the first process i.e. stoppage of new bonding takes place. However still it can be almost an endless process as the duration of existence of karmas and their strength of each bonding can be extremely large and it may not be possible for the jiva to continue the first process during all this time. Further it is necessary that jiva experiences the fruits of karmic activation, even though it is miniscule or not felt sensually. Jain texts however detailed specific activities, like penance, which speed up the ripening process of existing karmas (like we ripen raw mangoes with some chemicals). This is possible as by definition, as detailed in section 4.0 later, karmas have different states and most of them, except the one, can be changed by prescribed ethical practices and penance/ austerities. Tattvartha-sutra in its chapter IX details the means of speedy flushing of karmas associated with the empirical soul. Detailed relationship of various species of karmas and their effect in this process of speedy dissociation are detailed in Dhavala and other Karmagranthas. Page 149 of 385 Page #163 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The karmic fruition has four varieties like the four bonds. For example the durational fruition has two varieties: 1. With effort 2. Natural Dissociation when total i.e. when all the karmic bondages are eliminated from empirical soul, then the empirical soul attains the status of pure soul / pure soul / Moksa. 4.0 States or Modes of Karmas Jains do not subscribe to Fatalist and Theists theories and give significant commitment to self-reliance. This means that the soul has innate capability or energy (virya) to influence its own future even though karmas are extremely powerful and affect soul in many ways shown earlier. Thus soul is the material (upadana karana) cause of its defilement and obscuration. Its energy attribute actively differentiates the karmic matter into appropriate efficient cause (nimmita-karana). The energy attribute of the soul can affect the matter karmas in eight different ways (out of ten possible states of karmas marked by * below out of ten states of karmas). Thus changing the state of the karmas can change auspicious and inauspicious results of karmic activation. Refer Bhagavati-sutras no 23, 24, 44, 47, 357 and Gommattasara (karmakanda) gatas 441-450. This indeed is the cornerstone of the Jain doctrine of karma and purusartha / self-effort and refuting fatalists (niyativada) and theists i.e. no supreme power being benevolent for our achievements or luck. Even though we are born with some past karma and associated luck, still we can change our destiny by our efforts. An empirical soul makes special efforts, like undertaking meritorious activities (e.g. bhakti / devotion, service to others, charity etc that are practiced to enhance the effectiveness of merit (punya) karmas or to reduce the duration and intensity of de-meritorious karmas, penance and observing vows etc to be able to continue performing spiritual purification activities so as to achieve stoppage and dissociation of karmas. Thus the entire path of spiritual purification is based on these capabilities of the empirical soul and different states of the karmas. Page 150 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #164 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ There are ten states of karmas, which are identified as: 1. Bandha or bondage, 2. Satta or existence, 3. Udaya or activation / realization, 4. Udirana or premature fruition, 5. Udvartana or increasing the duration and/or intensity of the karma, 6. Apavartana or reducing the duration of existence and activity, 7. Sarikramana or interchange of nature 8. Upasama or subsidence, 9. Nidhatti or immunization of karmas against certain external activities and 10. Nikacana or immunization of karmas against all external activities. Let us briefly understand these states of karma and their effects and corresponding efforts needed. 4.1 Bandha or Bondage * State of soul and karmas being united is called bandha. In Bhagavati, example of boat with holes and water creeping inside the boat, filling the boat, and making boat and water as one union is given by Mahavira to Gautama to explain bandha of karmas with the empirical soul. Jain philosophy uses the term bandha more in terms of the act of bondage. From the viewpoint of means of activity, the cause or method of bondage is bandha. Similarly the entity, which gets bonded, is bandha. All these meanings are interchangeably used to explain bandha as a system. 4.2 Satta or Existence In Jain philosophy, reality, existence, generality, entity, and object are all called existence. Like storage of cereals after harvesting, storage of the karmas with the empirical soul and the existence of the store of karmas prior to their activation are called satta of karmas. As per Kasaya-prabhrta, karmana-varganas (matter particles) after their conversion to karmas till they become active to yield results is satta i.e. the period from the time the karmas get bonded and till they start yielding results is satta. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 151 of 385 Page #165 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama AN STUDIES 4.3 Udaya or Activation* The activation of karmas existing with the empirical soul to yield auspicious or inauspicious results is called udaya and from now onwards the karmas are busy yielding appropriate results to be experienced by empirical soul and continue doing so till their active time is finished and they dissociate from the soul. Example of rose flower, which starts emitting pleasant odour from the time it starts to bloom till the flower's bloom time is over at which stage the flower starts shedding its petals and leaves the plant. Udaya is said to be of two types namely result-yielding activations called vipakodaya (ie. the karma gets active to yield results and then their dissociation from the soul after its duration is over) and pradesodaya, which implies experience of results in the space points of the empirical soul only and not externally by the jiva. 4.4 Udirana or Premature Fruition* It is also like activation of karma with the difference that the activations of karmas is made ahead of their natural time by external special means i.e. the efforts of the empirical soul. Example of greenhouse farming, where the plants are made to grow at an accelerated place to yield fruits/vegetables/flowers by use of ultraviolet light and close control of temperature and humidity. Similarly by special efforts of the soul, the duration of the existence of karmas with the empirical soul is reduced so that the karmas become active (i.e. ready to yield fruits like plants) for enjoyment by jiva sooner than scheduled originally at the time of bonding. 4.5 Udvartana or Enhancing the Duration and Intensity of the Karma.* The process of increasing the predetermined duration and intensity of a specific species of the karma by special spiritual purification activities of the empirical soul is called Udvartana. Thus Udvartana enhances the characteristics of sthiti-bandha and anubhaga-bandha. 4.6 Apavartana or Reducing the Duration of Existence and Activity. Apavartana means to reduce. This means the reduction in the duration of the period of existence (sthiti) of karmas with the empirical soul and then the duration of the active period (anubhaga reduction) of the karma existing with the empirical soul is apavartana. This also is achieved by special efforts of the soul. Page 152 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #166 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF CKI STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga 4.7 Sankramana or Interchange of Nature* Sankramana means interchange of one activity or type of entity with another. Thus the special efforts by which the secondary species (uttara-prakrtis) of a chief species (mula prakrti) of karmas are interchanged (within the same chief species), and this is called sankramana. However Ayusya, Darsanamohaniya and Caritramohaniya mula-praktis do not allow sarikramana of their secondary species. 4.8 Upasama or Subsidence* To suppress activation of the most potent karma of the eight types of karmas i.e. Mohaniya or deluding, and making it ineffective from its activation is called Upasama or subsidence. During Upasama of karma, pradesodaya and vipakodaya do not exist i.e. they are made redundant by special spiritual purification exercises by the empirical soul. Subsidence exists for some time only as the suppressed karma becomes active again or can be dissociated by the empirical soul using special spiritual purification activities. Mohaniya karma cannot be activated, premature fructified, immunized against certain or all activities during subsidence. 4.9 Nidhatti or immunization of karmas against certain external activities.* To make the existing karmas immune to udvartana and apvartana is called Nidhatti. Nidhatti makes the bondage of karmas with the empirical soul stronger so that the results of this bondage are enjoyed by the soul for longer duration or at a later stage and as per the bondage only. 4.10 Nikacana or Immunization of Karmas against all external Activities. To make the existing karmas immune to all activities of the soul is called Nikacana. This implies that the state of Nikacana of the karmas is extremely strong where the soul becomes sort of ineffective and just enjoys the effects of the bonded karmas. To some extent it can be said to be a state of niyati or determinism. Page 153 of 385 Page #167 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama tapha AN STUDIES Page 154 of 385 Annexe I Jain Theory of Karma STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #168 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ S No 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 ** Jnanavarana Darsanavarana Annexe II Mohniya Antaraya Vedaniya Ayusya Nama Gotra Karma types/Praktis 1.0 Ghat obscuring 2.0 Agahtia/non obscuring 1.1 Knowledge obscuring (Jnanavarana) (5) 2. 1 Experience/ (Vedaniya) (2) 1.2 Intuition obscuring (Darsanavarana) (9) 2.2 Life span determining (Ayusya) (4) 1.3 Deluding (Mohaniya) (28) 2.3 Body construction (Nama) (93) 1.4 Obstructing/ hindering (Antaraya)(5) 2.4 Family status determining (Gotra) (2) Name Subtype 2 Subtype 1 5* 4** 3+ 5**** Sata (pleasure) 4 destinies^ 93^^ high 5*** 25++ STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Asata (pain) INTERNATIO low SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Faraga Notes Mati-k which causes the obscuration of the knowledge transmitted through the senses and mind; sruta-k which produces the obscuration of knowledge acquired by interpreting signs (i.e. Words, writings, gestures); avadhi-k which hinders transcendental knowledge of material things (clairvoyance obscuring); manahparyaya-k which hinders transcendental knowledge of the thoughts of others, (telepathy obscuring) and kevala-k which obscures the omniscience inherent in the jiva Caksur-k or through eyes; acasur-k or sense organs other than eyes; avadhi-k i.e. clairvoyance; kevala-k Page 155 of 385 Page #169 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ + *** TIONAL A ++ SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama ^^ S.No 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.0 Ghati-Obscuring Jnanavaraniya (Knowledge obscuring) 1.4 2.0 AN STUDIES 2.1 Nidra-k (pleasant sleep); nidra-nidrak (deep slumber); pracala (sound sleep while sitting or standing) and styanagrddhik exceeding intensive sleep. 2.2 Dana-k (giving charity); labha-k (receing); bhoga-k (enjoyment); upabhoga-k (repeated enjoyment) and virya-k (will power.) Darsana or faith deluding (3) Caritra or conduct deluding. It has 16 passions, 6 small passions and 3 genders. Human, sub human, heaven and hell. States of existences (4) Classes of beings (5), bodies (5); chief and secondary parts of bodies (3), bindings (5), sarighatans (5), firmness of joints (6), figures (6), colours (5), odours (2), tastes (5), touches (8), anupurvis (4), gaits (10), trasa-prakrtis or moving capabilities (10), sthavara-prakrtis i.e. Stationery (10) Categories Darsanavaraniya (Vision obscuring) Mohaniya (Deluding)) Antaraya (Obstructing) Aghatia-Non obscuring Vedaniya (Feeling) Nama (body making) Page 156 of 385 Table 0.3 SubCategories* 5 9 28 5 2 93 Description Knowledge obscuring or does not let full knowledge quality to be utilized by soul. Perception obscuring. Bliss defiling or misleading the soul from its own nature thereby developing wrong tendencies Energy obscuring or limiting of the soul Pertains to feelings or experiences of happiness and unhappiness by soul Responsible for construction and features STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #170 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ of the body associate with the soul. 2.3 Ayuh (Age) Describes the longevity or the life span in the coming destiny or life mode. 2.4 Gotra (family determining) Status determining karma in the current or new life cycle / mode. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 157 of 385 Page #171 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL B.3.1 IAN STUDIES Control of Kashayas (Toxic Emotions) Anop Bora Introduction Jainism has identified the control of Kashayas1 (emotions of anger, arrogance, deception, and greed), Nokshayas (other related passions), and base impulses as the main determinant of one's spiritual progress. In fact, it regards the erasing of these intertwined emotions all the way down to the microlevel from one's character as essential for achieving one's highest potential--i.e., Moksha (liberation). It places so much importance on this topic that hardly any Jain ritual, prayer or worship is devoid of a plea to Tirthankaras to provide continual guidance and insight to overcome these emotions. Jain seers and sages have labeled them as highly destructive and advised their followers repeatedly to be constantly aware of them and direct their efforts initially at reducing their intensity and eventually eliminating them altogether. Jainism's recognition of the vicious role played by Kashayas, the benefits derived by lessening or eliminating them, and their inverse relationship with peace, harmony, and spiritual ascendance could comprise a major contribution of Jainism to mankind. Spiritually speaking, the Jain religion links Kashayas with the generation of new karmic particles and resulting bondage. The karmas in turn are characterized as the major cause of the cycle of birth and death and the bodily forms that a worldly soul goes through. Its core teaching states that the damage caused by the Kashayas has an immense impact not only on the present life but also on future lives as well. The less the intensity of these 1 (The word Kashaya is made up of two words, Kash & Aya. Kash means Samsar or worldly life. Aya means gain. The literal meaning of Kashaya is to gain samsar again & again, meaning as long as we have Kashayas, the cycle of birth and death will continue. Anger, arrogance, deception, and greed plunge us in samsar. Therefore, they are called Kashayas.) Page 158 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #172 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELFSOY THE destructive emotions, the better the quality of life, lighter the karmic burden and faster the rise on the spiritual ladder. It is no wonder that the Kashayas have been equated with inner enemies in the very first line of the most sacred mantra (Navkar Mantra) that many Jains recite daily from birth to death. Types of Kashayas Jainism has divided up Kashayas in 25 categories. The primary ones are anger, arrogance, deception, and greed. In addition, it has identified 9 other related passions-called Nokashayas. Nine Nokashayas include laughter, feelings of happiness and unhappiness, grief, fear, disgust, sexual craze towards men, women and bisexuals. They serve as a catalyst to invoke the primary emotions. Each of the four primary emotions is further subdivided into four categories (thus making a total of 16). These 16 subgroups of Kashayas plus 9 Nokashayas make a total of 25. (Note: This group of 25 is labeled as CHARITRA MOYANIYA KARMA in karmic language.) The subdivisions of anger, arrogance, deception, and greed are based upon the intensity and duration of each of them. The intensity in turn depends upon the degree of attachment, underlying intention, strength of vigor, and means employed. The subdivisions are: (a) Anantanubandhi Kashay (Highly intense emotion): This type of emotion stays with a person for an extended period and could be regarded like a deep groove cut into a piece of rock. It takes years for the groove to disappear from the rock. In the same way, it takes a long time to get rid of this type of extreme emotion and hence considered highly detrimental to one's well being. (b) Apratyakhyaniya Kashay (strong emotion): This type of emotion usually tapers off after about a year. It is likened to a mud wall that slowly melts away with the arrival of monsoon. (c) Pratyakhyaniya Kashay (mild emotion): This type of emotion goes away after a few months. It is less intense than the previous category but more intense than the next category. It is compared with a line in the sand that disappears when a strong current of air passes over it. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 159 of 385 Page #173 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama AN STUDIES (d) Samjvalan Kashay (very mild emotion): A person shows a mild form of reaction in a spur of moment under the influence of this type of emotion but becomes calm quickly. It is compared with a line in water created by a moving finger. The above subgroups are shown in a tabular form below as illustrated in the scriptures: Kashay Anger Arrogance Deceit Greed Anantanubandhi line in rock stone pillar Page 160 of 385 Bamboo root fast color Apratyakhylni line in earth bone horn of arm grease Pratyakhayani line in sand piece of wood STUDY NOTES version 5.0 urine of cow mud Samjvalan line in water cane shaving of wood It is interesting to note that the primary emotions take many forms and shades in human life (and animals too), validating the subdivisions outlined in the scriptures. For example, anger may be expressed as a mild anger, angry outburst, emotional rage, hate, animosity and vengeance, while arrogance could take the form of self-importance, egotism, conceit, selfpraise and jealousy. Deception may surface in cheating, dishonesty, distortion, hypocrisy, dirty politics, cunningness, fraud and trickery, on the other hand, greed could show up in the form of self-indulgence, delusion, discontentment, mad craving for money, sex, and power. water color It is a common knowledge that our minds are filled with many of these emotions round the clock. Unfortunately, most of us do not recognize the havoc they inflict upon our thought processes and upon our behavior. Because of the critical impact they have on our short and long term future, let us examine them in a bit more detail and discuss the steps suggested by our seers to overcome them. Anger Anger is indeed one of the most powerful emotions. People react to life situations at times with anger rather instinctively-without realizing the consequences. They get angry, lose Page #174 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ their sense of discretion, and some times, ruin relationships with their loved ones in a split second--the relationships that might have taken them years to build. It is not only the social damage that anger inflicts upon us. It is also the damage to the body and mind. It is scientifically proven that when we get angry, our heart pumps faster, blood pressure goes up, blood flow quickens, muscles tense, and more sugar is added into the blood stream. Headaches, tension, stomach problems are also said to have been connected with anger. If we go one step further and analyze the long-term effects of anger, the implications are rather devastating because they show up in the form of heart disease, weakened immune system, and diminished life expectancy. From the vantage point of the Karma theory, anger has very serious consequences too. The stronger the intensity and duration of this emotion, the stronger the karmic bondage-the bondage that causes dire consequences not only in this life but also beyond. To overcome this emotion, first we need to understand the underlying process: Provocation (anger initiator) (Provocation Catalysts could come from past memories, interactions with others, disagreements, unfavorable situations, greed, and other sources.) Path-1 Path-11 Anger Creation Anger Recognition Anger Expression Awareness Instant Revenge Slow Revenge Anger Prevention Reactions Reactions Stop and think techniques STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 161 of 385 Page #175 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF -Violent -Defensive -Speak ill will -Stop speaking. -Hate -Revenge 1. Count 10. 2. Think positively. 3. Resolve conflict through negotiations. 4. Use religious remedies: -Forgiveness -Understanding -Compassion As the left side of the above chart depicts, the anger has two components: creation and expression. Most people follow path-I and upon provocation get angry and express their anger either instantaneously or slowly over a long period of time-sometimes for decades! The intensity of anger expression depends upon the person's psychological makeup and karmic burden. Usually anger expressed in this fashion is destructive because it is accompanied with a number of other harmful emotions such as hate, sense of revenge, violence and many others that linger on in a person's psyche for a long time. Obviously, we won't have to deal with anger expression if we stop it right before it raises its ugly head-i.e., from the very moment it pops up. It means the instant we start getting angry, we need to quickly recognize the emotion and take a detour (path II)! If we realize it and become aware of it, then most probably we will be able to control it. This means we must allow our mind to stop from reacting fast. If we just pause, reflect and think for a while, it will be difficult to get angry! That is one of the reasons modern psychiatrists recommend counting 10 when we are about to explode, and suggest other ideas as well to tackle the anger provoking situations. Page 162 of 385 Now let us look at the religious remedies. First of all, almost all major religions of the world have identified anger as one of the major sins. The common antidotes recommended are FORGIVENESS, COMPASSION, AND UNDERSTANDING. It appears that the emphasis is on anger CONTROL and PREVENTION rather than EXPRESSION. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #176 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Those who came up with these spiritual cures had human weakness and foibles in mind and advised us to react to anger generating stimuli with a compassionate heart and an attitude of forgive and forget. The following Biblical passage and Jain composition on forgiveness express a similar thought: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving. (Ephesians 4:31) I forgive all souls, may all souls forgive me, I am on friendly terms with all, I have enmity towards none. (Translation of Khamemi Savva Jive.... Jain Scripture) Arrogance Arrogance is probably a more destructive human emotion than anger because the latter at least needs an external catalyst, while arrogance does not. We can hide the anger, but arrogance is apparent to all around us. Anger in many cases is transient in nature and it may subside in due course and may be easy to forget and forgive, but arrogance is an ongoing phenomenon fueling fire on a continual basis. An arrogant person is constantly occupied in boosting his own ego and does not hesitate to employ devious means to earn undue respect, prestige or salutations. If we study the history of mankind, we will find that it is replete with stories of people who fell from grace or were destroyed or ruined by arrogance. Here is a short story from Greek Mythology: Icarus- main character of the story- arrogantly believed that he could fly with artificial wings, his arrogance lead to his literal downfall, however, as he flew so close to the sun that the wax with which his wings were fastened melted. In Western philosophy and literature, this story of Icarus is considered to be the classic example of arrogance. I know of a major US corporation that was doing very well for years. They copied a competitive product to grow even faster. The competitor claimed that the product infringed STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 163 of 385 Page #177 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ their patents but was willing to settle for only 200 million dollars. But being rich, the former was just too stubborn and arrogant. It fought in the court for almost 10 years, lost in the end, and wound up spending almost 9 billion dollars by the time the dispute came to an end. These stories such as the ones described above support the common knowledge that the people who are affected with arrogance usually become 'blind' and stubborn, live in a dream world, and cannot see what others see. Nor do they realize that they have a serious mental disease. Usually they walk around with a large ego, surround themselves with like minded selfish friends and they tend to see--with jaundiced eyes--arrogance in others, not in themselves! They are out to prove to the world how smart and superior they are compared to others. Jain masters--who have identified this vice, among others, as dating all the way back to Lord Adinath's era--have suggested the use of humility and politeness in day to day interactions, and have structured many religious practices to fix the problem. They are designed not only to soften one's arrogance, but also to soften other vices that are closely linked with arrogance, such as anger, deception, lust and greed-starting from early childhood. The following practical steps can help us to recognize arrogance and rectify our behavior: * Acknowledge the problem - The first step is the recognition and acceptance of the problem. Unless one accepts that there is a problem and is willing to do something about it, nothing can happen. If a sick person refuses to accept the fact that there is something wrong, he or she will not seek medical help. Do a reality check - One way we can deflate our ego is to see that there is always someone who is better than us no matter how inflated we feel about our wealth, power, knowledge, talent, appearance, and so forth. Karma theory (Cause & Effect) teaches us that the objects of our arrogance and good fortune are the fruits of our karmas from the past and could all disappear one day because every thing in life is transient and cyclic. Know that this too shall pass - Every time we go through an ego boosting situation, we need to think that nothing is going to last forever. Remind ourselves that truth has many angles and perceptions are relative - Like the blind men describing the elephant, we must remind ourselves that ours is not the only Page 164 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #178 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ * SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya tapa correct viewpoint. To find the right approach, we need to be polite and receptive enough to listen to the ideas and viewpoints from people with different cultures and backgrounds. Sometimes we will discover that we were way off in our approach! Being polite does not mean a total agreement with the view points of the opponent. It only means listening to the other party consciously. Listening with a spirit of reconciliation cannot co-exist with arrogance! This is one of the main messages of ANEKANTWAD-another cardinal principle of Jainism. Recognize the equality of souls - We need to respect all life and all human beings. Jainism clearly says: All souls are equal. This means that any temporary perception of superiority should not blind us and make us arrogant. Humility produces positive results - We need to understand that humility generates respect, co-operation and pleasant vibrations while dealing with our fellow human beings. Arrogance on the other hand invites contempt, dislike and hate. Our choice should be obvious. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Arrogance obstructs and humility fosters resolution of conflicts. More problems have existed throughout history because of ego clashes. If we show humility to others in resolving a conflict, even our opponents will calm down and show a way to get out of it. On the other hand, if we are perceived as arrogant, our opponents will play hard ball and devise ways to teach us a lesson, thereby lowering the chances of resolution. Deception The human mind has an uncanny ability to craft devious means and cheat others to satisfy one's low level desires to procure more money, power, prestige or many other worldly objects. Greed and perverse knowledge (wrong beliefs) are the primary drivers of this emotion. They make the person resort to lies, stealing, fraud, dishonesty and hypocrisy. The person with deceit does not hesitate to employ any unethical and immoral means to achieve the end objectives. He thinks one way, speaks something else and acts altogether differently-showing a lack of harmony between his thoughts, speech and action. The history of mankind contains many stories showing that deception does not work in the long run. Eventually the dishonest person gets caught and suffers from the social, monetary and mental consequences. Deception in general ends up in an ugly manner. It is just a matter of time. Page 165 of 385 Page #179 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The huge Bernard Mad off scandal that came to light recently is an excellent example of how far greed and deception can push a person down. Mad off yielded to these negative emotions. He caused pain and suffering not only to himself but also to thousands of his fellow human beings. Karmic consequences of deceptive behavior are horrendous. It is said in the scriptures that deceptive thoughts and behavior make one suffer not only in this life, but also cause one to be born as an animal in the next life. Since the root cause of deception is unlimited greed based upon ignorance, we need to step back and examine and correct our real character, motives, and goals in life. The antidotes for deception are leading a simple life and maintaining a straightforward disposition. The "simple life" obviously entails harboring limited desires, which abrogates the need to resort to dishonest means. A straightforward person will act without a hidden agenda, have a much lighter karmic burden, and will live a more peaceful and serene life. Greed Greed is the most powerful and dangerous of all emotions and is the most difficult to control. It provides fuel for the fires of anger, arrogance and deception and is therefore considered the father of all sins (evil activities). It can stay with a person even after the other three primary emotions are wiped out. According to the Jain scriptures, this emotion stays with a person all the way to one of the higher rungs of the spiritual ladder (10th Gunasthanak). Gandhiji once said that there is enough in the world to satisfy every one's needs but not enough to satisfy every one's greed. Greed begets human desires; the greater the number of desires, the higher the mental turmoil and dissatisfaction. There is just no end to the craze and madness to seek more and more. The result is dissatisfaction, stress, tension and mental and health problems. The cure prescribed the religion is CONTENTMENT, by limiting one's desires to a more reasonable level, and maintaining a balance between one's greed and needs. Page 166 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #180 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Types of Nokashayas As stated earlier, the scriptures have identified 9 Nokashayas. They are quasi kashayas that help generate the primary emotions. They are: 1. 2-3 Laughter based upon ill intentions. Emotions of happiness or unhappiness are founded upon the experience of favorable or unfavorable circumstances that in turn are the product of our past karmas (Shata and Ashata Vedaniya Karmas). JAINISM recommends the use of equanimity in the face of either situation. Grief: Distress and anguish shown at the loss of loved ones or the glorious past Fear: Fear of authority, enemy, next life, loss of wealth, loss of life due to an accident, not being able to earn a livelihood, death, and loss of reputation. Disgust and Contempt Sexual passion towards female, male and a bisexual person. 7-9 Kashayas, Nokashayas and the Karmic Cycle The Jain religion regards the entire spectrum of Kashayas and Nokashayas as nothing but the product of past karmas. Here is the way the cycle occurs: 1. When the past karmas come to fruition and an event occurs, people react with emotions rather blindly. Their emotional reactions are normally based upon ignorance and wrong beliefs (Mithyatva) and thus on an impure state of mind. 2. Emotions generated are of two broad categories at this stage: Rag and Dwesh or attachment and aversion. 3. Attachment gives rise to two primary emotions (deception and greed) and 5 Nokashayas (laughter, feelings of happiness and 3 emotions related to sexual passions). 4. Aversion gives rise to the remaining two primary emotions (anger and arrogance) and 4 Nokashayas (feelings of unhappiness, grief, fear and disgust). 5. Emotions identified above lead to verbal and physical actions involving violence, lies, stealing, sexual acts, possessions/wealth accumulation. 6. Mental, physical and verbal acts then lead to formation of new karmas leading to further bondage. 7. The bondage becomes a cause for a new cycle of birth, growth, decay and death. 8. Thus the cycle of worldly life continues to move indefinitely. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 167 of 385 Page #181 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ It may be instructive to note the relationship between the toxic emotions and verbal and physical acts of sins (step 5 above). In Jainism, sins such as violence, speaking lies, stealing, sexual lust and mad craze after money are considered to have their roots in Kashayas and have proclaimed that there is a strong connection between the two. One is a cause; the other is an effect. For example: violence does not start in a vacuum. Usually it is preceded by either a trace of anger or ego or greed or a combination thereof. Without violent thoughts, there can be no violent action. Even a giant war starts with a single angry thought on the part of an individual and then-before we know it--it catches a wild fire. The same reasoning applies to other vices. Jainism says that if you control these deadly emotions, the control of physical behavior would follow automatically. This is very profound, as here the Jain philosophy is showing a way to bring about a spiritual transformation at the individual level that in turn leads to a better society. Contemporary Societal Ills Wars and terrorism in different parts of the world, financial collapse, and global warming are some of the major ills that have impacted the lives of millions all over the world recently. If we analyze each of them, we can easily trace the root causes back to the use of poisonous emotions. Iraq war probably was based primarily upon arrogance and anger, birth of terrorism on anger, hate, and deception, financial meltdown on arrogance, deception, and greed, and global warming on greed. Even we look back at the past; we will find the same common thread. Unfortunately, the political and business leaders who make decisions base their decisions to satisfy their personal egos without giving a due consideration to the spiritual aspect Had they abided by the Jain principles and diminished the extent to which the toxic emotions and base impulses had infected their behavior, the societal concomitant harm could have been mitigated and the world would have been a much better place. Page 168 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #182 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Discussion on how to control Kashayas and break the Karmic Cycle The root causes of the toxic emotions are ignorance and wrong beliefs. JAINISM has recommended many ways to address these causes and structured daily rituals (spiritual practices) as well. The first step suggested to remove ignorance revolves around knowing, understanding, and forming a firm conviction about the true nature, identity and power of our own soul (swarup/inner self). The scriptures assert that the worldly souls have been wandering around eternally because we lack a full appreciation of who we are; as a result, we have been eternally suffering. This ignorance manifests itself in the way we think and act. Because we do not know our true nature, we equate soul with body while, in fact, they are totally different from each other. Because of this fundamental error on our part, we tend to mistake the latter for the former. The correct approach is (1) to consider that the emotions are different from soul (2) to make our soul (sometimes called the inner voice) the driver and controller of our thoughts, emotions, and behavior and (2) to make the mind and body obey In reality, that is not what happens. Typically, when we receive a stimulus, the mind jumps, takes the charge and orders the body to take action without the soul (self) being cognizant. The simple solution is to slow down before reacting to any stimulus. This will allow our soul/consciousness to take the lead and utilize its intrinsic qualities of forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, contentment, charity, and compassion. The scriptures maintain that the fire of anger can best be extinguished through the exercise of compassion and forgiveness, arrogance through humility, deception through straightforwardness and greed through contentment. The best way to slow down our reactions to day-to-day stimuli is through the practice of meditation. It is through meditation that we focus on our inner self, calm our minds, and STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 169 of 385 Page #183 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Para parama IN STUDIES reflect upon how we react. Once our mind becomes tranquil, we can start reacting positively to stimuli with a correct attitude. We can start appreciating our real nature and listening to what our inner voice is telling us. At this stage, we can start drawing out from our dormant divine qualities, and getting answers to our questions from within. At this point, our own experience can lead us to start thinking about the karmic cycle that governs our lives and to start developing a strategy to break this cycle through the control of emotions. This means that the next time we run into a pleasant or an unpleasant situation, we will not react in the same way. We can start reflecting that everything that happens is due to our own past karmas and that no useful purpose is served by blaming and punishing others for our troubles. With this frame of mind, perhaps we can start controlling our mind and acting dispassionately so as to minimize the formation of new KARMAS. When we read the stories of Lord Mahavir, we realize that this is the path he followed, as he won over the inner enemies of defiling emotions and achieved liberation. The remedial process of eliminating the toxic emotions and base impulses is simple to comprehend; and yet, when a real situation arises, most of us fail miserably. We simply forget the core message and our mind just overpowers us. We react instinctively without giving much thought to the situation at hand and then regret afterwards. The emotional thoughts are generated at the mind level without us being conscious of them. Because the mind plays tricks with us, we need help from wherever it is available. One person who can provide such help and make a profound change in our daily kashayaladen behavior is a spiritual guide (sadguru). He can steer us in the right direction, help us see the truth and more importantly our faults, provide feedback and put us on the right path. He can also work on our belief system and continually serve as a role model for us to follow. In addition to getting help from a spiritual mentor, we also need to stay in the company (satsang) of religious people for positive reinforcement and engage in self-study on a daily Page 170 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #184 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ basis. Another step worth looking at is the development of an attitude of detachment (Vairagya). This idea is summed up in the scriptures very clearly under the axiom of Anitya Bhavana or Reflection of Impermanence. It states that all material things in life are temporary, transient in nature and come with an expiration date, a date that is out of our control. Pondering over this truth plus 11 others written in the scriptures should serve as a reminder of the way things really are and enlarge our perspective. They are designed to make us detached and passion-free in our approach to solving the daily problems of life. The practice of the following major rituals is yet another technique to control Kashayas. Samayik (48 minute meditation to improve self awareness) - This daily ritual calms the mind and one's inner self. It also improves clarity of thought and helps us gain equanimity. Pratikraman (Introspection and asking for forgiveness for one's mistakes) - This is an extremely powerful tool because it provides an opportunity to acknowledge one's faults and seek forgiveness. Lasting for approximately 1 hour, this ritual is recommended for every morning and evening. If not feasible, then a longer version is recommended every fortnight, every 4 months, or once every year at the minimum. Daily reminder of 12 Bhavanas (Reflections) Paryushan (Festival of Forgiveness) observed for 8 days every year. Das Lakshana (Festival of spiritual attributes) observed for 10 days every year. * * The above practices--if carried out consciously and regularly--have the power to make one passion free. They have the power to bring out divinity from us and make us more humble in our dealings with other human beings. Every one of them has a purpose and has an additive value, the sum total of which could have a profound impact on us. | asked a Jain scholar about 35 years ago if he had any simple advice for me to control emotions. His answer was short but very powerful. He said: "Watch your thoughts." I did not understand the message at the time, but looking back, I feel his message showed a deep insight. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 171 of 385 Page #185 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ His message said loud and clear: "Thinking is everything. Every thought has karmic consequences." Perhaps he knew that most human minds are driven by Kashayas and watching and recognizing them would be an excellent first step towards winning them over. Concluding Thoughts The Jain religion is one of very few religions that have analyzed the root cause of human suffering and offered an effective cure for mankind. It views the problems at the macro level as a reflection of what is happening at the micro level inside most of us. That is the rationale behind its focus on the inner spiritual transformation of each and every sentient being-paving the way for happiness for all now and eventual liberation from the cycle of death and birth. This approach indeed holds the key to change the whole world. Unfortunately, the ancient Jain philosophy has remained unknown to date to the majority of people on the face of the earth. When we read or watch the news about the daily events in the news media, we can observe that most of them are occurring because of the rampant use of toxic emotions by people. Driven by these emotions, the world in more recent times has turned upside down/inside out. It is bogged down in violence, stealing, greed, hatred, sex, religious fighting and terror. Hundreds of people are getting killed every single day. Millions of people do not get even a single good meal to eat in a day. In this kind of environment, JAINISM offers a practical and ethical philosophy and tools for living a passion free, restrained, tolerant life, full of love and compassion. A lifestyle marked by the constant awareness of the destructive role played by the toxic emotions and their control in our thoughts and behavior will help us to be more compassionate, forgiving, humble and peaceful in living with fellow humans. This could create peace, friendship and harmony throughout the world. The need of the hour is for us to understand and practice this philosophy with an open mind. Perhaps President Obama recognized this point when, in the course of presenting his official remarks on Diwali on October 14, 2009, he offered the following reflection on Jainism: "In Jainism, [Diwali] celebrates the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Mahavira, one of a long line of spiritual leaders Page 172 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #186 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ known for achieving enlightenment by freeing themselves of base human impulses and emotions." Bibliography: In Gujarati 1. Atmagnan and Sadhanapath by Amrendravijayji Maharaj 2. Dyan: Ek Parishilan by Sunandaben Vohora 3. Karma Vipak by Dhirajbhai Pandit In English 1. Tatvarth Sutra and Atmasididdhi by Manubhai Doshi 2. Dharma Ke Dashlakshana by Dr. Humamchand Bharil 3. Saman Suttam compiled by Sri Jinendra Varni STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 173 of 385 Page #187 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.3.4 Spiritual Awakening, Devotion and Meditation: Jaina Perspective Prof. Kamal Chand Sogani 1.0 Spiritual Awakening The pronouncement of the Acarangal that the ignorant are asleep and the wise are awake inspires us to be aware of the highest in us, which is our Real Nature. In Jain terminology we may say that this is tantamount to achieving Samyagdarsana (Spiritual Awakening). When we are asleep we are in the state of spiritual perversion known as Mithyadarsana. 1.1 The Role of Samyagdarsana (Spiritual Awakening) in the life of an Individual Jainism regards spiritual awakening (Samyagdarsana) as the beginning of the spiritual pilgrimage, and it is the foundation of the magnificent edifice of liberation. Even performing very severe austerities by persons devoid of spiritual awakening do not attain spiritual wisdom even in thousands and millions of years. Just as a leaf of the lotus plant because of its own nature and constitution is not defiled by water, so also an awakened person because of his spiritual nature is not sullied by passions and sensuous attractions. Value-knowledge and ethico-spiritual conduct is acquired through spiritual awakening. The spiritually awakened self considers his own self as his genuine abode and regards the outward dwelling places as artificial. He renounces all identification with the animate and inanimate objects of the world, and properly weighs them in the balance of his awakened spirit. Thus he develops a unique attitude towards himself and the world around him. Without Samyagdarsana conduct is incapable of surpassing the province of morality. An ascetic who bases his asceticism on the mere moral concepts cannot be said to be superior to a householder whose interior has been illumined with the light of Samyagdarsana, inasmuch as the former is paving the way for the achievement of empyreal pleasures far away from the blissful state of existence, while the latter's face is turned in the right direction, which will in due course yield whatever is worthy of his inherent nature. The spiritually awakened persons regard the auspicious bhavas as the temporary places of stay, when they find themselves incapable of staying at the pinnacle of truth and realization. These Bhavas serve as a halting place for them and not as a permanent dwelling. Thus such individuals absolve themselves even from subconscious egoism in performing auspicious activities. On the contrary, those who are only morally converted regard the acquisition of auspicious Acarariga - Sutta amunni munino saya jagaranti, Acarariga -cayanika, 44, p. 32. Page 174 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #188 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ mental states and performance of auspicious activities as ends in themselves, hence they are bound to endless mundane existence, which shall deprive them of spiritual bliss for all time before spiritual awakening. Besides, their profound learning and the austere penances performed by them even for thousands of years or more are spiritually unfruitful in the absence of Samyagdarsana. 1.2 Function of Spiritual Perversion and Its Nullification Spiritual perversion acts as a barricade to soul's true life. It is the root of all evils, the seed of the tree of Samsara. The person experiencing spiritual perversion becomes perverted in his attitude. It poisons all our activities, so as to check the realization of the Summum Bonum of life. Moreover, it is responsible for the perversity of knowledge and conduct alike. So long as spiritual perversion is operative, all our efforts to witness the sun of self's glory are bound to fail. Thus it is to be rooted out in the interest of rendering its unwholesome function null and void. In other words, spiritual awakening is to be attained, which in turn will make knowledge and conduct conducive to the attainment of Paramatman. It is only after the acquisition of spiritual awakening that the person attains the primary qualification for even marching towards emancipation from the wheel of misery. If spiritual perversion is at the root of worldly life and living, spiritual awakening is at the root of liberation. 1.2.1 Judgment of the occurrence of Samyagdarsana in the life of an Individual Now the question is: Is there any way to Judge the occurrence of spiritual awakening in the life of an individual? The answer given is this that though spiritual awakening is a subjective phenomenon, yet the Jaina acaryas have given certain individual and social characteristics that accompany Samyagdarsana (spiritual awakening). Individual Characteristics i. The spiritually awakened regards, without any doubt, kindness to all creatures as Dharma and any injury to them as Adharma. Now the question is: How to acquire the state of doubtlessness? The answer can be given by saying that either the individual should stop thinking and resort to a sort of blind faith or he should employ himself in the task of vigorous thinking. Blind faith is the path of mental slavery, but vigorous thinking is the path of awakened mind. To my mind Jainism has subscribed to the latter view. Reason should be freely allowed to play upon kindness and cruelty to creatures, so as to arrive at rational decision, Mahavira never threatened the critical faculty in man, STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 175 of 385 Page #189 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ inasmuch as he seems to be aware of the fact that by paralyzing the critical faculty in man, he will be cut at its roots. For the spiritually awakened, kindness to creatures emerges from the very process of rational thinking. Thus the individual will be free from any doubt in observing kindness to creatures. This is known as the Nihsamkita characteristic of the spiritually awakened. Along with this characteristic it may be said that the spiritually awakened self is without any iota of fear and pride. He is not frightened when worldly pleasures Part Company and troubles accompany him. Nor is he perturbed by the life hereafter. He has no fear of death, disease, accidents, and insecurity and of losing prosperity. Again he has comprehended the futility of pride and consequently he has for saken pride of learning, honour, family, caste, power, opulence, penance and body. ii. The spiritually awakened is required to impose upon him restraint in the realm of desires. Man is a bundle of desires. Desires do not arise in vacuum. They presuppose goods. Desires may admit of two kinds, namely, possessive and creative, corresponding to the two kinds of goods, namely, material and creative. The difference between the two kinds of goods is that the former admits of exclusive individual possession, while the latter can be shared by all alike. Thus the possessive impulses aim at acquiring private goods, whereas the creative ones aim at producing goods that can be enjoyed by all without any conflict. "Material possessions can be taken by force', but "creative possessions cannot be taken in this way'. The desire for material goods makes man's personality egocentric, which is the cause of social tensions and frustration. Creative desires lead the individual towards self-satisfaction and social progress. Thus the spiritually awakened is free from possessive desires and develop Ninkanksita characteristic in his personality and makes himself free from the desire for material possessions. iii. The spiritually awakened individual begins to comprehend that many religious superstitions, social paths of life and other forms of follies and falsities are derogatory to individual progress; therefore they are condemned in every age of history. But the change is met with great resistance. The reason for this is that individuals look at change with doubt and uncertainty. Besides love for conventionality and vested interests run counter to the acceptance of novelties in thought. All these obstacles mar individual dynamism. Thus the spiritually awakened individual becomes free from follies Page 176 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #190 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ (Mudhatas) and develops Amudhadrsti 2 characteristic in his personality. It is only through such individuals that society progresses and a scientific outlook gains ground. Such individuals are forward looking, and are free from the pressures of narrow traditionalism. They are always open-minded and are ever eager to learn from history and experience. iv. The spiritually awakened individual develops virtuous dispositions of honesty, gratitude, forgiveness, modesty etc. This is known as Upaguhana characteristic. It may be noted here that though mere thought is important to bring about any individual transformation, it is only virtues in addition to thought that can effect transformation in the life of an individual and transmute existing state of affairs. It cannot be gainsaid that noble thoughts can be translated into action through the medium of virtuous dispositions. Social characteristics Besides, there are certain social characteristics that emanate from the spiritually awakened individual. It is true that there is nothing over and above the good of the individual men, women and children who compose the world. The proper adjustment of "l' and "thou' leads to the healthiest development of both " and "thou'. All individuals should live together in such a way that each individual may be able to acquire as much good as possible. Thus every individual, therefore, shall have certain responsibilities towards one another. This is the same as saying that an individual has certain social responsibilities. i. The spiritually awakened individual does not hate a meritorious being owing to certain diseased bodily conditions and the like. This is known as the Nirvicikitsa characteristic. We may extend it by saying that to create differences between one individual and the other on the factors of religion, race, nationality etc. is derogatory, therefore, should be condemned ruthlessly. These are irrelevant inequalities. The negative conditions of not hating others are not sufficient, but the positive condition of loving them (Vatsalya) is very much necessary. To love is to see that every individual without any distinction, of race, religion, sex and nationality, receives equal opportunities of education, earning and the like. Where there is love there is no exploitation. To treat ii. 2 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 14 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 26, (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agas) * Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra 13 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 177 of 385 Page #191 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ other individuals as mere means is decried and denied. Where there is Vatsalya, all our dealings with others will be inspired by reverence; the role of force and domination will be minimized. Thus the spiritually awakened develops Vatsalya characteristics.5 iii. It is likely that individuals may deviate from the path of righteousness. In dealing with persons, they may become so selfish as not to allow them their due share of liberty; they may become very possessive. Pride of power, use of force, and exploitation of the weak may look to them normal ways of life. To establish them in the good life is Sthitikarana.6 The spiritually awakened individual develops Sthitikarana characteristic. This is very much necessary in a society where the role of creative impulses is to be established. iv. The good ways of life, of thinking and doing things should be made widely known to people at large, so that they may feel obliged to mould their lives in that pattern. For this, we need psychological methods of transmitting knowledge to be followed in all earnestness. The scientific techniques of radio, television and the like are to be utilized for propagating good ways of life. If the researches in the laboratories are not taken to and utilized in the fields, they will serve no significant purpose. They will be like doing things in seclusion. Similarly, if the findings in the human laboratory in the realm of values are not taken to human beings in general, things will deteriorate and conditions will not change. The spiritually awakened individual develops the characteristic known as Prabhavana? for propagating ethical-spiritual values by such means as are best suited to time and place. In addition to these eight characteristics indicative of Samyagdarsana, there are other characteristics, which accompany the subsistence of spiritual awaking. These are i. Reduction of passions to the extent of acquiring mental peace; Prasama ii. Turning away from the causes, which enhance worldly career; Samvega iii. Expression of the non-skeptical attitude towards the spiritual nature of Reality; Astikya iv. Manifestation of universal compassion; Anukampa s Karttikeyanupreksa,, 419-20, (Rajachandra Ashram, Agas). Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra 16, Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 28 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 30, Ratnakaramdasravakacara of Samantabhadra 18, Karttikeyanupreksa,, 421-422 Rajavartika of Akalamka, I. 2/30, Bharatiya Jnanpith, New Delhi. Page 178 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #192 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 1.2.2 Origination of Samyagdarsana (Spiritual Awakening) The Occurrence of Samyagdarsana or spiritual awakening is sometimes consequent upon the instruction of those who have realized the divine within themselves, or are on the path of Divine-realization, while at other times, the self is reminded of its spiritual heritage automatically without the help of any outside instruction. The importance of instruction is paramount, since the self in whom spiritual awakening has taken place without apparently any direct instruction must have received instructions, if not here, in some previous birth. In other words, he who has not got any instruction since beginningless past is incapable of being awakened spiritually; and he who has got such an opportunity in some previous birth may be so awakened without any instruction at present. Thus instruction is unavoidable. It shall not be contradictory to aver that "the secret of knowing God, of realizing Him, is, whether we like it or not, in the hands of mystics." "It is through them alone as spiritual teachers or Gurus that we shall have to bring about the spiritual conversion in us."10 Spiritual awakening not to be confused with moral and intellectual accomplishments: There may be a tendency to confuse spiritual awakening with moral and intellectual accomplishments. One may say that he who is intellectually enlightened and morally converted is spiritually awakened. How can a man after attaining to the fair height of intellectual knowledge and moral uplift be spiritually barren? Though it is astonishing, yet it is regarded as a fact by the Jainas. The "Dravya-limgi-muni is an instance of this sort of life. No doubt, intellectual learning and moral conversions may facilitate spiritual awakening in, certain selves, but this cannot as a rule bring about the latter. A spiritually unawakened man may be an astute intellectualist, a resolute moralist, but he will lack that spiritual quality by virtue of which he may be called a real saint, a seeker of spiritual truth, a person moving on the spiritual path. Thus spiritual awakening is to be sharply distinguished from moral and intellectual accomplishments. 2.0 Devotion It is generally recognized that devotion in Jainism is a contradiction in terms, since devotion presupposes the existence of a Being who can actively respond to the aspirations of the devotee, and in Jainism such a conception of being is inadmissible. It is true to say that Jainism does not uphold the idea of such a being known as God, but it undoubtedly Tattvartha-sutra, Umasvati, I. 3 (Bharatiya Jnanpith, New Delhi) 10 Yoga of the Saints P. 57, 58 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 179 of 385 Page #193 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ recognises the Arhat and the Siddha as the divinity-realized souls who may be the objects of devotion. Devotion, Devotee and Devotional Object (a) Devotion Devotion implies the sublime affection, circumscribed by the immaculacy of thought and emotion, towards the divinity-realized souls or towards those who are advanced on the path of divine realization. 11 (b) Devotee The devotee profoundly knows the object of his devotion, namely, Arhat and Siddha. Every fiber of his being feels the supremacy and sublimity of the object of his devotion to such an extent that when the devotee finds himself confronted with the omniscient and omnipotent God (Arhanta and Siddha), he abruptly and spontaneously proclaims himself to be shameless, 12 ignorant like an obstinate owl13, child, etc. This is a sort of religious humility, self depreciation, self-devaluation and a consciousness of "creaturehood'. 14 This strange and profound mental reaction of calling oneself a creature in the face of that which is transcendent is not a conceptual explanation of the matter but a mode of submergence into nothingness, an attempt to convey the content of the feeling response in the best possible way. The devotee is so much attracted by the divine consciousness that he expresses his deep yearning for establishing the holy feet of God in his heart forever.15 Intoxicated by the devotional juice, the devotee announces that he keeps God in his heart and so allows Him (God) to cross the ocean of mundane miseries; but after a moment, he reverses the position by saying that God serves as the air inside the leather bag of his heart for crossing the ocean of world. 16 1 Sarvarthasiddhi of Pujyapada, VI-24, (Bharatiya Jnanpith, New Delhi) 12 Bhaktamara 15 (Digambara Jaina Pustakalaya, Surat under the title "Pancastotra Samgraha) 13 Kalyanamandira-stotra of Kumudacandra, 3 (under the title "Pancastotra Samgraha) 14 Idea of the Holy P. 21 15 Purusarthasiddhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 30, Ratnakaramda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra 16 Kalyanamandira-stotra 10 Page 180 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #194 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The spirit of utter consecration is manifested when Samantabhadra proclaims that that is intellect which remembers God, that is head which bows down at His feet, that is successful life which lives under His pious shelter, that is speech which sings His praise, that is a sacred man who is engrossed in His devotion, and that is a learned man who bows down at His feet. 17 The devotee who finds all the objects of the world quite impotent to bestow upon him spiritual solace surrenders himself to God (Arhat and Siddha) for putting an end to transmigratory existence and to tribulations and fears. 18 (c) Devotional Object The object of devotional consciousness is "wholly other' in the sense of its being Anupama, i.e., it is absolutely and intrinsically other than everything that is and can be thought of. 19 It is "majestic" in the sense that its infinite characteristics are incapable of being described by us.20 Notwithstanding the fact of being possessed by the subjective feeling of the status of a creature and the objective feeling of the devotional object being supreme and "wholly other", the devotee is led to the singing of the praise of God (Arhanta and Siddha) on account of being captured by the fire of devotion like the deer who resorts to save its child from the clutches of a lion out of love or like a cuckoo (koyala) which sings in autumn merely due to the presence of small mangoes. This refers to the "element of fascination in the devotional object.21 Though the object is awe-inspiring on account of its infiniteness, yet it is fascinating and very easily captivates and transports the devotee with strange exultation. The consequence of his emotions is that his vocal cords begin to function automatically in extolling the deity, though in a limited way. Importance and effects of devotion According to Kundakunda, he who bows with great devotion at the feet of Jina undermines the root of Samsara.22 Pujyapada pronounces that the Self by dint of its devotedness 17 Jina sataka of Samatabhadra, (Veer Seva Mandira, Delhi), 113; 18 Svayambhustotra: Tattvapradipika, 80 (Sri Ganeshavarni Digambara Jaina Shodha Sansthana, Varansai). Yuktyanusasana, of Samantabhadra, 4 (Veer Seva Mandira, Delhi) 20 lbid. 2 21 Bhaktamara, 5, 6, Idea of the Hoy, P. 31 22 Bhavapahuda of Kundakunda, 153, (Patani Digambara Granthamala, Marotha under the title of Astapahuda) STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 181 of 385 Page #195 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ towards Arhanta and Siddha can transform itself into the state of Paramatman. 23 Vadirajamuni represents that notwithstanding deep intellectual attainments and untainted moral accomplishments the doors of the edifice of liberation are locked by delusion and incapable of being thrown open by the aspirant without applying the key of profound devotion 24 Since God is incomparable and unlike anything else, our devotional outpourings are incapable of unfolding His being, says Vadirajamuni. Despite this disharmony between our words and His Being, our expressions permeated with the nectar of devotion are capable of bestowing upon us the desired fruits.25 All sorts of mundane pleasantness and super-mundane results follow as a consequence of devotion to God, nay perforce accompany the devotee. Thousands of imperiling disturbances and obstructions disassociate themselves from the devotee. He who has heard God's pious name and has poured his heart and soul into it, has escaped the mountain of distresses. He who unwaveringly and with tears of joy and with jubilant voice adores God relieves himself from diverse heartrending diseases.26 Though God has transcended the duality of praise and censure, yet the singing of His glory sweeps away the filth of vices from the mind of the devotee.27 Samantabhadra points out that just as iron is turned into gold by a mere touch of the parasa stone, likewise the devotee is transformed into an effulgent personality and his words are reckoned as pregnant with great momentousness. 28 According to Vadirajamuni it is by devotion that the obstacles that might baulk the movement of the devotee towards heavenly pleasures and his pilgrimage towards liberation are overthrown; and the devotee gets endowed with such a penetrating intellect that he never encounters any difficulty in memorising the scriptures.29 Samantabhadra exhorts that in his case devotion has resulted in fearlessness and in the dissipation of several diseases, and in making him a magnificent, respectable and virtuous 23 Samadhi-sataka of Pujyapada, 97, (Veer Seva Mandira, Delhi) 24 Ekibhava-Stotra of Vadiraja, 13, (Digambara Jaina Pustakalaya, Surat, under the title "Pamcastotra Samgraha) 25 Ekibhava-Stotra of Vadiraja. 21 26 lbid-3 27 Svayambhu-stotra : 57 28 Jinasataka of Samantabhadra, 60 29 Ekibhava-Stotra of Vadiraja, 23 Page 182 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #196 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ personality.30 Bhakti, according to Dhananjaya, blesses a devotee with eminence, richness and success.31 Thus, it may be seen that according to Jain conception the effects of devotion are mundane pleasures (in this world and in heaven), super-mundane happiness, abrogation of distress and disturbance, banishment of physical diseases, removal of vices and attainment of virtues, overthrowing of the obstacles, acquisition of penetrating intellect, development of effulgent personality and weighty tongue, wide recognition, achievement of success and riches and, lastly, attainment of fearlessness. 3.0 Dhyana (Meditation) Dhyana represents the concentration of mind on a particular object. The stability of thoughts on one object is recognized as Dhyana and the passing of mind from one object to another is deemed to be either Bhavana or Anupreksa, or Cinta.32 Dhyana is the indispensable, integral constituent of ethico-spiritual conduct, and consequently, it is directly related to the actualization of the divine potentialities. It is the clear and single road by which the aspirant can move straight to the supreme good. The object of concentration may be profane or holy in character.33 The former is designated as inauspicious concentration (Aprasasta Dhyana), while the latter is called auspicious concentration (Prasasta Dhyana). The Prasasta category of Dhyana has been deemed to be potent enough to make the aspirant realise the emancipated status.34 On the contrary, the Aprasasta one forces the mundane being to experience worldly sufferings.35 Thus those who yearn for liberation should abjure Aprasasta Dhyana and embrace Prasasta Dhyana. In dealing with Dhyana as Tapa, we are completely concerned with the Prasasta type of Dhyana, since it is singularly relevant to the auspicious and the transcendental living. 30 Jinasataka of Samantabhadra, 47, 114 31 Visapaharastotra of Dhananjaya, 40 (Digambara Jain Pustakalya Surat under the title "Pamcastotra Samgraha'). 32 Satkhandagama Vol. XIII, Page 64, (Jaina Sahitya Uddharaka Fund Karyalaya, Amraoti) 33 Karttikeyanupreksa,, 468, (Rajacandra Ashrama, Agas). 34 Tattvartha-sutra of Umasvati IX- 29 35 Sarvarthasiddhi of Pujyapada, IX-29 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 183 of 385 Page #197 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL AN STUDIES SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY dhyAya parama The practice of the fourfold virtue of Maitri (friendship with all creatures), Pramoda (appreciation of the merits of others), Karuna (compassion for those who are in trouble) and Madhyastha (indifference to those who are irrational), constitute the mental pre-requisite conditions of Dhyana.36 The aspirant should avoid those places which are inhabited by the vicious, hypocrites, gamblers, drunkards and the like, and should choose a bank of river, an island, a cave, a summit of a mountain and other places of seclusion for practicing spiritual concentration.46 For him, whose mind is immaculate, stable and detached, every posture, every place, and every time is fit for meditation.37 Many places in the body have been enumerated for mental concentration, namely, the two eyes, two ears, the foremost point of the nose, the forehead, the place between the two eyebrows.38 40 The best kind of Dhyana is to meditate upon the self by fixing one's mind in it after renouncing all other thoughts. The Dravyasamgraha regards the renouncement of bodily activity, mental activity and vocal activity along with one's own absorption in the self as the best meditation.40 36 Jnanarnava of Subhacandra, XXII-20. 37 Ibid. XXVII-23 to 33, XXVIII-2 to 7 38 Jnanarnava, XXVIII-21 39 Karttikeyanupreksa, 480, (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agasa) Dravyasamgraha of Nemicandra, 56, (Jaina Vidya Sansthana, Sri Mahaveeraji) Page 184 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #198 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.3.5 Gunasthana - Stages of Spiritual Development Jaina Mysticism and the Mystic Way Dr. K. C. Sogani Introduction The equivalent expressions in Jainism for the word 'mysticism' are: suddhopayoga, Arhat 2 and Siddha state3, Pandita-pandita-marana4, Paramatman-hoods Svasamaya 6, Panditapandita-marana?, Samarthya-yoga, Ahimsa, jnanacetana, 10 Sayambhu,11, Samatva?, etc. All these expressions convey identical meaning of realizing the transcendental self. The traditional definition of Jaina mysticism may be stated thus: Mysticism consists in the attainment of Arhathood or Siddha hood through the medium of Samyagdarsana (spiritual awakening), Samyagjnana (value knowledge), and Samyagcaritra (ethico-spiritual conduct) after dispelling Mithyadarsana (spiritual perversion), Mithyajnana (perverted value knowledge), and Mithyacaritra (perverted conduct)13. Kundakunda (1st century AD) departs from this terminology when he says: 'Mysticism consists in realizing the Paramatman (transcendental self) through the Antaratman (internal self) after renouncing the Bahiratman (external self) 14. Haribhadra (7th cent A. D.) also employs a different terminology when he announces: 'Mysticism consists in arriving at the state of Vrttisamksaya (cessation of mental states) through the stages of Samyagdrsti and Caritri after abandoning the stage of Apunarbandhaka 15 (Mithyadrsti in transition) 16. At another place he says, 'Mysticism consists in attaining to Para-drsti (transcendental insight) through Sthira (steady spiritual Pravacanasara of Kundakunda, I. 14. (Rajachandra Ashram, Agas) 2 Dravyasangraha, 50, 51 (Jaina Vidya Sansthana, Shri Mahavirji) 3 Bhagavati-aradhana, 2144 (Prakash Chand Sheelchanda Jain, Chandani Chowk, Delhi) * Ibid. 27 s Moksa-pahuda of Kundakunda, 5 (Patni Digambara Jaina Granthamala, Marotha, under the title "Asta-pahuda) 6 Pravacanasara, II. 2. Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra, 178 (L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad) 8 Ibid. 8 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 44, (Rajachandra Ashram, Agas) 10 Pancastikaya of Kundakunda, 38-39, (Rajacandra Ashrama, Agasa) 11 Pravacanasara l. 16 12 Janarava of Subhacandra, XXIV, 3 (Rajacandra Ashrama, Agas) 13 Rajavartika of Akalanka,, I. 1/38 (Bharatiya Jnanapeetha, New Delhi). 14 Moksapahuda, 4,7 15 Yogasataka of Haribhadra, Hindi edition, P. 111 (Gujarata Vidyasabha, Ahmedabad) 16 Yogabindu of Haribhadra, 31, 252, 366 (L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad) STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 185 of 385 Page #199 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ insight), Kanta and Prabhadrsti is (elementary and deep meditation insights) after passing through Mitra, Tara, Bala, and Dipra7 drstis 18" All these definitions of mysticism are fundamentally the same. Paramatman refers to Arhat-hood, Siddhahood, Para-drsti, and the state of Vittisarksaya, Antaratman points to Samyagdarsana, Sthira-drsti, and Samyagdrsti, and consequently to Samyagjnana, Samyakcaritra, the state of Caritri and the Kanta and Prabha-drsti, Bahiratman, refers to Mithyadarsana the state of Apunarbandhaka along with Mitra, Tara, Bala and Dipradrsti and consequently to Mithyajnana, and Mithyacaritra. Thus we may say that the Paramatman is the true goal of the mystic quest. The journey from the Antaratman to the Paramatman is traversed through the medium of moral and intellectual preparations, which purge everything obstructing the emergence of potential divinity. Before this final accomplishment, a stage of vision and fall may intervene. Thus the whole mystic way can be put as follows: Awakening of the transcendental self, Purgation, Illumination, Dark-period of the soul, and Transcendental life According to Underhill, 'Taken all together they constitute the phases in a single process of growth, involving the movement of consciousness from lower to higher levels of reality, the steady remaking of character in accordance with the 'independent spiritual world 19. But the Jaina tradition deals with the mystic way under the fourteen stages of spiritual evolution, technically known as gunasthanas. However, these stages may be subsumed under the above heads in the following way: "The type of enlightenment accruing from eight drsti may respectively be compared to the type of light given out by the sparks of straw fire, cow-dung fire, wood fire, the light of a lamp, the luster of a gem, the light of a star, the light of the sun, and the light of the moon (Yogadrsti-samuccaya 15). Thus it varies from the indistinct enlightenment to the most distinct one. The first four drstis (Mitra, Tara, Bala, and Dipra) occur in the stage of Apunarbandhaka (Mithyadrsti in transition) hence they are unsteady, while the last four, in the stages of Samyagdrsti and Caritri, hence they are steady. 18 Yogadrsti-samuccaya, 13, 19, 178 19 Mysticism by Underhill, P. 169. (Methuen, London). Page 186 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #200 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ * Dark-period of the self prior to its awakening Mithyatva-gunasthanas (First) Awakening of the self Avirata-samyag- drsti-gunasthana (Fourth) Fall from awakening (a) Sasadana-gunasthana (Second) (b) Misra-gunasthanas (Third) Purgation (a) Viratavirata-gunasthanas (Fifth) (b) Pramattavirata-gunasthanas (Sixth) Illumination (a) Apramattavirata-gunasthanas (Seventh); (b) Apurvakarana-gunasthanas (Eighth); (c) Anivrttikarana-gunasthana (Ninth); (d) Suksmasamparaya-gunasthana (Tenth); (e) Upasantakasaya gunasthanas (Eleventh); (f) Ksinakasaya-gunasthanas (Twelfth) Dark-period post illumination Fall to the first or the fourth gunasthana from the eleventh Transcendental life (a) Sayogakevali-gunasthana (Thirteenth) (b) Ayogakevali-gunasthanas (Fourteenth) 1. Dark Period of the Self prior to its awakening or Mithyatva Gunasthana. In this gunasthana the empirical souls remain in a perpetual state of spiritual ignorance owing to the beginningless functioning of Mohaniya-karma. This Karma on the psychical side genders a complex state of Moha having spiritual perversion (Mithyadarsana) and perverted conduct (Mithyacaritra) as its ingredients. Here the effect of Mithyadarsana is so dominant that the self does not evince its inclination to the spiritual path, just as a man invaded by bile infected fever does not have liking for sweet juice.20 This Mithyadarsana vitiates knowledge and conduct alike. In its presence both knowledge and conduct, however extensive and suffused with morality they may be, are impotent to disintegrate the hostile elements of the soul and to lead us to those superb heights, which are called mystical. Consequently the 20 Gommattasara-Jivakanda of Nemicandra, 17 (Bharatiya Gyanapeeth, New Delhi) STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 187 of 385 Page #201 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ darkest period in the history of the self is the one when Mithyadarsana overwhelms the self. It obstructs all our mystical endeavours. Thus the plight of the self in Mithyatva-gunasthana resembles that of a totally eclipsed moon or a completely clouded sky. It is a state of spiritual slumber with the peculiarity that the self itself is not cognizant of its drowsy state. Led astray by the perverted attitude, the soul staying in this gunasthana identifies itself with bodily colour, physical frame, se creed, family, friends and wealth.21 The consequence is that it is constantly obsessed with the fear of self-annihilation on the annihilation of the body and the like22 and is tormented even by the thought of death.23 Besides, it is the victim of the seven kinds of fear24 and the eight kinds of pride. 25 Again under the influence of Mithyadarsana 'One accepts the Adharma (wrong religion) as the Dharma (right religion), the Amarga (wrong path) as the Marga (right path), the. Ajiva (non-soul) as the Jiva (soul) the Asadhu (non-saint) as the Sadhu (saint), the Amukta (un-emancipated) as the Mukta (emancipated) and vice versa. '26 Kundakunda 27 and following him Yogindu, Pujyapada, Subhacandra, Karttikeya etc. recognise this Mithyatva-gunasthana as the state of Bahiratman. In this gunasthana there are such souls as will never triumph over this darkest period and hence will never win salvation. 28 They are technically called Abhavyas. Haribhadra aptly calls them Bhavabhinandis29 (those who welcome transmigratory existence). In contrast to these souls, there are, according to Haribhadra, Apunarbandhakas who are also occupying this gunasthana.30 The difference is that the latter are moving in the direction of becoming Samyag-drsti is and consequently do not commit sinful acts with much strong inclination, do 21 Paramatmaprakasa, I. 80 to 84. 22 Jnanarava of Subhacandra XXXII, 18, (Rajachandra Ashram, Agas) 23 Samadhisataka of Pujyapada 76 (Vira Seva Mandir, Delhi) 24 Mulacara of Vattakera, 53 (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agasa): Fear of (1) this world (2) other world, (3) death, (4) unrest from disease, (5) accidental occurrence (6) insecurity, and (7) loss of affluence or self-control. 25 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 25 (Vira Seva Mandir, Delhi): Pride of (1) learning, (2) honour, (3) family, (4) caste, (5) power, (6) opulence, (7) penance, and (8) body. 26 Sthanarga-sutra (vide, Studies in Jaina Philosophy by Nathmal Tatia, Varanasi) P. 145, (P.V. Research Institute, Varanasi) 27 Moksa-pahuda, 8 28 Samayasara of Kundakunda, 273 (Jaina Vidya Sansthana, Jaipur) 29 Yogadrstisamuccaya, 75 30 Yogadrstisamuccaya, Introduction, K. K. Dixit, PP. 5 to 11. Page 188 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #202 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY not attach undue value to the worldly life and maintain proprieties in whatever they do31, whereas the former are Mithya-drsti is proper, and consequently they are mistaken as to the nature of things, evince no disgust for worldly existence and are like the man to whom unworthy acts appear worthy of performance. The Apunarbandhakas may be further said to have developed first four yoga- drstis namely, Mitra, Tara, Bala and Dipra. It may be Bhavabhinandis. 31 Tattvartha-sutra, 1. 3 (Bharatiya Jnanpith, New Delhi under the title "Sarvarthasiddhi of Pujyapada) 32 Yogasataka of Haribhadra, 13 (L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad) 33 Samayasara, 228 34 Karttikeyanupreksa 418, (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agasa) 35 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra 29; Karttikeyanupreksa, 420 36 Karttikeyanupreksa 423 svAdhyAya parama tapa 2. Awakening of the self or Avirata-samyag-drsti Gunasthana Spiritual awakening is the result of Granthibheda cutting the knot of ignorance).32 By virtue of cutting the knot, the Bhinnagranthi sees supreme verity and acquires unswerving conviction in the true self.33 This occurrence of Samyagdarsana (spiritual awakening) is consequent upon the instruction of those who have realized the divine within themselves or are on the path of divine realization.34 'Even as a person born blind can see the world as it is on the sudden acquisition of eyesight, so can a soul having experienced the vision the truth as it is. Even as a person suffering from long-drawn disease experiences extreme delight on the sudden disappearance of the disease, so does a soul eternally bound to the wheel of worldly existence feels spiritual joy and bliss on the sudden dawn of enlightenment.35' STUDY NOTES version 5.0 This is to be borne in mind that the spiritual awakening is to be sharply distinguished from the moral and the intellectual conversion. Even if the man in the first gunasthana gets endowed with the capacity of intellectual and moral achievements, it cannot be said to have dispelled the spiritual darkness. The characters portrayed by Jaina acaryas of Dravya-lingi Muni and of the Abhavyas who have attained to the fair height of intellectual knowledge and moral uplift illustrate this sort of life without spiritual awakening. Thus the flower of mysticism does not blossom by the water of mere morality and intellectuality, but requires spiritual manure along with it. It will not be idle to point out here that the soul in this gunasthana is called Samyagdrsti, Antaratman, Bhinnagranthi, 3 and the occupant of Sthira-drsti, being spiritually Page 189 of 385 Page #203 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ awakened, the Samyagdrsti considers his own self as his genuine abode regarding the outward physical dwelling places as artificial. 39 He renounces all identification with the animate and inanimate objects of the world and properly weighs them in the balance of his discriminative knowledge.40 His is the only self that has acquired the right of Moksa. Besides, he practices universal compassion (Anukampa)41, does not hanker after worldly opulence and empyrean pleasures, 42 shows no feeling of disgust at the various bodily conditions caused by disease, hunger43 etc., and is free from all fears. 44 Again, being overwhelmed by fear, inferiority and greed for profit, he does not recognize Himsa as Dharma.45 Apart from this, he has deep affection for spiritual matters and strengthens the conviction of those who are faltering in their loyalty to the path of righteousness46 and disseminates spiritual religion through various means best suited to time and place.47 3. Fall from awakening or (A) Sasadana-gunasthana and (B) Misra Gunasthana If the spiritual awakening is due to the total annihilation of Darsana-mohaniya (Visiondeluding) Karma, the self has thrown over all the chances of its fall to the lower stages.48 But if the spiritual awakening is consequent upon the suppression of Darsana-mohaniya Karma, the self either falls to the lower stages or remains in the same stage with the emergence of certain defects ordinarily incognizable.49 If the self descends to the first gunasthana, again darkness overwhelms him; 50 or the self falls to the third gunasthana, namely, Misra gunasthana wherein total skepticism as regards matters spiritual prevails. 51 Sasadana gunasthana is the intermediary stage of the self which has fallen from the peak of the 37 Gommattasara-jivakanda, 647 38 Bhavanaviveka by Pt. Chainsukhdass, 93, 100 (Jaina Vidya Sansthana, Jaipur) 39 Labdhisara, 108 40 Yogadrstisamuccaya, 78, 79 80 41 Studies in Jaina Philosophy by Nathmal Tatia, P. 273. 42 Karttikeyanupreksa 197 (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agas) Yogabindu, 266 44 Yogadrstisamuccaya, 155 45 Samadhi-sataka of Pujyapada, 73, (Vira Seva Mandir, Delhi) 46 Moksa-pahuda, 17 *7 Rajavartika of Akalanka, 1 2/30 (Bharatiya Gyanapeeth, New Delhi) 48 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 24 (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agas) 49 Ibid. 107 50 Gommattasara-Jivakarda, 19 51 Darsana aura Cintana, Pt. Sukhalal P. 276. Page 190 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #204 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ mountain of Samyagdarsana, but has not arrived at the stage of the Mithyatvagunasthana.52 In this stage the peculiar taste of the fall from Samyagdarsana like the peculiar taste of sweet food after its vomiting is experienced.53 4. Purgation or (A) Viratavirata-gunasthana and (B) Pramatavirata Gunasthana After dispelling the dense and intense darkness caused by the vision-deluding (Darsana Mohaniya) karma, the passionate and ardent longing of the awakened self is to purge the conduct deluding (Caritra-mohaniya) karma which now stands between it and the transcendental self. Only those who are in possession of sturdy will are capable of doing so, says Amrtacandra.54 In the fifth gunasthana, the aspirant who is a householder is incapable of making himself free from all Himsa root and branch.55 In consequence, he adopts the five partial vows (Anuvratas) along with the seven sila-vratas in order to sustain the central virtue of Ahimsa as for as possible. 56 This state of the self's journey has been called Viratavirata or Desavirata-gunasthana, since here the aspirant avoids intentional Himsa of two to fivesensed Jivas, but he has to commit the intentional Himsa of one sensed Jivas namely the vegetable bodied, fire bodied 57 etc. Besides, the Himsa which is committed in being engaged in a certain profession, in performing domestic activities and in adopting defensive measures, cannot be avoided by him.58 This shows that the householder's life is a mixture of virtue and vice,59 which obstructs the purgative way pursued by the mystic. Hence the aspirant, being motivated by certain incentives to spiritual life (Anupreksas) gradually renounces the householder's type of living, becomes a saint in order to negate Hinsa to the last degree.60 in consequence, the saint observes five Mahavratas, five Samitis, three Guptis and practices internal and external austerities with special attention to meditation, devotion, and Svadhyaya. Besides, he gets food by begging, eats only a little, gets over sleep, endures troubles, practices universal friendship, adheres to spiritual uplift, $2 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 37 53 Ibid. 75 54 Purusarthasidhyupaya, 75 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara, 51; (Vira Seva Mandir, Delhi) Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 136 Gommattasara Jivakanda, 30, 31. 57 Jaina Darsana by Pt. Chainsukhdasa, P. 65. (Sadbodha Granthamala, Jaipur). 58 Ethical Doctrines in Jainism by K. C. Sogani, P. 87 (Jivaraja Granthamala, Sholapur) 59 Ibid. P. 120 60 Mulacara, 897, 898, (Bharatiya Jnanapeetha, New Delhi) STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 191 of 385 Page #205 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ and turns away from acquisitions, association and life-injuring activities. 61 Thus from the life of Muni, 'vice totally vanishes and there remains virtue which will also be transcended as soon as the flight into the realm of spirit is made. Since in this stage complete meditational self-submergence is lacking, though there is complete self-restraint (Samyama), this stage is styled Pramattavirata-gunasthana, i.e. here Pramada exists with self-restraint. 62 Nevertheless this stage may be regarded as the terminus of purgative way. It may be noted here that the self in the fifth gunasthana and onwards is called Caritri,63 5. Illumination of Apramatta Virata Apurvakarana Anivrttikarana, Suksmasampraya, Upasantakasaya and Ksinankasaya Gunasthana These gunasthanas from the seventh to the twelfth are the meditational stages or the stages of illumination and ecstasy. In other words, these are the stages of Kanta and Prabhadrstis. 64 It is to be noted here that the self oscillates between the sixth and the seventh gunasthanas thousands of times and when it attains steadiness, it strenuously prepares itself either for suppressing or for annihilating the conduct-deluding Karmas.65 This oscillation is the result of the struggle between Pramada and Apramada. By the time the aspirant reaches the seventh gunasthana, he has developed a power of spiritual attention, of selfmerging and of gazing into the ground of the soul. It is through the aid of deep meditation that the mystic now pursues the higher path. In consequence, he arrives at the eighth and the ninth stages known as the Anivrttikarana and the Anivittikarana-gunasthana, where exists the state of profound purity. In the tenth gunasthana known as Suksma-samparaya there is only subtle greed that can disturb the soul.66 The soul suppresses even this subtle * Satkharidagama of Puspadanta and Bhutabali, Vol. 1, PP. 175, 176, (Jaina Sanskrti, Sanraksaka Sangha Sholapur) 62 Yogabindu, 352 63 Yogadrstisamuccaya, 162, 170 64 Labdhisara (commentary), 205, 217 6s Gommattasara Jivakanda, 50, 57 66 lbid. 62 Page 192 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #206 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL 67 Istopadesa of Pijyapada, 47, 48 (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agas) 68 Gommattasara Jivakanda, 64, Satkhandagama, Vol. 1. P. 191 69 Gommattasara Jivakanda, 64, Satkhandagama, Vol. 1. P. 191 Jnanarava of Subhacandra, XLII 59. 70 OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama greed in the eleventh gunasthanas known as Upasantakasaya and thus absolves itself from the rise of all types of passions. If the self follows the process of annihilation instead of suppression it rises directly from the tenth to the twelfth gunasthana known as Ksinakasayagunasthana.67 Here the conduct deluding Karma is destroyed instead of being suppressed. Pujyapada rightly observes that meditation produces supreme ecstasy in a mystic who is firmly established in the self. Such an ecstatic consciousness is potent enough to burn the Karmic fuel; and then the person remains unaffected by external troubles and never experiences discomposure.68 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 6. Dark Period of the Soul post Illumination: Owing to the suppressed passions gaining strength, the illuminated consciousness of the eleventh gunasthana falls to the lowest stage of Mithyatva or to the fourth stage of Avirata Samyagdrsti-gunasthana The consequence is that the ecstatic awareness of the transcendental self gets negated and an overwhelming sense of darkness envelopes the mystic. It may be noted that not all mystics experience this dark period. Those of them who ascend the ladder of annihilation escape this tragic period, whereas those who ascend the ladder of suppression succumb to its dangers and pains. Mystics of the latter type no doubt will also reach the pinnacle of transcendental life, but only when they climb up the ladder of annihilation either in this life or in some other to come. tapa 7. Transcendental life of (A) Sayogakevali and (B) Ayogakeval-gunasthana: The slumbering and the un-awakened soul, after passing through the stages of spiritual awakening, moral and intellectual preparation, now arrives at the sublime destination by dint of ascending the rungs of meditational ladder. In the thirteenth stage the soul possesses dispassionate activities (Yoga) and omniscience (Kevalajnana), hence it is known as Sayogikevali-gunasthana. It is a state of Jivana-mukta, a supermental state of existence and an example of divine life upon earth. The fourteenth stage is called Ayogakevali gunasthana, as there the soul annuls all activities (Yogas), but preserves omniscience and other characteristics. In this stage the soul stays for the time required for pronouncing five syllables - a, i, u, r, !.70 After this, disembodied liberation results (Videha Mukti). To be more Page 193 of 385 Page #207 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF TIONAL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY dhyAya parama IN STUDIES clear, the self in the Sayogikevali and Ayogakeval-gunasthanas bears the title of *Arhat11and after this, the title of 'Siddha2! This state of Siddha is beyond all gunasthanas13. It may be noted here that the self in these gunasthanas is called Paramatman4, the doer of Vrttisarksaya, and the possessor of Paradrst. This perfected mystic is established in truth in all directions77. He experiences bliss, which is super sensuous, unique, infinite, and interminable78. Whatever issues from him is potent enough to abrogate the miseries of tormented humanity79. His presence is supremely enlightening. He is the spiritual leader of society80. Just as a mother educates her child for its benefit and a kind physician cures diseased orphans, so also the perfected mystic instructs humanity for its uplift and dispenses spiritual pills to the suffering humanity81. He is always awake82. He has transcended the dualities of friends and foes, pleasure and pain, praise and censure, life and death, sand and gold, attachment and aversion.83 Since he is the embodiment of spiritual virtues, he leads a life of super-moralism but not of amoralism84. Thus we may conclude by saying that the cognitive, conative and affective tendencies of the perfected mystic reveal their original manifestation in supreme mystical experience, which is ineffable and transcends all the similes of the world85 71 Bhavanaviveka 233 72 Ibid. 73 Gommattasara Jivakarda, 10 74 Ibid.63-64 75 Yogabindu 405 76 Yogadrstisamuccaya, 178, 179 " Acaranga 1/146 (Agama Prakasana Samiti, Beawer) 78 Pravacanasara, 1 13, (Rajacandra Ashrama, Agasa) 79 Jnanarava of Subhacandra, XLII-34, (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agasa) 80 Svayambhustotra of Samantabhadra, 35 (Vira Seva Mandir, Delhi) 81 Ibid 82 Acaranga-sutra, 106 83 Pravacanasara, III. 41; Svayambhustotra, 10 84 Jnanarava of Subhacandra, XLII-33 85 Acaranga-sutra, 176, Jnanarava, XLII- 75, 76, 77 Page 194 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #208 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.4.1.1 Religion and Morality (Ethics) - Jaina Perspective Dr. Kamal Chand Sogani INTERNATION 1Religious Consciousness by Pratt. Page 10 (Macmillan, New York) SCHOOL STUDY NOTES version 5.0 OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parama 1.0 Introduction Jainism is one of the oldest living religions of the world. It represents the continuation of indigenous Sramanic culture that is at least as old as the Vedas themselves, so far as the literary evidence goes, though the archaeological evidence takes Sramanism far back to Harappan civilization, which is regarded as non-Vedic in origin and outlook. The Jaina faith has, no doubt, influenced Vedism on the one hand and Buddhism on the other, though being influenced by them in the course of its gradual development. STUDIES 1.1 Religion and Morality not Identical There is no denying the fact that Jainism is humanistic in its approach and spiritualistic in its depth. An unbiased eye can look into it religious fervor and moral earnestness. These two elements are so greatly intertwined in it that one is apt to confuse religion with morality and vice versa. The fact is that one cannot be reduced to the other. In practice, though the two are closely associated, yet, they are quite distinguishable. Jainism subscribes to the view that "religion if taken seriously and rationally will be deeply moral; but it is not morality". The two are not identical. Thus it will not be contradictory to aver that a religious man will be necessarily moral. But a moral man may not be necessarily religious. In other words, religion is coextensive with morality, but morality is not always coextensive with religion. A man may be moral without being religious. All this shows that the realms of religion and morality are theoretically distinguishable. The Jain faith vehemently criticizes the view which identifies religion with personal and social morality, and which defines it merely as "the consciousness of the highest social values". The Jain saints and sages have always exhorted us to look beyond the mere moral nature of man to transcendental horizons of life, thereby justifying that social righteousness is not the be-all and end-all of human life. This is not to decry social morality, but to save religion from being identified with it, and to keep the domain of religion as quite distinct from that of morality. Page 195 of 385 Page #209 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 1.2 Religion and Theology not Identical Side by side with the tendency of identifying religion with morality, there is witnessed another tendency of defining religion in theological terms, i. e. with reference to God, the creator of the universe. Since Jainism does not uphold the idea of God as the creator, sustainer and destroyer of the world, the above definition does not bring forth the characteristic feature of religion. If this definition of religion is adhered to, Jainism, Buddhism, Samkhya, Yoga and Mimamsa are excluded without any justification. Now the question arises: What constitutes the universal core of religion? The question can be answered by considering the utterances of the saints and mystics all over the world, in all cultures, religions, places and ages. Pratt rightly concludes, "Religion is not so much theology as life it is to be lived rather than reasoned about"? 1.3 Religion as a Transcendental Mystical Experience Religion is a transcendental mystical experience, which is permanent, trans-subjective, blissful, intuitive, super sensuous, infinite, incommunicable and ineffable. It is the nonconceptual state of existence wherein all differentiations disappear. "To be emptied of all empirical contents is the universal character of that experience.3 "What is left is the pure ego, the self itself, seeing itself as reflected in itself. Brightman rightly remarks, "Mystical experience is immediate, but cannot be called immediate experience of God, it is rather an immediate experience of the self, which may be taken as a sign of the reality of God, provided philosophical thought finds this idea tenable.Thus the Jain view of religion lays stress on realizing the transcendental nature of the self, which the individual feels as his own. This shows that theology does not find favor with Jainism, so is the case with theological definition of religion. After setting aside the sociological and theological definitions of religion let us now proceed to discuss the characteristic features of Jainism as a religion. The question now confronts us: What are the constitutive factors that endow Jain faith with religious fervor? In other Religious Consciousness by Pratt. Page 7 (Macmillan, New York) Mysticism and Philosophy by Stace, Page 109 (Macmillan, New York) * Ibid. Philosophy of Religion by Brightman, Page 171 (Prentice Hall, New York) Page 196 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #210 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 1. The nature of self. 2. The goal of human pursuance. 3. The doctrine of Karma. 4. The meaning of spiritual awakening (Samyagdarsana). 5. The incentives to spiritual life. 6. The spiritual perspective of Ahimsa 7. The practice of devotion. 8. The observance of Sallekhana as the spiritual welcome to death. 9. The stages of spiritual development known as Gunasthanas. 10. Moral practices like Anuvrata, Mahavrata etc. INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga words, how Jainism has occupied itself with religious outlook? The answer can be searched in delineating. ESTUDIES 2.1 Ethics Now the question is: Is ethics possible without religion in Jainism? According to Jainism those who are not spiritually awakened can lead a moral life. Thus in Jainism ethical living is possible without religious living. The equivalent expression in Jaina ethics for the term 'right' and 'good' is Subha. We all know that ethics deals with right and wrong, good and bad. Here the question that confronts us is this: How to determine according to Jainism, what is morally right for a certain agent in a certain situation? Or what is the criterion of the rightness of action? The interrelated question is what we ought to do in a certain situation or how duty is to be determined? The answer of Jaina ethics is that right, ought and duty cannot be separated from the good. 2.2 Teleological Theory of Right Accepted in Jaina Ethics The criterion of what is right etc. is the greater balance of good over bad that is brought into being than any alternative. Thus, the view that regards goodness of the consequences of actions as the right-making characteristic is termed the teleological theory of right as distinguished from the deontological theory of right which regards an action as right simply because of its own nature regardless of the consequences it may bring into being. The Jaina ethics holds the teleological theory of right (Maximum balance of Ahimsa over himsa as the right-making characteristic). Page 197 of 385 Page #211 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 2.3 Act-Teleology accepted: Rules as Guiding Moral principles The question now arises whether Jaina ethics subscribes to act-approach or rule-approach in deciding the rightness or wrongness of actions. It seems to me that though the Jaina Acaryas have given us moral rules, yet in principle they have followed that every action is to be judged on the goodness of the consequences expected to be produced. Since to calculate the consequences of each and every action is not practically possible, Jaina have given us guiding moral principles in the form of Anuvratas and Mahavratas, Gunavratas and Siksavratas and so on. This means that Jaina ethics accepts the possibility that sometimes these general moral principles may be inadequate to the complexities of the situation and in this case a direct consideration of the particular action without reference to general principles is necessary. May be, keeping this in view, Samantabhadra argues that truth is not to be spoken when by so doing the other is entangled in miseries. Svamikumara in the Karttikeyanupreksa disallows the purchase of things at low price in order to maintain the vow of non-stealing.? According to moral rules exceptions cannot be allowed. This implies that Jaina ethics does not allow superstitious rule-worship but at the same time, prescribes that utmost caution is to be taken in breaking the rule, which has been built up and tested by the experience of generations. Thus according to Jaina ethics, acts are logically prior to rules and the rightness of the action is situational. 2.4 Teleological Nature of Duty: It is of capital importance to note here that according to Jaina ethics, duty is not selfjustifying; it is not an end in itself. "The very nature of duty is to aim beyond itself. There can no more be a duty to act, if there is no good to attain by it." Thus, duty is an extrinsic good, good as a means; this does not deprive duty of its importance in ethical life, just as health does not become unimportant by its being extrinsic good. (The pursuance of Anuvratas for the householder and Mahavratas for the Muni may be regarded as dutiful actions). 2.5 Evaluation of the Moral Worth of an Action We have so far considered the criterion by which we are to determine what we morally ought to do in a given situation, how the rightness or wrongness of action is to be decided. But the Ratnakaranda-sravakacara by Samantabhadra, 155, (Veer Seva Mandira, Delhi). Karttikeyanupreksa, 335, (Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram, Agas). Page 198 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #212 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Thus there are four possibilities: 1. Right act and bad motive, 2. Wrong act and good motive, 3. Right act and good motive 4. Wrong act and bad motive. SCHOOL OF question that remains to be discussed is: How the moral worth of an action is to be evaluated? How does, in Jaina terminology, an action become punya and papa engendering? In other words, how does an act become virtuous or vicious, praiseworthy or blameworthy, morally good or bad? SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parame 1. It is likely that an act by the criterion of rightness may be externally right but internally immorally motivated. A man may seem to be doing things according to a moral rule, but it may be with a bad motive. 2. Again, an act by the standard of rightness may be externally wrong, but it may be done with a good motive. For example, one may kill the rich in order to serve the poor. 3. An act may be externally right and done with good motive. 4. An act may be externally wrong and done with a bad motive. Ewing, Ethics, P. 129. STUDIES STUDY NOTES version 5.0 The third and fourth category of acts, according to Jaina ethics may be called Subha (auspicious) and Asubha (inauspicious) acts. The first category of acts (right act and bad motive) may look proper externally but its moral significance is zero. All deceptions are of this nature. The moral worth of the second category of acts (wrong act and good motive) is complicated and can be decided only on the nature of the case. Though in Jaina ethical works, importance of good motive is recognized as contributing towards the moral merit of an action yet the Jaina acaryas have clearly stated that he who exclusively emphasized the internal at the expense of the external forgets the significance of outward behavior. In consequence, both the internal and external aspects should occupy their due places. Ewing rightly observes, "They (good motives) lead us into evil courses on occasion if there is not at the back of our minds a moral consciousness which prevents this, so the strictly moral motive should always in a sense be present potentially. Page 199 of 385 Page #213 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ STUDIES 2.6 Subha (Good) and the Subha (the Good) to be distinguished We have said above that according to Jaina ethics right, ought and duty cannot be separated from the good. Now the question that confronts us is: what is intrinsically desirable, good or worthwhile in life according to Jaina ethics? What intrinsic values are to be pursued according to it? The answer that may be given is this: What is intrinsically good and valuable or what ought to be chosen for its own sake is the achievement of 'Ahimsa of all living beings', the attainment of knowledge etc. But the basic question that remains to be discussed is the definition of good or subha. The question 'what is good?' is different from the question, as Moore says, 'what is the good?' i.e. what things are good? In order to understand 'thegood or the Subha the first step is to understand, what is good or what is Subha? 2.7 Definition of Subhain Ethics and of Dravya in Metaphysics What, then, is good or subha? How is subha or good to be defined? According to the Jainism, Subha is an experience in tune with Ahimsa. We can better understand the nature and importance of the question, ' What is good or subha in the realm of ethics?' when we find that it is like the question, 'What is Dravya (substance) in the realm of metaphysics?' The definition of Dravya given by the Jaina acaryas is: Dravya is that which is Sat (being).' Here 'being' is used in a comprehensive sense*) and not in any particular sense**). But no particular thing can be apart from being'. Logically speaking, we may say that being' is the highest genus, whereas particulars are its species and the relation between the two is of identity indifference. Similarly, when I say that subha is an experience in tune with Ahimsa, i am using the term 'Ahimsa'in the comprehensive sense and not in any particular sense. But no particular subha can be separated from Ahimsa and Ahimsa manifests itself in all particular subhas. Comprehensive meaning of Ahimsa. The oldest Jaina Agama Ayaro (Acaranga) remarkably pronounces that none of the living beings ought to be killed, ought to be ordered, ought to be enslaved, ought to be distressed and ought to be put to unrest. 10 It is a unique and unparalleled statement in the entire Jinist literature. I need not say that it basically embraces Pancastikaya by Kundakunda, 10, (Shrimad Rajacandra Ashram, Agas). 1Acaranga-cayanika, K. C. Sogani, Prakrit Bharati Academy, 64, p.44 Page 200 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #214 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ In a Particular sense, Ahimsa means only non-killing. SCHOOL OF all the aspects of social experience in its normative perspective. The political organization, the economic orientation and the institutional set up can easily derive inspiration from this ethically significant statement. Owing to the all-inclusive nature of Ahimsa the Purusarthasidhyupaya seeks to explain falsehood-truth, stealing-non-stealing, non-chastitychastity, possession-non-possession etc. as forms of Himsa-Ahimsa. This way of expression regards Ahimsa as the essence of all virtues, thus giving the supreme status to Ahimsa it deserves. SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga STUDY NOTES version 5.0 In a logical sense it can be said that Ahimsa is the highest genus and particular Ahimsas are its species, and the relation between generic Ahimsa and particular Ahimsa is a relation of identity in-difference. As for example, in non-killing and non-exploitation, though the identical element of Ahimsa is present, yet the two are different. So the above is the most general definition of Subha just like the definition of Dravya. It may be noted that we can understand 'being only through the particulars, similarly, the understanding of general Ahimsa is possible only through the particular examples of Ahimsa, e.g. non-killing, non-exploitation, non-enmity, non-cruelty, etc. Ahimsa is the most general definition like the definition of Dravya as that what is Sat. The former can be thought of evaluative, just as the latter can be thought of factually i.e. value neutrally. 2.8 Does definition of Subha (Good) Require the Definition of Ahimsa? It is all right that good is definable as the experience in tune with Ahimsa, but it may be asked: what is Ahimsa? Now the question 'Ahimsa?' in the value-world is like the question 'What is Sat?' in the factual world. Just as Sat is understandable through the particular examples of things like pen, table, book etc., so also Ahimsa is understandable through the particular examples of Ahimsa, like non-killing, non-exploitation, non-enmity, non-cruelty etc. When it is so easily understandable through examples, the craving for the definition of Ahimsa is pedantry, serving no purpose. Ahimsa can be taught by examples, just as in arithmetic 2+2 = 4 can be taught to a child with the help of an example like two balls + two balls = 4 balls and gradually the child learns to do big sums without examples. In the same way Ahimsa can be understood gradually. The argument of understandability cannot be adduced in the case of Subha without definition. For understanding Subha, definition is a necessity, but a similar necessity does not exist for Ahimsa in view of the above-mentioned facts. Page 201 of 385 Page #215 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 2.9 Intrinsic Goodness as Ahimsa-Utilitarianism The question that confronts us is: what is intrinsically desirable, good or worthwhile in life, according to the Jaina? What intrinsic values are to be pursued according to him? The answer that may be given is this: What is intrinsically good or valuable or what ought to be chosen for its own sake is the achievement of Ahimsa of all living beings, the attainment of ledge, the leading of a virtuous life, and the experiencing of freedom and good emotions. Thus the criterion of intrinsic goodness shall be the fulfillment of ends, like Ahimsa, knowledge, virtues etc. We may say here that realization of goodness or subha is a matter of degree and this depends on the degree of fulfillment of ends. An altogether good shall be wholly fulfilling the ends and wholly satisfying the seeker. The Jaina texts speak of the partial realization of Ahimsa and the complete realisation of Ahimsa and of other ends. This theory of intrinsic goodness may be called Ahimsa -Utilitarianism. This means that this theory considers Ahims, and other ends to be the general good. 2.10 Ahimsa as a Means and as an End The Jaina recognizes that Ahimsa can be both good as a means and good as an end. This means that both means and ends are to be tested by the criterion of Ahimsa. Whenever we judge that a thing is good as a means', we judge both that it will have a particular kind of effect, and that effect will be good in itself. It may be noted that ethical judgments regarding 'good as a means', may not be universally true; and many, though generally true at one period, will be generally false at anotherl1whereas ethical judgments regarding 'good in itself are universally true. In both these kinds of good, the criterion of good as Ahimsa is to be adhered to. I may say in passing that the principle that the end justifies the means" need not be rejected as immoral if the above criterion of means and ends is conceded. It may look paradoxical that Ahimsa is an end. But it is not so. Perhaps in order to avoid this misunderstanding that Ahimsa cannot be an end the Sutrakrtanga has pronounced that Ahimsa is the highest good. In a similar vein, Samantabhadra has also said that Ahimsa of all living beings is equivalent to the realisation of the highest good. 12 This shows that there is no inconsistency in saying that Ahimsa is both an end and a means. Thus, the expression Ahimsa -Utilitarianism seems to me to be the most apt one to represent the Jaina theory of intrinsic goodness. "Moore, Principia Ethica, p. 22. 12 Svayambhustotra: Tattvapradipika, 119; (Shri Ganesvarni Digambara Jaina Sodha Samsthana, Nariya, Varansai). Page 202 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #216 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.4.1.1.1 Applications of Jaina Ethics in Daily Life Issues Dr. D. N. Bhargava Bad Habits In the first place, one would avoid the following bad habits. * Drinking Eating meat Gambling Hunting Theft Having illicit sexual relations with the wife of others. * INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parama Introduction The Jain life style is respected by the vows, which a householder or a monk adopts. However, beyond this, there are certain others characteristics of Jain life style. While we are dealing with the formal vows for the householders and the monks in separate lessons, in this lesson we propose to deal with such aspects of Jain life style, which do not generally fall within the domain of vows. For this we have to understand some basic concepts. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 The Concept of Righteousness This first point is regarding the concept of righteousness. The Jainas hold that any person should have right attitude towards life. In the first place, this means that he aims at the achievement of right goal. Wealth or health may be necessary for a worldly life but they do not lead to the achievement of Summon Bonum of life. The Summon Bonum of life is self realization. When we have this end in view, certain type of life style follows automatically. tapa STUDIES It would be clear that these bad habits are hindrance not only in spiritual life but in worldly life also. It is just possible that a person may find that business in wine or meat could bring more money, but even than a Jain is not expected to enter into such business. A Balanced View Secondly, Jain attitude towards life is that of non-absolutism. He cannot therefore. Be a fatalist; even though he believes that fate also play its own role. Similarly, he believes that Page 203 of 385 Page #217 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ one should help each other in social as well as spiritual life, but he should not be dependent on other for his success, because success depends mainly on one's own efforts. The role of others and circumstances is only marginal. A Jain should, therefore, be independent. This concept of independent leads to the belief that no external super - natural entity like God interferes in our life, even through devotion to perfected souls brings about purity. Dignity of Labour Thirdly, as the Jains believe in exertion (shram) they are called shramanas. It implies that whatever is not in our hand is of little significance. For example, the birth if a person is not in his own hands. Therefore, a person is to be judged not by birth but by his action. Looking down upon any person, because he is born in a so-called low family, is not permissible. Casteism therefore, has no place in Jain view of life. In fact humanity belongs to one caste. In fact the basis of casteism is the profession which one follows. Spiritualism has nothing to do with the profession. Therefore, caste has no role in Jainism as it is pre-dominantly spiritualistic. We know what havoc has been wrought upon by casteism, particularly in our country. The matter of the fact is that socially every profession fulfils one or the other necessity of the social and as such no profession should be considered as inferior. Physical labour came to be looked upon in our country. Therefore those who could afford avoiding physical labour did so. They thought themselves to be superior to others. This led to a class struggle. The matter of the fact is that physical labour is not only a social necessity but also an individual necessity. This Jain monk does all physical work by himself. In a society however division of labour should not result in discrimination against those who are given to manual work. Therefore exploitation, injustice, cruelty, dependence, selfishness and non-confidence and ego have no place in Jain life style. This means that a Jain believes in a civilized society based on equality, fraternity and freedom. Freedom from Excitement The second characteristic of Jain life style is freedom from excitement. Excitement leads to indiscrimination. Detachment means remaining unperturbed and calm under any circumstances. One should respect the views of others and try to make adjustments with those with whom one does not agree. Uniformity in thought or way of life is not possible. One has to see unity in diversity. Non-absolutism is the guiding principle in this direction. Page 204 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #218 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama tapa Fearlessness Non-violence is the cardinal moral virtue. One can observe non-violence only if one is fearless. A fearful will always think of eliminating those from whom there is danger. Only a fearless person can give freedom to others. In social context non-violence does not mean that one has not to defend his country. It only means that one should not be warmonger. It also needs preservation of environment by not exploiting the nature. Life is dear to everyone and we must have respect for life of not only human being but also even the animals. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Necessity and Desire A distinction must be made between necessity and desire. Necessities are always limited, desires are unlimited. A social being has right to fulfill his necessities but a check must be exercised on the desires. One would find that one desire is not necessary. It may also be pointed out that an austere way of living is always preferable to a luxurious way of life because luxury makes one weak whereas austerity makes one strong. Exploitation leads to inequality and dissatisfaction. Exploitation of a nation by any another nation is also bad. Spirit of a Dialogue One has to be free from prejudices. Truth has no boundaries. It can be approached from different angles. One has to others view point also. Truth is multi-dimensional. A dialogue between those who have different viewpoint is necessary to have an approach towards life. Equanimity Equanimity is the highest virtue. In life one has to face favorable as well as unfavorable circumstances. If one is disturbed in these circumstances one cannot retain his balance of mind. He loses his peace of mind. When there is no peace of mind one cannot follow the right path because in fact, he cannot distinguish right and wrong. Helpfulness Out of the eight essential qualities of a right believer, which have been described in the lesson, the last three have social implications. They are re-establishing in truth those who debate from it, sense of brotherhood amongst the follower of right faith and preaching the Page 205 of 385 Page #219 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ importance of spiritualism. This means that a Jain has not only to be satisfied with his own progress he has also to help others in their spiritual journey. The very foundation of four-fold Jain order is an example of inter-dependence of the monks and the householders on each other. The monk has to depend on the householders for his physical necessities as food whereas the monk serves as a living example of spiritual life for a householder. Three-fold Path of Sadhana The Jain view of life is not lopsided. It gives equal importance to faith, knowledge and conduct. Those, who believe that only devotion will do, are wrong. Devotion does help in purification but this purification should lead to purity in conduct also. Similarly knowledge of the metaphysical reality is necessary to have a proper view of morality. For example, if we believe that all life is one, just as the Vedantists do, or everything is absolutely transitory, as the Buddhist believes, then the very basis of ethics will be shaken. Samantrabhadra says that without knowing the real nature of things which is permanency in transitoriness, all moral distinction between the anti-thesis of bondage and liberation, punya and papa, heaven and hell, pleasure and plain will be blurred. Belief, for example, in the metaphysical view that the nature of things is absolutely transitory would make it impossible to carry on any financial transaction, or to explain the fact of memory, or to have any relation like that of husband and wife. This brings out the importance of right knowledge. The Third Dimension of Supra-morality Another characteristic of Jain view of life, which shares with other system of India, is too distinguished between the practical path and transcendental morality. What we call as good is only a path and not the goal. Good leads to favorable circumstances but not to liberation. Bad leads to unfavorable circumstances, which means that good should be preferred to bad. But in both the cases, the attachment is there. Both of them have to be abandoned in favor of a life of pure consciousness. The consciousness is neither good nor bad. It is knowledge simple and pure. Good and bad lose their importance at that transcendental stage. In practical terms, it means that one should not entertain any idea of superiority while performing a good action. Page 206 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #220 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF EXI SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parama STUDY NOTES version 5.0 tapa ES 20 Secular Society Another characteristic if Jain view of life is that they accept all social institutions and rules which do not come in contradiction to his right attitude and observance of vows. This makes one socially acceptable in spite of his own way of spiritual life. Necessary Evils As the Jains are known for their devotion to non-violence, it may be pointed out that a Jain householder has his own limitations. He has to share the responsibilities towards his family of earning livelihood and procuring necessities of life for them, as also to defend himself and his country from the offenders. For fulfilling his responsibilities towards his family, he has to adopt a profession. He has to be careful that he chooses a profession in which there is the least violence. In spite of this, it is not possible to avoid every kind of violence. Such a violence, which is involved in his profession, is accepted evil for him. Similarly, one has to be careful that while performing the daily routine of a householder like cooking. He takes maximum precaution against violence but still he is bound to commit certain violence. Which is the second necessary evil? As regards the right of self-defense, a householder has never to be offensive but as he has to defend himself, the violence involved in such a situation is the third necessary evil. All the above necessary evils cannot be a householder but he can certainly avoid intentional violence, which means he should not commit violence for the sake of fun or satisfying his intense passions. Thus, he can lead a worldly life and still start journey towards spiritualism. Relevance of Jain Way of Life From what has been said above, we can safely conclude that Jain way of life leads to a civilized society on the collective level and a peaceful life at the individual level. It would be relevant to analyze as to how this way of life can universally solve the problems of human life. Conclusion It may be noted here that through the rules of conduct as prescribed by Jainism and recorded by us appear to be too elaborate and sometimes even superfluous, yet basic idea behind these rules is that of self-realization. When there is a feeling-realization of the true nature of the self and when one is completely lost in the bliss self-meditation, the Page 207 of 385 Page #221 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL O OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY STUDIES observance of all the moral rules becomes spontaneous, coming from within and not being an imposition from without. The problems of human life arise out of various factors, which can be classified under the following board heads: . Scarcity Injustice O Ignorance Selfishness Scarcity In spite of the great strides of science and technology we know that humanity suffers from scarcity. Science tries to solve this problem in its own way by inventing tools for increasing production, by importing means of comforts and luxuries, and by developing new means of fighting against the furies of nature. But we know that apart from the scarcity caused by natural circumstances, there is also an artificial scarcity created by indulgence into such selfish tendencies as hoarding and profiteering not only by individuals but by nations also, trying to expend and wanting to occupy others territories by force. "The greater the possessions, the greater the happiness" is the motto of many. Jainism teaches us quite the opposite: "the lesser the possessions the greater the happiness". Happiness comes from what we are and not from what we possess. We should realize the blissful nature of the self, become free and be not the selves of worldly objects. This puts an end to the struggle for wealth and other possessions. For those who can reach the highest stage of monkhood, scarcity becomes a self-imposed virtue followed voluntarily in pursuance, of complete freedom from bondage; for those who cannot attain that height, limitations of possessions, coupled with a sense of detachment towards what one has, is recommended. The idea behind the vow of non-possession is not a morbid feeling of selfmortification but a sense of, and belief in the inherent bliss of the self. The answer of Jainism to the problem of scarcity is; be not attached to the worldly objects; be not their selves; turn to the self within wherefrom comes the true happiness. Has does not imply a life of inertia, but that a contemplation and contentment. What is true of the individual is true of the nations. The glorifications of a king who desire to conquer others territory (vijigisu), through very common in other ancient Indian literature, is Page 208 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #222 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga ESTUDIES 46 foreign to Jaina literature; the greed for expansion is unmistakably condemned in the too well known story of Bharata and Bahubali. Injustice The bigger fish swallow the smaller ones. The mighty and the aggressive prosper; the humble and the meek suffer. The result is the rule of jungle. In the sphere of politics, we kill and crush in the name of caste, creed and colour. The result is war and bloodshed. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Jainism brings us hope of justice in the form of doctrine of karman. As we sow, so shall we reap? Through there is no God who sits upon judgment on us, there is a law, based on the theory of cause and effect, which works automatically and unfailingly. All life is equal and the stronger have no right to do any injustice to the weaker; and if they do, they do not harm anybody but themselves. Ill feeling vitiates our morals structure first; it harms anybody else afterwards. To kill a man with a hot rod of iron, the killer will burn his own hands first before he can kill the other. It is not so much out of regard for the life of others that we are forbidden to kill, as out of regard for our own selves. We should meet an injustice not with force but with forbearance. Enmity leads to enmity; but if we do not retaliate, it subsides. Parsva's attitude of equanimity to Dharanendra and Kamatha beautifully illustrates the Jaina attitude, when the former tried to save him from the latter who tried to kill him. Jainism has also opposed from the beginning any social injustice arising out of casteism or racialism. 'Mankind is one community', says Jinasena. Mahatma Gandhi successfully applied the creed of non-violence to redress the injustice of one nation against another. The creed of non-violence, if applied to the international problems, has the potentially of wiping out the institution of war from the surface of earth. Thus, the answer of Jainism to the problem of injustice is four-fold: doctrine of Karman, equality of life, non-violence and equanimity. Ignorance In spite of the spread of education in modern times, the problems of life seem to multiply rather than decrease. Of what use in knowledge, which binds us rather than liberate? Jainism teaches us that all knowledge is relative and co-related. Let us be respective to every thought. Let us not assume the attitude of finality about our knowledge. One-sided attitude only complicates problems rather than solve them. It does not give us any solution to such ethical questions as 'determinism' and 'freedom of will'. Non-absolutism shows us the Page 209 of 385 Page #223 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ path of synthesis between fate and human effort; knowledge and action; and supra-moral plane of life and practical code of morality. The answer of Jainism to the problem of knowledge is represented in its doctrine of nonabsolutism. Much of misunderstanding between one nation and the other could be solved it we could adopt the attitude of non-absolutism on political problems. Selfishness Selfishness lies at the root of all problems. All immoral practices arise out of selfishness nature of man. Selfish can be overcome by realizing the true nature of self. According to Vedanta, the individual self (atman) is identical, with the universal self (Brahman); and the summum bonum of life is to realize this identify. This broadens our outlook and lifts us above selfishness. Buddhism, on the other hand, asks us not only to destroy our ego but also to believe that the self, for which we struggle so much, is a non-entity. Both of these views represent entity and that each should have a distinct existence. What Jainism lays down is neither a belief in the unity of life nor in the non-entity of the self, but a distinction between the self (Jiva) and the non-self (ajiva) and a victory over passion which are based on a false conception of the identity of the two. An ordinary Jaina (samyagdrsti) is not allowed to indulge in feelings of anger, pride, hypocrisy and greed continuously for more than a year, a householder at an advanced stage (sravaka) for more than four months, and a monk for more than fifteen days. Perfection or libration is attained when these feelings are completely overcome; and not, as the Vedanta will have us believe, when the self merges into the universal self; as the Buddhism believes, when it is annihilated. We need not discard commonly experienced, separate, existence of the self. The above ethical idea, which Jainism gave with reference to individual sadhana, could be interpreted afresh in the context of modern day problems to suggest that all nations could also maintain their individuality, and yet live in peace and harmony if negative ideas of anger, pride, hypocrisy and greed could be renounced. It could, thus, teach the possibility and utility of coexistence in modern times and bring the hope of a brighter future for warridden humanity of today. If Jaina ethics could bring home to us that alone, its purpose will be more than achieved. Page 210 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #224 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.4.1.3 Sramanacara - The Code of Conduct of the Jaina Monk Dr. D. N. Bhargava 1.0 Jainism is an Ascetic Religion The moral code of Jainism preaches asceticism to its extreme. The idea is that if spirit is something beyond senses, then all sensual pleasures must be only an obstacle in the realization of the soul. They, therefore, must be renounced. Once this principle is accepted, no concession is to be made in the name of practicability. Of course, this ideal cannot be achieved normally all at once. Therefore there are gradual stages of renunciation. A person who wishes to fulfill his social obligation cannot give up all worldly activities, but gradually as one realizes the importance of spiritual attainment and gains confidence and power, he proceeds towards the higher goal, leaving aside the material necessities of life. This journey leads to monkhood. 1.1 The Importance of Asceticism in Jainism In the earlier scriptures of the Jainas, we find that the gospels are addressed mainly to monks. It means that Asceticism occupies the central place in Jainism. In Brahmanism on the other hand, householder occupies the central place. In later Hinduism, asceticism was accorded a place in the fourth stage of life under the asrama scheme. In Jainism, ascetic character was retained from the very beginning till today. In Hinduism, also asceticism continued to occupy increasingly important place day by day. In the Mahabharata, we find how a conflict was going on between the older religion of activity and the newer religion of renunciation. According to Brhadkalpabhasya, even a sravaka is to be taught Yatidharma before sravaka-dharma i.e. he is to be instructed in the life style of a monk first, so that he can know the ultimate goal of life. In Hinduism, action or Karma preceded the study of jnana or Vedanta. It appears that Hinduism was very much influenced by the ascetic tendencies of Jainism and Buddhism. 1.2 Asceticism and Society Coming to asceticism of the Jain tradition, a Jain monk has to devote himself absolutely to spiritualism. No doubt, he depends on society for such bare necessity of life as food, but he is not obliged to fulfill any social duty. In fact, his contribution to the society is not mundane but spiritual. It is true that spiritualism plays an important role in regulating the social behavior in the sense that it puts a check on the bad activities of the members of the society. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 211 of 385 Page #225 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ UDIES Morality is the first condition for all spiritual progress and the same morality is essential for any social progress. In this way, asceticism plays a role in guiding the society but its main object is spiritual realization. It is held that perfection lies in spiritualism and not in worldly progress. In a way, worldly pleasures are a hindrance to spiritual realization and, therefore, they cannot be recommended. The scriptures of the Vedic tradition, the Gita for example appear to have a different view. They hold that worldly progress and spiritualism can go together. This is how Lokmanya Tilak interpreted Gita. However, the interpretation of the Gita by Samkara has an ascetic overtone. Thus, we find that though the Vedic tradition has been wavering regarding the importance of asceticism, the Jaina tradition is firm about its conviction. The influence of Jainism on Vedic tradition can be clearly seen in the description of the life style of Rsabhadeva in the Bhagavat Purana. 2.0 Jaina Monk The conduct of a Jaina monk is the highest example of asceticism. He is expected to practice in what he believes. Let us therefore, have a look at the code of a Jaina monk to understand how asceticism is to be put in practice. This forms a unique chapter of Indian civilization and of the history of asceticism as a whole. 2.1 Who Can Become a Monk? A monk can practice spiritualism without any distinction of caste or colour. Harikesi was a Pariah who was admitted to the order of monkhood and he is referred to with highest regard even though socially Pariah was considered to be belonging to the lowest cadre of the society. The conditions laid down for a person for qualifying for initiation for monk-hood are such, which do not discriminate between person and person on the basis of cast. One must be above the age of 8, should not be too old, should be physically and mentally fit and should not have any such social obligation as debt. The main emphasis is on moral qualities. On the whole we can say that any person who is physically fit and morally sound can be admitted to monkhood. 3. 0 Two Types of Monks In Svetambara tradition those monks who observed more strict code of conduct, form a separate category called Jinakalpi (i.e. who live like Lord Mahavira); whereas those, who are not so strict, are called Sthavirakalpa. Jinakalplis supposed to be not in vogue in modern times. Sthavirakalpa observes not only the moral code but also the rules, which are Page 212 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #226 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF STUDY NOTES version 5.0 KI SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga * STUDIES prescribed by the Order. This kind of distinction is available in Vedic tradition also, where Paramhansa or Turiyaitita monks are distinguished from ordinary type of ascetics. It only means that even among ascetics we have gradation of higher and lower type. However, there are some qualities, which are to be observed by all ascetics. For example all ascetic should observe five great vows (mahavratas); must have an attitude of restraint and practice the same (samitis); must observe mental vocal and physical discipline (guptis); should have control over their senses, must lead a life of austerity, should have control over their food habits, and should be detached, full of forgiveness and forbearance. Let us have a description of some of these qualities in some detail so as to understand the heart of asceticism with special reference to Jainism. 3.1 Five Great Vows (Mahavratas) The five great vows form the foundation of the Jaina tradition. They are called great because they are to be observed without any exception whereas in the small vows of the householder, a concession is given, so that he can fulfill his obligation towards his family and society. The great vows on the other hand are unconditional and absolute. There have been some modifications in the details of these five great vows but the basic structure has remained intact through ages. The first great vow is the vow of non- violence Ahimsa, which consists in abstinence from injury in any form and in any condition to any living being, small or great, inferior or superior. As Jainism believes that not only man and animals and all vegetable but even fire, air, water and earth have life, and a monk is supposed to lead a life, which does not interfere, with life as such. This makes his movement very much restricted. He cannot touch fire or water or cannot dig earth or cannot use fan. Naturally, this makes his life full of hardships for example, if he is thirsty, he cannot drink water of any kind but only that water which has become inanimate through such procedure as boiling. He cannot take even boiled water if it has been boiled for him. He can take only that water which a householder might have boiled for himself and is willing to share that water with the monk by remaining satisfied with only that quantity of water, which remains after offering that water to the monk. It is clear that in this way a monk becomes so much dependent on the householders that he cannot have any sense of ego or pride. By this sort of conduct, he becomes instrumental in extending asceticism to a smaller degree amongst the householders also who has to limit his requirements if he wishes to fulfill the requirements of the monk. Page 213 of 385 Page #227 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 3.1.1 Detachment The core of non-violence is detachment and compassion. Compassion does not consist in fulfilling the demands of the flesh but in inspiring one to get rid of demands of flesh. Attachment is suicidal for the aspirant. All behavior of a Jaina monk regarding movement, speech, handling of things, food, and even thinking is regulated by this one spiritual value of detachment. Non-violence implies strict vigilance. In the scripture it is mentioned that when a straw was placed in the ear of a sleeping monk Aryadeva, he removed it so carefully that if it were not a straw, but a worm, it would not be hurt. He did it very gently. 3.1.2 The Scope of Non-Violence (Ahimsa) It is said that of all the vows the Jaina attached the greatest importance to non-violence. Non-violence is not a philosophy of inactivity but a philosophy, which values the life of all and does not like interfering in the freedom of any living being. It goes beyond mere humanitarian but encompasses the whole nature. Today when we are worried about environment, the Jaina concept of non-violence becomes very relevant because it preaches non-disturbance of the balance of nature. For Jainism, nature is not something that can be handled in any way; it is rather throbbing with life and has to be handled with kindness. Jainism has also analyzed the causes of violence. In fact, the cause of all sins lies in our passions, which include anger, greed hypocrisy and pride. It is not that the Jaina monk gives up all activities; he gives up only violent activities. Of course, he practices Ahimsa to the last degree and therefore, his activities become very much restricted. But his spiritual activities extend to the largest degree possible. When we look at non-violence from social point of view the Jaina concept of non-violence may appear to be incomplete. The Jaina monk, for example will not resort to violence even if he is attacked. The social being, on the other hand, would like to reserve the right of self-defense. We have to understand that since a monk has given himself to absolute spiritualism; even defense of his own body at the cost of spiritualism is not advisable for him. His vow of non-violence is unconditional. He will not only be kind to those who are kind to him, but also to those who are unkind to him also. He can do so because he is so much engrossed in the spiritual bliss of his inner self that physical miseries do not move him. He avoids violence mentally, physically and vocally. He also avoids inspiring others to commit violence and if somebody has committed violence he avoids approving of it. Page 214 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #228 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga STUDY NOTES version 5.0 OF parama tapa 3.2 The Vow of Truthfulness (Satya) The second vow is that of truthfulness. No false word is to be uttered out of attachment, aversion, fear or anger or greed. For this purpose, he has to avoid insulting, teasing and use of harsh words. He should not use speech, which excites others. He should not only be true, but modest and gentle in his speech. The example of wearing the outfit of a non-Jaina monk to get food and drink is also quoted as an example of falsehood. 3.3 The Vow of Non-Stealing (Acaurya) The vow of non-stealing is much more comprehensive than what we normally understand by the term. Even if something is lying in the house of a householder and monk finds that it is of no use for the owner of the house, he cannot take it without the express permission of the owner. He can neither show any attraction of benefit to a householder to get something from him nor use either fear for this purpose. He should have detachment even to whatever little he has. He cannot claim any ownership of the place in which he is staying. He should gladly share his possession with the fellow monks. He should not gather any requisite secretly. Thus the vow of non-stealing means perfect honesty in one's behavior. 3.4 The Vow of Celibacy (Brahmacarya) The fourth vow consists of celibacy or control of sexual desire. Under this vow he has not to decorate his body. He has to avoid exciting and excessive food, songs and dance, and exciting and passionate behavior. He has to avoid any contact, especially in private or on one to one basis with members of opposite sex. In case of any emergency, also the rule of the celibacy is to be observed in letter and spirit. 3.5 The Vow of Non-Possessiveness (Aparigraha) The last and fifth vow is that of non-possession. As even a monk has to possess such instrument of acquiring knowledge as books, it cannot be said that he should not possess anything. It only means that whatever he possesses, he should have no attachment to it. Moreover, he should not possess anything, which is not allowed by the scriptures. There is a difference of opinion regarding the list of possession that a monk can have. This becomes the one article of the main reasons of division between the Digambara and the Svetambara. It appears that the Svetambara scriptures allowed very few items of clothe and utensils for a monk but the list increased by the passage of time. The Digambara on the other hand did not allow even a cloth for a monk. The Acaranga-sutra though mentions clothes, alms-bowl, Page 215 of 385 Page #229 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ UDIES yAya parama blanket and broom for the monk. The Digambara tradition classifies the possession of the monk under three heads: Means of attaining knowledge i.e. scriptures Means of observance of vows i.e. a broom of peacock feather by which one can gently remove insects etc. so that they are not injured by the movement of monk Means of purifying the body i.e. a pot of wood to carry inanimate water for cleaning the body after nature's calls. Later on, especially the Svetambara scriptures increased the list of the possession of a monk to include such articles as a staff and an umbrella, even though, in practice, the monks do not have them today. The list went on increasing by including needle, razor, nail cutter and ear cleaner etc. Brhatkalpasutra gives in as many as seventy articles as possession of a monk. In latter period it appears that the monks accepted even gifts of land. The rules were, however, so clear and strict that such practices which were against the spirit of the vow could not continue for long. 3.5.1 The Importance of Non-Possessiveness It is important that possessions are not only external but internal also. The Jaina scriptures include laughter, liking and disliking, sorrow, fear and disgust as internal possessions. Even though non-violence is considered to be the cardinal moral virtue, yet the greatest contribution of the Jainas to asceticism is the vow of non-possession, which they carried to such an extreme that the Digambara monks do not keep any cloth to cover even their body. Why there is so much insistence on non-possessiveness is explained by the fact that almost all sins emerge out of the desire to possess. There is struggle and violence for usurping the belongings of others so that one can enjoy them. One resorts to falsehood and thefts for becoming rich. Detachment must be translated into practice by not accumulating things beyond a limit. In fact, a householder is also expected to put a limit on his possession and as he enters monkhood he becomes all the more rigid and does only with the bare minimum. 3.6 Observing other attitudes to Support the Observance of the Five Great Vows The deepest form of attachment is found towards body. Asceticism therefore, culminates into not only refusing the body any comfort or luxury but also voluntary accepting situations Page 216 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #230 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ which are not favorable to the body. We shall discuss austerities in a separate lesson. As a means to protect the above five great vows a monk is supposed to observe three fold self control (gupti) and five fold vigilance (samiti). In self-control, one is to avoid all harmful activities where as in vigilance one has to see to it that others are not injured by one's activities. 3.6.1 Three-Fold Discipline (Guptis) The discipline of mind means freedom from thought of passions, delusion, attachment, aversion, and other impure thoughts. The discipline of speech means avoiding talks about sex, politics, anti-social activities and food. Discipline of body means physical activities are to be avoided such as piercing or beating etc. 3.6.2 Five-Fold Vigilance (Samitis) Of the five-fold vigilance; the first is regarding the movement. The monk should not traverse on the path where there are ants, seeds, vegetables etc. He should move only on a path, which is free from the chance of injuring any living being. He should move only in daylight, as, in the night, the path is not properly seen. He should not have any attraction towards the object of five senses while moving. He should move only for religious purposes. He should look forward on the ground to the extent of four cubits. The idea is that he should move only when it is necessary for religious purpose and that too with full vigilance. The second is discipline of speech, whereas vigilance of speech means the positive aspect of using speech, which should be short, sweet and beneficial. The third vigilance is regarding begging of food. One has to take food to keep his body. For a monk the purpose of life is to achieve the ultimate end of life i.e. liberation. He takes food only with this end in mind. Of course, he has to see that no violence is involved in the process of acquiring food. The food should not be prepared for him, nor should he suggest the type or quantity of food should be or approved by him. As already said, whatever little a monk gets in begging, it should be out of the things which the householder has prepared for himself. The householder shares this preparation voluntarily by putting control over his own share. The purpose of taking the food is to sustain life so that one can make study, meditate serve other monks and perform religious duties. Two parts of stomach are to be filled with food and one with water. And the fourth one is to be left for passage for air. The monk should not take food if he finds any impurity like nails, hair, insects, bones, chaff, grain STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 217 of 385 Page #231 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama AN STUDIES particles, pus, skin, blood, flesh, seeds, fruits, bulbs and roots. A monk should not go out for food when he suffers from diseases or when some misery befalls him, or when he wants to defend his celibacy or when he wants to refrain from causing injury to living beings or when he is desirous of renouncing the body. Whatever articles a monk has, he has to handle them carefully. He should remove insects from the place where he wants to put an article. When a monk feels call of nature, he has to choose a place, which is, devoid of all life. Thus, we find that all the activities of a monk are to be regulated in accordance with the observance of the code of conduct. 4.0 Other Supporting Activities for Practicing Spiritual Purification There are a number of activities detailed which the monk should practice regularly so that he develops detachment and practice non-violence to enable him o meditate on the self/soul. 4.1 Ten Fold Dharma To strengthen the moral virtues a monk should have forgiveness, humility, straight forwards, contentment, truth, restraint, penance, renunciation, detachment, and celibacy. These qualities are excellent because they are to be cultivated with the purpose of spiritual development only and not with any worldly gain. These qualities come automatically to a monk if he is clear about his goal. The goal is to check the inflow of karmic matter, which is a foreign element and which pollutes the purity of soul. 4.2 Attitude towards Hardships (22 Parisahas) With such a strict code of conduct, it is but natural that a monk should face many hardships, which he is expected to overcome with detachment and forbearance. He should understand that the physical pains and pleasures are transitory in nature and they come and go. A worldly man tries to overcome such hardships by various means, which are not always free from sins. However, the monk has to face hardships with fortitude. He should not feel disturbed at all. It increases his will power, so necessary for treading the path of asceticism. The monk has to deny comforts to the body. The hardships which he may face, are 22 in number: hunger, thirst, cold, heat, insect bites, nakedness, discontentment, woman, fatigue from walking etc., disturbance by animals, sleeping or sitting on hard earth, abuse, beating. begging failure to get alms, etc., disease, contact of thorny shrubs, etc., discomfort from dirt, respectful or disrespectful treatment, pride of knowledge, lack of knowledge and failures in Page 218 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #232 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ religious practices. The idea behind the above hardships is that whatever the circumstances the monk should not deviate from his prescribed code of conduct which includes rules for begging food, observance of religious duties, non possessiveness, non violence, sex control, detachment, freedom from greed, freedom from attachment to body, non despondency and stead fastness. All this proves to be of great help in checking the inflow of karmic matter and also shedding of the already acquired karmic matter. Penance means voluntarily imposing on oneself circumstances, which are physically unfavourable. We shall speak about them in a separate lesson. Here we have dealt with only with the unfavorable circumstances, which a monk may have to face involuntarily. 4.3 Six-Fold Essentials (Avasyakas) In his daily life the monk has to perform certain essential duties. The first of them is Samayika. It is the most important quality, which means equanimity in life and death, profit and loss, union and separation, friend and foe, and happiness and misery. A monk has not to make any distinction between one who belongs to him and the other who does not belong to him. Detachment, faith in scriptures, abstention from vices, three-fold self control and all other moral virtues along with Meditation, form Samayika. One should be detached from good or bad names, forms, material, place, time, or emotion. Those realized souls have attained perfection by destroying desire, conquering the passions and death with equanimity. It is true that the realized souls who have attained liberation do not answer to our prayers in the way in which God is supposed to answer, but our prayer to them purifies us. The second duty is that of paying respect to the preceptor and the images of Arihantas. In fact a monk pays respect to those who observes vows and not to those who are undisciplined even though they may occupy high position in the worldly sense of the term. The third duty is to criticize one's moral transgression by confessing them before one's Guru. One should not conceal anything from his Guru. He should be free from crookedness and observe balance of minds in all situations. Another essential quality is to avoid sinful activities in future. The monk should be sorry for whatever sinful activities may have been performed by him in the past. Another duty is to feel detachment from the body. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 219 of 385 Page #233 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya tapaH * OF 4.4 Rules for Begging Food The Jain scriptures understand that the food is the most fundamental necessity of human life. Even this necessity is to be reduced to the minimum. As he has to go for begging, he should put the householder to the least possible difficulty. Food is to be taken for maintenance of body and not for the taste of the tongue. In fact, the earlier scriptures are full of prescriptions regarding food. The faults, which may occur in procuring food, are classified into four categories. * NN STUDIES 4.4.1 The First Category of Faults The mistakes on the part of the giver are sixteen in number. The monk should not accept food: * If it is specially prepared for him; * If some additional food or new item has been cooked on seeing him; If he uses sterilizes food and it has been mixed with unsterilized food or water; If he is asked to take the food together with layman; If the food is offered to him after being removed from the place of its preparation; If the food is remnant of offerings; If the food is offered at wrong time; * If pots containing food are removed from one place to another at the sight of himself, if pots are washed before him or a lamp is lit; If the food has been purchased for him; If the food has been borrowed for him; If the food has been obtained in exchange for some other article; If the food has been brought from another's house; If the food has been kept uncovered; If the food is offered at a place where he can reach only by mounting a ladder; If the food is offered out of fear; If someone has objected to the offering of food; 4.4.2 The Second Category of Faults The following sixteen faults pertain to the receiver and should be avoided by the monk. The food becomes condemnable: If it is achieved by teaching the giver the way of looking after the children If it is obtained by delivering some message Page 220 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #234 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ * If it is obtained by telling someone about his future, etc. * If it is obtained by describing one's high linkage or occupation * If it is obtained by flattering the giver * If it is obtained by giving medical advice or medicine * By showing anger By showing pride * By deceit By showing greed By praising the giver in anticipation By praising the giver afterwards By imparting occult powers By imparting mantras for snake bite etc * By imparting secrets for winning over one's love 4.4.3 The Third Category of Faults It consists of the following ten faults concerning the manner of giving. The food becomes condemnable: If there is any doubt about its purity If it is offered by hands or in utensils which are besmeared with oil or ghee If it has been placed on unsterilized water or green leaves If it is covered with unsterilized water or green leaves If the pots are not handled carefully by the giver If it is unclean If it is mixed with earth, insects or unsterilized things * If it is not sterilized so as to make it incapable of breeding any living creature * If it is offered from pots or hands besmeared with flour, chalk, and the like * If it has been thrown away 4.4.4 The Fourth Category of Faults While taking the food, the monk should be free from the following four faults: * Mixing up hot things with cold, which have ceased to be sterilized Over-eating Having attachment to food Condemning food while eating it STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 221 of 385 Page #235 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY * svAdhyAya tapaH * STUDIES 5.0 The Ascetic Order: The Role of Acarya Though asceticism in its pure form is an individual's journey, yet the Jaina tradition avoids absolutism in any fields. Therefore, the Jaina monks have a community of their own where they help each other for spiritual development. Of course, monks of a very high order have been allowed to remain aloof but ordinarily a monk is expected to be a member of Sangha of which a Acarya as its head. The Acarya organizes and regulates all spiritual activities of the Sangha. He has the following duties: Sutrarthasthirikarana - Decide the meaning of the scriptures Vinaya- Should be humble to all Gurupuja- Should be reverential to those who are senior to him in spiritual development Saiksabahumana - Should show respect for the aspirants of spirituality Danapatisraddhavrddhi-Encourage the giver to give alms Buddhibalavardhana - Enhance the intellect and capacity of his students Besides, the Acarya should also keep in mind the following things: 1. He should be careful in giving any order 2. He should see that the junior monks behave properly towards senior monks 3. He should see that the order of reading the scriptures is not violated by the monks 4. He should provide proper facilities for those monks who are either diseased or engaged in penance for studies 5. He should do everything in consultation with other monks 6. He should see that every monk gets the equipment that he requires 7. He should also take care of the equipments of monks 5.1 Rules of Behavior towards Fellow Monks In an Order, it is necessary that rule of conduct which prescribe behavior amongst the member of the Order are followed. For the sake of chastity, monks and nuns are not allowed to touch each other. The society of monks is guided by what is called Sambhoga. The rules of Sambhoga are twelve in number: 1. Upadhisambhoga - The possessions of a monk are called Upadhi. The monks should exchange these Upadhis with other monks with care. Page 222 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #236 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga STUDY NOTES version 5.0 STUDIES 2. Srutasambhoga- The monk should instruct other monks with regard to the scriptures. 3. Bhaktapana - The food given to other monks should be pure. 4. Ajjalipragraha - The monk should pay due respect to other monks. 5. Danasambhoga - Pupils can be exchanged with the other monks of the same group. 6. Nimantrana- A monk can invite another monk of the same group for exchange of food, possessions and pupils. 7. Abhyutthana - The monk should pay due respect to other monks of the same group by giving them seat etc., and by standing from his seat on their arrival. 8. Krtikarma-Should give proper salutation etc. 9. Vaiyyavrtya - The old, diseased, and disabled monks should be served with due respect and care. 10. Samavasarana-He should join the assembly at the time of religious discourse. 11. Sannisadya - The monk can share his seat with the monk of his own group but not with the nun. 12. Katha-prabandha - He should discuss various religious matters with fellow monks. The order is thus an organized form of asceticism but the primary form of asceticism is to be practiced by an individual all- alone even when he is a member of an Order. 5.2 Twelve Reflections The practice of asceticism is not a bed on roses. It is a very difficult path. What sustain an aspirant on this path are certain reflections, which have been classified into twelve: 1. The first is the transitory nature of things. Nothing is permanent in the world. If we get attached to a particular thing we are bound to suffer. 2. Nobody can escape death, nor can anybody save one from death. It is, therefore, unwise to depend on relatives, wealth, or position because all of them are helpless before death. 3. The soul is transmigrating from one body to another body from time immemorial. It has undergone all possible favorable and unfavorable situations. There is no end to this journey unless one adopts the path of spiritualism. 4. Even though we live in a society speaking truly, we are all alone. We have to suffer the miseries all alone and there is none to share them. 5. One has to realize that the self is distinct from body. Pampering the body is of no use for the self. 6. The body, which consists of flesh, blood, and bones, is impure all in and all out. Page 223 of 385 Page #237 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ yAya parama 7. The universe is very huge and the man is so small that he has no point in being proud of himself. 8. It is a very rare chance that one gets the knowledge of right path. Once it is attained one should not miss this rare chance. 9. Because of our activities, there is constant inflow of karma, which covers our true nature. 10. This inflow of karma is to be stopped if we want to protect our purity. 11. The already accumulated karmas are to be shed. 12. The real nature of truth is to be realized. With these reflections, the monk becomes steadfast in asceticism. 6.0 Summary From the aforesaid description of the conduct of a Jaina monk, it would be clear that asceticism is a form of pure spiritualism, which does not admit of any concession for worldly life. There is a contradiction between the spiritual life and mundane life, which is clearly brought out by what has been said above. The goal of asceticism is spiritual realization, for which an aspirant has to forsake physical comforts and undergo hardships. The institution of Order of Jaina Monk is perhaps the oldest Order of the world. Its study is an important chapter in the history of asceticism. It may also be pointed out that even though the journey of spiritualism is individualistic yet the Jaina Tirthamkaras laid down the foundation of an order where the aspirants could help each other without interfering in their freedom. This is perhaps the secret of longevity of Jaina asceticism. Suggested Readings 1. Sogani, Kamal Chand, Ethical Doctrines in Jainism, Pub. : Lalchand Hirachand Doshi, Solapur. 2. Bhargava D.N, Jain Ethics, Pub. : Motilal Banarsi Dass, New Delhi. 3. S.B. Deo, History of Jain Monachism, Pune. 4. B.C. Law, Mahavira and his life and teachings, London. 5. H.L. Jain, Bharatiya Sanskrti Men Jaina Dharma Ka Yogadana, Bhopal. 6. Acharya Mahaprajna:, Jaina Darsana: Manana aura Mimarsa, Ladnun Page 224 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #238 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Questions: 1. What is the position of a Jain Monk vis-a-vis a Jain householder? 2. What are the conditions of eligibility for a Jain Monk? 3. What is the difference between great vows and small vows? 4. What is the importance of non- possessiveness? 5. What is the meaning of self-control and vigilance in the case of a Jain Monk? 6. What is the spirit of rules for begging food for a Jain Monk? 7. What are the common rules of an order of the Jain Monks? 28 Mulagunas (According to the Digambaras) of Monks 1. 5 Mahavratas: 1. Non-Violence 2. Truth 3. Non-stealing 4. Celibacy 5. Non-Possession 2. 5 Samitis (Carefulness): 1. Moving about 2. Right speech 3. Procurement of provision 4. Receiving and placing things 5. Right disposal of refuse 3. 5 Indriyanigraha: 1. Vision 2. Hearing 3. Smell 4. Taste 5. Touch 4. 6 Avasyakas: Annexure 1 1. Equanimity 2. Praising the lord 3. Salutations STUDY NOTES version 5.0 INTERNATIO SCHOOL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga OF parama tapa Page 225 of 385 Page #239 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 4. Repentance 5. Abandoning the body 5. 7 other miscellaneous: 1. Plucking the hair 2. Nudity 3. Not to have bath 4. Sleeping on the ground 5. Not to brush the teeth 6. Stand while eating 7. Eat once a day 27 Mulagunas (According to the Svetambaras) of Monks 1. 5 Mahavratas: 1. Non-Violence, 2. Truth, 3. Non-stealing, 4. Celibacy, 5. Non-Possession 2. Not to eat after sunset 3. 5 Restraint on senses: 1. Vision, 2. Hearing, 3. Smell, 4. Taste, 5. Touch 4. Discarding 4 passions: 1. Anger, 2. Deceit, 3. Greed 4. Ego 5. Bhava Satya 6. Karana Satya 7. Yoga Satya 8. Forgiveness Page 226 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #240 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 9. Vitaragata 10. Restraint on mind, body and speech 11. Engaging in knowledge, faith and conduct 12. Equanimity in death 22 Parisaha (Hurdles or Afflictions) to be won over by Monks: 1. Hunger 2. Thirst 3. Cold 4. Hot 5. Gadflies/ Mosquito 6. Nakedness 7. Distaste 8. Women 9. Movement 10. Seating 11. Bedding 12. Harsh words 13. Beating 14. Begging 15. Non-Receipt 16. Disease 17. Touch of grass 18. Dirt 19. Honour 20. Miraculous intellect 21. Ignorance 22. Non-vision STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 227 of 385 Page #241 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.4.2 Sravakacara (Ethics of the Householder) Dr. Kamal Chand Sogani 1.0 Ahimsa as the Foundation of Jaina Ethics Ethical discipline constitutes an important aspect of Jainism. The foundation of the ethical discipline is the doctrine of Ahimsa.? The laying down of the commandment not to kill and not to damage is one of the greatest events in the spiritual history of mankind. This is for the first time clearly expressed in Jainism. 1.1 Classification of Living Being from One-Sensed to Five-Sensed Beings The Jaina Agama classifies living beings (livas) into five kinds, namely, one-sensed to fivesensed beings. The minimum number of Pranas possessed by the empirical self is four (one sense, one Bala, life-limit and breathing), and the maximum number is ten (five senses, three Balas, life-limit, and breathing).The lowest in the grade of existence are the onesensed Jivas, which possess only the sense of touch and they have only the Bala of Body, and besides they hold life-limit and breathing. These one-sensed Jivas admit of five-fold classification 6, namely, the earth-bodied (Prthvikayika), water-bodied (Jalakayika), firebodied (Agnikayika) air-bodied (Vayukayika) and lastly, vegetable-bodied (Vanaspatikayika) souls. 1.2 Progressive realization of Ahimsa (Householder and Muni) The entire Jaina ethics tends towards the translation of the principle of Ahimsa into practice. The Jaina regards as the ethical Summum Bonum of human life, the realisation of perfect Ahimsa. In fact Ahimsa is so central in Jainism that it may be incontrovertibly called the beginning and the end of Jaina religion. The statement of Samantabhadra that Ahimsa of all living beings is equivalent to the realisation of Parama Brahma sheds light on the paramount character of Ahimsa. Now, this idea of Ahimsa is realised progressively. Thus he who is able to realise Ahimsa partially is called a householder, whereas he who is able to realise Ahinmsa completely, though not perfectly is called an ascetic or a Muni. It belies the Indian Thought and its Development by Albert Schweitzer, Pages 82-3, London 1951. 2 Acaranga-sutra, 132, (Agama Prakshana Samiti, Beawer 3 Ibid., 129 4 Ibid. 5 Sarvarthasiddhi of Pujyapada, Il-14/288, Bharatiya Jnanapiha, New Delhi 6 lbid. 110 Page 228 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #242 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ allegation that the ascetic flees from the world of action. Truly speaking, he recoils not from the world of action but from the world of Himsa. No doubt the ascetic life affords full ground for the realization of Ahimsa, but its perfect realization is possible only in the plenitude of mystical experience, which is the Arhat. Thus the householder and the ascetic are the two wheels on which the cart of Jaina ethical discipline moves on quite smoothly. It is to the credit of Jaina acaryas that they have always kept in mind these two orders while prescribing any discipline to be observed. They were never in favour of confounding the obligations of the one with the other. In consequence, Jainism could develop the acara of the householder with as much clarity as it developed the acara of the Muni. Being overwhelmed by the ascetic tendency, it has not neglected the acara of the householder. By developing the doctrine of Anuvratas, Gunavrata and Siksavratas for the householder it has shown the way in which the householder should direct his course of life. I feel that the doctrine of Anuvratas, Gunavratas and Siksavratas is the unique contribution of Jainism to Indian ethics. 2.1 Nature of Ethico-Spiritual Conduct Let us now proceed to deal with the nature of ethico-spiritual conduct, which transforms the potential excellences of the self into actuality. With the light of value knowledge, which enables the aspirant to look into his infirmities, the pursuit of ethico-spiritual conduct sweeps away the elements, which thwart the manifestation of uninterrupted happiness and infinite knowledge. Value knowledge illumines the path and ethico-spiritual conduct leads to the goal. In addition to spiritual awakening and value-knowledge emancipation presupposes ethico-spiritual conduct as well. Really speaking, ethico-spiritual conduct emanates from the internal necessity, which the spiritually awakened has developed in him. Thereby he then expunges the disharmony existent between his present and future conditions, and between his potential conviction and actual living. So important is the pursuit of ethico-spiritual conduct for realising the transcendental nature of self that Kundakunda calls it Dharma. Such conduct as will conduce to the emergence of a state of self which is devoid of infatuation (Moha) and perturbation (Ksobha) by virtue of the subversion of all kinds of passions in their most comprehensive extent is called Vitaraga 7 Pravacanasara of Kundakunda with the Commentaries of Amrtacandra and Jayasena, 1.7, Rajachandra Ashram, Agas STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 229 of 385 Page #243 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ adhyAya pakSa Caritra. This should be distinguished from Saraga-caritra which results in auspicious activities by virtue of auspicious psychical states. The auspicious activities are no doubt the part of ethico-spiritual conduct; but the inauspicious activities emanating from inauspicious psychical states are in no way be the part of conduct, hence they are to be completely relinquished. Thus, in order to stamp out the inauspicious psychical states from the texture of self, the aspirant must abstain himself root and branch from violence, falsehood, theft, un-chastity and acquisition. The engrossment of the self into such vicious deeds is indicative of the expression of the most intense passions, which can be wiped off by negating to perform the vicious deeds. The negative process of purifying the self by weeding out these villainous actions of necessity requires the pursuance of the positive process of Non-violence, truthfulness, nonthieving, chastity and non-acquisition. Both of these processes keep pace together. The elimination of these vices requires the cultivation of virtues of non-violence, truthfulness, non-thieving, chastity and non-acquisition. Of these virtues, non-violence is the fundamental. All the rest should be regarded as the means for its proper sustenance, just as the field of corn requires adequate fencing for its protection. The householder can partially acquire these virtues, which are then called partial non-violence (Ahimsa -Anuvrata, partial truthfulness Satya-Anuvrata, partial non-thieving (Acaurya-Anuvrata), partial chastity (Brahmacarya-Anuvrata) and partial non-acquisition (Parigraha-parimana-Anuvrata). 2.1.1 Spiritual Awakening, Inauspicious Activities and Morality We cannot forbear mentioning in passing that even a spiritually awakened person may be occupied with the aforementioned evil deeds; the recognition of which would at the first sight tend to annul the distinction between the wise and the ignorant, or between the spiritually awakened and perverted souls. But this assumption is based on a certain misapprehension. Notwithstanding their extrinsic similitude they evince intrinsic disparity; i.e., the wise under some latent constraint unwillingly perpetrate such evil actions, and the ignorant while rejoicing commit them. From this it is obvious that spiritual awakening is not incompatible with the most intense forms of inauspicious activities. It will not be inconsistent if it is laid down that both the wise and the ignorant are capable of extirpating inauspicious psychical states. But the difference is that while in the former case there is spiritual morality, in the latter, there is only dry morality, which is possible without spirituality. Dry morality is socially useful, but spiritually barren; while spiritual morality is fruitful both socially and spiritually. Page 230 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #244 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE GS Being subtle and far-reaching, the internal distinction between these two types of morality eludes our limited comprehension. We may simply say that, for the spiritually awakened, morality is a means; while for the perverted it is an end in itself. It is to be borne in mind that morality, of whatever type, can in no case be useless; hence it deserves our respect wherever it is witnessed. 2.1.2 Vikala-caritra (Partial Conduct) and Sakala-caritra (Complete Conduct) It astonishes that in spite of not being the part of conduct in any way, the aforementioned vicious deeds refuse to be completely relinquished at the start on account of their being ingrained in the mind of man. Hence, there arises the concept of limited morality technically called Vikala-caritra (partial conduct) in contrast to absolute morality known as Sakala-caritra (complete conduct) wherein these vicious deeds are completely renounced. He who observes the former, being not able to renounce the vices to the full, claims the title of a layman; while he who observes the latter, being able to hold the spirit of renunciation to the brim, is called a Muni'. 2.1.3 Meaning of the Commitment of Himsa For explaining Vikala-caritra (partial conduct), and Sakala-caritra (complete conduct) let us be clear about the meaning of Himsa. The term Himsa may be defined as the committing of injury to the Dravya-pranas and the Bhava-pranas through the operation of intense passion infected Yoga (activity of mind, body, and speech). Suicide, homicide and killing of any other life whatsoever aptly sum up the nature of Himsa, in as much as these villainous actions are rendered conceivable only when the Dravya-pranas and the Bhava-pranas pertaining to one self and to others are injured. The minimum number of Dravya-pranas has been considered to be four, and the maximum has been known to be ten; and the Bhava-pranas are the very attributes of Jiva. The amount of injury will thus be commensurate with the number of Pranas injured at a particular time and occasion. If the bodily movements etc., are performed with circumspection, nevertheless if any living being is oppressed, it cannot be called Himsa for the infecting element of intense passion is missing. On the contrary, even if, by careless bodily movements no animate being is oppressed, the actions are not free from Himsa. Here though the Soul has not injured others, yet it has injured itself by defiling its own natural 8 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 43, Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram, Agas 9 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 45, Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram, Agas STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 231 of 385 Page #245 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ UDIES constitution. 10 We may thus say that both the indulgence in Hims, and the negation of abstinence from Himsa constitute if, by careless bodily movements no animate being is oppressed, the actions are not free from Himsa. 11 In other words, he who has not abandoned Himsa though he is not factually indulging in it, commits Himsa on account of having the subconscious frame of mind for its perpetration. Again, he who employs his mind, body and speech in injuring others also commits Himsa on account of actually indulging in it. Thus, wherever there is inadvertence of mind, body or speech, Himsa is inevitable.12 2.1.4 Internal Mind and Outward Action It will be the height of folly and impertinence if any man conceitedly argues that it is no use renouncing the performance of certain actions, but that the internal mind alone ought to be uncontaminated. But it is to be borne in mind that in lower stages, which exceedingly fall short of self-realisation, the external performance of a man has no meaning without his being internally disposed to do so. Hence the external and the internal influence each other; and in most cases the internal precedes the external. Thus, in no case, the outward commission of Himsa, without the presence of internal corruption can be vindicated. He who exclusively emphasizes the internal at the expense of the external forgets the significance of outward behaviour.13 He loses sight of the fact that the impiousness of external actions necessarily leads to the pollution of the internal mind, thus disfiguring both the aspects, namely, the internal and the external. In consequence, both the Niscaya and Vyavahara Nayas, i.e., both the internal and external aspects should occupy their due places. 2.1.5 Intentional and Non-Intentional Himsa Hinsa is of two kinds, namely, intentional and non-intentional. 14The intentional perpetrator of Himsa engages himself in the commitment of the acts of Himsa by his own mind, speech and action; provokes others to commit them; and endorses such acts of others. Besides, Himsa, which is unavoidably committed by defending oneself from one's foes, is denominated as non-intentional defensive Himsa. This leads us to the philosophy of fighting defensive wars.15 10 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 46, 47, Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram, Agas. 11 lbid., 48. 12 /bid., 48. 13 Ibid., 50 14 Jainendra-siddhantasara by Pt. Chainsukhadasa, Page 63, Sadbodha Granthamala, Jaipur 15 Ibid., Page 63. Page 232 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #246 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 2.1.6 Ahimsa (Anuvrata -Mahavrata) The householder, being snared in the meshes of infirmities, is incapable of turning away completely from Himsa; hence he should keep himself away from the deliberate commission of Himsa of the two-sensed to five-sensed beings. 16 The commitment of Himsa in being engaged in a certain profession, in performing domestic activities and in adopting defensive contrivances, cannot be counteracted by him. Thus he commits intentional injury to onesensed Jivas, namely, the vegetable-bodied, the air-bodied, the fire-bodied, etc.; and nonintentional injury in performing arambha (domestic activities), Udyoga (profession) and Virodha (defense). He can therefore observe the gross form of Ahimsa, which is known as Ahimsa Anuvrata. Even in the realm of one-sensed Jivas and in the realm of non-intentional injury he should so manage to confine his operations as may affect the life and existence of a very limited number of Jivas. 17In these two provinces the point to note is that of alleviating the amount of injury that is apt to be caused and not that of total relinquishment which is not possible without jeopardizing the survival of man. Nevertheless, Himsa even in the realm of one-sensed Jivas and in the realm of non-intentional injury is unjustifiable. If we reflect a little, we shall find that man is subject to Himsa by the very condition of his existence. Yet instead of aggravating the natural weight of Himsa by falling foul upon one another and by our cruel treatment of the animal and vegetable kingdoms, we should endeavour to alleviate this general curse, to the extent to which we are capable of doing, by conforming ourselves to the sacred injunctions enjoined by Jaina spiritual teachers. The observer of Ahimsa Anuvrata should avoid gambling, hunting, drinking, meat eating, and the like. Vegetarianism is therefore prescribed. It limits us to the unavoidable injury caused to only one-sensedJivas. This is the philosophy of vegetarianism propounded by Jainism. The Muni extends active friendship to all living beings from the one-sensed to the fivesensed without any exception, and consequently all forms of intentional Himsa are shunned and the question of being engaged in a certain profession, in performing domestic activities and in adopting defensive contrivances does not arise in his case. Thus the Muni follows Ahimsa Mahavrata. The Muni is a world citizen. He, therefore, draws the attention of men to 16 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 75, Rajachandra Ashrama, Agas.75; Caritra-pahuda of Kundakunda, 24, (Patani Digambara Jaina Granthamala Maroha under the title Astapahuda, Ratnakarardairavakacara of Samantabhadra, 155, (Veer Seva Mandira, Delhi).53; Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 77 (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agasa); Vasunandi-sravakacara, 209, (Bharatiya Jnanpith, New Delhi). Yoga-Sastra of Hemacandra II. 21, (Prakrit Bharati Academy, Jaipur) 17 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 91, (Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram, Agas) STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 233 of 385 Page #247 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ the inefficacy of Himsa for solving social, national and international disputes. He himself is the embodiment of Ahimsa and exhorts others to develop reverence for life as such. 2.2 Satya (Anuvrata - Mahavrata) It implies the making of wrong and improper statement by one who is overwhelmed by passions such as anger, greed, conceit, deceit and the like. Falsehood is of four kinds.18 The first kind of falsehood refers to the affirmation of the existent as non-existent, 19 the second refers to the declaration of the non-existent, as existent, 20 the third refers to the representation of the existing nature of things as different from what they are21and the fourth is indicative of speech which is disagreeable to others.22The Muni avoids all these four forms of falsehood, and therefore, he is said to observe Satya Mahavrata. But the householder has to speak harsh, unpleasant, violent words for defense, for running the household and doing professional management, therefore, he observes Satya Anuvrata. The observer of Satya Anuvrata does use words, which are soothing, gentle and ennobling. If any speech causes Hirsa, it should be withheld. Ultimately the criterion of Satya and Asatya is Ahimsa and Himsa respectively. Thus Satya speech should lead to Ahimsa. 2.3 Asteya (Anuvrata - Mahavrata) Steya means the taking of things under the constraint of passions without their being given by the owner.23 It may be noted here that things constitute the external Pranas of a man and he who thieves and plunders them is said to deprive a man of his Pranas.24 This is no than Himsa. The Muni who observes Mahavrata does not take anything whatsoever without the permission of others, but the householder uses such things freely as are of common use without their being given, such as well water, and the like.25Thus he is observing Asteya Anuvrata. It may be noted here that the Muni does not use even the common things without their being given by others. The householder does neither take those things which are 18 Purusarthasidhyupaya, 92 19/bid. 93. 20 /bid. 94. 21 lbid. 95. 22 Ibid. 102. 23 Purusarthasidhyupaya 103 24 Ibid. 106 25 Yoga-Sastra, II. 66; Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, (Veer Seva Mandira, Delhi)., 57. Page 234 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #248 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ pIya parama forgotten and dropped by others nor give them to anyone else 26Purchasing of costly things at reduced prices is stealing, which is probably due to the fact that one may sell a thing after getting it by improper methods. 27 Adulteration, abetment of theft, receiving stolen property, use of false weights and measures, smuggling, and the like are considered as part of stealing. 2.4 Brahmacarya (Anuvrata - Mahavrata) Sex-passion is Abrahma. He who frees himself completely from sexual inclination is observing BrahmacaryaMahavrata. However, householder, who abstains himself from the sexual contacts with all other women except his nuptial partner, is observing Brahmacarya Anuvrata 28 Sex-passion is Himsa and Brahamcarya is Ahimsa. The householder keeps himself away from adultery, prostitution, unnatural methods of sexual enjoyment and the like.29 2.5 Aparigraha (Anuvrata - Mahavrata) Attachment to things is Parigraha.30 Those who have a feeling of attachment to things in spite of their external renunciation are far from Aparigraha and those who have external things are not free from internal attachment.31 Thus if one is prone to remove internal attachment, one should correspondingly throw aside external possessions also. Attachment is a form of Hims, and those who wish to practice Ahimsa should avoid attachment. The householder is incapable of renouncing all Parigraha, therefore, he should limit the Parigraha of wealth, cattle, corn, buildings, etc.32 this is Parigraha Parimanuvrata. The Muni renounces all Parigraha of worldly things. Thus he follows Aparigraha Mahavrata. 26 Karttikeyanupreksa, 335, (Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram, Agas) 27 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 110, (Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram, Agas) 28 Vasunandi-sravakacara, 212; Yasastilaka and Indian Culture by Handiqui, Page 267 (Jivaraja Granthamala, Sholapur) 29 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 111, (Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram, Agas) 30 Purusarthasidhyupaya, 112 31 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 124 to 128, 32 Karttikeyanupreksa, 342, (Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram, Agas). Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, (Vir Seva Mandira, Delhi). 68, Yoga-sastra, III. 1. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 235 of 385 Page #249 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Parigraha-Parimanuvrata is socially very important. We should bear in mind that economic inequality and the hoarding of essential commodities very much disturb social life and living. These acts lead to the exploitation and enslavement of man. Owing to this, life in society endangered. Consequently, Jainism pronounced that the remedy for the ill of economic inequality is Parigraha Parimanuvrata. The method of Parigraha Parimanuvrata tells us that one should keep with one self that which is necessary for one's living and the rest should be returned to society for its well being. Limit of wealth and essential commodities are indispensable for the development of healthy social life. In a way wealth is the basis of our social structure and if its flow is obstructed because of its accumulation in few hands, large segments of society will remain undeveloped. The hoarding of essential commodities creates a situation of social scarcity, which perils social life. In order to resist such inhuman tendency, Jainism incessantly endeavored to establish the social value of Parigraha Parimanuvrata. Apart from the Anuvratas, the sravaka (the householder) has to observe the three Gunavratas and four Siksavratas known as seven silavratas. These silavratas serve the useful purpose of guarding the Anuvratas. They effect a positive improvement in the observance of Anuvratas. That which refrains unlimited movement in any direction is Digvrata, that which refrains from going to some region is Desvrata. That which refrains wanton activity is Anarthadandavrata. All these three are styled as Gunavratas (vows of withdrawal). 3.1 Nature of Digvrata It consists in fixing the limits of one's own movements in the ten directions.33 For the purpose of demarcation are utilised the well-known signs, such as oceans, rivers, forests, mountains, countries and yojana stones. As regards the time limit, Samantabhadra 34 and Akalanka35explicitly prescribe its life-long observance, while the other acaryas implicitly state so. The Sravaka-prajnapt36 tells us that since the householder is like a heated iron ball, his movements, wherever they are made, entail Himsa. If the area of his movements is 33 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, (Vir Seva Mandira, Delhi).69; Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 137 Sarvarthasiddhi, VII. 21 34 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 68. 35 Rajavartika, of Akalanka, VII. 21, (Bharatiy Jnanapeeth, New Delhi) 36 Sravakacara-prajnapti, 281, (Bharatiya Jnanapitha, New Delhi), Yogasastra III. 2 Page 236 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #250 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 19 circumscribed, he will thereby save himself from committing Himsa as such outside that area. Thus by the avoidance of even the subtle sins beyond the determined limits, the Anuvrati (householder) becomes like a Mahavrati (ascetic) in respect of the regions lying beyond those limits. 37 Besides, the Karttikeyanupreksa tells us that by fixing the limits in all the ten directions the passion of greed is controlled. 38 This may be explained by saying that the Digvrati has automatically renounced the getting of wealth, even if it can be easily got, from the area outside the limits.39 It will not be idle to point out here that the limitation of movements in the external world tends to reduce the internal passions, thereby fulfilling the purpose for which the Digvrata is enjoined. 3.2 Nature of Desavrata The Sarvarthasiddhi expound the nature of Desavrata as limiting one's own movements to the region determined by certain villages and as renouncing the rest of the places.40 Vasunandi has explained it by affirming that it implies the abandonment of the habitation of those countries or places where the observance of vows is threatened or rendered difficult.41 It is very interesting to note that Srutasagara, the 16th century commentator of the Tattvartha-sutra has subscribed to the view of Vasunandi by saying that the Desavrata consists in discarding those places which obstruct the due observance of vratas and which occasion insalubrities mind.42 3.3Nature of Anarthadandavrata Karttikeya defines Anarthadandavrata as renouncing the commitment of such acts as is not subservient to any useful purpose.43 Being frivolous, they simply engender insalubrities mind, which results in depravity. The sravaka-prajnapti affirms that actions without any purpose bring about more Karmic bondage than the actions with some end in view, 37 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 155, (Vir Seva Mandira, Delhi). 70; Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 138, (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agas)., Sarvarthasiddhi, VII. 21. 38 Karttikeyanupreksa, 341 39 Sarvarthasiddhi, VII. 40 Sarvarthasiddhi, VII. 41 Vasunandi- sravakacara, 215. 42 Tattvarthavrtti of Srutasagarasri, VII. 21 43 Karttikeyanupreksa, 343 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 237 of 385 Page #251 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama AN STUDIES inasmuch as the former may be committed at any time even without any necessity, while the latter are performed at some specific time out of some necessity.44 3.3.1 Forms of Anarthadandavrata The perpetration of barren and inane actions admits of multitudinous forms, but for the sake of comprehension five forms have been recorded. Karttikeya, Samantabhadra, and the commentators of Tattvartha-sutra like Pujyapada and Akalanka, recognise five forms of Anarthadandas. They are: * Apadhyana, Papopadesa, Pramadacarita, Himsadana Dusruti Firstly, Apadhyana implies inauspicious reflections, which procreate nothing except a vicious trend of thought. This involves the fact of peeping into another man's faults and infirmities, coveting another man's wealth, seeing another man's wife with an evil eye,45 witnessing the dissension among persons,"mutilating, imprisoning and killing others and getting interested in hunting, victory, defeat, war, adultery, theft, gambling and the like.47 Secondly, Papopadesa means the giving of evil instructions to persons earning livelihood by service, business, writing documents, cultivating land and working in the field of art.48 Samantabhadra, Pujyapada, and Akalanka include in Papopadesa the following things: the talk of selling slaves and beasts profitably and the giving of direction to hunters, fowlers and the like.49 Thus the provocation of vicious tendencies on account of which an individual may indulge in corrupted, passionate, and life-injuring ways may briefly sum up the meaning of Papopadesa. 44 Sravakacara-prajnapti, 290 45 Karttikeyanupreksa, 344 46 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 155, (Vira Seva Mandira, Delhi).78; Sarvarthasiddhi, VII. 21. 47 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra 141, 146 48 Ibid., 142 49 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 155, (Vir Seva Mandira, Delhi)., 76; Sarvarthasiddhi, VII. 21. Page 238 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #252 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga 974 STUDIES Thirdly, Pramadacarita consists in doing such actions purposelessly as digging the ground, uprooting trees, trampling lawns, sprinkling water, burning and quenching fire, plucking leaves, fruits and flowers, wandering Fourthly, Himsadana implies the giving of the instruments of Himsadana like knife, poison, fire, sword, bow, chain etc to others. According to Karttikeya the rearing of violent animals like cats etc., and the business of weapons like iron etc. come under Himsa.52 Lastly, Dusruti implies the listening to and teaching of such stories as are passion exciting. Besides, the study of literature aggravating worldly attachment, describing erotic things, and dealing with other intensepassion exciting things has also been included in Dusruti.53 Keeping limited things of use (Bhogopabhoga-parimana-vrata); pursuing self-meditation (Samayikavrata); observing fast in a specific way (Prosadhopavasavrata) and offering food etc. (Atithisanvibhagavrata) to a non-householder guest who observes self-restraint and propagates ethico-spiritual values- all these four have been proclaimed to be Siksavrata (vows of pursuance). STUDY NOTES version 5.0 3.4 Nature of Bhogopabhoga-parimana-vrata We now proceed to deal with the nature of Bhogopabhoga-parimana-vrata. The word Bhoga pertains to those objects which are capable of being used only once, for instance, betel-leaf, garland, etc., and the word Upabhoga covers those objects which are capable of being used again and again, for instance, clothes, ornaments, cots, 54 etc. Thus the Bhogopabhogaparimana-vrata implies the limitation in the use of the objects of Bhoga and Upabhoga in order to reduce attachment to the objects.55 It may be pointed out here that this Vrata 50 Karttikeyanupreksa, 346, 6; Ratnakarandasravakacara, 80; Sarvarthasiddhi, VII. 21; Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 143 51 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 155, (Vir Seva Mandira, Delhi) 77; Sravakacara-prajnapti, Comm. 289; Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 144, Sagaradharmamrta of Asadhara, V. 8 (Bhharatiya Jnanapeeth, New Delhi 52 Karttikeyanupreksa, 347 53 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 155, (Vir Seva Mandira, Delhi), 79; Karttikeyanupreksa, 348, Sagaradharmamrta of Asadhara, V.9 54 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 155, (Vir Seva Mandira, Delhi)., 83. 55 Karttikeyanupreksa, 350, Ratnakarandasravakacara of Samantabhadra, 155, (Vir Seva Mandira, Delhi).82; Sarvarthasiddhi, VII. 21; Sagaradharmamrta of Asadhara, V 13. Page 239 of 385 Page #253 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ includes not only the positive process of limitation, but also the negative process of renunciation. Karttikeya tells us that the renunciation of those things that are within one's own reach is more commendable than the renunciation of those things that are neither possessed, nor likely to be possessed in future. Samantabhadra points out that the Vrata does not consist in giving up things unsuitable to oneself along with those which are not worthy to be used by the exalted persons, but that it consists in the deliberate renouncement of the suitable objects of senses, since the above two types of things are not even used by commonplace persons. 56 Amrtacandra tells us that the layman should renounce, according to his capacity, the use of objects which are not prohibited. 57 3.5 Nature of Samayika Samayika is the positive way of submerging the activities of mind, body and speech in the Atman.58The consideration of seven requisites is necessary for the successful performance of Samayika.59 1 Place That place, which is free from disturbing noise, gathering of persons, and insects like mosquitoes, flies, etc., is the suitable place for Samayika.60In other words, the place of silence and solitude, whether it is a forest, a house, a temple or any other place, should be chosen to perform Samayika.61 2 Time Samayika should be performed three times a day, i.e., in the morning, noon and evening. 62 The great Amrtacandra says that the householder should consider the act of Samayika as obligatory and perform it at least twice a day, i.e., in the morning and evening.63He further remarks that its performance at other times will conduce towards the enhancement of the spiritual and moral characteristics; hence it is not improper, but beneficial.64 56 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 155, 86, Karttikeyanupreksa, 351, 57 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 164, (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agas) 58 Rajavartika, VII. 21/7. 59 Karttikeyanupreksa, 2 60 Karttikeyanupreksa, 353 61 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, (Vir Seva Mandira, Delhi)., 99. 62 Karttikeyanupreksa, 354, (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agas) 63 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 149, 64 lbid. Page 240 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #254 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 3 Posture Sitting and standing postures are generally recommended for the performance of Samayika 65 4 Meditation The aspirant should purge the mind of sensual pleasures by concentrating on the sermons of the Jina, adopt submissive and surrendering gestures, and finally, either repeat the devotional hymns mentally or absorb himself in selfmeditation;66 and three folds purity of mind, body and vocal 3.6 Nature of Prosadhopavasavrata Samantabhadra67 and others, enunciate68 the Prosadhopavasa-vrata as 'renouncing the four kinds of food on the eighth and fourteenth lunar days in each fortnight'. Probably keeping in view the infirmness of disciples, Karttikeyanupreksa9 also includes the eating of unseasoned food once a day in the Prosadhopavasa-vrata, and Amitagati?o and Asadhara71 also comprise the taking of only water in this Vrata. The observance of this Vrata requires the performance of meditation, the study of spiritual literature, and the avoidance of bath, perfumes, bodily embellishment, ornaments, cohabitation and household affairs. 72 The sravaka-prajnapti prescribes that the relinquishment of food, bodily embellishment, cohabitation; household affairs should be affected either partially or completely in the Prosadhopavasa-vrata. As regards the place for the performance of this Vrata, a temple, the abode of Sadhus, a Prosadhopavasa-vrata or any holy place should be chosen for one's stay.73 3.7 Nature of Atithisarvibhaga-vrata He who offers four kinds of gifts to deserving recipients is pursuing the Atithisamvibhagavrata.74 Four kinds of gifts have been recognised; namely, food, medicine, books and 65 Karttikeyanupreksa, 355, (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agas) 66 /bid., 355-356.sss 67 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 106, (Vira Seva Mandira, Delhi). 68 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 151, (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agas). Sagaradharmamrta of Asadhara, V. 34; Karttikeyanupreksa, 359, (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agas).; Yasastilaka and Indian Culture, Page 282. 69 Karttikeyanupreksa, 359, 70 Amitagati-sravakacara, Vl. 90, (Anantakirti Digambara Jaina Granthamala, Mumbai) 71 Sagaradharmamsta of Asadhara, V.35 72 Karttikeyanupreksa, 358, (Rajachandra Ashrama, Agas), 8 73 Sravakacara-prajnapti, 321, 322; Sarvarthasiddhi, VII 21 74 Karttikeyanupreksa, 360,361 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 241 of 385 Page #255 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ fearlessness.75Food, medicine, Upakarana (religious accessories) and the place of shelter is the other list of four objects.76 All these things should be worthy of the Patras. Only such things should be given as are useful for the pursuance of studies and for practicing austerities of a very high quality, and as do not bring about attachment, aversion, incontinence, Pride, sorrow, fear and the like.77Just as water washes away blood, so proper gifts to saints would for certain wipe off the sins accumulated on account of the unavoidable household affairs.78 The paying of obeisance to the holy saints causes noble birth; the giving of Dana to them entails prosperous living; their servitude promotes high respect; their devotion determines gracious look; and the extolling of their virtues brings about celebrity.79 Vasunandi tells us that the gift to Patras is just like a seed sown in a fertile land; the gift to Kupatras is just like a seed sown in a semi-fertile land; and the gift to Apatras is just like a seed sown in a barren land.80 4.1 Eleven Pratimas. (Eleven Stages for Becoming Excellent sravaka) The eleven Pratimas are denominated i. Darsana, ii. Vrata, iii. Samayika, iv. Prosadha, V. Sacittatyaga, vi. Ratribhuktityaga, vii. Brahmacarya, viii. Arambhatyaga, ix. Parigrahatyaga, X. Anumatityaga, xi. Uddistatyaga Darsana-pratima: The fist stage is Darsana-pratima. After the attainment of Samyagdarsana the aspirant who should be styled Darsanika-sravaka resolutely forsakes the use of odious things such as meat, wine and the like, and becomes indifferent to worldly and heavenly 75 Karttikeyanupreksa, 362, Amitagati-sravakacara, IX. 83, 106, 107; Vasunandi-sravakacara, 233 76 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 117, Yasastilaka andindian Culture, Page 283 77 Purusarthasidhyupaya of Amrtacandra, 170 78 Ratnakaranda-sravakacara of Samantabhadra, 114 79 bid, 115 80 Vasunandi-sravakacara, 240-242 Page 242 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #256 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE pleasures, and nourishes the spirit of detachment. If we subtract the attainment of Samyagdarsana from this stage we shall get the eleven stages of moral advancement in contradistinction to the eleven stages of spiritual advancement owing to Samyagdarsana. Vrata-pratima: The second stage is called Vrata-pratima. This second rung of the ladder of the householder's evolution of conduct comprises the scrupulous observance of Anuvratas, Gunavratas and Siksavratas. We have already dwelt upon the nature of these vratas, so need not turn to them again. Samayika and Prosadha Pratimas. The third and fourth stages bear the designations of Samayika and Prosadha Pratimas respectively. A question may be asked: when Samayika and Prosadha Pratimas have been treated as Anuvrata, why have they been regarded as constituting the third and fourth Pratimas, respectively? As a matter of fact, these sum up the entire spiritual life of the householder. Besides, Samayika, and Prosadhopavasa are closely interrelated and so influence each other. Prosadhopavasa assists in the due performance of Samayika and sometimes Samayika encourages the performance of the other with purity and zeal. In the science of spirituality theory cannot countervail practice. So, if these two Vratas are elevated to the rank of Pratimas, it is to favour the deepening of spiritualconsciousness, and hence it is justifiable. The remaining Pratimas. All the subsequent stages rest on the relinquishment of Bhoga and Upabhoga. Sacittatyaga-pratima consists in renouncing the use of articles having life, namely, roots, fruits, leaves, barks, seeds and the like. The observer of the discipline prescribed by this stage does not also feed others with those things, which he himself has renounced. The next stage is recognised to be Ratri-bhuktivirati. This stage refers to the object of Bhoga predominantly food. He who has ascended this stage neither eats food nor feeds others at night. The next stage known to as Brahmacarya-pratima prescribes absolute continence. This is indicative of the further limitation in the objects of Upabhoga. The eighth stage of householder's advancement, which is known as arambhatyaga signifies the discontinuance of service, cultivation, and business, in short, the means of livelihood. Besides, he neither suggests others to do business, etc., nor commends those who are doing so. The next stage, namely, Parigrahatyaga-pratima enjoins the abandonment of all kinds of acquisitions except clothes, and in those too the observer is not attached. In the tenth stage, the aspirant refuses to give advice or suggestion regarding matters concerning the householder, hence it is called Anumatityaga-pratima Here all the objects of Bhoga and STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 243 of 385 Page #257 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ UDIES Upabhoga have been renounced except clothes, and proper food cooked for him. The highest point of householder's discipline is arrived at in the eleventh stage when the aspirant renounces home and goes to the forest where ascetics dwell and accepts vows in the presence of a Guru. He performs austerities, lives on food obtained by begging, and wears a piece of loincloth. Thus he is designated as excellent sravaka and the stage is called Uddistatyaga-pratima, Vows of a householder / laity Vratas /vows Amuratas Anitatas Siksavtatas siksavratas bhnS Alus NonViolence Desvakida Truth Acara No. Stealing Brasscary Celibacy Apa graha NonPossession Simayaka Equanimity Pogachopassa Fasting Tegually Dina Charity Gunaratas Digviata Blogopabhoga Ananthadanda Transgressions / Flaws of Vows 1. Non-violence > Binding living beings in captivity > Beating living beings >Mutilating limbs > Overloading excessive weight on living beings > Withdrawing or providing insufficient food or water to living beings. 2. Truth > Untruth pertaining to ownership > Forgery or adulteration of goods > Misrepresentation as witness > Divulging secrets of others > Using harsh language Page 244 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #258 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 3. Non-Stealing Pick up goods not given and employing thieves to obtain things Receiving stolen merchants *> Using false weights and measures Adulterating commodities 4. Digvrata Vow for Directional Movements Ignorantly going in upward direction Ignorantly going in downward direction Ignorantly going in linear direction Increase the location limits Transgress the limited space in ignorance 6. Flaws of anarthadanda (useless or without purpose Activities) Brooding 8. Purposeless mischief Facilitation of destruction Giving harmful advice Helping hunters to find animals 7. Flaws of Desavakasika (Movement Restrictions of Cities, Countries etc.) Ask others to do work exceeding his limits without transgressing ones own Do the with some other sound like coughing Ask others to get things Expose oneself to others To throw stones etc on others INTERNATIO Flaws of Samayika (Equanimity or Concentration) Unclear expression of words or mantras 5. Bhogopbhoga or Limit Use or Desire of Things used once (Food) and many times (Clothes etc). Reminiscing the things consumed earlier Excess indulgence in too much action (vulgar) before others. Excessive craving for consumption of things in future Passions and attachment in the present things STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SCHOOL CKI SELF STUDY IS THE OF SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parama tapa STUDIES Page 245 of 385 Page #259 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama Constant movement of one's body Mentally engaging in other thoughts than on spirituality Thinking that Samayika is useless Frget the Mantras or Sutras during Samayika because of unstable mind 9. Flaws of Posadhopavisa or fasting regularly Dying with hunger he wears the clothes of Puja. Dueo to above he also does urine in negligence Due to hunger in negligence he puts the bed Due to hunger in negligence he does not do any work with respect Due to hunger in negligence his mind remains unstable 10. Flaws of Dana or Charity Cover food with leaves Put food on the leaves Disrespect while giving Careless while giving Is unhappy when others are giving Accepting goods without paying or underpaying the required taxes and price 11. Celebacy Company of prostitutes or other women Arranging marriages of others children Perverted sexual practices or Use other parts of body for sexual satisfaction Use sexually provocative language Excessive craving for the company of other sex 12. Non-Possession Gaining new lands Disguising excess accumulation of gold and silver Going beyond the volume limit on grain/foodstuffs by repackaging these commodities in more compact containers Not counting on newborn of the livestock as an increase in overall holdings, since they were "not purchased" "Diminishing" the amount of household goods by combining them, welding plates together. Page 246 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #260 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.4.3.2 Meditation (Dhyana) Dr. Sushma Singhvi Types of Dhyana Tattvartha-sutra1 has classified Dhyana into four categories: 1. Arta 2. Raudra 3. Dharma 4. Sukla 1. Arta Dhyana2 This Dhyana has been further classified under four heads: 1. Anista-samyogaja, 2. Ista-viyogaja, 3. Vedana-janita 4. Nidana-janita INTERNATIO 1 Tattvarthasutra Umasvati, IX/29 2 Ibid. IX 31 SCHOOL As a means of self-realization, Meditation holds the supreme position. In fact, all ethical disciplines aim at perfect state of meditation. The conception of state of meditation differs from one system to another, but they all agree regarding the importance of meditation. Dhyana is one of the forms of internal penance is defined in the Tattvartha-sutra as the concentration of thought on a single object for up to one muhurta (48 minutes)'. It may be of four types, the first and the second being inauspicious and the third and fourth being auspicious. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parama The first two are inauspicious and the last two are auspicious. The last two types of Dhyana are said to lead to liberation. tapa STUDIES A As it is clear from the names of these Arta Dhyana, all of them are connected with worries emanating from worldly objects. Anista-samyogaja relates to anxiety to remove the undesirable objects like poison, thorn, enemy, weapon, etc. The opposite of it is Istaviyogaja where one thinks of means of attaining such desirable objects as son, wife or wealth in their absence. Vedana-janita arta Dhyana is connected with anxiety for finding Page 247 of 385 Page #261 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama AN STUDIES devices to remove the physical disease. Nidana-janita means concentrating on the means of obtaining the worldly pleasures by a person who yearns for them. 2. Raudra Dhyana This type of dhyana is worse than arta-dhyana3. It arises from relishing ideas about sinful violence, falsehood, theft, and preservation of objects of enjoyments; it is found only up to the 5th stage of spiritual development. The first type is called himsanandi means taking delight in killing, crushing, or destroying the living beings either by self or through others. It includes skill in violent actions, advising sins and association with cruel people. Desire of killing in the battle; taking delight in hearing, seeing or remembering the miseries of sentient beings; being envious of others prosperity are all included in this type of dhyana. Mrsanandi-raudra-dhyana includes falsehood, composing deceptive literature for one's own pleasure, collecting wealth by deceit and deceiving the simple-minded. Cauryanandi-raudradhyana includes not only the act of theft but also preaching dexterity in theft. Visayanandiraudra- dhyana includes desire to take possession of all good things of the world and thinking of fighting ferociously for attainment of the objects of enjoyment. It is obvious that only a man who is fully disciplined can avoid raudra-dhyana which persists up to the 5th stage of spiritual development. These two above-mentioned inauspicious types of Dhyana require no effort and are spontaneous. They do not lead to liberation, only the auspicious types of Dhyana viz. Dharma and Sukla Dhyana lead to liberation. 3. Dharma Dhyana The aspirant should be possessed of knowledge and detachment, self-control, firm desire for liberation, should be active, calm and steadfast.4 Place for Dharma Dhyana Whether crowded or lonely, any place is fit for meditation, if the mind is firm. But the surroundings also influence the mind. Therefore, that place should be avoided which is inhabited by low people, ruled by a wicked king and surrounded by hypocrites, highly perverted persons, gamblers and drunkards. In short, all such places, where disturbances. 3 Tattvarthasutra, Umasvati, IX/36 A Tattvarthasutra Umasvati, IX/37 Page 248 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #262 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL Vajrasana, Virasana, Sukhasana, * Kamalasana, Kayotsarga OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga may be caused by people of reprehensible profession, bad character, women, or animals, should be avoided. AN STUDIES On the other hand, a place that is sanctified by the association of great persons, and is lonely like seashore, forest, mountain, island, etc. should be chosen. The place for meditation should not have disturbance by noise, rain or wind. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Postures for Dharma Dhyana Every place and every posture is suitable for meditation for him, who is detached, steadfast, firm and pure. Yet postures have importance of their own. They are Paryankasana, Ardhaparyankasana, The first and last of these seven, are especially suitable for the modern age, when people lack energy. The aspirant should face east or north, though there is no fixed rule. One who has controlled his posture becomes immune from the clemencies of nature. Sitting crosslegged; one should place his left hand on the lap, concentrating his sight on the tip of the nose, and making his face as motionless as the lake with fish asleep. Other auxiliaries of Dhyana In Patanjala Yoga, much importance has been attached to Pranayama. In Jainism also, Subhacandra considers control over breath of much importance for control over mind. At the same time he also says that controlling the breath may lead to arta dhyana. The main purpose of these pranayama is to control the mind, and they give to know the whole world also. Better than pranayama is pratyahara, which means concentrating on forehead by withdrawing the senses. Besides, one can concentrate on the eyes, the ears, the tip of nose, the mouth, the naval, the head, the heart, and the place between the two eyebrows. Page 249 of 385 Page #263 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya tapaH * STUDIES Object of Dharma Dhyana Leaving attachment and infatuation, one should cut, as it were the enemy of karmas by the sword of Dhyana. The chief object of Dhyana is Soul. Soul should strive for the attainment of self, that is, the soul. All these yonis / destinies are the result of karmas, the real self is Siddha. Self is possessed of the four infinitive qualities of energy, knowledge, perception and bliss. Amongst the objects of Dhyana are sentiments and the insentient, their triple nature of continuance, birth and destruction, arhantas and siddhas. What is necessary is to distinguish the self from the body. The self should think that he is simply a light which has no foe or friend. Thereby he should leave all desire for beauty, age, strength, wealth etc. Types of Dharma Dhyana Tattvartha-sutra mentions four types of Dharma Dhyana: 1. Ajnana vicaya - it means having firm faith in the nature of things as taught in the scriptures composed by the omniscients. It becomes necessary when there is no teacher, one's own intellect is not so subtle, when there is rise of karmas and the objects are subtle and when one does not find proper causes and illustrations. Or, the person, who has himself grasped the nature of things, uses naya and pramana for supporting the truth is also said to have performed ajnana- vicaya- dharma-dhyana. All studies of scriptures constitute this type of dharma dhyana. 2. Apaya-vicaya to think that the perverted souls are opposed to the path of the omniscient, or to ponder over ways and means of realizing preachers from wrong belief, knowledge and conduct, constitutes apay-avicaya. To contemplate on seven tattvas is also apaya-vicaya-dharma-dhyana. 3. Vipaka-vicaya - it means thinking of the various effects of the karmas on the creatures. All pleasures and pains are results of one's own actions that should be regulated and controlled. All reflections on this aspect are included in this type of dharma dhyana. 4. Samsthana-vicaya - it means reflecting over the nature and form of the universe with a view of attaining detachment. It includes reflection over the shape of the universe, the seven hells and their miseries, the middle region, the sixteen heavens and their pleasures, and the Siddhasila or the place where liberated souls reside. Page 250 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #264 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga OF parama 5 Tattvarthasutra, Umasvati, IX/39 4. Sukla Dhyana In Dharma Dhyana, the consciousness of the distinction between subject and object of knowledge persists; whereas in Sukla Dhyana all conceptual thinking ceases gradually. Sukla Dhyana is so called, because it emerges when the filth of passions has been destroyed or has subsided. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 tapa Sukla Dhyana is possible only for a person with a body of the best order (vajravrsabhanaraca-samsthana) and for one who has the knowledge of the eleven angas and fourteen gunasthanas. Stages of Sukla Dhyana With gradual disappearance of conceptual thinking, the Sukla Dhyana has following four stages, the first two which occur up to the 12th gunasthana and the last two only to an omniscient: 1. Prthakatva- vitarkavicara - In this stage, all the three types of activities of body, speech, and mind (yogas) continue and the aspirant shifts from one kind of activity to another, from one substance to another, and from one modification to another. All these stages of thinking depend on the scriptural knowledge. In spite of the fact that the object of thinking changes here, it is called Dhyana, because many Dhyana together also form Dhyana. 2. Ektva vitarka-vicara - Here only one of the three yogas persists and there is no shifting from one object of thinking to another. In this stage, also thinking depends on scriptural knowledge. After this stage, the aspirant becomes omniscient, and all the obscuring karmas are destroyed. 3. Suksmakriya-pratipatti- Now only the subtle activities of body persist and all types of vocal and mental and gross type of physical activities cease. Only the four non-obscuring Karmas, viz. age-determining, feeling-determining, name-determining, and family-determining Karmas remain. Now, if the age-determining Karman has the same length as other karmas exceed age-determining Karma, they are brought in line with the last mentioned Karman by means of samudgata. While resorting to gross physical activities, he makes the gross vocal Page 251 of 385 Page #265 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama STUDIES and mental activities subtle; and then resorting to the later, he makes the former also subtle. Resorting to the subtle physical activities, he stops other two activities completely. 4. Samucchinnakriya - Here all activities stop completely. The soul shines forth in its intrinsic luster, all Karmas exhaust, and he leaves his body in the time taken for pronouncing five small letters. To conclude we say, that Jainism lays emphasis on penance, but it should be characterized by spiritual awakening, or else it just becomes torture of the body. The transcendental morality culminates in meditation, which should never be used as a means for attaining supernatural powers. Page 252 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #266 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.4.3.3 Yoga in Jain Tradition Dr. Priyadarshana Jain Introduction India is a spiritual land. It has been a birthplace for innumerable spiritual, philosophical and religions traditions since time immemorial. Unlike in the west, the eastern philosophical schools developed simultaneously, be it Brahmanic or sramanic. But in both traditions and in almost every Indian School of Philosophical thought, the terms Yoga and dhyana find an important place. According to Vedic Rsis the originator of Yoga concepts is supposed to be Hiranyagarbha, the personified form of God or the Ultimate Energy. According to the Jainas it is the first tirthamkara Rsabhadeva. In India, Philosophy and Yoga have not developed independently of each other, as they are not separate entities. Generally every system of philosophy has a corresponding Yoga technique for the practical application of the doctrines Yoga was a way of life in Ancient India; spiritual and religious exercises, which lead towards liberation, are termed as Yoga. References of Yoga in Atharvaveda, Upanisadas, Mahabharata, Bhagavadgita, Smrtis, Puranas, Yogavasistha, etc., go to prove the popularity of Yoga in the Brahmanic tradition. However it was Maharsi Patanjali who systematically presented the eight-fold Yoga in his Yogasutra. The Yoga styled naked monuments in the kayotsarga posture in Mohenjadaro too are a pointer to this fact, besides we find references of Avadhuta and Tapasas. The Bauddha path of purification is spelt through sila (conduct) samadhi (peace) and prajna (enlightenment) and its practical Yoga philosophy is the popular Vipassana Meditation. The Jaina path of purification is a synthesis of Right faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct "i.e. atmadarsana, atmajnana and atmaramana", in other words faith in the ayoga transcendental state of the soul, knowledge of transcending the mundane conditioning of mind, body and speech. The way of transcending materialism and manifestation of the spiritual personality within is termed as Moksa-marga. Whether it is the Yoga Marga of Samkhya, Visuddhi of Buddhism or Moksa-arga of Jainism, all are intimately related and have influenced each other. It is worthwhile to see the unity of their expositions. The four basic doctrines acceptable to all these systems of Yoga are: Haribhadra's Yoga works and Psychosynthesis 2 Ibid Pg. 12 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 253 of 385 Page #267 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ yAya parama * The existence of soul or consciousness as an independent entity. The soul or conscious entity is pure but is covered by a curtain of ignorance or klesas or karmas. The origin of such ignorance is unknowable, still there is a possibility of removing it by human efforts and lastly, Self-stabilization of the soul or consciousness after getting rid of ignorance. Although the four basic principles are the same, they are termed and named differently in each system. The following table summarizes the above four principles.3 Details Jain Buddhist Samkhya Nyaya Vaisesika Pure Subject Independent existence of consciousness named Jiva or Atma Independent consciousness named Citta consciousness named Purusa Consciousness named Atman or Jiva. Cause of Bondage Veiled by perverse attitude, delusion and karmas Ignorance named samudaya and trsna i.e. desire Avidhya or ignorance False knowledge, veil of Maya Path of liberation Right Faith, Knowledge & Conduct Eight-fold path sila, samadhi, prajna sa svara, nirjara , Discrimination and eight fold Yoga marga Right Knowledge and Yoga marga State of Liberation Moksa Nirvana, Kaivalya Videha Mukti Mukti or Nihsreyas The above table enumerates the reflections of the ancient saints and seers, who experienced reality but expressed it in different terminology. They did sadhana and through Tapa i.e. austerity purified their souls just as gold was purified when subject to fire. Thus we see that the term 'tapa' was more in vogue than Yoga. The sramana is indicative of srama i.e. effort sama i.e. subduing of passions or sama i.e. balance of mind. The sramanas as 3 Haribhadra's Yoga works and Psychosynthesis, Pg. 12 Page 254 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #268 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL 4 Yogadarsana 1.2 5 Tattvartha-sutra VI/1 6 Sthananga-sutra OF well as Tapasas and Yogis saw the limitation of physical penance like fasting, mortification of the flesh, etc., and realized that conquer of senses and inner passions was important for liberation. The term tapa fell short of positive connotation; hence the term Yoga became popular, at least in the Vedic tradition. The term Yoga became indicative of the realization of the ultimate reality. It came to be considered as the best and short cut to reality. 7 Yogabindu, 31, Yogavinsika, 1 Tattvartha-sutra 6.2, 6.3 SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga Meaning of the Word Yoga The word Yoga is derived from the root word 'yuj' which means 'to join' and it also means stability of mind. The ultimate aim of all Indian philosophies except Carvaka is liberation and this is possible by conquering the mind and transcending it. In Patanjali's Yogasutra, Yoga is defined as Yogascittavrttinirodhah 4 i.e. giving up the activities of the citta i.e. consciousness. Gita says "Samatvam yoga ucyate" i.e. equanimity is Yoga. In Jainism it indicates the activities of body, speech and mind i.e. Kayavarimanahkarma yogah.5 The vibrations of the soul are termed as Yoga. Haribhadhra says that what leads one to emancipation is Yoga - Mokkhena joyanao jogo savvo vi dhamma vavaro.? STUDY NOTES version 5.0 STUDIES Tattvartha-sutra further says 'the three-fold activity causes influx of karma and when it is auspicious it is punya i.e. merit or virtue and when it is inauspicious it is papa i.e. demerit or sin. One has to first give up all inauspicious activity (asubha-yoga); substitute them with auspicious activity (subha-yoga) and then learn the art of suddhopayoga i.e. pure contemplation to be emancipated. The soul that is engrossed in asubha-yoga is the external self i.e. bahiratma, the one in subha-yoga is the internal self and the one absorbed in suddha-yoga is the transcendental or pure self. In other words one has to check all the activities of the mind, body and speech for spiritual welfare and this is termed as samvara i.e. stoppage of influx of karma. Just as water flows into a pond through the inlets, karmic influx takes place through the three channels of activity (i.e. yoga). Hence the purpose of Jaina Yoga is to transcend all mundane activities and reach the ayoga state i.e. the state of soul without activities of mind speech and body, also called transcendental state of enlightenment and bliss. This state is inherent in all jivatmas and those who pursue and Page 255 of 385 Page #269 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL * OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY parama * svAdhyAya AN STUDIES exert in the right direction eventually become paramatmas or supreme self. In Jainism the term caritra i.e. right conduct is the exact equivalent of the general term Yoga.10 It is said: i.e. influx is the cause of bondage and samvara is the cause of emancipation. This is arhat darsna in a nutshell; and rest is an elaboration of this. The five-fold regulations (samitis), the three-fold self-control (guptis), ten-fold virtues yatidharma, twelve-fold contemplations (anupreksas), conquest of twenty-two afflictions (parisahas) and five-fold conduct (caritra) constitute the samvara tattva i.e. stoppage of influx of karma. Besides the above 57 divisions, the twelve-fold austerities constitute the nirjara tattva.11 or annihilation of karmas. Fasting (ansana), regulated diet (unodari), taking alms (bhiksacari), giving up of tasty diet (rasparityaga), physical postures (kayaklesa) and control of senses (pratisamlinata) are the six-fold external austerities. The six-fold internal austerities are: Nine-fold expiation (prayascitta): confession, repentance, penitential retreat etc. Four-fold reverences (vinaya) of faith, knowledge, conduct etc. Respectful service (vaiyavrttya) to ten supreme personalities. Five-fold study (svadhyaya) teaching, enquiry, revising, contemplation and preaching. Concentration (dhyana) i.e. meditation. Detachment (vyutsarga) i.e. renunciation Besides the practice of the above divisions of samvara and nirjara which are the essential constituents of Jaina Yoga i.e. giving up the activities of mind, body and speech, perverse attitude, vow-less-ness, non-vigilance and passions which bind the soul have to be substituted with right attitude, taking to complete or partial vows, vigilance and conquering of passions respectively only then inauspicious yoga can be conquered and the objective of Yoga i.e. emancipation or freedom from afflictions be achieved. The above happen gradually as the soul advances on the 14 stages of spiritual development (gunasthana). The journey begins with right attitude or samyag-darsana, passes through right knowledge and right conduct and culminates in manifestation of infinite knowledge, vision, bliss and power. The three Karmas and Gunasthanas Even though the soul has inherent capacity for emancipation, spiritual progress is not possible until the love for truth becomes a conscious pursuit. There is a tendency in the soul 9 Brihad Aloyana 10 Studies in Jaina Philosophy by Nathamal Tatia, PV, 1951, p. 262 11 Uttaradhyayana-sutra 31.12 Page 256 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #270 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 12 Studies in Jaina Philosophy by Nathmal Tatia Pg.269 13 Avasyaka Sutra, Caturtha Adhyayana, Pranipata Sutra-8 14 to run away from the circle of worldly existence. But this centrifugal tendency is thwarted by a centripetal force that keeps the soul tracing the circumference of the world process. The centripetal force consists in the passion of attraction and aversion rooted in perverse attitude.12 To conquer this centripetal force is the purpose of Yoga. The centripetal force is due to perversity and passions and has to be replaced by the centrifugal force which is love for the pure self and a deep spiritual insight. SCHOOL The seat of Jaina Yoga is the self, the purpose of it is the purification of the self and the means of purification is the establishment of supremacy and full control by the self on its manifestation that has hitherto been conditioned by the senses and the mind. When the soul is ignorant of its pure state, it suffers from the Gordian knot of intense attachment and aversion. When it comes face to face with this Gordian knot of mithyatva i.e. perversity, it is termed as yathapravrttikarana. When it breaks the knot and experiences spiritual purification it is termed as apurvakarana. Yoga Sastra 1.15 OF The soul awakens and becomes self-conscious and this is the state of anivrttikarana. The soul then enjoys the first dawn of enlightenment or spiritual insight (Samyagdarsana). The journey that begins in the 4th gunasthana culminates in the 13th gunasthana that is sayogakevali-gunasthana, where the soul has become omniscient, perfect, pure, without blemish, enlightened and awakened. The three yogas of mind body, and speech are thus transcended and the soul passes through the 14th gunasthana which is the ayoga-kevaligunasthana to reach moksa which is a state of complete freedom from birth, death, old-age, disease, fear, sorrow, poverty, karmas, body, delusion, perversion, ignorance, passion etc.13 Thus we see that the journey which begins with right faith is nourished through samvara and nirjara and culminates in the ayoga state. Yoga according to Hemacandra is the cause of final emancipation and consists in the three fold jewels of right knowledge, right attitude and right conduct.14 It is the comprehension of the self in the self by the self on account of disappearance of the eternal delusion.15 15 Ibid 4.2 SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga STUDY NOTES version 5.0 STUDIES Page 257 of 385 Page #271 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Agamic References of Yoga Jaina tradition is an ascetic tradition and has stressed upon self-control and selfconquerance for spiritual welfare. Lord Mahavira the 24th Tirathamkara underwent rigorous austere and yogic practices for twelve and a half years and exercised complete silence, stillness, equanimity, compassion, renunciation, inward looking, contemplation, detachment with right attitude and right knowledge. The purpose of his yogic practices was to discover the peace within, which he eventually did after steadfast faith and total absorption of the self in the self. The Acaranga-sutra book I chapter 9 gives detailed information of the dhyana Yoga of Lord Mahavira wherein he has been called as ayatayogi i.e. he lived in the present moment. His mind, senses, intellect, feelings and subtle dispositions were all directed towards the discovery of the self. 16 The values that he propounded after becoming enlightened are, non-violence, compassion, spirituality, self-esteem, steadfastness, equanimity, tolerance, multi-dimensional viewpoint, detachment etc. His teachings emphasized the physiological, psychological, sociological, environmental, emotional and spiritual well-being of a person. The Samavayanga sutra enumerates the 32 aspects of Yoga and they are as follows:17 * To confess one's sins before the spiritual master. Not to reveal the confessions of others. To be steadfast in righteousness/ Dharma. To take to austere practices with detachment. To be well versed in scriptural knowledge and put the same to practice. Not to adorn the body. Taking to austere practices and not publicizing them. Giving up greed. To practice tolerance. To be efficient in practicing self-control. To be simple, simplicity is an important trait of a Yogi. Purification of right faith. Being calm and poised. To be straightforward in practicing the vows. Being devoted to arihantas and other spiritual personages. * 16 Acaranga-sutra Chapter 9.4, 322 17 Samavayanga-sutra 32nd Samavaya Page 258 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #272 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ * To be firm and enduring. Fear of transmigration and desire for freedom. Giving up deceitfulness. Being dedicated to the path so taken. Giving up influx of karma. Purification of sins and blemishes. Complete renunciation of pleasures. Steadfast practice of the vows. Steadfast practice of other disciplinary regulations. Complete bodily detachment. Giving up non-vigilance i.e. carelessness. To be alert and aware. Taking to virtuous and pure contemplations. Giving up the fear of death. Being alone in the company of the self. To expiate for one's sins and shortcomings. To be constantly engaged in the study of the self and scriptures, even at the time of death. Thus we see that in Jaina agamas the term Yoga connotes different meanings: * Meditation (dhyana) blessing Tapa (austerity) Caritra (conduct) Samvara (stoppage of influx of karma) Nirjara (annihilation of karma) Adhyatma (spirituality) Bhavana (contemplation) Samata (equanimity) etc. The Jaina Agamas give a detailed description of dhyana, which is the 7th Anga of the eightfold Patanjala-yoga. Dhyana may be inauspicious and auspicious. Arta Dhyana and Raudra Dhyana are mournful and cruel concentrations, which are inauspicious, and Dharma Dhyana and sukla Dhyana are virtuous and pure concentrations, which are auspicious. Each has STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 259 of 385 Page #273 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama STUDIES been further subdivided into four and the aspirant is cautioned and advised to give up the former and pursue the latter. 18 Four divisions of mournful contemplation Four divisions of cruel contemplation Four divisions of virtuous contemplation Four divisions of pure contemplation 18 Tattvartha-sutra, IX. 31-39 Contact with undesirable and unpleasant things and people Separation from the loved ones and dear things. Anxiety about health and illness. Craving for sensual pleasures Page 260 of 385 Thoughts of violence Thoughts of falsehood Thoughts of theft Thoughts of protecting material possessions and people Reflections on the teachings of the Jinas Reflections on the shortcomings of passion Reflections on the fruit of karma Reflections on the universe The first two types are inauspicious dhyana or Yoga and the last two are auspicious. Both dhyana or Yoga are used as synonyms and convey the same meaning in this context. Thus the system of Yoga in Jaina agamas has been discussed through triple jewels, nine tattvas, two types of conduct, fourteen stages of spiritual development, twelve fold nirjara, advanced spiritual practices (pratimas), sallekhana etc. Contemplation on different aspects of a Contemplation on one aspect of a substance Cessation of the yogas of a mind and speech Cessation of the yoga of subtle bodily activities STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #274 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The following table gives a list of some important post-agamic Yoga works. 19 Century Author Text 1st Acarya Kundakunda Samayasara, Pravacanasara 2nd and 3rd Acarya Umasvati Tattvartha-sutra 4th and 5th Bhadrabahu II Avasyaka Niryukti and 5th Pujyapada Devanandi Samadhi Tantra, Istopadesa Jinabhadragani Dhyana Sataka 8th Acarya Haribhadra Yoga Grantha Catustaya 9th Acarya Jinasena Mahapurana 11th Acarya Ramasena Tattvanusasana 11th Acarya Subhacandra Jnanarnava 11th Somadeva Suri Yogasara 12th Acarya Hemacandra Yogasastra 13th Pandita Asadharaji Adhyatma Rahasya 15th Sundarasuri Adhyatma Kalpadruma 18th Vinayavijayji santasudharasa 18th Upadhyaya Yasovijayaji Adhyatmopanisad, etc. 20th and Preksa Acharya Tulsi and Mahaprajna Manonusasanam, 60 books on Dhyana 21st In the spiritual tradition of India, Yoga occupies an important place and in the yogic tradition, dhyana or meditation occupies an important place, and the Jaina agamas are confined to the discussion of Yoga as dhyana. But the above table speaks at great length of the various yogic traditions of Jainism, enumerated and discussed by the illustrious acaryas from time to 19 Jaina Yoga and Sadhana, Jain Vishwa Bharati Lessons STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 261 of 385 Page #275 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Pr parama time. Based on the available agamic and post agamic literature, we can broadly classify the Jaina dhyana-yoga-sadhana practices in four periods:20 Period 2. OF Acarya 1. From Lord Mahavira to Acarya Kundakunda From Acarya Kundakunda to Acarya Haribhadra From Acarya Haribhadra to Acarya Yasovijaya From Acarya Yasovijaya to date 3. 4. STUDIES Century 6th C B.C to 1st C.A.D 1st C.A.D to 8th C.A.D In the first period Kayotsarga, Bhavana, Vipassana and Vicaya were important. People practised meditation, contemplation not for days but for months and years together to accomplish self-realization and emancipation. Lord Mahavira himself fasted and meditated for 12.5 years; so did his 50,000 monks, nuns and other lay followers. 8th C.A.D to 18th C.A.D After the 1 Century A.D, philosophical speculation paved way for scriptural study and so Dhyana-sadhana took back seat. In the 3rd period Acarya Haribhadra and others made a comparative study of Jaina Yoga and Patanjala-yoga and numerous texts on Yoga were written during this period. 20 Jaina Yoga and Sadhana, Jain Vishwa Bharati Lessons 21 Studies in Jaina Philosophy, N. Tatia, Pg.293 18th C.A.D to date During the 18th century works we can see the impact of devotion (bhakti) on Yoga and so many Yoga works were written based on bhakti. The modern age is an age of scientific research and speculation, hence Yoga and meditation practices have been scientifically interpreted and thus we have Preksa Dhyana, Anupeha Dhyana, deep rooted in spirituality for spiritual health and welfare. Page 262 of 385 Eight drstis of Haribhadra's Yoga Haribhadra made a very valuable contribution to the comparative study of Yoga. He composed a number of works on the subject. 21 He wrote Yogabindu and Yogadrstisamuccaya in Samskrta and Yoga Sataka and Yogavimsika in Prakrta. In the Yogadrstisamuccaya he talks of two types of attitudes towards truth viz. Ogha-drsti and Yoga-drsti. Ogha-drsti is the attitude of the souls, which have not cut the knot of perversion, STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #276 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Drsti 1. 2. or ignorance, and Yoga drsti is the attitude of the spiritually advanced souls. The following table enumerates the comparison of Patanjali's Astanga-yoga and Haribhadra's Yoga-drsti.22 3. 4. 5. 6. Translation Haribhadra Vows Self-control Posture Regulation of Breadth Withdrawal of senses Fixing of Mind 7. Concentration 8. Ecstasy Free from Yama - Mitra - Inerita Niyama Tara-Anxiety Asana Bala- Unsteadiness Pratyahara-Sthira-Lapse of memory Pranayama -Dipra - Distraction Attentive hearing Dharana-Kanta- Attraction for something else Dhyana-Prabha - Mental disturbance Samadhi - Para- Attachment Accompanied with Freedom from prejudice Inquisitiveness Love for listening STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Comprehension Critical Evaluation Clear Conviction SCHOOL Earnest practice OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga Light Straw Cowdung Firewood Lamp Jewel Stars Sun STUDIES Moon 22 Yogadrstisamuccaya by Acarya Haribhadra, verse 13, Shri Jaina Grantha Prakashaka Sabha, Shrirajnagar (Ahmedabad) 1939 23 Studies in Jaina Philosophy by Nathmal Tatia, P.302 The first four drstis are unsteady and fallible. The last four are steady and infallible. In the first drsti called Mitra, the soul has indistinct enlightenment like a flash. In this stage it accumulates the seeds of Yoga. It is in front of the Gordian knot and is noble in character. In the second drsti the soul exercises a bit of self control and becomes steady in spirituality. It desires to get rid of the worldly existence. In the third drsti the desire deepens and the soul gains control over posture and in the fourth drsti it gets control over breath. Although real spiritual progress has not yet set in, the soul tries to capture the image of the truth instead of the truth itself.23. When the soul cultivates the right faith and cuts the knot it is said to reach the fifth stage of Sthira and enlightenment has now dawned on it. In the sixth stage the soul Page 263 of 385 Page #277 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY sAdhyAya parama is engrossed in spiritual contemplation and the worldly pleasures do not allure him any longer. The seventh drsti is Prabha where the soul has developed concentration and is free from mental disturbances and the eighth drsti called Para is the consummation of dhyana, where the soul experiences spiritual joy i.e. ecstasy (Samadhi). It is pure, blemish-less and perfect. This is perfection of Yoga and by means of the last Yoga known as ayoga the soul achieves emancipation.24 All the knots are cut, karmas annihilated, mission fulfilled, vision and knowledge shine in clarity and nothing more remains to be achieved after this. NN STUDIES Haribhadra also discusses the three names of Yoga viz. Iccha-yoga i.e. Yoga by intention, Sastra-yoga i.e. Yoga by scripture and Samarthya-yoga i.e. Yoga by exertion.25 He also talks of four types of Yogis i.e. Gotrayogi, Kulayogi, Pravrttacakrayogi, Nispannayogi Yogabindu discusses about the preparation for perfection through spirituality, (Adhyatma), contemplation (bhavana), concentration (dhyana), equanimity (samata) and annihilation of residual karmas (vrttisamksaya). He discusses 2 forms of Yoga, Niscaya-yoga and Vyavahara-yoga in his Yogasataka and four categories of sadhaka i.e. aspirants. Viz. 24 27 Undoubtedly Haribhadra is influenced by Patanjali but through his works he has neatly interwoven the Jaina beliefs and practices for the common man to understand and relate with. Haribhadra compares Yoga to a kalpataru i.e. wish-fulfilling tree and says that whosoever turns inward and searches the truth shall find it and eventually be liberated. 1. Apunarbandhaka. 2. Samyagdrsti 3. Desavirati, 4. Sarvavirati. Jnanarnava of Subhacandra is another beautiful thought provoking text, which discusses the 16-fold contemplations and reveals that when one wakes up from the slumber of delusion and practices the virtues, supreme ecstasy sets in and truth then reveals itself.27 He also distinguishes the three states of the soul as discussed earlier. He draws a very beautiful picture of a yogi engrossed in spirituality. A spiritual yogi dives deep into the ocean of Yogadrstisamuccaya by Acarya Haribhadra, verse 185 25 Ibid, verse 3-4-5, 26 Ibid Svopajnavrtti, 221 Jnanarnava 27 Page 264 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #278 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF compassion and loving kindness and is absolutely free from attachment and hatred. His body is steady and his mind is purified by the waves of enlightenment.28 He discusses four types of dhyana viz. Pindastha, Padastha, Rupastha and Rupatita. According to Acarya Hemacandra Yoga is the cause of final emancipation and he has discussed Yoga through right character and distinguishes four kinds of mental states viz. scattered (viksipta), scattered cum collected (yatayata), collected (slista) and merged (sulna).30 R. William has discussed Muniacara and Sravakacara in his book titled Jaina Yoga. 28 Ibid 28 29 Ibid 37-40 30 SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parame In modern times meditation on the Namaskara-sutra, Navapada-aradhana through colours, Preksa meditation and also Vipassana seem to be commonly practiced by Jains worldwide. But all Jain acaryas stress the need for right understanding and right knowledge for the right practice of Yoga. The attitude is of prime importance for it is the right attitude that makes the Yoga right and leads to realizing the ayoga state. For a thorough study of Jain Yoga it is recommended to acquire a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of Jainism, which include Jaina metaphysics, ethics, Karma theory, Gunasthana, etc. The entire study of Yoga in the words of Samkaracarya can be summed up as follows: Satsangatve nihsangatvam, nihsangatve nirmohatvam Nirmohatve niscalitatvam, niscalitatve jivanamuktih || Yoga Sastra 12.4 STUDIES (through steady devotion of the supreme consciousness, complete detachment is possible, through detachment delusion is dissolved, and then complete stability in the supreme consciousness can be attained, which eventually leads to emancipation).S. M. Desai lays down the parallels and benefits of Yoga in his book 'Haribhadra's works and psychosynthesis'. His broad conclusions are noteworthy: STUDY NOTES version 5.0 1. Yoga renders a great service both to philosophy and psychology and is a psychophilosophic system and has a dynamics of its own. 2. It provides a technique for the search of reality by all psychic means. Page 265 of 385 Page #279 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF 31 SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY sAdhyAya parama 3. It is an exercise of consciousness on consciousness itself and attempts to find keys to peep into the recesses of the consciousness too. Yoga heightens consciousness and tries to get rid of Avidya (ignorance). 4. Yoga unfolds human psyche, enlivens it, expands it, strengthens it, makes it dynamic and thereby transforms it completely by means of meditation, spiritual ethics and special inner processes. 5. It provides the highest goal of life and prepares the sadhaka for its quickest achievement. Yoga is not satisfied with a smaller goal nor is it content with higher siddhi in the form of spiritual powers. It rests content only with the achievement of the highest of the high, the supreme goal of self-realisation or God-Realisation. 6. Yoga provides the shortest cut to reach this goal but this is possible only for the sadhaka with very intense efforts. But even a sadhaka with mild efforts uplifts his life. Every effort in yoga is comparatively speedier in enabling the upliftment of the sadhaka's life. 7. Such potency of Yoga is due to its empirical and operational character. Its operation is more psychic than physical. 8. Yoga is an art as well as a science. It is an art because it teaches the art of living on higher levels of consciousness. It is a science as it teaches ways to research the truths of life and how consciously practice by experiencing them. 9. Yoga is a spiritual science of human psyche and human life and reality itself. 10. Yoga-works and processes need a constant approach of synthesis, as general human tendency is to fragment everything. Yoga requires a holistic approach as needed in the present times.31 Haribhadra's Yoga Works and Psycho synthesis by S.M. Desai, pp-18-19 Page 266 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #280 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.4.3.4 Samayika: Practicing Equanimity / Periodic Contemplation Dr. Shuagn Chand Jain 1.0 Background Every religion has its own code of conduct and its meditation practice of self / soul purification to attain Bliss. Buddhists call their meditation practice as Visuddhi Marga, Samkhya calls it Yoga Darsana (Maharsi Patanajali called this path as Yoga). Jains call it Moksa-marga or Mukti Marga. Jain literature does not use the term Yoga in the sense as used by Patanjali. On the contrary Yoga in Jain literature implies the activities of mind, speech and body. However after Patanjali, the use of the term Yoga in its present context gained wider usage in all religions including Jains. The closest term in Jain literature for Yoga is samvara (stoppage of bondage of karmas to soul), which implies controlling or stopping the activities of mind, body and speech from wandering around. According to Jains, 'Right belief-knowledge-conduct together is the path to attain liberation'!. In this paper, we analyse the basic and a very important component of Moksa-marga namely Samayika-State of equanimity or periodic meditating / contemplating on the self for spiritual purification. 2.0 Samayika-State of Equanimity of the Self / Periodic Contemplation Samayika is the essence of the Jain spiritual and ethical practice. Accordingly it is included as the 1st essential duty (1st out of six avasyakas), first Siksavratas (ninth vow out of twelve consisting of five Anuvratas, three Gunavrats and four Siksavratas), 2nd Pratima / Pratijna (of the 11 stages of the spiritual purification of householders) and the type of perfect conduct (samayika caritra) practiced by Jain monks and householders alike. It is said that the householder while performing samayika is like a monk for the period of samayika, as he has withdrawn himself from all worldly activities and focuses on just self. Monks are required to be in a state of samayika all the time. The root word in samayika is samaya, which is etymolozed as the attainment (aya) of equanimity or tranquility of mind (sama). Hence samayika means soul or to be one with the soul or the process to be one with the soul. This implies withdrawing the activities of the mind, speech and body from their wandering nature and focusing on own self / soul is Tattvaratha-sutra Umasvati, 1.1 2 Tattvaratha-sutra-bhasya, Siddhasena Gani, VII.16 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 267 of 385 Page #281 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama STUDIES samayika3. Pujyapada describes samaya to be the the process of becoming one (ekatvagamana), of fusion of the actiovities of body, mind, and speech with the atman, and the practice designed to achieve this end is the samayika. Soul is the knower and the observer (Jata-drasta), object of knowledge and knower and experiencing like this is samayika. Thus samayika literally means what Patanjali implied by Yoga. Equanimity or samayika is described as essential in all religions. 'Na hi samyena vina dhyanam' or without equanimity, the practitioner cannot even start his meditation practices. Jinabhadra goes to the extent of saying, 'Like space (akasa, one of the six substance types) is the basis of providing place to all substances to exist, so is samayika the basis of all virtues. He further says samayika is the essence of the 14 purvas. Equanimity means suppression or destruction of attachment and aversion, indifference to pain and pleasure and stable sate of mind leading the practitioner to enjoy the nature of his self / soul. Thus while the practicing monk or householder is performing samayika, his mind becomes like a tranquil ocean free of any type of disturbance and hence no new karmas are bonded during that period. Attachment and aversion; pleasure or pain; birth and death; etc. do not disturb his mental state (state of sarvara) as he does not regard all these as the nature of self. 2.1 Nature of Samayika Samayika is the positive way of submerging the activities of mind, body and speech in the Atman. The seven requisites; namely: place, time, posture, meditation, and the threefold purities, namely, mental purity, bodily purity and vocal purity, are necessary for the successful performance of Samayika. That place, which is free from disturbing noise, gathering of persons, and insects like mosquitoes, flies, etc, is the suitable place for Samayika. In other words, the place of silence and solitude, whether it is a forest, a house, a temple or any other place, should be chosen to perform Samayika Samayika should be performed three times a day, i.e., in the morning, noon and evening. The great Amrtacandra? says that the householder should consider the act of Samayika as 3 Avasyaka (Haribhadriya Vrtti), p.83rb 4 Sarvarthsiddhi, VII. 21 5 Avasyaka, Haribhadriya Vrtti, p. 832 6 Purusarthasidhyupaya by Amratacandra, 148 Page 268 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #282 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Nature of Samayika can be broadly classified as: SCHOOL OF obligatory and perform it at least twice a day, i.e., in the morning and evening. He further remarks that its performance at other times will conduce towards the enhancement of the spiritual and moral characteristics; hence it is not improper, but beneficial. SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya Sitting and standing postures are generally recommended for the performance of Samayika. The aspirant should purge the mind of sensual pleasures by concentrating on the sermons of the Jina, adopt submissive and surrendering gestures, and finally, either repeat the devotional hymns mentally or absorb himself in self-meditation. STUDIES 7 Purusarthasidhyupaya, 149 1. Nama i.e. nature of the name assigned to any entity, good or bad does not affect the practitioner as the soul is without any name. Name is assigned to the body only. 2. Sthapana i.e. looks of an entity whether beautiful or ugly does not affect the practitioner as he assigns these attributes to matter and not to soul. 3. Dravya i.e. costs, appearances or use of any entity does not affect him as he thinks these are the attributes of matter and not soul. 4. Ksetra i.e, the places whether cool or hot, pleasant or unpleasant etc does not affect him. 5. Kala i.e. time or season like morning, afternoon, cold season or hot season or monsoon does not affect him. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 6. Bhava i.e. the state of an entity old/young/attractive etc. do not bother him as he considers soul to be immortal. From the practitioner's view point Samayika can be classified as Samayika of householder i.e. for example 48 minutes per day generally but can be extended or reduced according to his capacity. Samayika of monks is for the entire life and all the time. Bhadrabahu has classified Samayika in three categories namely; samyaktva to firm up the practitioner's beliefs in the Moksa-marga and provides him the knowledge of discrimination; Sruta provides clarity of thought and beliefs and Caritra, which becomes pure with the above Page 269 of 385 Page #283 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ TUDIES OTG two. We shall now see how it is detailed in different categories like Avasyakas, Siksavratas, Pratimas and type of conduct for monks. 3.0 Samayika as Avasyaka Avasyaka literally means essential duties to be performed by the practitioner of Moksa Marga. A separate text considered as canonical was written immediately after Mahavira's nirvana by some acaryas at that time. Avasyakas are supposed to be practiced by monks and householders alike; however there is difference for each category. These are enumerated in a scientific manner as follows: 1. Samayika or State of equanimity of the self 2. Caturvinsatistva or reciting the virtues of the 24 firthamkaras. 3. Vandana or veneration of the holy teacher/s. 4. Pratikramana or visiting the mistakes committed during the day and seek forgiveness and punishment. 5. Kayostarga or relaxation i.e. developing a feeling of separateness of body and self. 6. Pratyakhyana or determination not to commit the faults again. Svetambara tradition accepts these Avasyakas: as common to both householders and monks, while Digambara tradition accepts these for monks and for householders they have different avasyakas, namely Devapuja (worshipping the omniscient), Guru-upasti (veneration of the holy teachers), Svadhyaya (self study), Sanyama (self restraint), Dana (charity), Tapa (Austerities), Pratyakhyana or vowing not to make mistakes or practice Moksa-marga in future. These avasyakas do have all the features of avasyakas for monks but emphasis is given on simple Dos on a daily basis e.g. Caturvinsatistava is included in Devapuja and Samayika in Sanyama and Tapa. Most of the Digambara householders do perform Samayika also in the morning before going for Devapuja. 3.1 Performing Samayika Samayika has certain pre-requisites i.e. the person indulging in it should have right belief in Tattvaratha, practice equanimity and self control else it becomes just a show due to the practitioner's inability to control his mind, body, speech. Only a person who is aware and conscious of self-restraint, vows, austerities and soul can perform Samayika. Further the & Schubring, Die Lehre der Jainas, p. 170 Upasakadhyayana, Somdevas iri, Karika 459-565 Page 270 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #284 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ person should be able to win over the afflictions (parisahas) else he will get distracted during Samayika. Various steps involved are enumerated below.10 1. The practitioner should make himself free from all householder duties and nature's call, clean his body by washing his hands, feet and face or taking a bath and put on light and comfortable cloths, tie his hair etc so that he is free from all bodily distractions. 2. He should then select a place, which is clean, free from disturbances like noise, mosquitoes, family members or others coming and going or performing other activities and is the place is neither cold nor hot. 3. While standing in kayotsarga posture i.e. standing facing north and hands hanging down and seven centimeters away from the body, legs about 10 centimeters apart; he takes a vow to be in Samayika for 48 minutes (ideal or the time he deems fit) and leaves all his mental, speech and bodily activities. 4. He then recites Navakara nine times silently and bows his head with his hands folded and moving them in clockwise direction three times. He performs this routine facing each of the four directions. Then he sits in kayotsarga posture. 5. He then recites Navakara with auspicious (mamgala) and dedication (saranam) verse; pratikramana (alocana) sutra, Samayika patha, Tirthamkara vanadana and finally takes a vow to observe self-restraint during the day completes the Samayika. Normally Samayika should be done individually but due to difficulty in concentrating the mind on various mantras etc in Samayika, there are group Samayika in special places where the practitioners recite all the verses in a very low pitch so as not to disturb each other. As Samayika has a special place in the religious activities of all Jains, tremendous literature abounds having description, holy poems, methods etc to be used. Some of them are: Bhadrabahu-II has detailed Samayika in Avasyakasutra; Jinabhadra Gani wrote Visesavasyaka especially on Samayika, all literature concerning ethics and practice of Jains detail Samayika, Samayika Patha by Amitagati and a book Samayika ka Saundarya by Dr. Mukesh Shastri detailing various pathas /poems and dedicated to Samayika. 10 Kartikryanupreksa, 353 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 271 of 385 Page #285 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ hogy 4.0 Samayika as Siksavrata, Pratima for Householders Siksavratas are the third stage of vows for householders, which are observed to prepare the householder to live like a monk. So by definition, they require a definite regimen of practice several times during the day. Posture of the body, time period and its frequency i.e. morning, afternoon and evening and duration are adhered to. Also while performing, after the recitation of mantras and verses, the practitioner needs to contemplate on self and its uniqueness compared to other types of substances and its own nature. Also there are flaws identified, which the practitioner is required to remove while performing it. So as Siksavrata, it is more disciplined and rigorous. Also the practitioner at this stage has already achieved a higher level of spiritual purification and is almost ready practicing equanimity all the time like a monk as away of life. Samayika as Pratima is as the 2nd Pratima (out of eleven stages of spiritual development for householders prior to becoming a monk). Thus the householder, who has accepted this pratima, performs (as by monks) veneration of the omniscient and Samayika simultaneously. Posture of the body, time period (minimum 48 minutes per practice) and its frequency i.e. morning, afternoon and evening and duration are strictly adhered to. 5.0 Samayika for Monks Since the monks practice Moksa-marga all the time and for their entire life; Samayika for them becomes a way of life. Besides practicing three times as for householders; they observe equanimity in their thoughts, attitudes of carefulness (samitis) and attitudes of restraints (guptis) in all their activities while performing their daily activities of going for food, sitting, standing, interacting with householders etc. Kundakunda in his text 'Niyamasara chapter on Samadhi describes Samayika for monks (verses 125-133) i.e. those who are permanently practicing samayika as follows: 1. He who is always indifferent to all types of attachments, is practicing the three attitudes of restraint (mind, body and speech) and has conquered the sensual pleasures. 2. He who always observes equanimity towards all moving and stationary living beings. 3. He who is always busy in observing self-restraint, vows and penance. 4. He in whom the ill feelings of attachment and aversion do not occur. 5. He who gives up the two flawed meditation types (arta and raudra) and is always observes the other two types of meditation namely Dharma and sukla. 6. He who gives up the feelings of merit and demerit. Page 272 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #286 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 7. He who is free of the nine small passions (sex, hatred, fear, sorrow, making fun etc). 6.0 Analysis Equanimity (samata) is the foundation of all yogic traditions of India. Jainism emphasizes it more and makes it an essential pre-requisite of a religious and moral life of its practitioners. Samayika is making it a part of one's daily activities for contemplation on self, paying obeisance to the holy souls, auto suggestion (bhavana) for self improvement, critical review of the wrong doings during the day and begging forgiveness plus promising not to commit the same mistakes in future. Thus the practitioner first leaves all his daily worries / activities to free him for such an analysis and planning, then he performs prayers, veneration, and critical analysis to enjoy a state of happiness as if he has relieved himself of his past ills and is ready to move forward in his life. The first four lines of the Samayika Pathat given below beautifully describe the state of mind of the practitioner: Prema bhava ho saba jivon se, guni jano mein harsa prabhol Karuna stotra bahein dukhiyon para, durjana men madhyastha vibholl Yaha ananta bala sila atma, ho sarira se bhinna prabhol Jyo hoti talavara myana se, vaha ananat bala do mujhko.|| In fact the entire poem of 32 verses when recited slowly and contemplated on is a good description of how to develop equanimity and to experience the self. The practitioner is encouraged to start performing Samayika as an essential duty in a casual way and enhance its practice as he moves higher on the path of spiritual purification in the form of 2nd Pratima and finally as 2nd Siksavrata when he takes a vow to perform Samayika three times a day of a fixed period of 48 minutes each. The monks are expected to be in a state of Samayika all the time. If we analyze Samayika closely, then we find: 1. It is a way of developing equanimity from beginning to its becoming the way of life. 2. It encourages us to start the practice and enhance it by techniques such as self-study, autosuggestions, contemplation, reflections on self and taking corrective steps to improve our conduct. 11 Samayika Patha-7 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 273 of 385 Page #287 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY STUDIES Samayika is like meditation on the self but without concentrating on a specific object or being one with the self (samadhi). Here the person is well aware of his existence but focuses all his attention on mantras, recitations and contemplating on the attributes of pure self, reviews and confessions and their resolutions. Thus it is an excellent way of contemplating and meditating to learn and then to imbibe the good ethical-spiritual values in our day-to-day life and make progress in our path o spiritual purification. In our day-to-day life also, it assists the practitioner in developing a balanced mind and decide action accordingly. 7.0 Comparison with Other Religious Traditions of India Samayika can be partially compared with Patanjali's eightfold yoga, Buddhists yoga and Vedic yoga. A brief comparison follows. 7.1 Patanjali Yoga Patanjali has defined his Yoga Sadhana to consist of eight steps or limbs namely Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. Yama and Niyama help the practitioner to control / eliminate feelings of attachments and aversions and enhance his social status. Asana helps enhance physical strength and tolerance so that he can develop detachment towards his body. Pranayama and Pratyahara develop control over his breath and other sense organs. After these five stages, the next three stages are for meditating and enhancing its intensity so that the last stage i.e. Samadhi enables the practitioner to enjoy the soul and be one with it. From the discussions of Samayika, we see that it compares with the first five limbs of Patanjala Yoga as the practitioner moves from Avasyaka to 2nd Pratima and finally as 2nd Siksavrata. Of course the situation for monks is different as they are normally in the last three stages of Patanjala Yoga has defined his Yoga Sadhana. 7.2 Buddhist Yoga The limb Visuddhi Marga of Buddhists emphasize the word sama with each limb and the last limb i.e. Samadhi is not possible unless the practitioner develops equanimity and eliminates the feelings of attachment and aversion. The word sama is used in the same sense as in Jain texts (equanimity). Various canonical texts of Buddhists like Samyukta Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya etc. talk of equanimity and specify as the path of Buddhist monks. We thus find the use of Sama and equanimity at different places in Buddhist literature but no specific mention of Samayika. Page 274 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #288 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 7.3 Vedic Tradition Gita2, which is the representative canonical text had abundant mention of the word sama. It says, 'The one who maintains equanimity in pains and pleasures, sensual feelings is only capable of attaining Nirvana. It again says, 'The one who stays in the state of equanimity is only capable of my (Krsna's) devotion'. Similarly there are number of mentions in the entire text of equanimity. Equanimity, being the base of Samayika, therefore we see its similarity in Vedic tradition also.13 12 Gita 2/15 13 Gita 18/54 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 275 of 385 Page #289 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.4.4 Dasa Laksana Dharmal Ten Commandments/ Ten virtues Dr. Shikhar Chand Jain Most of us are always busy in our daily life such as business, service or whatever profession a person has adopted as the means of livelihood. We are so much absorbed in worldly life that our real cause of life is marred, neglected such as how to concentrate on spiritual development leading to good health, well behavior, be a law abiding citizen and a good neighbor, honest and cooperative person with a nice peaceful family life. Our ancient philosophers, thinkers, preceptors and teachers have ordained certain commands, teachings to observe them for ten days in the year we are reminded of these principles by which following them we may keep our perfect health and tread on the path of righteousness thus making this world free from hatred, violence, smuggling and trafficking. Now these ten observances or commands have been propounded by the great genius Umasvami in his Tattvartha-sutra las: Uttamaksama mardavarjava sauca satyasamyama tapastyaga akincanya brahmacaryani dharmahll These ten commands have been named as Daslaksana Dharma or ten commands or ten observances. Dasalaksana Dharma is also known as Paryusana Mahaparva, Pajjosavana, Parivasana, Pajusana, and Vasavaso. All the sects of Jains celebrate this festival; the Digambaras for ten days while the Svetambaras for eight days. All over the world this way or that way these sorts of observances are celebrated. The Christians observe it in their own way while the Muslims, Persians and Hindus they have own peculiar ways following the righteous life of honesty, simplicity, fasting, charity and compassion whatever may be the way of following observances, the aim is one, perfection in life full of love, fraternity and peace all over the world. Tattvartha-sutra, Verse IX.6 Page 276 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #290 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parama AN STUDIES This festival is celebrated by the Jains every year during the months of February (Magha), April (Caitra), and September (Bhadrapada) from the fifth day of bright moon fortnight to the 14th day. Bhadrapada (September) month has been observed as the best for accounting ones own self right and wrong doings. During these days the pontiffs observe Caumasa (four months stay) and almost stay at one place and meditate upon self. These days the ascetics devote themselves for study, teaching and imparting sermons to the devotees. The devotees get an opportunity to talk freely to the ascetics and sometimes learn scriptures from them. There are free classes for teaching religious books. In the sthanakas people sit, meditate upon self and practice silence (mauna). STUDY NOTES version 5.0 For these ten days everyone day is devoted to a particular observance and according to the day there is discourse on that particular subject like austerity, forgiveness whatever it may. Bhadon month (September) has been considered to be the best month for observing these Dasalaksana days. Mallinatha Purana observes, oh! It is the best month as it inspires for religious activities and in this month due to a number of holy events occurring and described in the Jain texts. The observance of these ten commands help in development of mental, vocal and physical concentration and help in control over five senses and four passions, anger, pride, greed the root cause of all evils. The day starts early in the morning with ablution of the lord. To see this ablution is a great achievement for the devotees. There is peace, serenity and complete harmony in the atmosphere. There is the discussion, discourse on Kalpasutra and other religious scriptures by the Svetambaras while there is scripture reading in the morning and evening. In the evening there are religious discussions, meetings, prayers (arati) with lamps and devotional songs and dances. Starting on 5 day the 10 day is observed as Sugandhadasami day, a great joyful, energetic and inspiring day to the children and all. People with sandal-wood powder visit temples and offer the same in the fire pot signifying that bad habits, bad actions, bad ideas of a man, the inflow of Karmic matter may burn and he may achieve salvation. He may tread Page 277 of 385 Page #291 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ on right path. For most of the people it is a day of fasting or eating only once in a day (Ekasana) etc. Ananta Caturdasi is a very important day. It falls on the 14th day. Most of the markets are closed on this day there are worships and most of the people spend the day in observing complete silence and total fasts. People make donations to assist the hospitals, animal hospitals, orphanages and other needy. From various organizations people gather in the temples for collecting donations. After the completion of these holy ten days, Ksamavani day or Forgiveness day is celebrated on the eleventh day. Apart from meeting, conferences and other functions, on ksamavani day people send individual letters to their friends, relatives asking for forgiveness. Gandhiji observed this principle and found peace at heart. There are special issues in the newspapers on this day. To ask for forgiveness personally is really a great action which melts iron ill will and generates harmony. During these days acts of charity for the poor and needy are undertaken like free eye operation camps, complete medical check up camps, wheel chairs are distributed for the handicapped. Clothes, sewing machines, food etc. free of cost are distributed. It signifies the essence of Jainism. Umasvami says: "Parasparopagraho-jivanam i.e. mundane souls support each other. Dasalaksana Dharma /Ten Commandments / Ten observances These Ten Commandments or signs following which one leads to spiritual progress and uplift of self are called Daslaksana Dharma. To keep awareness or wakefulness constantly among the people, every year the last ten days of Bhadon month are celebrated as Daslaksana festival or known as Paryusana Mahaparva. These are the followings: 1. Supreme Forgiveness (Uttama Ksama) 2. Supreme Humility (Uttama Mardava) 3. Supreme Straight forwardness (Uttama Arjava) 4. Supreme Contentment (Uttama Saucha) 5. Supreme Truth (Uttama Satya) Page 278 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #292 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 6. Supreme Restraint (Uttama Samayam) 7. Supreme Austerities (UttamaTapa) 8. Supreme Renunciation (UttamaTyaga) 9. Supreme Non Attachment, Not taking, The Non-self for other self (Uttama Akincanya) 10. Supreme Chastity (Uttama Brahamcarya). Supreme Forgiveness (Uttama Ksama) Forgiveness is the sign of greatness. Forgiving others is the ornament of man. All the misdeeds and misbehavior done by others are pierced with the arrow of forgiving. It leads to the peace of the mind and satisfaction. On the contrary, if instead of forgiving, we adopt anger, ill-will, hatred and rough attitude, we lose our own mental balance and suffer in vain. We should forgive others and taking the unpleasant happening as the result of own in auspicious deeds. Forgiving is the ornament of brave and valiant. We must think that the ways that preserve our mental balance, peace and harmony is better. If we take vengeance to heart, it leads to greater harm for ourselves. During our daily life there are various stances when we are happy, sad and angry. While angry we loose our sense of peace may react violently. It is the worst type of moment which may lead to any physical, mental and vocal harm. So it is better to control over anger and forgives the one. There is one very beautiful example of Lord Mahavira. After renouncing the world, the Lord reached Ujjain where he absorbed himself in austerity in the cremation ground. The people of that place misunderstood him that he was encroaching on their land. They hurled stones on him, beat with sticks but the lord was peaceful, silent and remained as it was in his penance. These people causing several injuries to the Lord were amazed at him and realized that he was a mendicant, paid obeisance to him and requested him to forgive them as they were ignorant. Realize, what world would have happened if the Lord had reacted upon. To face the situation calmly, one can turn tables even in great events. There are several examples where ignoring the wrong doings of a person may help you, the person may feel ashamed and act wisely. Lord Parsvanatha, as a child had angered a saint absorbed in his fire ritual by telling that he had offered a log in the fire which had the snake couple in it. He being annoyed by the child took out the log and while being opened, there STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 279 of 385 Page #293 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ came out the hissing couple of the snakes. The Lord recited to them the Namokara Mantra and the couple was born as Dharanendra and Padmavati in the heaven. Now that saint Kamatha after his death became a God and one day while moving in air saw Lord Parsvanatha in penance, threw stones at him, caused rain in torrents, and caused fire thus created several hurdles. The Lord was protected by the erstwhile snake couple Dharanendra and Padmavati. But see the greatness of the Lord, he did not bother about Kamatha ignored him and had his meditation and forgave him. Realize at the depth of your heart, what Lord Christ said when he was crucified. Such a noble compassionate Lord, milk of human kindness flowed from his heart. He prayed God for their well being as they were ignorant about their misdeeds. A rare example of forgiveness what a noble idea you are being killed by a person and you pray for his happy life. See the greatness of Lord Krsna one day while he was sleeping in the jungle one man Jare thinking the man to be deer, shot his arrow and it hurt Lord Krsna. When he came nearby and saw the Lord, he became afraid and lay at his feet for forgiveness. Lord immediately forgave him and asked him to leave the place soon as Balarama would not leave him when he comes. Jare touched his feet and ran away. It is the outcome of spontaneous flow of kindness from the heart of a righteous, virtuous, high souled person that the Lord forgave that person. Supreme Humility (Uttama Mardava) To shun pride and to keep our heart soft and tolerant is supreme humility. To discard the pride of race, family, power, wealth knowledge youth, and beauty and to be soft hearted humble, courteous and modest is the best. Once Gandhiji went to see Raichand Bhai, the great philosopher and came to know that he was a Satavadhani i.e. can remember hundred things at a time after reading them and without seeing them again. Gandhiji was happy to see such a learned scholar and gave a paper on which something was written in English and French. After sometime Raichand Bhai repeated the same. It was a great surprise to Gandhiji but the greater surprise was that Raichand Bhai never showed any such thing as he was not proud of his scholarship. Such is Page 280 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #294 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF INTERNATIO DE SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga STUDIES the example of Mardava Dharma. But in Mahabharata, the poet says a king should act according to the need of the time. He should be harsh and soft as the occasion demands. Such a king rules over happily and he thus protects his country. It may be applied in case of a common man as well. The base of compassion lies in humility. Following humility one can reach the step of Samyakdarsana- the right belief. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Supreme Straight Forwardness (Uttama Arjava) Arjarva simple nature, away from fraud and deception and to lead straightforward life is Arjarva. Ratnakar Suri in Pancavinsatika says that a sage called upon Lord Mahavira in his Sermon Assembly (Samavasarana) and repented thus, I adopted sainthood to cheat the people and sermonized to attract people towards me and attained learning to grab their wealth by erudite knowledge. What I should say I repent now after seeing you in this assembly. Now such a person can not be called a scholar. A person must be honest, free from duplicity, fraud and cheating, whatever may be his position. In Padampurana there is beautiful example of a crooked crane. Rama and Laksmana were going towards in the jungle during their exile period. Rama saw a crane standing on its feet with his neck down. Rama said Laksmana to see that crane in deep meditation and looked like a great ascetic. But Laksmana as he was quick witted and sharp told that the crane was in search of his prey and ready to attack his meal and thus he was cheating the innocent birds. See this beautiful saying, the crooked people have something in their minds, do something different and tell totally different from their actions but the righteous persons are different whatever they think, they do and whatever they act, they tell, "manasyekam vacasyekam karmanyekam mahatmnam. Supreme Contentment (Uttama Saucha) To be free from greed i.e. and internal insatiably or external purity is contentment. Greed breeds all sins. Greed has no limits and desire for more is insatiable and a man indulges in immoral and unethical activities for hoarding and grabbing things. Thus a greedy person commits his own downfall. Therefore one must stay away from greed. Page 281 of 385 Page #295 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Mahabharata says, "Greed is monstrous alligator and leads a man towards sin" -Eko lobho mahagraho lobhita papani pravartate). There is no power on earth that can a save a greedy from his down fall. Mental faculty away from avarice and greed is the right path for solace and serenity otherwise a man goes downwards decay. External purity in absence of internal purity is hollow. Even if one takes bath in holy river Ganges, Puskara and at famous tirtha places (religious places), it will not make him pure if he is greedy (Gangasagarapusakaradisu, sada tirthesu sarvesvapi snatasyapi na jayate prayo visuddhipara). See what Lord Krsna says about the purity of a person. One day Pandavas approached Lord Krsna and requested him to accompany them to the Ganges for a bath. In spite of repeated requests, Lord Krsna refused but on being insisted the Lord gave his hollowed gourd (Tumbi) as his representative. When the people at the Ganges came to know that this Tumbi belonged to the Lord, they touched it, prayed before it, thinking it to be Lord Krsna itself. When the Pandavas came back and told the Lord that his Tumbi had been bathed thousand times by the people. The Lord was amazed, he got cut into pieces and gave to the people to eat it but lo! Everyone felt uneasy, had vomiting and felt uneasy because its inner part of it had rotten. Now the Lord told them to realize that external bath would not make you great. Internal purity is a must. So we must be true to ourselves away from the greed, fraud and dishonesty. Internal purity is important in stead of physical embellishment, which reduces greed and inspires for righteousness. Supreme Truth (Uttama Satya) Truth means fearless description of what one sees, hears or feels. Once a person tells a lie, he has to utter numerous lies to support his first false statement. Such a person is afraid and his wisdom is shattered and wavering. But one who takes the true course is afraid of none. He is free from worry and is full of self-confidence. Truth should be attractive and beneficial. Unpleasant truth for the benefit of others is good but pleasant truth for the harm of others is bad. Sometimes, when from speaking the truth, there is fear of violence, better to lie is desirable. Wherever truth appears unpleasant, it should be explained in such a way that it appears pleasant and he does not take it otherwise. Page 282 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #296 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL Truth and non- violence are co- related to each other. Truth is God. The whole world rests on the anchor of truth. The four passions (Kasayas) anger, pride, maya and greed are to be controlled. Greed may lead to speaking of untruth. So speaking truth may save a person from greed, for greedy person will resort to tell lie to get and amass more and more wealth or whatever may be the object. OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga Uttarapurana gives a beautiful story of a person Satyaghosha, who always kept a knife in his thread chain wearing in his neck. Whenever asked he would say that he always spoke the truth and if ever he spoke untruth he would cut his tongue with the knife. Now see the greed of Satyaghosha. His fast friend came and kept his jewellery box with him as he was going out of station for six months. But when he came back and asked for the ornament box, he asked him to dig and collect from the place where he put them. There was nothing. The friend went to the king. The king ordered Satyaghosha to surrender his jewellery before the king. The king mixed some royal jewels in the box and asked the victim to take his ornaments. This man immediately collected his ornaments. Satyaghosha accepted his crime. Satyaghosha had committed breach of faith only for wealth. What we can say about this truth upholder Satyaghosha? It may be concluded that only truth wins and not the lie (Satyameva Jayate Nanrtam). A truthful person is always happy and peaceful (Rtasya Gopadabhava). "May there be always truth in my heart" (Akuti Satya Manso Meatsu). 2 Tattvarthasutra, Umasvati VI.1 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Supreme Restraint (Uttama Samyam) Restriction is to control over desires which go on and go on and never satisfied. But a person who keeps his mundane carnal desires under control remains always contented. A self-disciplined person devoid of worldly pleasures is not over powered by anger, pride and deception. Without discipline, it is useless to wish for the attainment of good traits. Restraint is the base for all the human activities of a person. In the vehicles there are brakes to check the speed in the same way there is restraint to control over the activities- mental, vocal and physical. These three activities are known as (Kayavangamanah karmayoga)2, our five senses they take a person to their different destinations as we are the slaves of Page 283 of 385 Page #297 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ these senses. Control over the senses is the greatest victory of a person. Even the taste of one sense can destroy a person. A deer is killed for his love to music; a cobra is caught for his interest in musical sound, an elephant due to his pleasure in physical touching, fish due to its taste and the black bee for its addiction to smell. What to speak of a person who is addicted to the taste of all the senses. There is always boundary to protect the field, the house, the same way there must be restraint on the activities of a person. The internal and external restraint always helps people in their lives. Antaranga and Bahiranga restraint both constitute the virtues of glory to a person. His rise in worldly progress and spiritual development make him righteous person. He is an uncrowned king with highest perfection in life. The great scholar Banarasi Dass in his Nataka Samayasara says "Gyanakala jinake ghata jagi, ve jagmahi sahaja viragi | gyani magana visaya sukhamahi, yaha viparia sambhave nahi" | means those people who have developed the highest knowledge of restraint in their hearts they can easily tread over the path of detachment (Vairagya) and if otherwise he makes merry in sensual pleasures he is not to be called the high souled. It means he is deceiving the people in his deceitful garb of restraint. Gandhiji went to England to participate in Round Table Conference. There he met political dignitaries. Gandhiji was asked to tell the qualities of good leader. Gandhiji told to control over self and to remember God at every step. Pandit Todar Mal says, "to follow non-violence, truth, non-theft, celibacy, non-attachment and to control over anger, pride, maya and greed is itself restraint observance- Samyam. Dayanta says, "Always control over five senses, and keep properly the restraint jewel for there are thieves in the forms of various pleasures (Kaya chhanan pratipal, pancendriya mana vasa karo, samyam ratna samhala visaya chora bahu phirata Hain). Page 284 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #298 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Supreme Austerities (Uttama Tapa) Uttama Tapa means fasting, abstinence, prayers, devotion, meditation and through these enlightening one's soul, and thorough control of senses and desires to benefit the spiritual self, get the release himself from the shackles of bondage. Everyone should, according to his physical capacity, slowly practice austerity (Tapa) and renunciation (Tyaga) and endeavour to take himself higher. It is not proper to take our self near death through meaningless starvation because the human-body is the vehicle (Sadhana) to religious uplift (Dharma Sadhana) and spiritual betterment. Austerity is a powerful missile to destroy evils like anger, greed etc. but as the handling of the missile requires perfect training and metal concentration so the austerity has its way in controlling over one self. One is aware of the fact that the physical, mental and vocal activities of a person cause the inflow of karmic matter. This activity is known as yoga. Yoga Vasistha says, Yogah cittavrtti nirodhah i.e. controlling over fives senses is yoga. Now how the influx of Karmic matter may be destroyed so Umasvami says, 'Tapasa nirjara ca! By austerities (is caused) shedding of Karmic matter and also stoppage of flowSamyagyoganigrahoguptih. Gupti prevention is proper control (Nigraha) over mind, speech and body. There are twelve kinds of Tapa: 1. Six external austerities. 2. Six internal austerities. Six external austerities (i) Anasana-To avoid food and be away from Kasays-anger, pride, deceit and greed. (ii) Unodara- to take less food than you require. (iii) Vrttiparisankhyana- to decide to take limited things in lunch. (iv) Rasaparityaga- to avoid any juicy thing. (v) Kayaklesa- to avoid physical pleasures and physical embellishments. (vi) Viviktasayyasana- to take only one posture for meditation. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 285 of 385 Page #299 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Six internal austerities (i) Prayascitta i.e. repentance, to repent for the mistakes done previously. (ii) Vinaya- to pay respect to the holy ones. (iii) Vaiyavrtya- to serve the high-souled religious sages. (iv) Svadhyaya- to read scriptures. (v) Vyutsarga- to renounce internal and external attachments. (vi) Dhyana- to concentrate on self. Svami Samantabhadra says: Visyasavasatito Nirarambhoaprigraha i.e. to control over sensual pleasures and shun attachment should be the aim of the person. In Adipurana austerity has been as the greatest power, Tapah sakti raho para. Supreme Renunciation (Uttama Tyaga) It implies avoiding all evil practices adoption of renunciation and cooperation with others because the individual and society are complementary to earth offer. The progress of the society ensures the progress of individual'. 'Parasparopagraho-jivanams. It will be possible only when a person shares his material resources with others and is willing to help others. Renunciation leads to peace and general progress. The affluent person ought to use his possessions for the progress and prosperity of the society. Consuming ones possession himself is neither good for oneself or for the society. Selfish motive may lead to anarchy. Jinasenacarya the great preceptor thinks renunciation the best means of peace and happiness in the world which leads to co-existence in the world. Even the richest can not enjoy serenity in life, if he does not share his prosperity with his financially weaker brethren. In the Atharvaveda there is the prayer, "May the people not call us miser or hard fisted (Ma ma vuchann radhasam anasah). Again the same idea is repeated in the Rgveda one who eats himself, eats only the sin (Kevalagho bhavati kevaladi). 3 Tattvartha-sutra, Umasvati V.21 Page 286 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #300 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Today there is globalization and the world has become very small. Means of communications have added to easy access to any place. There are unfortunate natural calamities, earth quakes, fire. At such a time all the nations rush for immediate assistance. If the poor nations suffer due to famine and scarcity it is imperative on the part of the rich nations to support the weeping hungry children. There may be rushed food, medicines, clothes and other necessary life equipments. There must be some provision for charity in your earning may be of any type cash or kind. Jain preceptors have enunciated four kinds of charities which may be delivered to the needy; 1) Aharadana (Food) 2) Vidyadana (Knowledge) 3) Osadhidana (Medicine) 4) Abhayadana (To make one fearless). One may part any of these four or all the four as the case may be. Tyaga eko guna slaghyah, Kimanyai guna rasibhi, Tyagajjagati pujyante, Pasupasanapapah (Rayanasara), renunciation is supreme in comparison to other virtues. For their deliverance of good things even the animals, stones and trees are worshipped. Aharadana (Food): One may give up food for the poor it means one can go to any charity home, orphanage, old age house and can pay for their food arrangements. There are several charity homes in India, run on social assistance. There are animal bird's hospitals to feed and treat them. I think that Mother Terresa proved herself the goddess on earth in doing charitable work to the destitute of the world. There are several poor nations deserving help from the wealthy nations. Vidyadana (Knowledge): If one can not financially support one can teach someone or donate books to the needy students. If one member of a family is given perfect education, when grown up will help others thus a family becomes self supporting. When there was no printing press, one lady in South India wrote herself and donated one thousand scriptures to different temples and scholars. There had been the tradition of learning and writing that is why we have our legacy in manuscripts. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 287 of 385 Page #301 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY WIN STUDIES Ousadhidana (Medicine): Medical care of the poor can be taken in any form. These days there are free medical check ups. Almost all the hospitals and famous surgeons arrange for operations and other things. In Jaipur, you have seen the charity homes for the handicapped and polio affected people. Abhayadana (To make one fearless): It is but natural for a person to be worried about himself for food, health and education. One is always under the fear of uncertainty. The arrangement for ones living being made, he leads a fearless life and his mind works properly. We should remember that the state alone can not do all the welfare. Individuals, philanthropists, munificent and compassionate people have done more all over the world than the government. So keep in mind to do always a charitable work and deliver any good to the needy. Uttama Akincanya (Non-attachment) Uttama Akincanya, means I am something, I am great, I am the doer, 'I' (this sort of pride brings downfall of a person). One must shun hoarding and should develop thinking that nothing belongs to him and nothing is needed. There should be no pleasure in possessions and no pain in loss of it such ideas cause solace and serenity to a person and thus in this position he can contemplate upon self with mental peace. Gita says, "It is the foolishness of a person that he thinks that he is the doer of this thing" (Ahankara vimudhata kartahoti manyate). When a man has destroyed his pride, he becomes a saint, a great thinker and his path towards liberation becomes perfect. The great Indian king Harsa, after every five years, donated his wealth and even passed over his ornaments and clothes. Donations exalt a person and bring peace in the world. Pride is of different kind's public position, wealth, scholarship, beauty, relatives, high family status and so on. One may be proud of even small things. But all these things are meant for hatred, disputes and social evils. For a proper co-existence we must not be false proud or have anything wrong with anyone. Page 288 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #302 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE Camunda Raya, the great commander-in-chief got built the greatest beautiful statue of Lord Bahubali. He was the happiest person to see this biggest statue in the world. When there was the Mahamastakabhiseka (the great ablution) of this statue, the water would not flow down from head to chest even. Thousands of jars were poured upon. Why for Camunda Raya had become conceited and thought that he was the builder of this statue. All the efforts proved in vain. Then appeared an old lady with a small earthen pot but no one would allow her to anoint the lord. But on repeated requests she was allowed to do the Praksala of the statue and lo the water came down like a ware fall. Here it was the true desire of the old lady that the divine power helped her. Supreme Celibacy (Uttama Brahmacarya) Celibacy occupies a great significant and prominent place in people's life. This penance protects one's body and develops his soul. Such person can well lead family life properly. Husband and wife should be satisfied and contented with each other and should have good reciprocal good regard. Celibacy makes one daring, fearless, happy and well intended. Apart from the nine commands celibacy has been given as the tenth command to be observed on all the ten days of Paryusana and then there must be restrictions according to own itself. It may be Astami Caturdasi (8th and 14th days of the month). To indulge in extra sexual affairs may lead to diseases and fear at the heart. Celibacy has been included as the fourth vratas- non-violence, truth, non- stealing, celibacy and non- attachment. Kundakundacarya says: Taha vi ya sacche date bamhe, aprigmahattne cheval Kirdi ajjhavasanam jan, tena dubajjhade punnamtta II One who observes and follows these five vratas becomes meritorious and leads a happy life. In case of a house holder these five vratas are known as Anuvratas. They are given a sort of relaxation in observing these fasts. The pontiffs have to follow strictly all the five vratas. If one follows celibacy says Yogasastra, Cira yusah susansthana, dr dhasam hanana narahl Tejasvino mahavirya, bhaveryurbrahmacaryatah| 4 Yogasastra, Hemcandra, 105 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 289 of 385 Page #303 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ One gets longevity, able-bodied, his health becomes solid, valiant and a thoughtful person. See the importance of celibacy says Bhartrhari, Vyalo malyaguayate, virharasah piyusavarsayate | Yasyangeakhilaloka vallabhamatam, silamsamunmilitam|| A serpent can turn into a garland, poison may turn into nectar. One who is observing celibacy he enjoys the greatest happiness of life. Husband and wife they have a very important relation of faith to each other and devotion to each other in their happiness and sorrows. If the sanctity of this relation is violated it is a great sin. A man should regard other women as mother, sister, and daughter according to their age. Similarly a woman should regard other man as father brother on according to their age. Ravana the greatest scholar of the world kidnapped Sita though he had several wives in his harem but only due to being bewitched by her beauty. The result was great battle, killings of several people and destruction of kingdom and a bad name to this day. Thus the observance of these ten commandments inspire you to take a right path in life and thus become a law abiding good citizen standing for cooperation and fraternity with the whole world. Page 290 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #304 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.4.4.1 Detachment (Vitaragata) for Householders (Sravaka) Dr. Shugan C. Jain Tina bhuvana ka sara vitaraga vijnanata Siva svarupa sukhakara namaho triyoga samharaka/CD1 Science of detachment is the essence of the three worlds because it results in attaining liberation and so I bow to it with full control of my three activities (MBS). Samyama, Svadhyaya and Samayika are the three methods which I feel enable us, the householders to enhance our progress in spiritual purification. Why? Samyama is to enhance our control over sensual urges. A vitarags is also known as Jina or Jinendra i.e. the one who has completely won his sensual urges i.e. not disturbed or allured by them. Provision of external penance, like fasting, unodari, rasa-prityaga etc. are to enhance self-restraint. Similarly the concept of gunavratas and siksavrats as part of householder's vows are given to enhance our self-restraint. Svadhyaya is the study of self. Normally it implies reading a holy text about sva (self/soul) and ways to attain supreme self state. The various aspects of svadhyaya as mentioned in Jain literature involve study, repeated study, asking questions, contemplation and teaching as seen in the DV verse: Kundakunda suggests that in this fifth ara, we should focus on this which is a part of internal penance just before meditation as auspicious and pure meditation are difficult to practice. Samayika is svadhyaya to large extent. Samayika is the essence of the Jain spiritual and ethical practice. Accordingly it is included as the 1st essential duty (1st out of six avasyakas), XXXVI/10 (i) Sajjhaye va niyuttena savvadukkhavimokkhane, Uttaradhyayana Sutra (ii) Bhagavati Aradhana 107 (iii) Uttaradhyayana Sutra XXVI/37 (iv) Ibid. XXIX/18 (V) Brihadkalpa-bhasya 1224 (vi) Uttaradhyayana Sutra XXX/34 2 (i) Sutrakrtanga 1.2.2.17 (ii) Ibid. 1.2.2.20 (iii) Mulacara, 23 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 291 of 385 Page #305 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Pr parama STUDIES first Siksavratas (ninth vow out of twelve consisting of five Anuvratas, three Gunavratas and four Siksavratas), 2nd Pratima / Pratijna (of the 11 stages of the spiritual purification of householders) and the type of perfect conduct (samayika-caritra) practiced by Jain monks and householders alike. It is said that the householder while performing samayika is like a monk for the period of samayika, as he has withdrawn himself from all worldly activities and focuses on just self. Monks are required to be in a state of samayika all the time. Samayika means samaya, which literally means soul (Jnata-drsta), or to be one with the soul or the process to be one with the soul. This implies withdrawing the activities of the mind, speech and body from their wandering nature and focusing on own self soul. Gommatasara (Jiva-kanda) describes samayika as, withdrawing from all other entities / things and manifesting / focusing on the soul only. 'Na hi samyena vina dhyanam' or without equanimity, the practitioner cannot even start his meditation practice4. Jinabhadra goes to the extent of saying, 'Like space (akasa, one of the six substance types) is the basis of providing place to all substances to exist, so is samayika the basis of all virtues. He further says samayika is the essence of the 14 purvas. Equanimity means suppression or destruction of attachment and aversion, indifference to pain and pleasure and stable state of mind leading the practitioner to enjoy the nature of his self / soul. Thus while the practicing monk or householder is performing samayika, his mind becomes like a tranquil ocean free of any type of disturbance and hence no new karmas are bonded during that period. Attachment and aversion; pleasure or pain; birth and death; etc. do not disturb his mental state (state of samvara) as he does not regard all these as the nature of self. Samayika is the positive way of submerging the activities of mind, body and speech in the Atman. The seven requisites; namely: place, time, posture, meditation, and the threefold purities, namely, mental purity, bodily purity and vocal purity, are necessary for the successful performance of Samayika. That place, which is free from disturbing noise, gathering of persons, and insects like mosquitoes, flies, etc, is the suitable place for Samayika. In other words, the place of silence (iv) Savayapannatti, 313 (vi) Uttaradhyayana Sutra XXIX/9 3 Sammatta nana samjam tavehim jam tam pasatthasamagamanam/ Samaya m tu ta m tu bhanida m tameva samayiyam jana// Mulacara, 519 Page 292 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #306 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga and solitude, whether it is a forest, a house, a temple or any other place, should be chosen to perform Samayika. Samayika should be performed three times a day, i.e., in the morning, noon and evening. The great Amrtacandra says that the householder should consider the act of Samayika as obligatory and perform it at least twice a day, i.e., in the morning and evening. He further. remarks that its performance at other times will conduce towards the enhancement of the spiritual and moral characteristics; hence it is not improper, but beneficial. Sitting and standing postures are generally recommended for the performance of Samayika. The aspirant should start with a time according to his inclinations and capabilities enhancing it to say 48 minutes (antarmuhurta) by purging the mental and sensual pleasures by concentrating on the sermons of the Jina, adopt submissive and surrendering gestures, and finally, either repeat the devotional hymns mentally or absorb himself in self-meditation. 4 STUDIES Bhadrabahu has classified Samayika in three categories namely; Samyaktva to firm up the practitioner's beliefs in the Moksa Marga and provides him the knowledge of discrimination. Performing Samayika Samayika has certain pre-requisites i.e. the person indulging in it should have right belief in Tattvartha, practice equanimity and self control else it is only pretence. Only a person who is aware and conscious of self-restraint, vows, austerities and soul can perform Samayika. Further the person should be able to win over the afflictions (parissahas) else he will get distracted during Samayika. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 It is performed in kayotsarga posture i.e. standing facing north and hands hanging down and seven centimeters away from the body, legs about 10 centimeters apart or in a padmasana and takes a vow to withdraw from the world for the period of Samayika. He then recites Navakara nine times silently and bows his head with his hands folded and moving them in clockwise direction three times. He performs this routine facing each of the four directions. Then he sits in kayotsarga posture. Trasa thavara ki karuna kini, jiva na eka viradhyo/ Tinakala samayika karatan suddha upayoga na sadhyo// Samakita ki Sajjhaya, Sri Pancapratikramana-sutra, p.417 5 Dehe ya padibaddho kausagge havai tassa/ Avasyaka Niryukti 1548 Page 293 of 385 Page #307 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ jayAya pakSa He then recites Navakara (108) with auspicious (mangala) and dedication (saranam) verse; Tirthamkara-vanadana, Meri-bhavana, Baraha-bhavana, Pratikramana (alocana) sutra, Samayika-patha, Samadhi-bhavana and finally takes a vow to observe self-restraint during the day completes the Samayika. The first four lines of the Samayika Patha given below beautifully describe the state of mind of the practitioner: Prem bhava ho saba jivon se, guni jano men harsa prabho/ Karuna stotra bahein dukhiyon para, durjana men madhyastha vibhol/ Yaha ananta bala sila atma, ho sarira se bhinna prabho/ Jyo hoti talvara myana se, vaha ananata bala do mujhko/6 In fact the entire poem of 32 verses when recited slowly and contemplated on is a good description of how to develop equanimity and to experience the self. The practitioner is encouraged to start performing Samayika as an essential duty in a casual way and enhance its practice as he moves higher on the path of spiritual purification in the form of 2nd Pratima and finally as 2nd Siksavrata when he takes a vow to perform Samayika three times a day of a fixed period of 48 minutes each. The monks are expected to be in a state of Samayika all the time. So let us have firm belief in our soul, make it firmer and practice the path laid for householders I will now show this concept through a number of stories /examples from Jain story literature 1. Bharata Cakravarti and the scholar 2. Hundred deaf and dumb sons of Bharata Cakravarti 3. Lord Neminatha, his marriage and attainment of omniscience 4. Uttaradhyayana : gatha 13 chapter 1: Acarya Candracuda 5. Candragupta Maurya 6. Mainasundri Annex 1. Basic virtues These are the primary characteristics or code of conduct to be followed to be called a Jain. Samayika Patha 7 Page 294 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #308 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE RS * Not eating meat, honey or alcohol i.e. any type of animal based product-involving violence. Not eating the five types of fruits containing insects. Daily visit to the temple for paying reverence and obeisance to the Omniscient. * Not eating at night Not getting involved in gambling Consuming water that is strained i.e. purified. These virtues have to be kept and practiced for the entire life. Without observing these, one cannot progress on the path of spiritual development and appreciate the same. Daily duties (called six avasvakas) Jain literature prescribed six essential duties of householders to be performed daily. Devapuja causes refinement or reaffirmation of the right belief in the principal of non violence, science of detachment and capabilities of the self (atma or jiva). Svadhyaya causes enhancement of the right knowledge about Jain principals. The other four essential duties when performed causes refinement in the right conduct of the practitioner. The six essentials are: i. Devapuja or worshiping the omniscient lords. ii. Gurupasana or paying obeisance to the holy - teachers. iii. Svadhyaya or self study of spiritual development literature iv. Samyama or self control v. Tapa or observing austerities vi. Dana or performing charitable activities. Svetambara Jains however follow the same essential for householders and sramanas namely: i. Samayika or practice of equanimity; ii. Caturvinsatistava or praise twenty four Tirthamkars; iii. Vandana or veneration of the mendicant teachers; iv. Pratikramana or expiation for transgression; v. kayotsarga, abandonment of the body / relaxation vi. Pratyakhyana, renunciation of certain foods etc. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 295 of 385 Page #309 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.4.5 Sallekhana (as per Jain holy text) Dr. D. N. Bhargava Introduction The body is the means and not the end; it is a means to attain liberation. One has to leave the body at the end. The Jainas, therefore, prescribe for saking food (and sometimes even water) and leave the body with equanimity under certain circumstances. This is known as Sallekhana or Santhara. This is supposed to end or shorten the mundane existence of the soul in the whirlpool of transmigration from one life to another. This is allowed only if one feels that he or she is not able to perform his religious duties with efficiency anymore. A healthy person who is physically fit is not allowed to take up Sallekhana. There is inscriptional proof that Jain monks, nuns and householders have been observing Sallekhana for the last two thousand years. The inscription of Sravanabelagola mentions that the period of this kind of fast varied from three days to one month. It would be interesting to read a description of this vrata from one of the oldest Agamas of the Jainas - the Acaranga-sutra. The portion given below is the translation by Hermann Jacobi of the original Prakrit. It is the oldest description of Sallekhana. * Knowing the twofold (obstacles, i.e. bodily and mental), the wise ones, having thoroughly learned the law, perceiving in due order (that the time for their death has come), get rid of Karman. (2) Subduing the passions and living on little food, he should endure (hardships). If a mendicant falls sick, let him again take food. (3) He should neither long for life, nor wish for death; he should for yearn after neither, life or death. (4) He who is indifferent and wishes for the destruction of Karman, should continue his contemplation. Become unattached internally and externally, he should strive after absolute purity. (5) Whatever means one knows for claming one's own life that a wise man should learn i.e. practice) in order to gain time (for continuing penance). (6) In a village or in a forest, examining the ground and recognizing it as free from living beings, the sage should spread the straw. (7) Without food he should lie down and bear the pains which attack him. He should not for too long time give way to worldly feelings which overcome him. (8) Page 296 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #310 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ * When crawling animals or such as live on high or below, feed on his flesh and blood, he should neither kill them nor rub (the wound). (9) Though these animals destroy the body, he should not stir from his position. After the asravas have ceased, he should bear (pains) as if he rejoiced in them. (10) When the bonds fall off, then he has accomplished his life. (We shall now describe) a more exalted (method) for a well-controlled and instructed monk. (11) This other law has been proclaimed by Jnatrputra: o He should give up all motions except his own in the thrice-threefold way. (12) o He should not lie on sprouts of grass, but inspecting the bare ground he should lie on * Without any comfort and food, he should there bear pain. (13) When the sage becomes weak in his limbs, he should strive after calmness. For he is blameless, who is well fixed and immovable (in his intension to die). (14) He should move to and fro (on his ground), contract and stretch (his limbs) for the benefit of the whole body; or (he should remain quiet as if he were) lifeless. (15) He should walk about, when tired of (lying), or stand with passive limbs; when tired of standing, he should sit down. (16) Intent on such an uncommon death, he should regulate the motions of his organs. Having attained a place swarming with insects, he should search for a clean spot. (17) He should raise himself above (sinfulness), and bear all pains. (18) And this is a still more difficult method, when one lives according to it: not to stir from one's place, while checking all motions of the body. (19) This is the highest law, exalted above the preceding method: o Having examined a spot of bare ground he should remain there; stay O Brahmana! (20) o Having attained a place free from living beings, he should there; fix himself. * * * He should thoroughly mortify his flesh, thinking: o There are no obstacles in my body. (21) o Knowing as long as he lives the dangers and troubles; the wise and restrained (ascetic) should bear them as being instrumental to the dissolution of the body. (22) STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 297 of 385 Page #311 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ o He should not be attached to the transitory pleasures, nor to the greater ones; should he not nourish desire and greed. Looking only for eternal praise. (23) o He should be enlightened with eternal objects, and not trust in the delusive power of the gods; a Brahmana should know of this and cast off all inferiority. (24) o Not devoted to any of the external objects he reaches the end of his life; thinking that patience is the highest good, he (should choose) one of the described three) good methods of entering nirvana. (25) Thus I say. Spiritual Way of Meeting Death The end of life is death. All is well that ends well. If one becomes disturbed at time of death it has a great impact on his future. One has to be careful that he is able to perform his religious duties. And his body becomes a burden on him rather than serving as a means of a monk, is expected to face death with equanimity and voluntarily. Of course, the wisest from of death is that of a perfect soul who has attained the summum bonum of his life and who will not take any birth after his death. The second form of death is one who has been following spiritual past to the best of his capabilities but has stopped short of perfection and, therefore, he leaves his body voluntary in case of a situation where his body his body does not help him in spiritual practices. He forsakes food. The third stage is that of a householder who has practiced partial self control but could not take up monk's life but at the time of death he also for sakes food and faces death with equanimity. The forth type of death is of a person who has believed in wrong principles of life. We have thus the last vow of asceticism called Sallekhana or Santhara where one faces death with equanimity by facing death voluntarily. The nature of Sallekhana is such that one is likely to confuse it with suicide. The Jain Acaryas have, therefore is justified if the body becomes incapable of observance of vratas. In view of what has been said above, Sallekhana has been recommended when someone is confronted with calamity, famine, senility, disease, and when the sustenance of spiritual practices is endangered. Sallekhana can also be practiced at a time when the natural death Page 298 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #312 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Transgressions of Sallekhana-vrata Tattvartha-sutra gives the following five transgressions of Sallekhana-vrata. SCHOOL is known to be at hand. It is better to die a voluntary death with self-control than try to save the body in vain, when it ceases to respond to medical treatment. OF The idea underlying Sallekhana is not mere flagellation of the body but denial of passions also. Voluntary death is not as difficult as upholding self-control, when the vital forces leave the body. If the mind is not pure at the last moment, the life-long self-control study, austerity, worship and charity become futile, just as a king, well versed weapons, is not good if he faints in the battle-field. * SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga * STUDIES 1. Desire to live (jivitasamsa) 2. Desire to die (maranasamsa) 3. Remembrance of friends (mitranuraga) 4. Revival of past pleasure (sukhanubandha) 5. Expectation of future prosperity (nidana) We explain below the aticaras of Sallekhana-vrata: Jivitasamsa. Pujyapada explains it is reluctance to leave this body. Asadhara thinks that the desire to listen to one's own praise from those who surround the dying person constitutes this aticara. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Maranasamsa Pujyapada explains it as desire for quick death. Mitranuraga. This includes remembering one's friends, games of childhood, merry festivities etc. the Svetambaras do not recognize this aticara. Sukhanubandha. This means recollection of past comforts and pleasures. * Nidana: One should not desire sensual satisfaction in the next life as a reward for performance. Page 299 of 385 Page #313 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ yAya gharamA B.4.5.1 Samadhimarana (Santhara / Sallekhana) Justice N. K. Jain Sallekhana, saryasa, samadhi, nirupadhi and viriyamarana are all synonyms of Sallekhana. According to religious texts, it is an eternal law that an entity, which is born, has to die also. One can die prematurely also due to the activation of inauspicious karmas (papa karma). One can earn auspicious or meritorious karmas by practicing religious austerities intelligently and die peacefully when one is faced with incurable diseases or old age makes it clear that the end is approaching fast. If one does not practice religious austerities, then he/she earns inauspicious karmas. In this way death is inevitable in both situations and according to the philosophy of rebirth, he / she has to enjoy the fruits accordingly in their next birth/s. All living beings know that body and soul are different and distinct but from eternity the belief that body and soul are one has taken root. He is busy enjoying the subjects of five senses and four passions (anger, deceit, greed and pride) and hence could never understand the real nature of the soul /self. Until one understands the true nature of self i.e. intuition, knowledge and bliss; he will continue to be deluded in attachments and aversions with other living and non living beings and hence keep on accumulating karmas resulting in the endless cycle of birth-death. Until one experiences the true nature of pure soul, he cannot eliminate the attachment and aversion with other living and non-living beings. By eliminating attachment and aversion, we will have neither enemies nor friends and a state of equanimity will develop instead. Equanimity will result in dissociation of accumulated karmas and further bondage will be stopped. But it is not easy to suppress or destroy desire. Until we acquire complete knowledge about the nature of self, we cannot understand this fact / reality. By taking a vow not to indulge in sinful and ill activities along with repenting upon the wrong deeds done, and contemplating on the nature of the self, developing belief in it (nature of self) and practicing right conduct can stop influx and bondage of new karmas, penance lausterities will then dissociate all existing karmas resulting in attaining the pure state of the self. This knowledge of the true nature of self is possible only in the company and with the blessings of the monks and holy teachers. Here I will like to emphasize that till recently, knowledge of yoga, pranayama, meditation etc was available to a privileged few even though these were explained in details in the holy Page 300 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #314 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ texts of various Indian philosophies. But now the situation has changed. Yoga, its practice and such techniques had been taught to common persons for whom the credit goes to our sadhus, acaryas and teachers. As a result a number of people tried to understand Yoga and then started practicing it to maintain good health, concentrate their mind on useful and productive activities and move forward on the spiritual path of purification. Hence it is important to know correct and specific spiritual purification activities. Till now, even I was ignorant about Sallekhan, and Sarthara. Now after some efforts, I have found detailed and crisp description of these two doctrines and techniques in Jain literature. Keeping these in mind, I am making a humble attempt of writing this paper to arouse interest of others also on the subject. Jain philosophy has detailed discussion on the doctrine and practice of Sallekhana. True and eternal nature of the self is knowledge and perception (jnata-drasta). By accepting body and self as same, one cannot understand the true nature of self. But he is an intelligent one who understands body, sensual organs as distinct from the self /soul. By suppressing the desires, the soul gets purified easily. Virtues (dharma) can exist in a pure soul only and it helps in making the self purer. Soul, which is free from the karmic bondage, is called paramatma. Once the soul achieves this pure state, it stays happy in all lives to come. Jain religion is one of the ancient religions that prescribe the human values. This religion not only talks about human welfare but also extends it to the animal world. Jain religion asserts that consciousness is present not only in humans, but in all animal world, for example elephant and even ant. This has been emphatically stated on the basis of experience by the first Tirthamkara Rsabhadeva and reemphasized by the 24th Tirthamkara Mahavira. All this knowledge was traditionally handed to the Srutakevalis and finally to the acaryas who codified it. This tradition is still maintained by the acaryas, monks, spiritual leaders, intelligible beings etc. None of the Tirthamkaras were born in the Jain tradition. There were from the Ksatriya / Yadava class. They traversed the path themselves and showed the path of winning oneself. The one who wins his own self is the Jina and who is worshipper and follower of Jina is Jain. Samadhimarana (Santhara / Sallekhana) is the path that changes the life of the individual and is mentioned in the Jain philosophical scriptures and other literature. The issue of death STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 301 of 385 Page #315 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama AN STUDIES is also discussed in other religious and philosophical system, but does not discuss as the rite of the end. They discuss it only from the point of view of attaining siddhis (divine powers) and to know the self (atma saksatakara). In Vedic literature this path is one among the 16 sanskaras (rituals of life) and also known as Mrtyu Sanskara. Even if this is the last ritual of life, even any lay follower performs this. It is worth noticing that this rite by Hindus is performed for the pleasures and the gifts are given in the name of the dead one. We get a little insight about such death as a spiritual death, or for Moksa. There is less information on the nature of liberation, that is, to liberate oneself from life and death. In Jainism, on the other hand the importance is wholly on the spiritual death and liberation. In this rite, since there are no passions involved, there is no bondage on the soul. There are many such examples of lay followers, monks, saints, who after renouncing (diksa), undertake the rite of Sallekhana. They destroy their attachments, cravings and hatred; along with it they also destroy craving for food etc and do tapa with equanimity to give up their body. They free themselves from Karmas and attain liberation. Not all are fortunate to follow this path. Pandita Asadhara in his Sagaradharmamrta has extensively written on this issue and has mentioned that Sallekhana is under taken when a person lives his life with a holistic approach. Kundakundacarya (1st cent.A.D.) has mentioned in his Caritra Pahuda (Gatha No; 26) about the special rite of Sallekhana. Samantabhadra (2nd cent A.D) in his Ratnakarandasravakacara shows that this type of death is necessary: upasarge durbhikse, jarasi rujayam ca nih pratikarel dharmaya tanuvimocanamahuh sallekhanamaryah||1 i.e. when faced with hurdles, famine, old age, or disease; one should for religion observe Sallekhana. To discard ones body in this way is called Sallekana. Further he states, Page 302 of 385 antakriyadhikaranam tapahaphalam sakaladarsinah stuvatel tasmat yavadvibhavam samadhimarane prayatitavyam ||2 1 Ratnakarandasravakacara, Sloka- VI.122 2 Ibid VI.123 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #316 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ At the end of life when one attains such a death it is considered as the fruit of tapa. That is why to attain such a death should be the aim of one's life. With this the Indian seers have attained the heights of knowledge of the self. At the point of death if there are no passions the person discards body without any pain and does not have any fear of death and dies calmly. One who is capable to attain a good destiny (gati) on his own, attains so; and when he attains so, the previous bad karmas cannot do anything, but if at the moment of death there is a mental distress even the good karmas will not help him for a good gati (state of existence). In this manner a series of bad destinies continues. Hence it is worth to notice the significance of Sallekhana. taptasya tapasascapi palitasya vratasya ca pathitasya srutasyapi phalam mrtyu samadhinal 3 It means penance, followed by observing vows, and reading scriptures give the fruits when one attains the Samadhimarana, otherwise all is futile. One should not therefore doubt that, "when all things happen with Samadhimarana, only, than why should one do japa-tapa, one will attain Samadhi at the end of life." But one should not think likewise, instead engaging oneself in tapa, lessening ones passion, will lead to a proper Samadhi death. Probably this is the reason that Kundakunda has given this death a place in Siksa Vrata. In Samadhimarana and the tapa as a form of conduct there is a causeeffect relationship. When difficulties or sudden death arise or any wild animal attacks or fire or storm occurs; the practice of tapa alone helps. If one spends his whole life in conduct and at the moment of death deviates from the self, then the dosa does not fall on conduct, but possibly lack of self-effort on his part and the lack of self-discipline. Acarya Sivakoti says, "When there is no rescue, when wild animals approach you, on proper conducive food is attained in famine, when no proper rules of conduct can be followed or when old age appears or when disease are there, in such a case it is necessary to take Sallekhana and abandon the body." One who does sadhana is a seeker. At the time of death one who engages in his soul is also a seeker. At the end of life, to see body and soul as different and to overcome attachment to 3 Mrtyu Mahotsava 16 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 303 of 385 Page #317 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ the body one has to take refuge in Sallekhana. If for the whole life one does tapa, but at the end engages in attachment and hatred, his life goes a waste. Acarya Sivakoti says, "One attains many lives if he cannot sustain a proper death even if he in his whole life works for Jnana, darsana, caritra. But on the other hand if Sallekhana is pursued the seeker enjoys the bliss." Upasakadhyayana says, "Aspirant who is doing fasting etc and engaged in studying to overcome passions, such a person should come to the samgha and undertake Sallekhana.4 Acarya Sivakoti has highly envisaged Sallekhana, says, one who dies at instant that is at that moment with sallekhana, he never lives more than 7to 8 lives. Expressing the importance of sallekhana, he further writes, "One who is fully engaged in service of a sallekhana practitioner also attains the pleasures of the devagati or heavenly destiny and than attains the highest place (liberation). Similarly Pujypada Devanandi (6th Cent A.D.) in his Sarvathasiddhi highlights the importance and necessity of Sallekhana and says death is not liked by all. If at all the disease attacks the body, one a seeker who takes sallekhana, automatically is liberated from the effect of the disease. Acarya Amrtacandra, in his purusarthasiddhaupaya (10th Cent A.D.), wrote, "When death is nearing and it is confirmed at that time when the aspirant is on the path of liberating from passions, how is it that the self is destroyed. One who is engaged in activities with anger, his self is definitely destroyed".5 All the tirthankaras, acaryas, saints, monks, gurus, have asserted this path as necessary for the well-being of all humans. Sagaradharmarta describes describe the concept of sallekhana in following verses 8/1, 8/6, 8/7-8, 8/9, 8/12 and 9/2. In Bhagavati Aradhana there are around 2500 gathas, and there are reflections on sallekhana in numbers 25, 28, 64, 65 and others. In this text there is a vast description on one of the death called Bhakta Pratyakhyana. * Upasakadhyayana, 896 Purusarthasidhyupaya, 177 Page 304 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #318 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ A sinner who has committed sins throughout his life; even if he asks forgiveness at the end he liberates himself from the guilt. In the similar manner a sinner if undertakes sallekhana at the end of his life can attain a good state of existence. Even Vedic literature mentions that one who repents for sins attains a place near God (vaikuntha). Ajamila, committed sins through out his life; but towards the end repented by taking the name of Narayana he attained Vaikuntha. Jivandharakumara said Namokara Mantra to a dying dog and Tirthamkara Parsvanatha uttered this mantra to snakes dying in fire. The snakes attained the devagati. Even Manusmrti mentions about sallekhana. Sant Kalidasa, Kabir, Tukarama also have mentioned about it. After the war of Mahabharata, Bhisma also asked for voluntary death. Sallekhana is a special tapa, which is done for spiritual growth and self development. Hence after attaining such a death only very few births are left for the person to attain liberation. Once all the karmas are gone liberation is attained Sallekhana. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 305 of 385 Page #319 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.6.0.a Uttaradhyayana-sutra Dr. Priyadarshana Jain Introduction The Uttaradhyayana-sutra occupies an important place in Jaina canonical literature; it is a representative work of Sramanic current of thought. It is important for its spiritual fervor, ethical notes, historical references, interesting stories, striking metaphors, inspiring dialogues, besides rituals and code of conduct of an aspirant treading on the path of emancipation. We find in the Uttaradhyayana-sutra an in-depth analysis of almost all matters relating to life and living, particularly art of right living. It makes a thorough analysis of the internal mind, which is a storehouse of energy as well as of the external world, which is the work place of all mundane souls. In a way it is the 'Gita' of the Jains, hence its importance is non-debatable. The content of the Uttaradhyayana-sutra is relevant in all times and is for all people. It is a mini encyclopedia of Jaina faith and practices spread over thirty-six chapters. The depth of Jaina Philosophy and the vastness of contents are two unique features of the Uttaradhyayana-sutra. Jaina Philosophy, Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics, Sociology, Psychology are some of the heads under which the Uttaradhyayana-sutra can be studied. The agamas (scriptures) are the sacred texts of the Jains. They are revealed by Apta i.e. an omniscient considered as an authoritative personages and compiled by the ganadharas i.e. principal disciples of the fordmaker / tirthamkaras and practiced by ascetics [a + ma + mal. They had been handed down through an oral tradition and were documented nearly 1000 years after Lord Mahavira's nirvana (emancipation). We get four classifications of the agamas: 1 Classification 14 Purvas and 12 Angas. Classification II Four Anuyogas. Classification III Arga-pravista and Anga-bahya Classification IV Anga, Upanga, Mula and Cheda Sutras. The Uttaradhyayana-sutra is an Angabahya Mula-agama and is not compiled by the ganadharas but revealed by Lord Mahavira before his nirvana. Mula means fundamental or Uttaraijhayanani - Introduction by Mahaprajna, p. 4 Page 306 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #320 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Chapter Title 1 2 3 root. Thus Uttaradhyayana-sutra is an mulasutra for the fundamentals of Jaina beliefs and practices are discussed, it is the original revelation of Lord Mahavira and its study is a prerequisite for the study of the Jaina canonical literature. The Uttaradhyayana-sutra is written in Uttaradhyayana-sutra style in which the words are less but the meanings they convey are comprehensive and in-depth. Uttara + Adhyayana, Uttara means answers or excellent or last and adhyayana means study or lessons. Thus Uttaradhyayana means the lessons revealed later or last, some chapters are in question and answer style and it also means excellent lessons. Tradition reveals that it is the last sermon of Lord Mahavira discoursed at Pavapuri, Bihar. It is in Ardhamagadhi and it is partly in prose, mostly in poetry and some chapters are a mixture of both. The language of Acaranga and Sutrakrtariga is comparatively archaic and so is that of Uttaradhyayana. It is a representative work of 600 B.C to 400 A.D. The subject matter of all the four Anuyogas, Carananuyoga- ethics, Dharmakathanuyoga-stories, Ganitanuyoga- calculations and Dravyanuyoga metaphysics are spread throughout Uttaradhyayana-sutra. Vinaya Parisaha Commentary Literature Of all the agamas the Uttaradhyayana-sutra is the most popular work and widely commented upon. After the Tattvartha-sutra we find so many publications of the Uttaradhyayana-sutra and it is because of the contents, parables, illustrations, simple narrative style and the indepth analysis of the topics discussed. We have its Niryukti by Bhadrabahu II, a Curni by Gopalika Mahattara Sisya, Brhadvrtti by Vadibetala Santisuri, Sukhabodha-tika by Nemicandra Suri and around a dozen other commentaries.3 A glance at the 36 chapters of the Uttaradhyayana-sutra gives us an idea of the variety of the contents. Chapterisation of Uttaradhyayana-sutra Caturangiya - 2 An Introduction to Uttarajjhayana by R.P. Poddar 3 Uttarajjhayanani - Introduction by Mahaprajna, p.4 Subject Discipline Afflictions SCHOOL 4 Essentials OF STUDY NOTES version 5.0 EXI SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga STUDIES Page 307 of 385 Page #321 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL ONAL OF TAN STUDIES SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Parenta parama 4 5 6 7 Page 308 of 385 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Asamskrta Akamamaraniya Ksullaka Nirgranthiya Young ascetic Urabhriya Kapilya Namipravrajya Drumapatraka Bahu sruta Harike siya Chitta Sambhuta Ikkhukariya Sabhiksuka Brahmacarya Papa-sramaniya Sanjatiya Mrgaputriya Mahanirgranthiya Samudrapaliya Rathanemiya Kesi Gautama Pravacanamata Yajniya Samacari Irreparability of life Art of dying Khalunkiya Parable of the lamb Conquering greed Jaina spirituality Awakened life The learned one Austerity and Yajna Bitter fruits of volition Renunciation Qualities of an ascetic Celibacy Sinful sage Fearlessness and King Sanjaya Detachment of the Body Biography of Anathi Muni Fruits of deeds done Steadiness in restraint Dialogue between the two Mother of ascetics True Yajna Duties of an ascetic Parable of bullocks STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #322 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Moksamarga-gati Path of emancipation Samyaktva Parakrama Right exertion Tapomarga Austerities Caranavidhi Conduct Apramadasthana Causes of negligence Karma-prakrti Karma theory Lesya Colouring of the soul Anagaramarga Asceticism Jivajiva-vibhakti Description of soul and matter Essence of Uttaradhyayana-sutra as revealed by Mahavira Philosophy of Mahavira is the wisdom of the self, the inner, pure transcendental self. Metaphysics (Tattava Mimansa) enables us to develop faith in it, epistemology (Jnana Mimansa) imparts its knowledge and ethics (Acara Mimansa) inspires the aspirants to nurture spirituality and take to the prescribed rituals for self-realization and perfection. Faith, knowledge and practice-together they lead the aspirant on the pathway of emancipation. Ethics is the practice for highest good, through metaphysics one believes in the transcendental and knows very well the limitations of the senses, the basis of metaphysics is the Epistemology i.e. revelations of the all-knowing omniscient tirthamkara / Arhat. When the three together are blended in spirituality, they serve the purpose of enlightenment. Thus Spirituality is for the God in man and ethics is for the man in Society and Uttaradhyayanasutra serves both these purposes. Mahavira experienced this spirituality, practiced the ethics thereupon became omniscient and enlightened and lastly revealed the truth; hence his philosophy of Anekanta (multiplicity of viewpoints) and his religion of Ahimsa (non-violence) are universal and for all times and for all people. The social evils like slavery, Casteism, animal sacrifices etc that were there in the society at the time of Lord Mahavira, too have been addressed in the Uttaradhyayana-sutra. One can see the influence of Mahavira and the Sramanic thought on the social, political and also on the philosophical schools of that time. So many verses that appear in the Uttaradhyayanasutra can be traced in the Mahabharata, Bhagavadgita, Manusmrti, Dhammapada etc. The STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 309 of 385 Page #323 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama STUDIES Uttaradhyayana-sutra is a song of the soul, it teaches the art of right living as well as the art of right dying. Winternitz, while introducing the Jaina canons says that "With rare exceptions the sacred books of the Jainas are written in a dry-as-dust, matter-of-fact, didactic tone, seldom instinct with that general human interest which so many Buddhist texts possess. Uttaradhyayana-sutra is one of his 'rare exceptions'. As a religious poem he holds it to be the most valuable portions of the canon, its oldest nucleus belonging to the ascetic poetry of India and having its parallel in the Buddhist literature such as the Suttanipata and the Dhammapada. Based on the contents the Uttaradhyayana-sutra can be treated under the following heads4. Section I || III Head Monastic Teachings Legendary Tales and Dialogues 9, 12-14, 18-23, and 25. Dogmatic Discourses 24, 26, 28-31, 33, 34, 36. Chapters 1-8, 10, 11, 15-17, 27, 32, 35. Let us briefly study the contents of the Uttaradhyayana-sutra under the heads given below. Section I, Monastic Teachings, Chapters 1-8, 10, 11, 15-17, 27, 32, 35: Chapter I is a sermon on discipline (Vinaya). Vinaya is the root of all virtues. One who is disciplined alone can surrender and shine in life. Humility is a virtue of the wise and arrogance is the root of evil. An arrogant disciple is no good for the society. The Uttaradhyayana-sutra gives two similes to drive home the significance of humility and discipline. Just as a bitch with rotten ears is shunned from all places, an undisciplined arrogant soul suffers endlessly; and just as a pig shuns the rice grains and feeds itself on excreta, the foolish disciple gives up the teachings of the wise and is a lost case for himself, for the teacher and for society. The discipline of an ascetic who has renounced all mundane bondages is enumerated along with the fruit of the discipline. The spiritual message in Uttaradhyayana-sutra is summarized in verse 15 and 16. It is said that it is better to conquer oneself rather than be conquered by others. One who does so will be happy in this world and in the next. One ought to conquer oneself by self-restraint and austere practices instead of being controlled by others. An Introduction to Uttarajjhayana by R.P. Poddar Page 310 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #324 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Human birth with humanitarian qualities like compassion etc. Opportunity to hear the true sermons Steadfast faith in truth Exertion in self-restraint INTERNATIO SCHOOL 5 Uttaradhyayana-sutra 3.1 6 Ibid 3.9, 12 Ibid 3.9, 12 7 OF Chapter II gives the details of the 22 afflictions faced by an ascetic during the course of this spiritual journey. Chapter III teaches time management and describes the four difficult requisites: (XI) IN STUDIES STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga The commentary on the Uttaradhyayana-sutra informs that due to the following reasons one is not able to have right knowledge: laziness, delusion, disobedience, pride, anger, ignorance, tension, pleasure, gambling, etc. It is said that rational faith is difficult to acquire and it abides in a straightforward soul.5 tapaH * Chapter IV inspires us to be awakened and alert in life. Life is ephemeral and the time that passes away can never be got again, hence do not be negligent even for a while reminds the 10th chapter. Money, riches, kith and kin none can save the soul from old age, disease and death. One who conquers his desires can be freed from all miseries. Chapter V teaches the art of dying and discusses in detail the death of a wise man and that of a fool. Death is inevitable and the brave face it with calm and poise. Chapter VI informs that ignorance is bondage and the ignorant are subject to pain and suffering in the web of transmigration. The wise give up the ten types of external possessions and fourteen types of internal possessions. The purpose of human life is to practice self-restraint in order to annihilate the karmas and to purify oneself. A self-realized ascetic lives like a bird not possessing anything and not saying anything for the morrow. He searches for the truth all by himself and nurtures friendliness towards all creatures. This has been revealed by allknowing all-seeing Arhat, Jnataputra Lord Mahavira.7 Chapter VII reveals the philosophy of Mahavira through parables. Altogether four parables appear in this chapter and there are around 50 parables in the whole of Uttaradhyayana-sutra that makes the reading interesting. The parable of the lamb informs us that as a lamb is fed with rice and green grass only to be Page 311 of 385 Page #325 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama STUDIES slaughtered for a feast, so the deluded people feed themselves on worldly pleasures to suffer the pangs of hell. Gatha 7.6 informs us the causes of hell as attachment, taking to non-vegetarian food intense violence and having immense possessions. Just as a fool loses a thousand gold coins for a penny so also the deluded souls lose this precious human birth for mundane pleasures. Just as a king eats the forbidden mango and loses his kingdom so also the ignorant souls fall prey to sense pleasures and lose this precious life. The fourth parable is of three traders who respectively lost, retained and increased their capital. The one who loses the capital of human life symbolizes the evil and sinful people, who land in hell. The one who retains it is the man who is virtuous but not spiritually inclined. Such a person retains his human form in the next birth. The third trader who multiplies his capital symbolizes the man who is noble and spiritual and rises to higher forms of existence. This illustration of three traders has a parallel in the biblical story of the talent and pound (book of Mathews 25, 14-30, Luke 19, 11-26).8 Chapter VIII is of Kapila Kevalin and deals with the evils of worldly life and advises the spiritual aspirants to shun it. Evils of causing injury to life, greed and indulgence in women are particularly elaborated. It says greed increases with every want. The story of how greed was conquered by Kapila is told in the commentary literature as a prelude for this chapter. It is said that when Kapila recited this chapter for 500 thieves, all of them were transformed and later on renounced the world for spiritual perfection. He sang to them that contentment, self-restraint, renunciation and nonviolence are the way to happiness. Chapter X is titled Dummapattayam i.e. leaf of a tree' and is in the form of address by Mahavira to Gautama. There are 37 verses in this chapter and Lord Mahavira gives the admonition of not to be non-vigilant even for a while, 36 times. When Gautama ganadhara sees that he is not being enlightened, Lord Mahavira reveals to him that it is due to attachment for Him, hence in this context explains to him the impediments for perfection and motivates him to give up non-vigilance. Lord Mahavira says that life is ephemeral like the leaf of a tree and like a dewdrop and there are so many obstacles. It is indeed difficult to get a human birth and difficult it is to be born in a noble family where you get a chance to know yourself. Conquer yourself and realize your pure self. Having got this precious human birth one must exercise complete vigilance and should not be careless even for a while. The chapter can be summarized as: Uttaradhyayana-sutra 6.2 9 An Introduction to Uttaradhyayana-sutra, P.23 Page 312 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #326 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ "O! Children of immortality! Realize, arise and liberate yourself, Your destination is far off, The path is full of obstacles, The resources are limited, And so is time, hence Be not negligent even for a while. -Said Mahavira. Chapter XI is reverence to the Learned and it describes the characteristics of undisciplined and disciplined aspirants. Verse 11.3 informs that due to pride, anger, carelessness, disease and laziness one cannot acquire knowledge. People with the following eight qualities are worthy of acquiring knowledge. Not laughing too much, one with subdued senses, not revealing others' secrets, being chaste, not having a tainted character, not indulging in relishing tasty food, not having a short temper and one who has immense love for truth, 10 such people alone can learn and absorb the teachings of the wise and holy. Likewise the text enumerates the 14 qualities of an undisciplined ascetic who is not worthy of learning and nirvanal1 and 15 qualities of a disciplined ascetic worthy of nirvana 12 Chapter XV is titled Sabhikkhu, i.e. 'He is a true ascetic' and it enumerates the virtues of a true ascetic. A Bhiksu is one who is devoted to the contemplation of the self, detached, selfrestrained, equanimity, spiritually wise and materially selfless, dispassionate, bears all afflictions patiently, does not expect anything from anybody eats less than required and is committed to the practice of the three jewels. Chapter XVI is related to the practice of chastity. Chapter XVII is in contrast with Chapter XV for it enumerates the qualities of a fake and hypocritical monk who is idle, indolent and least interested in spiritual welfare. Again chapter XXVII too discusses the above theme of Papasramana and with the illustration of the wicked bullocks informs the readers of the bitterness faced by a teacher whose disciples are arrogant, lazy and undisciplined. 10 Uttaradhyayana-sutra 8.17 Ibid. Vol.I by Hastimalji Maharaj P. 269 12 lbid. 11.4,5 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 313 of 385 Page #327 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Chapter XXXII titled Pramadasthana enumerates the things one should be careful about and that he must uproot all causes of attachments. One, who has acquired the all-knowing, supreme knowledge, has conquered ignorance, delusion, attachment and hatred, alone reaches moksa and enjoys unobstructed happiness and bliss.14 Just as a hen is born from an egg and an egg from a hen, so also delusion springs from desire and desire from delusion.15 The seeds of karma are attachment and hatred and it springs from delusion and is the cause of birth and death and verily both birth and death are termed as misery.16 Hence there is no pain for one who has no delusion, no delusion for one who has no desire, no desire for one who is not greedy and no greed for one who possesses nothing.17 The same can be revealed as follows: Question Answer What is misery? Birth and Death What is the cause of birth and death? Karmas What are the seeds of Karma? Attachment and aversion What causes Karma? Delusion Sensual pleasures and other worldly temptations allure the soul and are the root cause of delusion and bondage. The chapter reveals that a firefly meets with death due to its attraction for light, a deer due to the temptation of sound, a snake is trapped due to its attraction for smell, a fish is hooked due to the attraction for taste, a buffalo meets with death due to its liking for touch, an elephant is trapped due to its attraction for sexual pleasure. Attraction for one sensual pleasure or the other becomes the cause of misery for each creature, what then to say of man who leads a beastly life absorbed in sensual and sexual pleasures. The verses reveal that the senses and the mind are not the cause of bondage 13 Ibid 11.6-9 14 Ibid 11-10-13 15 Introduction to Uttarajihayana P.30 16 Uttaradhyayana-sutra 32.2 17 Uttaradhyayana-sutra 32.6 Page 314 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #328 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATIO SCHOOL 18 OF Ibid 32.7 (XI) and suffering but the attitude of the deluded soul is the cause of bondage, and there is no fear for one who is not deluded and is a vitaragii.e. conqueror of attachment (and hatred). 18 19 Uttaradhyayana-sutra 32.8 20 Ibid 32, 21 SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga Chapter XXXV gives a glimpse of the life of a sramana who is totally committed to selfrestraint, detachment and renunciation. The last verse of this chapter heralds that one who is detached, devoid of pride, is a vitaragii.e. conqueror of attachment and for whom the influx of karma has been arrested, and in him manifests Kevalajnana i.e. omniscience and he alone finally attains nirvana. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SELF STUDY IS THE Section II, Legendary Tales and Dialogues, Chapters 9, 12-14, 18-23, 25: It is held by critics that this portion constitutes the earliest nucleus of the Uttarjjhayana. Some of these legends have their parallels in the Buddhist Jatakas. They have also intersections with the Mahabharata and the Puranas. Therefore Winternitz ascribes this portion to the common heritage of ancient Indian Ascetic Poetry.19 STUDIES Chapter IX is a brief biography of Nami Rajarsi who was a self-enlightened soul (Pratyeka Buddha). He ruled over Mithila before renouncing the world. Indra appeared before him disguised as a Brahmin priest and put before him ten challenging questions for which Nami gave profound spiritual answers. Their conversation throws light on the Varnasrama Dharma of the Brahmanic tradition, the sacrificial practices and social order at that time besides the spiritual message of the ancient Sramanic tradition which is universally relevant and is an eternal message for all spiritual aspirants. The conversation is allegorical, the questions are practical and the answers are inspiring and noteworthy. Chapter XII is about an outcaste Harikesi who rose in spiritual excellence due to austerities and righteous conduct. Sramana conduct signifies the greatest of sacrifices (Yajna). Here austerities are the fire, the soul is the fire place, converging thought, word and action - is the ladle for pouring oblations and one's accumulated karmas are the oblations to be thrown into the sacrificial fire and burnt. This sacrifice is really efficient in bringing about liberation and not the material one which involves injury to life.20 The ceremonial sacrifices of the Vedic tradition are condemned and this legendary tale is important for censuring and challenging Page 315 of 385 Page #329 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ casteism and sacrifices and for giving spiritual interpretation of the same which is nonviolence in thought, word and deed. Chapter XIII tells us the story of the lives of Citta and Sambhuta. The story is found under the same title in the Jataka stories (No. 498). The story supports the concept of karma and rebirth and the futility of casteism for spiritual welfare is again showcased. Chapter XIV is titled Isukariya in which the renunciation of six people of a place called Isukara is told. It is narrated how the king, the queen, the priest and his wife are inspired by the latter's two sons. The sons tell their Brahmin parents that no son can redeem the parents for everybody is responsible for his deeds. Nobody can be saved by Study of the Vedas or feeding Brahmins in a ceremonial sacrifice. They lead the doer of false actions from darkness to more darkness. Similarities of this tale can be seen in the Jataka (509) on one hand and Santiparvan (175/217) on the other. Chapter XVIII tells us about the renunciation of a King called Sanjaya. The king was inspired by a monk in a forest who gives him a sermon on the sin of killing and on the ephemeral nature of life and on the insignificance of power and possession.21 The chapter also gives a list of twenty sovereign monarchs who renounced the world in spite of enjoying such reputed sovereignty. The four kinds of different philosophical schools too are enumerated here and the superiority of the Nirgrantha, Anekanta order is established. It also declares the practice of non-violence superior to all world orders. Chapter XIX is about the renunciation of the Son of Mrga i.e. Mrgaputra which reveals that the pleasures of life are like sweet poison, dreadful and painful ultimately. One who embarks on a long journey without sufficient stuff for the way, comes to grief, so does a person who lives without righteousness. The chapter also says that, 'Birth and old age are miserable, so are the diseases and death, the world is full of miseries, where all living beings experience pain'. 22 Verse 19.5 mentions about the 18,000-Silenga chariot and other virtues of an ascetic. Just as one cannot fill a bag with air and one can't weigh Mt. Meru in a balance, crossing the ocean by oneself is difficult, so is restraint difficult'.23 The chapter also 21 Introduction to Uttarajjhayana Pg. 34 22 Ibid Pg 39-40 23 Introduction to Uttarajjhayana Pg.57 Page 316 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #330 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE enumerates the kinds of tortures afflicted in hell and inspires one and all to give up the Bhoga Marga and tread on the Moksa Marga. Chapter XX is a beautiful chapter and reveals a brief life history of Anathi Muni, a great spiritual saint who inspired Srenika Bimbisara to become a devoted follower of Mahavira. Jaina literature has scores of references of King Srenika and it was revealed by Lord Mahavira later on that King Srenika is going to be the first fordmaker of the forthcoming ascending era (Utsarpini kala). The narrative reveals the shelterless nature of the world and that all are Anatha i.e. shelterless in this world. Neither riches nor kith and kin can save a person from old age, disease and death. Verse 37 of this chapter reveals that the soul is the doer and enjoyer of its own karmas. When the soul treads on the right path it is its friend and when it treads on the wrong path it is its own foe. Chapter XXI tells us about a lay and handsome householder Samudrapala, who saw a criminal being taken for execution and was inspired to search the secrets of birth and death, of reward and punishment. Through his story the Uttaradhyayana preaches the essence of karma theory. As you sow, so you reap, is a natural universal law, and none can escape this law except those who have transcended the inferior self and become the supreme selves. The purpose of this precious and auspicious human life is to purify oneself and to free oneself from karmas, and the first step towards this is to know the nature of 18 fold sins and renounce them, if not minimize them to the extent possible. The chapter gives an insight into the austere and spiritual life of Samudrapala who ultimately destroyed all karmas and became an Arhat. Chapter XXII is another beautiful narrative which tells us about the legendary Aristanemi, the 22nd Tirthamkara, Rajimati his eternal lover and his brother Rathanemi. It is said that both Aristanemi and Rajimati had been man and wife for the past nine births, but in this birth Neminatha renounced the world to seek enlightenment, but Rajimati too followed his footsteps and attained Nirvana before him. The chapter also tells us about the compassionate nature of Aristanemi and his love for animals. It also tells us about his brother Rathanemi who was tempted by the worldly pleasures even though he had embraced asceticism; later he was cautioned by Rajimati and saved from sin. The commentary gives information about the Yadava clan, Krsna Vasudeva and others. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 317 of 385 Page #331 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ zAyAva para Chapter XXIII is a dialogue between Kesi and Gautama and is important for its historical content. Kesi was a follower of the Parsva order and Gautama was the first disciple of Lord Mahavira. The two great leaders met and discussed the differences of Caturyama Dharma of Parsva and the five Mahavrata order of Mahavira besides scores of philosophical, religious and spiritual details. Kesi enquired and Gautama replied and the people listened with devotion and faith and rejoiced. Ultimately Kesi accepted the five vows and became a follower of Lord Mahavira. During the conversation Gautama clarifies the little doubts of Kesi and enlightens him of the spiritual path of the Tirthamkaras, which is pure, logical, practical, eternal, universal and utmost simple. Chapter XXV highlights the "ramanic culture and the Brahmanic culture and establishes the supremacy of spirituality over Vedic rituals, non-violence over violence, wisdom over ignorance, equanimity over incoherent practices and austerities over external appearances. In the city of Varanasi, Jayaghosa enlightens his brother Vijayaghosa about the true nature of spiritual yajna and the futility of animal sacrifices and ceremonial practices. Verses 31 and 32 inform us: 'Not by Tonsure but by Equanimity one becomes a sramana, not by Chanting of Om, but by Celibacy one is a Brahmana, not by staying in a Forest but by Wisdom one becomes a Muni, not by external Appearances but by Austerities one becomes a Tapasa.' The spiritual and practical meanings of Yajna, Mahana, Sramana, Muni, Brahmana, Ksatriya etc are revealed. The dreadfulness of the world, sorrows of birth and death, karmas as the cause of transmigration are preached and the message of spirituality, detachment, contentment, self-restraint, significance of vows, righteousness etc is imparted for one and all with loving kindness. Section III, Dogmatic Discourses, Chapters 24, 26, 28-31, 33, 34, 36: Section Ill discusses the dogmatic discourses revealed in chapter 24, 26, 28-31, 33, 34 and 36. Although other lessons also contain dogmatic discourses they were interwoven with narratives and often monastic details are predominant. Chapter II, which narrates the twentytwo afflictions can be included in both sections of monastic teachings and dogmatic discourses besides Chapter XXIV, which elaborates the 5 fold samiti i.e. regulatory practices and the three fold guptis i.e. restraints. The two together make up the spiritual and physical discipline of an ascetic. The former guides the ascetic's conduct in society and the latter teaches him how to master oneself. The eight together are titled 'Pravacana-mata, the mother of all teachings. Right Conduct is stressed and elaborated in this chapter whereas the other chapters of this section are important for Right Knowledge and Right Faith. Page 318 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #332 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF Dr. Poddar remarks, 'Historians of literature and critics of the Uttarajjhayana hold the opinion that these pieces are of comparatively recent origin. Dogmatisms must have been a later formulation of the religious renaissance that gave birth to the Ardhamagadhi (and also Pali) religious literature, its first preferences naturally being religious teachings through discourses and appropriate narratives and not stuffing the audience with dogmatism. Therefore, the opinion of the historians and the critics seems plausible.24 SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga Chapter XXVI is titled samacari and reveals rules and regulations of an ascetic order. Besides ten points of code of conduct an ascetic should beginning with sunrise divide his day into four parts. The first part is for scriptural study, the second for meditation, the third for collecting alms and the fourth again for scriptural study. Likewise in the four parts of the night beginning from sunset he should study, meditate, and sleep then study in the fourth again. He should regularly practice penitential retreat (pratikrmana), expiation (prayascitta), examination of his belongings (pratilekhana) etc. 24 STUDIES Chapter XXVIII titled Moksa-marga-gati elaborates Right Austerity on the path of emancipation as well as the constituents of Right Knowledge, Right Faith and Right Conduct. The significance of each and a fine blend of all are important for emancipation. Five types of knowledge, six substances (dravyas), nine fundamentals (tattvas), description of right faith, its characteristics, its types, its significance and its eight limbs, five kinds of conduct are discussed in detail. Uttaradhyayana-sutra 19.15 25 Uttaradhyayana-sutra 19. 40-42. Chapter XIII is titled Tapomarga and discusses in detail the twelve-fold austerities. Through Tapas i.e. austerities one can destroy the karmas accumulated over crores (millions) of births.25 The divisions and sub-divisions of the six-fold eternal austerities and six-fold internal austerities are enumerated. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Chapter XXIX is Samyaktva Parakrama and contains 73 questions and answers on Right Exertion. The chapter is very important for understanding right exertion and illustrates the fruit of each act of exertion enumerated and their spiritual significance. The soul has been exerting since time immemorial but it has always been in the wrong direction. This chapter gives minute details of exerting in the right direction with right understanding and right faith. Page 319 of 385 Page #333 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Chapter XXXI is Caranavidhi and is like a mini encyclopedia of Right Conduct. Beginning with one to number thirty three it enumerates the strengths and the impediments on the path of emancipation as follows, 1 kind of non-restraint, 2 types of bondages, 3 kinds o punishments etc, 4 kinds of contemplations etc, 5-fold passions etc., 6-fold life forms etc., 7 types of fears etc., 8 kinds of pride, 9-fold celibacy, 10-fold virtues, 11-fold advanced spiritual practices of a householder, 12-fold advanced spiritual practices of an ascetic, 13 kinds of activities, 14 kinds of life forms, 15 kinds of evil gods, 16 chapters of Samavayanga, 17 types of non-restraint, 18-fold celibacy, 19 chapters of Jnata-dharmakatha, 20 places of disturbances, 21 defilements, 22 afflictions, 23 remaining chapters of Sutrakstanga, 24 kinds of celestial beings, 25 contemplations of five Mahavratas,, 26 chapters of three agamas viz Dasasrutaskandha, Brhatkalpa and Vyavahara Sutra, 27 qualities of an ascetic, 28 chapters of Acaranga, 29 subjects of false knowledge, 30 places of delusion producing karma, 31 qualities of Siddhas, 32 points on Yoga and 33 disrespects are mentioned. Notes on these are spread in different agamas particularly Samavayanga, Avasyaka, etc. Chapter XXXIII is an exposition of the eight-fold karma theory with its multifold divisions (148). The concept of karma has been thoroughly analyzed and enumerated with the minutest details in Jaina canonical literature and also in post canonical literature and Digambara literature. Knowledge and right understanding of the karma theory inspires one to be responsible and to exert for self-realization and purification without delay. The Arihantas and Siddhas serve as role models and inspire the aspirants to discover and tap the latent potential of Godhood. Chapter XXXIV elucidates the six kinds of lesyas under eleven heads. Lesyas are painting thoughts or colouring the soul in transmigration. Passions and vibrations of mind, body and speech build the aura of every individual. Colour taste, smell, touch etc. of each lesya is cited by various similes. Black lesya (Krsna) is associated with violence, cruelty and lack of restraint; blue (Nila) with jealousy, anger, ignorance, deceit and greed; grey (Kapota) with crookedness, hypocrisy and impoliteness; red (Tejo) with humility, calmness, righteousness; yellow (Padma) with gradual disappearance of passions such as anger, deceit and greed. 26 white (sukla) with purity, spotlessness, equanimity and passionless state. 26 Introduction to Uttarajjhayana Pg.66 Page 320 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #334 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE rAya parama Chapter XXXVI is about living and non-living and is the longest of all the chapters containing 268 verses. It begins with a mention of the universe (Loka) and its six constituents, viz principle of motion (Dharmastikaya), principle of rest (Adharmastikaya), space, (Akasastikaya), time (kala), matter (Pudgalastikaya) and living beings (Jivastikaya) and goes to elaborate each one in detail. The discussion on non-living and matter begins with verse 10 and ends with verse 47 and the elaboration on living things begin with verse 48 and ends vith 249. The characteristics of liberated and bonded beings are enumerated at great length. The 249th verse says that knowing the nature of living and non-living, one must logically understand them from different aspects and exercise self-restraint. Thus progressing from right knowledge, one is advised to have faith in the above revelations and take to rational conduct in order to realize and release oneself. The chapter concludes with a note on Sallekhana i.e. the art of dying. It discusses the contemplations associated with death that are to be nurtured to make death meaningful and life successful. The last verse of this chapter of the Uttaradhyayana-sutra, records thus the enlightened allknowing omniscient of the Jnatra-vania expounded the above teachings for the welfare of all living beings so that they may all accomplish and manifest their true potential and achieve eternal happiness and bliss. Thus we see that Jainism starts with a pessimistic note, progresses through optimism and culminates in pragmatism. The Uttaradhyayana-sutra gives a comprehensive picture of Jaina asceticism and sramanic culture, besides Jaina spirituality, beliefs and practices. It is indeed a great work of Ardhamagadhi Prakrit and is an immortal song of the soul. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 321 of 385 Page #335 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ pyAya parama B.6.0.b Ratnakaranda Sravakacara Prof. Bhagchandra Jain Ratnakaranda Sravakacara (RKSC) is a work of Acarya Samantabhadra of about second 3rd c. A.D. It is basically a code of conduct prescribed traditionally to a householder. The correct definition of Dharma has been provided in the Text. In fact, the author showed a path as to how the householder should lead a life. This is the unique feature of this text as it is exclusively devoted to the conduct of householders only. Accordingly Ratnakaranda Sravakacara is also called Upasakadhyayana. It consists of 150 verses in Sanskrit and is divided in five chapters as follows: Chapter Subject Right belief /Samyakdarsana Right knowledge Right conduct Siksavratas or vows to enhance the effectiveness of minor vows described in chapter 3. Sallekhana and eleven stages of householder's stages of spiritual purification. Prabhacandra in Sanskrit wrote it's most prominent commentary and the same had been translated in Hindi by Dr. Panna Lal. A number of other commentaries, like by Sadasukh Lal etc. are also popular amongst Jain households who study it literally on a daily basis and repeatedly. There is also a Kannada commentary where about 50 verses from other sources are included. The text is also there divided into seven chapters. The background of the Ratnakaranda Sravakacara is to foster understanding of religion in perspective of humanistic approach. Religion is the main source of encouragement to all who share the spirituality of enlightened teachers and their vision of humanity as one global family and the earth as one homeland. This humanitarian concept created awareness in the society particularly the under privileged and down trodden groups or classes for protection and development. I shall highlight the important features of Jainism in general and the principles of human life in particular along with its positive contribution to human life concerned with the Page 322 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #336 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE comprehension of rich heritage of social, cultural, religious, spiritual and human values in the light of Ratnakaranda Sravakacara of Acarya Samantabhadra. Its antiquity, esoteric philosophy and spirituality, ritualistic aspects in practice, literature, language and culture will manifest its contribution to the human values. Jainism is therefore called sramanism. Samantabhadra nicely dealt with the principle of humanity and human rights in the Ratnakaranda Sravakacara on the basis of old Jain tradition. Apparently the works of Acarya Kundakunda and Umasvami have affected his thinking. Meaning of Sramanism Samantabhadra used the word Sramana in the Ratnakaranda Sravakacara. Accordingly, we can state that Jainism is one of the most ancient religions based on non-violent and humanitarian approach towards all beings. It is an indigenous religion originated and developed on Indian soil with a profound progressive attitude and judicial understanding and philosophical indispensable necessities of the time. Jinas and Tirthamkaras who conquered the senses and worldly desires and attained the perfect knowledge and eternal happiness through observing the right asceticism for welfare of all animate. They are the builders of the ford, which leads across the ocean of suffering. They taught moral causation stating that have a humanitarian attitude and exhaust the bad actions of past by severe practices and asceticism. The only persons who can be helpful advisors in this sphere are those who have reached to a stage of complete moral perfection. Their religion is called Jainism and its followers are called Jains. In early period they were called sramanas (Ascetics) and their tradition is named as Sramanic tradition. The word Samana derived from the word sama (equanimity), samana (dissipation or selfcontrol) and srama (to strive). There is no spiritual improvement without persistent and sincere efforts in the right direction. This has been mentioned in the Pali Tripitaka and its commentaries at length. Jain asceticism is not a self-torturing religion, but it is the religion of penance rested on right faith, right knowledge and right conduct (Ratnatraya) which is the path of purification and emancipation from all karmas . The etymology of word "Tapa" itself means self-mortification through right actions. Non-violence along with chastity was its fundamental characteristic based on asceticism from the very start. It is not only associated with Tirthankara Mahavira or Nigantha Nataputta but his predecessors Parsvanatha and Rsabhadeva also. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 323 of 385 Page #337 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The term "Jainism" itself connotes the meaning of asceticism. It is derived from "Jina" meaning conqueror of the pleasures of senses, the spiritual victor, and free from all flaws; and the followers of Jina are called Jains. In fact, Jainism has been in existence as an independent religion even before Vedic religion came to India. It also co-existed with Vedic religion and Buddhism. Therefore, its interaction between them finds ample references to in the early literature like Rgveda, Atharvaveda, Samhitas, Upanisads, Puranas and Pali, Prakrit and Buddhist Sanskrit, literature. Acarya Samantabhadra defining the fundamental virtues of a householder says," the (observance of the) five anuvratas and refraining from the use of wine, meat and honey are regarded as the eight fundamental virtues of a householder by holy saints".! Jainism as a Religion Jainism is a dharma, synonymous with English word religion, as religion is to impose binding duties and required observances on its adherents. Hundreds of definitions of dharma and religion have been made in different perspectives. I need not go into them. As regards the Jain tradition, it has two broad meanings: one is generic in usage and the other, technical and specific to the use of the term. Dharma in technical sense is the basis for dynamism in life that helps in our movement or motion. It is opposed to adharma, stillness or rest. No other system of thought in India has conceived these two terms in such a fashion as in Jain system. It is possible that these two terms may signify the moral connotations of life with its movement and death. The generic term dharma has two levels of meaning: one is metaphysical and the other one is ethical and moral. All the definitions are related to each other with different aspects. Kundakunda, for instance, defined the dharma in several ways: Vatthu sahavo dhammo, rayanattayam ca dhammo, carittam khalu dhammo, khamadidasavino dhammo' and so on. These definitions are associated with right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, which are called Ratnatraya. The Ratnatrayas constitute together the path of emancipation from all karmas or attaining Moksa. The religion cannot be observed without Ratnatraya. Here the observation of ten kinds of religion becomes essential in Jain tradition namely: Ksama (forbearance), Mardava (humility), Arjava (uprightness), Satya (truthfulness), sauca Madhyamansamadhutyagan sahanuvratapancakam/ Astau mulagunanahurgrahinan sramanottamahll RKSC Verse 66 Page 324 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #338 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ (desirelessness), Sanyama (self-discipline), Tapa (self-mortification), Tyaga (renunciation), Akincanya (poverty), and Brahmacarya (celibacy) (Tattvarthasutra, 9.6; Thananga, 10.16 etc.). This is the generic meaning of Dharma indicating the metaphysical, ethical and moral attitude to human values standpoint (Niscayanaya). Any one could achieve this goal by one's own efforts. Non-possession, non-violence and vegetarianism have their roots in such efforts. This is the humanistic approach to the goal of life. The religion in Jain Sramana cultural system is of two types: one is pertaining to individual, and the other one is concerned with the society. Individualistic religion is meant for spiritual aggrandizement and pleasure of temporal and next world of all beings whereas the other one confines to the prosperity of the society or community for mundane gratification and nation as well. It is of view that the caste system depends on one's deeds (Kammana jati) and not on birth. Maitri friendship), Karuna (compassion), Mudita or Pramoda (sympathetic joy), and Madhyasthabhava impartiality) are the cultivation of the social emotions. According to Samantabhadra dharma is that which frees soul from the pain and misery of embodied existence and installs them in supreme bliss, that excellent karma destroying dharma (creed) I preach (unto you).2 Ecology and Spirituality Samantabhadra during his deliberation to householder prescribed a number of rules, which are prone to ecology. The observence of Anuvratas is the observation of ecology. The environmental protection in modern times of industrialization became a serious concern. The indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources is increasing day by day. The global ecological crisis in fact cannot be solved until spiritual relationship is established between humanity as the whole and its natural environment. Jainism has been staunch protector of nature since inception of the Jain faith. The religion of nature, Jainism paves the way to understanding nature's utility and the essential nature of plants, worms, animals, and all sorts of creatures that have their own importance for maintaining ecological balance. Jainism therefore says that the function of souls is to help one another. This principle is connected to the entire life system. It includes humans and other creatures. The plant, animal, and 2 Desayami samicinam dharma karmanibarhanam/ Samsaraduhkkhatah sattvanyo dharatyuttame sukhell RKSC Verse 2 Parasparopagraho Jivanam, Tattvarthasutra, V.21 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 325 of 385 Page #339 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ human populations are merely part of the landscape. For Jainism, the landscape is protection of lives, breathes and merits. Jain ecology is based on spirituality and equality. Each life form, plant, or animal, has an inherent worth and each must be respected. Within Jainism, the term for ecology might be Sarvodayavada, or the concern for up-lift of all life forms, as articulated by Samantabhadra 3rd C. A. D. in the Yuktyanusasana, Verse 62). Jinasena explained the same view of social equality by saying that the entire human world is one because of the interconnectedness of different aspects of the human community. Seeing other people as connected with oneself develops the spiritual perspective through which all life takes on sanctity that can and must be protected by observing the principles of ecology. The real task of religion consists in removing bitterness between people, between races, between religions, and between nations. That nature of religion has been discussed in Jain scriptures in various ways in the form of Non-violence (Ahimsa). That Ahimsa can be summarized: Aspire for yourself. Do not aspire for others. This is the fundamental principle of Jainism.5 Jainism holds that the entire world, including plants, trees, birds, animals, water, and so forth, is possessed of life. It is our prime duty to protect all this. We are to treat others, as we want to be treated, and this refers not only to other people but also to the entirety of our planet. One is therefore expected to respect the land and its natural beauty. Jainism does so philosophically by accepting the principle of the interdependent existence of nature and animals. Ecology sees the individual as interconnected with both nature and the fabric of society. Ecological theory considers the community the supra-organism, the complex social organism. Therefore, the Jain tradition instructs the Jain laity to keep the community very pure and pious. They are supposed not to indulge in obnoxious habits (Vyasanas), which make life disastrous. A Jain should be a strict vegetarian. He should not indulge in professions related to violence, such as dealing in weapons. Jain laymen also practice the twelve types of vratas, which assist us in eliminating corruption from society and in purifying ourselves in the process. 4 Manusyajatirekaiva, Adipurana, 38.45 5 Samana Suttam, Gatha, 24 Page 326 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #340 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Nonviolence, the humanistic element is based on the principles of equality and equanimity as applied in society. Nonviolence still may allow for the theory of caste, but one based on one's own deeds and not on one's birth. Jainism tries to shape our attitude toward nature by prescribing humane and nonviolent approaches to everyday behavior. Jainism inspired its followers to safeguard what in contemporary discourse would be called the ecological perspective. Jains even today practice these principles and religious traditions prescribed for the protection of nature. Through its philosophy, its ascetic practices, and in its narrative arts and architecture, Jainism and its leaders have made efforts to create the society dedicated to love for all creatures. In the pursuit of truth, Anekantavada is the foremost important theory of Jainism, which pacifies the internal clashes of individual and society at national and international level. Truth is not any man's monopoly. It is universal and objective. The Jain philosophers and the seers from times immemorial have striven to reach the highest truth through the means of reason and intuition. It is not the only philosophical conception but it is an instrument to protect the human rites of personal liberty and social justice. Anekantavada pacifies the gulf of conceptual conflicts and strives to establish the peaceful atmosphere at even global level. Jain Social Ethics There have been a number of conflicts across the world due to this or that reason. Human beings have known terror since the time immemorial. Lightening, floods, earthquakes, social injustice, poverty, inhuman treatment, religious mania and so on caused terror. If one follows the way of humanity and spirituality, the terrorism will never arise. The man discovered on one hand the true nature of the elements and he evolved arrangements; on the other hand to protect himself against such terror. The observation of true nature of religion and spirituality is one of the non-violent ways and means, which may solve the basic social problems. Jainism did it through its social observations. The Siksavratas of Jain tradition keeps one to observe the social responsibility. Samyama or self-restraint is the basis of Jain ethics. It is seen in the various vows, disciplines, codes of conduct and other doctrines propounded by Jainacaryas. Modesty, discipline, compassion, charity and other such good qualities are essence of Jainism and Jainism is to have a Right faith (Samyagdarsana) as its foundation. Right faith means right STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 327 of 385 Page #341 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama vision. Self-confidence, faith, trust and fidelity are its ingredients. Without realizing the self, it is aimless wandering in the undiscovered caves of fallacious reasoning. The Fundamental Human Rights and Jainism Jainism observed the fundamental human rites by observing the vows of householder's life. This aspect may be divided into three stages. The first is the commencement stage termed as Paksika sravaka and the second one is the superior stage termed as Naisthika sravaka. The third is the Sadhaka sravaka who observes the Sallekhana at the time of death. The Householder (sravaka or sramanopasaka) is one who listens the Dharma with full faith from Acaryas and Paramesthis. He is one whose sins flow away from him (sravanti yasya papani) on hearing these sermons. He is also called Agari or Sagari because he stays in the house. He prepares himself gradually and steadily to renounce the world with right faith by observing the rules prescribed and then fulfils the responsibilities for the welfare of the family, ascetics, society, nation and mankind. The Upasakadasamga, Sravakaprajnapti, Ratnakaranda Sravakacara, Vasunandi Sravakacara, Sagaradharmamrta, and so many other Jain Texts explain these characteristics of laity. Some of the important attributes of the householder may be mentioned as follows:observation of non-violence, compassion, legitimate earning, hospitality, refraining from unnecessary criticism of Government, keeping good accompany, paying respect to parents, service of people, observing religious preaching, firm in conduct, right character, gratefulness, generosity, being afraid of sin, meditation, celibacy, no food at night, refusal of food with life, giving up possessions, honesty, appreciating conduct, life and activities of spiritually advanced people, avoiding expenditures exceeding income and so on. Such rules make life pleasant. These attributes consider the ecology and indispensable part of spirituality and life as well. Possessed of such qualities the votary will reform not only himself but also his society. The spiritual status of the Householder is decided on his performance as jaghanya (lower), madhyama (middle), and utkrasta (best) or Paksika, Naisthika and Sadhaka. These are the different categories of religious observation, which protect the human rites of the individual liberty and social responsibilities. Of these the observance of the duties of Paksika sravaka keeps more importance in terms of Human Rights. Page 328 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #342 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL STUDY NOTES version 5.0 OF CI SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parama tapa I) Paksika sravaka The observance of Paksika sravaka is in fact a Jain way of life. Accordingly, Paksika sravaka is he who has an inclination (Paksa) towards Ahimsa. This is the first spiritual status of the Jain laity in which he first takes the vow with right faith not to eat meat, not to drink alcohol or wine and not to relish honey or any of the five kinds of figs containing multiple souls. These are called basic virtues. Then he desists from injury, falsehood, stealing, unchastely, and attachment to wealth. The Paksika sravaka also takes the vow not to indulge in seven types of obnoxious habits (Vyasanas) or habits resulting in sins, which make the life disastrous. They are gambling and betting, meat-eating, alcoholic drink, prostitution, hunting, stealing, and sexual intercourse with another's wife or husband. These are the addictions, which make a hell of an addict's life. Addiction is the deep muddy pit. They create social disturbances, fear and destruction. Religion diverts their destructive power to the constructive side. The ordinary Jain layman should also not indulge in violence-based professions. Pt. Asadhara enumerated fifteen types of such professions in the Sagaradharmamrita (v.21-23): 1) livelihood from charcoal, 2) livelihood from destroying plants, 3) livelihood from carts, 4) livelihood from transport fees, 5) livelihood from hewing and digging, 6) trade in animal by-products, 7) trade in lac and similar substances, 8) trade in alcohol and forbidden foodstuffs, 9) trade in men and land animals, 10) trade in destructive/poisonous articles, 11) work involving milling, 12)work involving mutilation, 13) work involving the use of fire, 14) work involving the use of water, and 15) work involving breeding and rearing. The legitimate earning sources according to Jinasena are agriculture (Krsi), study, teaching and clerical occupation (Masi), art or craft profession (Silpa), trade (Vanijya), military occupation (Asi), practice of medicine (Vidya). However the pursuit of the profession should be positively in the pure way. These observations create communal harmony and peace in society and in the nation. Vegetarian diet and Human Rites I could not find any impressive reference where the advocacy for vegetarian diet has been made. Jainism did it by including into fundamental duties of the layman. It stressed more and more on vegetarian diet since inception. According to it, the object of man's food is not just to fill his stomach, to maintain health or to satisfy his taste but to properly develop his mind, character and spirituality too. Our intake of food is closely related with our thinking, Page 329 of 385 Page #343 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ character and deeds. There is high truth in ancient saying that the kind of food you eat determines the kind of man you are. The taste of the man in different types of food reflects his behavior and character. In fact, it is an indicator of one's innermost self. Meat eating is totally against human nature. Jain thinkers discussed the subject at length in their works about its demerits. The very constitution of man does not warrant it. Man's habit of taking meat is not natural. It is the result of perverted taste, which becomes a sort of addiction. As such it should be completely discarded. Our food should contain all those ingredients, which produce energy, health and heat. Our food should have proteins, sugar, vitamins, minerals and fats in adequate quantities and right proportions so that good quality of new cells and red blood corpuscles are produced continuously. It is a misunderstanding that meat is invigorator. In fact it is medically proved that vegetarianism gives more lasting strength. Vasunandi and other Jain monks /scholars explained the fact in detailed. Meat does not contain calcium, and carbohydrates with the result that meat-eaters are irritable, angry, and intolerant and pessimists. In vegetarian diets they are present in greater measure and so vegetarians are just the reverse in their nature. Animal proteins do not have additional value in the human nutrition rather it forms the potential risk for the development of the large number of serious meat borne diseases like cysticercus's, hydrated cuts, trichinosis which do not have any permanent treatment. Some of these diseases may be lethal. ii) The Naisthika sravaka (Allegiant Layman) The Naisthika sravaka follows the twelve vows (five Anuvratas, three Gunavratas, and four Siksavratas). Under the Anuvratas, 6 the principle of Non-violence or non-injury is the first and foremost vow that teaches us to avoid the injury by mind, speech, and body. He does not trade in flesh and skin, nor does he incite others to do it. He also avoids the bonding, killing or torturing, maiming, overloading and carelessness in giving food and water to animals and persons living under him.? The second vow Satyavrata teaches us that the layman should not speak a lie. He is also expected not to reveal the secrets of others, accusing somebody without any justification, writing counterfeit documents, playing tricks in weighing and measuring and so on. * Ratnakaranda Sravakacara Verse 52 ibid. Verse 53-54 8 Ibid. Verse 55-56 Page 330 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #344 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The third vow is Acauryanuvrata, which means not to appropriate to him what belongs to somebody else without his express permission. He should not purchase the stolen property, should not encourage and praise thieves, should not purchase the property in cheaper rates, should not indulge in illegal export and import business, should not adulterate at all and so on. The 4th vow is Svadarasantosavrata, which means to keep satisfaction with one's own wife or husband without any sexual craving for other women or men. Celibacy is the great force and potential aid to self-realization. He is expected to avoid irrepressible yearning for sexual intercourse etc. 10 The 5th vow is Aparigrahanuvrata, which means to have the limited possessions, which are root cause of sins. Such possessions are like territories, houses, ornaments, utensils, gold, silver coins, grains, animals, men, women, quadrupeds, clothes, conveyances etc. 11 The Gunavratas are three, namely Diigvrata, Anarthadandavrata, and Bhogopabhogaparimanavrata 12 Of these, the Anarthadandavrata is not to commit unnecessary of purposeless moral offence, such as talking ill of others, preaching evil, facilitation of destruction (Himsa-pradana), purposeless mischief (Pramadacarita), and faulty reading (Duhsruti). In fact, it would include all acts which denigrate others or through which others are hurt or deprived of liberty.13 The four Siksavratas 14 are intended to prepare the aspirant gradually for the discipline of ascetic life. They are: 1) Samayika (to contemplate on the self and attainment of equanimity), 2) Prosadhopavasa (to keep fast on the eighth and the fourteenth day of each fortnight of the month, 3) Bhogopabhoga-parimanavrata (Putting the limit daily on enjoyment of consumable and non-consumable things for that day), and 4) Atithisanvibhagavrata (to entertain some ascetic or needy person with a portion of food who happens to come uninvited.). Samantabhadra prescribed the four Siksavratas in a slight different form: Desavakasika, Samayika, Prosadhopavasa, and Vaiyavrtya. In Ratnakaranda Sravakacara, Ratnakaranda Sravakacara Verse 57-58 10 lbid. Verse 59-60 11 Ibid. Verse 61-62 12 Ibid Verse 67-90 13 lbid Verse 67-81 14 Ibid Verse 91-121 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 331 of 385 Page #345 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY STUDIES verse 90 there is no much difference. These Siksavratas are to practice the ascetic life. The Acaryas show their progressive trends in fixing them depending on the various regions, their needs, and times. Dana or gift is one of them. It has played the significant role all along the course of the history of Jainism Somadevasuri in his Yasastilakacampu 15 considered at length regarding patra (the recipient), Datra (the giver), Datavya (the thing to given, Danavidhana (the method of giving), and Danaphala (the fruit of giving). All the Jain thinkers are of view that what is given should be for the pleasure of giving or for the spiritual rise and self-restraint of ascetics. The householders may also be considered for charity purpose on their genuine needs. iii). The third category is of the Sadhaka sravaka The Sadhaka sravaka is expected to observe the Sallekhana, the spiritual death in Jain tradition. This third stage is very close to that of an ascetic where the subjugation of the senses is conducive to the removal of passions.16 Who observes the Sallekhana is called mahasravaka. He is defined as making the physical body and the internal passions emaciated by abandoning their sources gradually at the approach of death with pleasure and not by force for various reasons one decides to perform Sallekhana. According to the Ratnakaranda Sravakacara and Bhagavati Aradhana, the old age, physical weakness, famine, incurable disease, calamities etc, are such reasons, which render the performance of Avasyakas impossible. It is also called Samadhimarana. Samantabhadra has dealt with the concept in fifth chapter in15 verses. This is an important and interesting feature of the Jain householder and spiritual aspirants. Some scholars are of opinion that Sallekhana is a sort of suicide, since there is voluntary severance of life etc, but this is not correct, as there is no passion. The person who kills himself by means of passion, weapon etc. swayed by attachment, aversion or infatuation etc. commits suicide. But he who practices holy death is free from desire, anger, and delusion. Hence, it is not suicide.. In modern days it is named "Euthanasia" or "Right to die" which is a sort of suicide and not the spiritual death. 15 Yasastilakacampu 43.765-852 16 Ratnakaranda Sravakacara, Verse 122 Page 332 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #346 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ These observations should be in practice to make justice and create congenial atmosphere and relationship between fundamental rights and directive principles of state policy. Ordering someone to bring something illegally from outside the country is also prohibited for householders. Rendering help to one another is the basis to the formula of Jain discipline. Jainism is also dead against terrorism of any kind. The Human Rites are related with observing the humanity. The aforesaid duties of Jain householder are totally based on humanity covering the religious curtain. It is not confined to only human but it is extended to all the souls. Jainism advocated for protection of forest, water, air etc. Ecological imbalance is considered as a serious threat to the life of human beings and therefore the Supreme Court considered a right to a pollution free environment as an integral part of Article 21 of the constitution. The mining operations are also included into the act. Jainism might have understood the disturbance of ecology and pollution and affectation of air, water and environment by reason of mining operations and therefore prevented the householder for engaging the mining business and also such industries that involve any kind of violence and pollution. Deforestation of forests that affects the climate and cause global warning is also highly objectionable. The concept of human rites is neither entirely western in origin nor so modern. It is in fact the common heritage of mankind. Jainism, the most ancient religion observed it to a great length. It organized the Human Rites as a religion and includes them as fundamental rights and duties not only of individuals but of classes and communities. Better education, better service to children and child-labour class, better humanitarian dealing with servants, women, down trodden communities, poor communities, animals and all other souls should be made available on human background. There is no recognition and permission for keeping bounded labour in Jainism. One should treat them all as himself. This is the fundamental principle of Jainism. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 333 of 385 Page #347 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ dhyAya parama B.6.0.C SAMANA-SUTTAM Dr. D.N. Bhargava 1.0 Introduction Religion is a transcendental spiritual experience which is permanent, trans-subjective, blissful, intuitive, supersensuous, infinite, incommunicable and ineffable. It is the nonconceptual state of existence wherein all differentiations disappear. The Jaina view of religion lays stress on realizing the transcendental nature of self, which the individual feels as his own. It should be borne in mind that the present book, Samana-sutta is the central book of Jainism. It is a compendium of Jaina teachings. It presents Agamas in a nut-shell. It is as sacred as the Agamas themselves. It comprises the essence of Mahavira's philosophical thinking. Just as the Gita, the Bible, the Dhammapada, the Koran and the like represents the teachings of Kisna, Christ, Buddha and Mohammad respectively, similarly the Samana-sutta stands for Jainism. It consists of 756 Prakrit verses divided into 44 chapters (with an Apendix) dealing with various aspects of Jainism. It is called Samana-sutta because it contains suttas, delineated by the great sramana Mahavira along with other Sramanas following the tradition of Mahavira. Samana-sutta is a unified text of the Jainas in which the essence of Jainism is given in the original words of Lord Mahavira and in ancient Jaina acaryas belonging to both the major sects - the Digambaras and the Svetambaras. It was at the initiative of Acharya Vinoba Bhave, a direct disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, that the acaryas belonging to all the four sub sects of Jainism that sat together to make a collection of the Gathas from different scriptures of their sects so as to present a volume which will represent the essence of Jainism in the most authentic way and at the same time shall be acceptable to all the sects of the Jainas. It beautifully summarizes the teachings and philosophy of the Jainas in a lucid fashion. 1 Samana Suttam, Compiled by Jinendra Varni, Edided by Prof. Sagarmal Jain, translated by Justice T. K. Tukol & Dr. K. K. dixit, Sarva Seva Sangha Prakashan, Rajghat, Varanasi-221001 Page 334 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #348 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE pIya parama Below we shall quote a few statements from this Text to give an idea of the approach of the Jaina thinkers to life. As these sentences are faithful translations of the original, they may appear to the archaic at places, but this is their beauty that they take you back to the ethos of the original Jaina world. We are giving only a few representative sentences with the advice that the students should read the whole Text for themselves because the Text is quite handy and yet pregnant with great meaning. Let us have a taste of the original to some extant. 2.0 Suttas from the text Obeisance to all saintly persons of the world. He, who takes recourse to reality as it is, has right vision. Momentary are the pleasures of senses resulting in prolonged suffering. They obstruct liberation and are mines of all trouble. One knows the pains of birth, old age and death and yet does not leave the sensuous pleasures. Oh! How strongly tied is the knot of conceit? Attached to wealth and women, negligent in physical and vocal activities, accumulates dirt form both sides as an earth-worm accumulates mud from both the mouths. Neither the friends, nor sons, nor relatives share ones misery. He has to suffer all alone. The action invariably follows the agent. The agent is free while action, but helpless, while enjoying the fruits of his actions. Just one is free while climbing a tree but helpless while falling from it. Who else is with a wrong vision other than one who does not act according to what he preaches? Attachment and aversion are the seeds of karma, which is turn, originates from infatuation; Karma is the cause of birth and death, which are the cause of misery. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 335 of 385 Page #349 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ If you wish to cross the terrible oceans of mundane existence, then O virtuous one! Quickly catch the boat of austerity and self-control. One should practice with respect that all which produces detachment, one, who is detached, is verily emancipated; one who is attached wanders is mundane existence endlessly. Asserting that body is different from soul; shake off attachment to body, which is the cause of suffering and root of misery. Supreme forgiveness, humbleness, simplicity, truth, purity, self-control, austerity renunciation, non-possessiveness, and celibacy are the ten ethico-spiritual qualities. One has taken birth several times in high as well as low families; none is high and low. After knowing this, who shall be proud of his (high) caste? One, who neither thinks crookedly, nor acts crookedly, nor speaks crookedly and nor does hide his faults, his conduct is simple and straight forward. A saintly person, avoiding speech which may hurt others speaks what is beneficial to the self and others, observes truthfulness. More the gain, more the greed; gain increases greed (for a greedy person) what could be achieved by two grams cannot be achieved by crores of grams. Restraining the senses and passions, one who absorbs himself in meditation and self-study, he verily performs penance. (A realized soul says) We possess nothing and live in bliss. Nothing is agreeable or disagreeable to us. One who is free from delusion is free from misery, one who is free from desire is free delusion, one who is free from greed is free from desire and one who owns nothing is free from greed. Page 336 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #350 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Just as women are to be avoided by celibate men, similarly men are to be avoided by celibate women. Blessed are those who are not burnt by fire of sexual desire, which burns the forest of all the three worlds, enkindled is the tree of sensual pleasures and encompassing the grass of youthfulness. The self does and undoes the pain and pleasure. Self, on right path, is the friend and self is enemy when on the wrong path. Restrain your own self, why fight with others? One, conquering the self by self, progresses with ease. Desist from one side and act on the other; withdraw from licensciousness and adopt selfdiscipline. Attachment and aversion are two such sins which lead one to sinful activities. A saintly person who controls these two does not wonder in the circle of mundane existence. Anger kills love, pride destroys modesty, deceitfulness destroys friendship and greed annihilates all. Overcome anger by calmness, pride by humbleness and deceitfulness by simplicity of heart and greed by contentment. Because of attachment, one kills, tells lie, commits theft, indulges in sex and entertains desire for unlimited possessiveness. The essence of wisdom is not to torture any body. Just know that non-violence consists in equanimity. A vigilant person is non-violent, all others are violent. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 337 of 385 Page #351 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama STUDIES No happiness with laziness, no knowledge with sleep, no detachment with possessiveness and non compassion with negligent activities. A lamp lights hundreds of others lamps and himself also remains lighted; so are the preceptors; like a lamp they enlighten others and themselves also remain enlighten. Know that the self is devoid of taste, colour, smell and word, unmanifest and possessed of consciousness, having no profane and physical structure. I am neither the body, nor the mind, nor speech, nor their cause. Nor am I the agent, nor the inspirer nor the approver of the action. The saints have proclaimed that vision, knowledge and conduct lead to liberation. They lead to liberation (if right) and to bondage (if wrong). Just as a fetter, whether made of gold or iron, binds, similarly an action, whether good or bad, binds the person. Yet, it is better to attain heaven by observance of vows and penance than to suffer in hell by violation. There is a lot of difference between the two one waiting in shade and the other in hot sun. One knows the reality by knowledge, establishes faith in it by (right) vision, grasps it by conduct and purifies it by austerity. Just as a lotus leaf remains aloof from water (even thought very much in it) by its very nature, the righteous person remains mentally unaffected by passions and objects of senses. He is to be considered a person with right perspective, who with a detached mind does not aspire for the fruits of his actions or for the attributes of worldly objects. Page 338 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #352 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga He, who knows one, knows all and one who knows all, knows one. * He is the seeker of self, meritorious, self-controlled and observer of vows and penances who, not to speak of praise, does not aspire even for respect, worship or salutation (from others). STUDIES 40 Knowledge is that by which reality is comprehended, mind is pacified, self is purified, and attachment is severed. Like for goodness is developed and sense of friendship is strengthened. He knows all the scriptures who know the self as witness by nature is actually different from the impure body. One, who knows the internal, knows the external and one who knows the external, knows the internal. Character means withdrawal from the inauspicious and engagement in the auspicious. Of what use is the vast knowledge of scriptures for one who is characterless. Million of lighted lamps are useless for one without eyesight. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Character means righteousness. Righteousness means equanimity and equanimity is that state of soul which is free from infatuation and perturbance. One who takes beneficial food is small quantity; need no physician to treat them. They treat themselves on their own. One should practice right course of conduct well before old age inflicts him, diseases overcome him and senses become weak. Abstinence from torturing creatures, falsehood, theft, incontinence and limitless desire for possession are the small rules of conduct. Equanimity makes one, sramana, celibacy makes one Brahmana, knowledge makes one saint and austerity makes one ascetic. Page 339 of 385 Page #353 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ One should keep equanimity in gain land loss, pleasure and pain, life and death, censure and praise and honour and insult. Dress (of a monk) does not verify the authenticity of a person who is devoid of self-control. Is not one killed by swallowing poison even if he changes his dress? External objects are relinquished for inner purification. External renunciation is futile for one who is bound internally. A real saint is one who is unattached to his body, who is completely free from passions like ego etc. and who is engrossed in one self. All such vows are great where there is no reservation of desire for return, perverted vision and hypocrisy. A vow is polluted by these three reservations. A negligent person always commits violence, whether his activities kill some one or not. A vigilant is not bound merely because his activity may happen to injure somebody. One should cautiously walk, stand, sit, sleep, eat and speak. He is not bounded by evil in this way. He is self-disciplined, who forsaking the alien modifications, remains engrossed in his pure nature. A realized soul should think that I am that who never leaves his own nature and does not assume the nature of others; who knows and sees all. He practices penance who takes food in small quantity for the study of scriptures. Penance without study is just starving one self. Just as a fire in the forest consumes the heap of grass the fire of penance, set ablaze by right character and accompanied by the wind of right knowledge burns the cause of mundane existence. Page 340 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #354 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The fire of meditation consumes all good or bad for him who is free from attachment, aversions and evil mental, vocal and physical activities. No physical movement, no speech, no thought, self engrossed in self... this is the meditation par-excellence. Birth is accompanied by death, young by old age, wealth by transitoriness--thus one should reflect that everything is perishable. All objects are perishable-reflecting on this, forsake great infatuation and detach the mind from objects of pleasure. A wicked person does not give up deep-rooted enmity, is quarrelsome, devoid of goodness and mercy and is of licentious nature. A gentle person is not partial, is free from desire of any return of his actions, is equal to all and free from attachment, aversion and affection. The body is said to be the boat, the soul is the boatman, and the mundane existence is the ocean. The great sects cross over it. The man of calm disposition must die, so must one possessed of cowardly disposition; death, thus, being inevitable, it is preferable to die with calmness. All ignorant persons undergo suffering. The confounded wander endlessly in mundane existence. The bondage in brief is like this: attachment binds detachment liberates. The same bondage which an ignorant person gets rid of in million of years, is go rid of by an illuminated person in single breath by controlling his body mind and speech. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 341 of 385 Page #355 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ All words withdraw, all logic suspends, and all intelligence fails where there is no pain or pleasure, no torture, no obstacle, no death, no birth.... Such is the state of liberation. The knowledge which grasps in proper way nature of things as they are is valid. Those who shower praise on their own views and condemn the views of others, exhibit pedantry and wander in the transmigratory circle of mundane existence. The whole approach of this philosophy and tradition is to overcome passions and have a balanced approach to life. The aphorisms of this text are simple and lucid in manner. Page 342 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #356 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.6.0.d Acaranga Dr. Shugan C. Jain The oldest holy texts of Jains are called canons or agama consisting of twelve limbs (Dvadasangas) and considered as direct compilations of Mahavira's sermons by his chief disciples known as ganadharas. Acaranga, or sometimes called as Samayika or Ayaro in Prakrit, is the first of these Dvadasangas. Beginning with the inquisitiveness about the soul, this is the basic holy text of Jains about the conduct of the Jain ascetics. Soul is an existent and it is eternal and going through transformation continuously also (i.e. not inert). Further soul is the doer and enjoyer of its actions, there is bondage and liberation of karmas associated with the soul which are all basic elements of Jain ethical postulates and described in details in this text. Acaranga defines right conduct, based on non-violence as activities of mind, body and speech without attachment and aversion. Samavayanga, another limb of the canons, indicates Acaranga comprising two volumes but it appears that in the beginning there was only one volume. The second volume, written in different style and having appendices appear to have been created by Bhadrabahu-Il who indicated the name of first volume as Acaranga while the second volume was named as Navabrahmacarya. Acaranga consists of nine sections named as Satthaparinna; Lokavijaya; Sitosnijja; Sammatta; Avanti; Dhyuta; Vimohayana; Uvahayanasuya and Mahaparinna sequentially. However later writers of commentaries etc have indicate different sequences and at times names of these sections /chapters. Further there are 51 subsections of these nine chapters with ninth chapter reported as missing. Bhadrabahu-II and Digambara writers indicate the size of Acaranga as 18000 words which are substantially more than available today. Commentaries and other texts on Acaranga The text itself is supposed to be composed by Ganadhara Sudharma while listening to Mahavira. Hence its time can be estimated to be approximately 550BC. Acaranga is composed in Ardhamagadhi (Prakrit language of the common man of Magadha). However its composition as text, as available today is assigned to Devardhigani in 5th century AD and further commented by silanka in the 8th century AD. The text is composed in prose, sutra, verse and mixed forms at different places. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 343 of 385 Page #357 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF 1 SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY sAdhyAya parama The oldest description treatise on Acaranga is Niryukti written by Bhadrabahu-ll (in 6 vikrama Samvat). This is followed by curni written by Jinadasa Gani Mahattara. The third treatise is tika or commentary written by Silanka. Later on a number of other treatises were written by a large number of acaryas with the latest being written by Mahaprajna Commentaries give detailed description of each concept written in the original text. Subject of Acaranga The subject of Acaranga is the conduct of the practitioner of the path of purification and discuss the progress of the faithful to the highest perfection i.e. moksa or liberation. It starts with the inquisitiveness of the soul and its nature. It is a complete text of the entire Jain path of spiritual purification and hence it is claimed to be the essence of all the other Jain canons. Acaranga is the basic texts for the ascetics to start his /her ascetic life, to the extent that a new ascetic entering the order was first examined by his guru about his knowledge of this text. Only after reading Acaranga, the other texts of ethics, life sketches, karma etc are read by the ascetic. Acaranga is divided in nine chapters as indicated below. Sastra Panja1 Lokavijaya? Sitosniya Samyaktva. Lokasara Dhyutavada Vimoksa Acaranga (Ayaro) Sutra, 1-177 (Jaina Vishva Bharati, Ladnun, V.S. 2031 2 Ibid, Sutra, 1-186 3 Ibid, Sutra, 1-87 4 Ibid, Sutra, 1-53 5 Ibid, Sutra, 1-140 Ibid, Sutra, 1-113 Weapons or arms of destruction or giving pain to living beings. Six types of living beings according to their body form, (sativanikaya). Conquest of the world i.e. gives up the pride /attachment of the family and non self objects. Hot and cold. Winning over the bodily afflictions (parisaha-jaya). Righteousness. Knowing the universal truth and to practice the same. Essence of the world i.e. non violence, laziness, non possession, self study, carefulness and giving up the wrong beliefs. The cleaning i.e. methods to dissociate the karmas from the soul, service to the ascetics. Liberation i.e. methods of performing austerities /penance. Page 344 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #358 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ * Upadhana Sruta Mahaparinna * * INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF CKI ON STUDIES Chapter wise brief is given below: Sastra Parijna: Knowledge of the weapons of violence. Six types of living beings according to their body form (satjivanikaya) The first chapter has a unique description about life in different beings from stationery/ immobile (sthavara) living beings with one sense organ and those with trasa /mobile bodies having two to five sense organs and mind. These six types of living beings, namely those with earth, water, fire, air and vegetation as their bodies and belonging to sthavara category and the rest to the mobile category (ants, mosquitoes, animals, birds, human beings etc.). The life /soul in sthavara beings is justified and explained based on their ability to get born, grow and decay, breath, feelings, subtle body, concrete or being cognizable by senses. Acarariga proves life in these beings by a number of examples and logical discussions e.g. 7 " Acaranga (Ayaro), Sutra, 1-130 8 Ibid, Sutra, 1-23 SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga Pillow of righteousness i.e. conduct of Mahavira during penance in erring state (chadmastha). Lost. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SELF STUDY IS THE A healthy human being, when inflicted with 32 types of pains simultaneously, cannot express the same. Similarly the sthavara beings even though they feel cannot express their feelings. When a person is made unconscious by others, the unconscious person cannot express his feelings; similarly the sthavara beings cannot express their feelings. Air and water get polluted and decay by different types of effluents like human beings get suffocated or even die by different types of effluents. Fire grows when fuel is added to it. It dies when it is starved of fuel like human beings grow with the food they eat and die in the absence of food for long periods. Like human beings, plans are seen to be born, grow, express feelings and die. A human being, who is devoid of his speech and eye senses, feels the pains of pricking /cutting etc of his body and. yet he cannot express these. Similar is the situation of the sthavara beings. Page 345 of 385 Page #359 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION * SCHOOL * OF Mahavira, in the end invokes his listeners to believe in omniscient who can cognize subtle things that life exposits in one sensed beings. To support his claim, he even provides anti bodies of each type of living being belonging to sthavara category. * SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama Concerning the living beings with mobile bodies, it talks of three ways in which such beings are born e.g. those born out of some liquids /sweat and by cracking the earth (all three put in the category called sammurchima or unconscious beings like bacteria, virus, live cells in sperm or body etc); out of the egg born with naked body or in a shell through a birth place called garbhaja and finally with celestial body like heavenly and hellish beings i.e. without a specific place from where they are born. Mobile beings are those who have the knowledge to move i.e. to be comfortable they move from place to place in search of food, pleasure or avoiding pain etc. Acaranga talks of a number of reasons due to which the mobile beings are killed or hurt by others, e.g. STUDIES Medicinal and cosmetic effect i.e. by using the body or eating the flesh/ using urine or using teeth of some type of beings, the disease can be cured or enhance the potency or beauty of he user /killer. For using the skin of living beings for use as clothing, shoes etc. Fearing that such and such types of beings will kill or had killed / hurt me or my loved ones. For entertainment like bull fight, riding, transport of goods and people etc. Ahimsa or non violence: The arhats and the bhagavats of the past, present and future, all say thus, speak thus, declare thus, explain thus: all breathing, existing, living, sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence, nor abused, nor tormented, nor driven away. This is the pure, unchangeable, eternal law, which the clever ones, who understand the world, have declared. Panaya vira mahaviha i.e. only strong people can practice be dedicated to Ahimsa. The path of Ahimsa is the path of strong and not of the cowards. Ahimsa niunan dittha savvabhuesu sanjamo i.e. self restraint towards all types of living beings is Ahimsa. Thus Ahimsa implies the path of self restraint /samyama. Those ascetics, who wish to protect from the ills of the world, purify to attain liberation, make it of auspicious nature to avoid pains, their souls of the Page 346 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #360 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ sins should free should follows self restraint towards all. Acaranga says 'Do not kill, enslave, and give pain to other living beings. Consider them all as equal or same like yourself. Just remember that the one, whom you wish to kill /give pain lenslave etc., has similar desires to live and enjoy as you do." Then Acaranga proceeds to say 'Jasa natthi imanai anna tasa kao siya' i.e. how can a person who does not have the knowledge of Ahimsa can acquire the knowledge o other basic elements i.e. one who does no know that allurement to sensual pleasures and attachment to worldly objects is himsa, or the one who does not practice restraint towards sensual cravings as done by others, that person cannot practice Ahimsa. Acaranga thus identifies two hurdles in the practice of Ahimsa namely craving for sensual pleasures (visayasakti), and. lokaisana or to act and have desires for objects of sensual cognition because others do so also. A person after accepting the vow of Ahimsa should observe it carefully and not develop flaws in his practice. The practitioner of Ahimsa should be fearless and should neither commit himself nor ask others to commit or admire those who commit himsa. Conquest of the world This chapter describes the world (samsara) and ways of conquering it. Quality in the qualities of other things lies the primary cause of the samsara viz. sin; the qualities produce sin and sinfulness makes us apt to enjoy the qualities) is the seat of the root. He who longs for the qualities is overcome by pain and he is careless (i.e. gives way to love, hate etc.) as he starts thinking that he is savior of his family, property etc. and continues to be engrossed in them. Those who are of steady conduct, do not desire this (wealth, family etc.). Knowing birth and death, one should firmly walk the path (right conduct) and not wait for the old age to commence a religious life. Winning body afflictions The unwise sleep, the sages are always awake 'sutta amuoi muoino saya jagaranti10. Know that in this world that misery (ignorance and delusion) bring forth evil consequences. Thus the monk (nirgrantha) should cease from violent acts, not mind heat and cold and maintain Acaraniga 1.2.3.63 10 Acaranga 3.1.1 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 347 of 385 Page #361 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama AN STUDIES equanimity against pains and pleasures. He thus does not feel the austerity of penance. Awake and free from hostilities, a wise man gets liberated from miseries. Essence of the world: Samyaktva Many entertain cruel thoughts against the world with a motive or without one; they entertain cruel thoughts against these (six classes of living beings). To them pleasures are dear. Therefore they are near death. Because they are near death, they are far from liberation. But those who are neither near death nor far from liberation, consider the life of a slow and ignorant fool as similar to the dew drop trembling on the blade of grass which falls down when shaken by the wind. A fool, doing cruel acts, comes ignorantly to grief. Through delusion he is born and dies. Many do not live by injurious deeds against the world of living beings and cease from them. They perceive 'This is a favourable opportunity and search for the right moment for their body (should never be careless)'. This right conduct is the road taught by the noble ones. The cleaning: Dhyuta As in a lake a greedy leaf covered tortoise cannot rise up; as the trees do not leave their place (though shaken by storm etc); so men born in various families cry bitterly because they are attached to the objects of the senses. Thus on account of their sinfulness they do not reach liberation. Such persons are seen to suffer like from leprosy, blindness, lameness, hunchback etc. Those whom lust conquers sink; therefore do not shrink from the hard control. Thus a man who exerts himself, and is of a steady mind, without attachment, unmoved by passion but restless in wandering about, having no worldly desires, should lead the life of an ascetic. Liberation The difference between a heretic and a wise is indicated as. Noble and tranquil men who are enlightened and exert themselves in these (1. to kill no living beings, ii. to speak no untruth, iii. to abstain from forbidden things like theft and sexual pleasures are called free from sinful acts. Mahavira calls a person unfettered who is without desires and does not harm any living being in the whole world Based on this, the mendicant should not exhort others or accept things specifically made for him or are stolen by the giver, or obtained by hurting or killing some one. Thus the mendicant with full faith in his teaching should thoroughly and in all respects conform to it. He should develop indifference to various bodily afflictions like thorns Page 348 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #362 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE and grass pricking, heat and cold attacks, mosquito bites etc. Still in the erring state, in the end knowing that the death has come, he observes sallekhana (religious death) by totally subduing the passions and living on little or no food, neither longing for death nor for life continuing his contemplation on self, should strive for absolute purity. Pillow of righteousness Always well controlled and like a hero at the head of the battle surrounded on all sides during the erring state (i.e. as chadmastha), he bore different sorts of feelings; overcoming carelessness and pleasure, wandered about speaking but little, eating but very little the unsavory food, wore nothing to protect from vagaries of the weather or shame, lodged in places like cremation grounds, gardens or dilapidated cottages, factories etc, not reacting to the unpleasant or pleasant gestures of people, not distracted by family or women. Thus, himself understanding the truth and restraining the impulses for the purification of the soul finally liberated and free from delusion, the venerable one was well guarded during his whole life. The second volume It has details of the practices for the ascetics concerning begging for food, place for stay, personal effects like bed /seat, books, bowls and broom etc, daily routine, hygiene etc, walking carefully and choice of the route for pilgrimage, speaking (without pride or deception) and choice of words to be precise, interaction with the laity. References: Acaranga Sutra, Published by Agam Prakashan Samiti, Beawar, Rajasthan * Ayaro, Translation and Commentary by Acharya Tulsi, Ed. Muni Nathmal, Jain Vishwa Bharati Prakashan, Ladnun, V.S. 20031 Jaina Agama Sahitya. Manana aura Mimamsa - Acharya Devendra Muni, Tarka Guru Jaina Granthalaya, Udaipur. The sacred books of the East (vol.xxii), Jain Sutras part-1 translated by Herman Jacobi and Max Muller. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 349 of 385 Page #363 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.6.0.f Bhagavali Sutra Dr. Priyadarshana Jain Introduction The great ancient saints and seers in India have propounded three great traditions, Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, represented in sacred canons called Agamas, Pittakas and Vedas respectively. The seeds of the great tradition of Jaina religion and culture are the fruits of insights, experiences and revelations of the omniscient (Kevalis) i.e. tirthamkaras or fordmaker. The Agamas or scriptures of the Jains in ancient times were called Ganipitaka or Angas and were revealed by Lord Mahavira, the 24th fordmaker. The sacred texts reveal the essence of life, the nature of bondage and liberation, the path of liberation, the meaning of life and the art of right living, the causes of misery, pain and happiness, the world order, various religious and philosophical concepts, the nature of conscious and material energy, the nature of atma (soul) and Paramatma (supreme soul) besides the views of other philosophical schools propounded at that time. The scriptures have been handed down through an oral tradition and are written in aphorism (Sutra) style, i.e. where words are limited, but pregnant with profound meaning and depth of knowledge. Sutra, Grantha, Siddhanta, Pravacana, Ajna, Upadesa, Prajna pana, Agama, Aptavacana and Sruta are some of the synonyms of Jaina scriptural texts1 The Tirthamkaras reveal the trio (tripadi), i.e. Upanneyeva, Vigameyava, Dhuveyeva, i.e. all substances originate, undergo change and still remain permanent. Based on this tripadi, the ganadharas construct the twelve fold, i.e. Dvadasanga scriptural literature. Bhagavati is the fifth of the Dvadasanga scriptural literature and one of the most important works of the Ardhamagadhi canonical literature. It is the largest in volume, encyclopedic in its contents and covers a variety of aspects of Jaina Philosophy and practices. It gives valuable information on history and culture such as political, social and economic condition of India at that time, its political history, evolution of Jaina philosophical thought and other philosophical schools prevalent at that time. It is in a conversation form between Lord Mahavira and his principal disciples other than Indrabhuti Gautama also. Introduction to Bhagavati Sutra, Volume 4 ,Pg 40 Page 350 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #364 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The Bhagavati Sutra mentions heterodox sects as: o o 0 o Ajivika, Vainayikas, Parivrajakas Vanaprasthas, Tapasas, Jamalis Followers of Lord Parsvanatha and other more. 0 0 o o The Bhagavati Sutra contains the varied contents scattered in other canons and touches upon various aspects of Jaina Philosophy. To mention some of the aspects under which the Bhagavati Sutra can be studied: 0 0 0 0 0 Metaphysics o Ethics o Epistemology o Logic o History Sociology Philosophy Psychology Fine Arts Biology o Education o Mathematics Astrology Agriculture Trade and Commerce Cosmology o Geology 0 0 0 0 0 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 351 of 385 Page #365 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAyaM tapaH * The Title of the Text It is in the form of questions and answers and popularly known as Bhagavati Sutra, because of the clarifications it reveals. Its original name is Vihayapannatti, Vivahapannatti or Vyakhyaprajnapti. 1. Samavayanga and Nandi state that the text carries 36,000 answers to the queries put forward by Gautama, the first ganadhara, i.e. principal disciple of Mahavira, and others, and later on revealed by Sudharma Svami to Jambu Svami2. It came to be called Bhagavati because of its importance among the canonical scriptures. Bhagavati means divine and holy and so the original name was substituted by the adjective used to reveal its sacredness. 2. Structure Bhagavati Sutra is the most voluminous of all available Agamas. It is divided into 138 Satakas (chapters) that are further subdivided into 1923 Uddesakas (sub-chapters) containing 15,751 Slokas (verses). We do not come across any commentaries like Niryukti or Bhasya on the Bhagavati Sutra, but only a small Curni besides a Vitti by Abhayadevasuri, and a few Hindi and Gujarati translations. The language of the Bhagavati Sutra is Ardhamagadhi. In its question-and-answer-style the latent intellectual curiosity of man is reflected. Sri Amarmuni has divided the contents of the Bhagavati Sutra in ten sections: 3. 4. 5. SCHOOL 6. 7. OF 8. AN STUDIES 9. 10. Acara Khanda Dravya Khanda Siddhanta Khanda Paraloka Khanda Bhugola Khanda Khagola Khanda Ganitasastra Garbhasastra Caritra Khanda Vividha 2 Samavayanga Sutra, 93, Nandisura 85. Page 352 of 385 Ethics Metaphysics Philosophy & Principles Rebirth Geography Astronomy, Cosmology Mathematics Genetics Biographies Miscellaneous STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #366 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE Acarya Devendramuni has written an exhaustive foreword of almost 100 pages to the fourth volume of the text published by Agam Prakasan Samiti, Beawar, and Rajasthan. The Sailana publication Vol. VII carries a list of the contents of the Bhagavati Sutra in an alphabetical order that runs to around 27 pages. Essence of the Bhagavati Sutra Lord Mahavira gave equal importance to both, knowledge and action for emancipation. Just as a bird needs two wings to fly, an aspirant should have both, knowledge and action, to be liberated from the shackles of birth and death. He says aradhana (accomplishment) should be of three essentials namely: > Knowledge > Faith > Conduct One who accomplishes the three can be liberated and relieved from the web of transmigration. This inner journey of accomplishment sets in when one comes in contact with the saintly and self-realized souls. Thereupon the fruit of listening to the truth is revealed to be knowledge, from knowledge springs scientific spiritual discriminatory knowledge of the soul, and then the soul takes to renunciation and exercises self-control as a result of which the influx of karma is terminated. After this the soul takes to austere practices and annihilates the karmas and becomes perfect and accomplished. The Sutra which reveals the above is as follows: Sava nena nevinnane, paccakkhane yasanjame ananhaye tave ceva, vodane akiriya siddhi || Through the above revelation we understand that Atman alone is Sat, i.e. real. To know it, to have faith in it is called "Satsamga". Since time immemorial the soul has never come in association with it-self, but has perpetually been in association with men, matter and money. The author of the Bhagavati Sutra through various topics and discussions has tried hard to drive the message that freedom from all this non-self, be it body, senses, mind, thoughts, 3 Bhagavati Sutra 7.2 4 Ibid 8.10. 5 lbid 2.5. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 353 of 385 Page #367 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama STUDIES etc., is real happiness. Jaina pathfinders stressed more on righteousness and virtuous conduct than miracles. Although an aspirant or Yogi who progresses steadily on the path of liberation, acquires certain labdhi, riddhis and vidya, (extra-ordinary powers) he has been cautioned not to exercise them for it will deviate him from the path of accomplishment. Man in his quest for happiness and perfection has searched the atom and researched almost on everything. In the universe, he soared the skies and measured the oceans and mountains, scientific and technological advancements have made the entire world look like a global village. He has invented one dreadful weapon after another and has virtually brought the world to the edge of destruction. This is in total contrast with what the ancient saints and seers practiced and preached. In olden days they also have done research work, but the focus was on the subject and not on the object. Their research was subjective and spiritually oriented. Through spirituality they discovered the hidden truths inside them-selves, others and the universe. The Bhagavati Sutra records many incidents of soul power. It says that when the powers of the soul are awakened, it can cognize anything and everything in the universe, and all the secrets of the universe are unfolded.6 Regarding demerit i.e. sin; the Bhagavati Sutra has made thought-provoking revelations. 1.8, 1.9, 12.2, 12.5 etc., of the text reveal that sin is what binds and burdens the soul, distorts the latent potential of happiness and freedom and deprives the soul of them. Sin is not determined by an activity, but by the attitude of an ignorant, unrealized soul steeped in delusion. When Kalodai enquires why is the fruit of sin inauspicious, Lord Mahavira is said to have revealed that when one consumes tasty food mixed with poison, the consequences are dreadful, so also sinful activities allure the soul but its consequences are inauspicious and sorrowful. On the other hand when one takes the food that is bitter and medicinal, he enjoys good health, although the taste is not fulfilling. So also all auspicious activities of merit i.e. Punya seem to be difficult to accomplish but its fruit is auspicious.7 6 Introduction to Bhagavati Sutra Volume 4, Pg 40 Bhagavati Sutra 7.10 Page 354 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #368 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SELF BUDYIS THE When Gautama Ganadhara observes many people being enlightened by omniscience (kevalajnana), he becomes sorrowful and grief stricken and asks Lord Mahavira as to why he has not yet become enlightened. Then Lord Mahavira reveals to him, "You are humble and virtuous, without blemish and noble, the little attachment you have for me is an impediment for your enlightenment.8" This incident goes to show that none can grant liberation to another. Each one is responsible for his actions and the fruits thereof; hence one ought to judiciously exert that at every stage in life. Ganadhara Gautama Bhagavati Sutra begins with the curiosity of Ganadhara Gautama. If Gautama is curiosity personified, Mahavira is the solution provider. What Arjuna is to Krsna and Ananda to Buddha, is Gautama to Mahavira. Bhagavati Sutra begins with salutations to the five paramesthis (supreme auspicious beings), Brahmi script, scriptural-knowledge and then throws light on the personality of Ganadhara Gautama. His respect for Mahavira, his humility, his attitude, his curiosity to learn, the How's and Why's of life and his thirst for knowledge are reflected in his questions, which he puts to Mahavira to seek solutions. He remained indebted to Mahavira and was faithful to him till his last breath. Besides Gautama; Bhagavati Sutra also records the questions put forth by Skandaka Parivrajaka, Somila, Kalodai, Jayanti, Roha Anagara and others. A Study of the Bhagavati Sutra through the Fundamentals of Jainism The Tattvartha-sutra reveals, "Jivajivasravabandhasanvaranirjaramoksastattvam " i.e. the soul, non soul, influx, bondage, stoppage, annihilation of karma and liberation are the basic elements (the realities). The soul is characterized by consciousness and is said to be one as well as many. The non-soul is opposed to the nature of consciousness. The association of the soul with non-soul causes the influx of karmic matter (asrava) and their mutual intermingling, i.e. of soul and karma is termed as bondage (bandha). The arrest of the karmic influx is samvara, i.e. stoppage, partial removal of the karmas is nirjara, i.e. annihilation, and complete disassociation is moksa, i.e. liberation. When punya and papa i.e. virtue and sin respectively are added to the above list, there are nine verities (realities), i.e. tattvas. Some of these nine are knowable, others are to be discarded and still others are acquirable: 8 Bhagavati Sutra 14.7 Tattvartha-sutra 1.4 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 355 of 385 Page #369 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Knowables(jneya) * * Soul (jiva) Non-soul (ajiva) Sin (papa) Influx (asrava) Bondage (bandha) Discardables (heya) Acquirables (upadeya) Virtue (punya) Stoppage (samvara) Annihilation (nirjara) Liberation (moksa) * * One remarkable feature of Bhagavati Sutra is that it discusses different topics from different aspects, i.e. Anekanta or multidimensional approach to reality. When Somila asked whether he was one or many, Lord Mahavira replied that essentially as pure soul he was one, but characteristically multi-dimensional and many. 10 When Jayanti asked Lord Mahavira, whether a person who was sleeping or a person who was awake was better, Lord Mahavira replied that one who took to a sinful life, it is better that he is asleep and for a person who took to righteous life, it is good that he is awake. 11 Likewise Lord Mahavira has discussed the fundamentals of Jainism, i.e. the nine verities or realities and other topics in similar fashion so as to give a comprehensive picture of reality. Thus we find the rudiments of Anekantavada and Syadvada as Vibhajyavada in the agamas. Jiva Tattva or Soul We get a detailed discussion of the concept of the soul but is scattered in many chapters and sub-chapters. Bhagavati Sutra 12/10 reveals that there are eight kinds of souls, i.e. atma. 1 Dravya atma Soul characterized by consciousness 2 Kasaya atma Soul characterized by passions 3 Yoga atma Soul characterized by actions 19 Bhagavati Sutra 18.10 11 Ibid 12.2 Page 356 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #370 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 4 Upayoga atma 5 Jnana atma 6 Darsana atma 7 Caritra atma 8 Virya atma Soul characterized by functions Soul characterized by knowledge Soul characterized by vision Soul characterized by conduct Soul characterized by element of power INTERNATIO SCHOOL EKI STUDY NOTES version 5.0 OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parama tapa STUDIES In Bhagavati Sutra the jivas are classified in many ways. The bonded souls are of two types, mobile and immobile, wandering in four existences, developed and at times undeveloped; with mind or without mind; having one, two or five kinds of bodies; one, two, or five senses, one, two or five kinds of dispositions (bhavas); one two or three yogas, i.e. channels of activity; four-fold passions; two-fold upayoga, six colours of thoughts (lesyas) and is bonded by the eight kinds of karmas. In chapter 7.8 of Bhagavati, it is revealed that the soul has the characteristic of contracting and expanding. When an elephant dies its soul can leave that body and occupy a worm's body and vice-versa. Just as the light of a lamp fills the room in which it is kept, the soul pervades the body it occupies. Chapter 12.2 records the questions and answers of Jayanti Sramanopasika wherein she has raised important spiritual questions that are very ardently studied in the Jaina svadhyaya circles. Chapter 7.1 reveals the characteristic of the Jiva to move upwards hence the liberated souls move upwards to the tip of the universe. Chapter 1.1 reveals that the knowledge of the soul travels with it in the next birth, but not the conduct and the austere practices although their fruit as the Karma body follows the doer. Chapter 6.1 reveals that some souls experience great pain (mahavedana) whereas some others do great nirjara, i.e. annihilation of large heaps of karmas. Chapter 6.3 says that the souls are in this world since beginning-less time but they can terminate their stay and reach the abode of final beatitude. Chapter 14.4 reveals the changing cum eternal nature of both living and non-living. Likewise we find ample matter on the concept of soul, characteristics of liberated as well as bounded souls. Chapter 5.8 says that the number of living beings and non-living beings is constant; they can neither be created nor destroyed; only their form keeps on changing. Page 357 of 385 Page #371 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY STUDIES Ajiva Tattva or Non-Soul The non-living things are of two types, without form and with form. The medium of motion and rest, space and time are formless whereas matter is with form. Those without form are designated as non-concrete or non physical (amurta or arupi) and those with form are called physical or concrete (murta or rupi). One can observe the parallel remarks made by the Jaina philosophers and Albert Einstein regarding the principle of motion, [for more details please refer Source Book in Jaina Philosophy, pg 126,127 and Bhagavati Sutra 18.7/7.10]. But for the two mediums of motion and rest all things would either be at rest or in motion forever. Bhagavati Sutra reveals that all that is steady and at rest are due to the above mediums of motion and rest. Where these two mediums operate, it is termed as cosmos /universe (loka) and where they do not is called as void (Aloka) or just space. Likewise chapter 13.4 reveals that Space or akasa is the one that accommodates all things. It is all pervading, formless having infinite space points. Chapter 25.4 records the discussion on time as an independent substance. Bhagavati Sutra has given minutest details of substance (smallest indivisible part of matter) and matter, which are very scientific. Karma Theory Besides the above non-living substances, Bhagavati Sutra records exhaustive details regarding the karma theory. These karmas are of two types psychic and substantial. The former is the cause for the latter. The first conditions the soul spiritually, the latter physically. Just as milk and water and iron and fire are melted together, the bounded souls and karmas are intermingled. In Bhagavati Sutra 1.2, Lord Mahavira clearly states that each one experiences and enjoys the fruit of karma done by himself and cannot do so of others or for others. Chapters 6.9 and 8.1 elaborate the eight-fold karma theory, and based on these and other chapters, we come across one hundred thousand slokas on Karma theory in the Svetambara tradition and two hundred slokas on the same in the Digambara tradition.12 Bhagavati Sutra heralds and warns that without experiencing the fruit of one's karmas one cannot attain liberation. The soul becomes burdened by the 18 kinds of sins and is 12 Introduction to Bhagavati Sutra pg 93 Page 358 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #372 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ unburdened when it gives up the 18 kinds of sins.13 More on Karma theory is discussed through the concept of influx and bondage. Asrava and Bandha - Influx and Bondage of Karma Indian Philosophers have discussed at great length the concepts of bondage and liberation, but besides the concepts of bondage and liberation Jaina Philosophy has discussed the causes of bondage and the causes of liberation at great length. All spiritual reflection and speculation is to free the soul from bondage. Due to the operation of attachment and aversion the soul attracts karmic particles, which are spread in the entire universe. They are so subtle that one can neither see them with the eyes, nor through the finest microscope. Only the omniscient can cognize them, and so the Jaina karma theory is based on the revelations of the omniscient Lords. Bhagavati says that influx of karma is the cause of bondage, as a result of which the soul is bound to the non-soul matter, the conscious energy of the eternal soul is veiled and becomes conditioned in a physical body. 14 Passions and activities of mind, body and speech are the root causes for influx of karma. The passionate mind causes the influx and bondage more than the physical activity hence it is rightly said that freedom from passion is liberation (Kasayamuktin kila muktireva). Six people on different stages of the spiritual ladder may commit the same sin, but influx and bondage of the fruit of sin is determined by attitude, restraint, passion, etc of each person. The Jaina scriptures give a detailed description of the 25 kinds of activities (kriya), which cause karmic influx and bondage. Chapter 3.3 and 18.8 throw light on the relation between action and bondage. Sarvara and Nirjara - Stoppage and Annihilation of Karma Samvara is stoppage of the influx of karma and therefore the most important tattva, as true spiritual advancement begins with the stoppage of influx of karma. Only after being watchful, the influx of karma can be stopped and annihilated, and then one can be liberated. When one keeps on binding fresh stock of karma, along with partially removing the old stock, there is no freedom from karmic conditioning. Perverse attitude, vowlessness, non-vigilance, passions and inauspicious activities cause karmic influx. They should be given up and replaced by right attitude, taking of vows, vigilance, passionlessness and auspicious activity respectively. 13 Bhagavati Sutra 1.1.280/281 Bhagavati Sutra - Eka Parisilana by DMS. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 359 of 385 Page #373 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL ONAL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama NN STUDIES Bhagavati Sutra chapter 25.7 reveals that one must first become aware of the defilements, then must confess and condemn them either in front of the spiritual masters or in private with the Self and supreme Godhead as witness. Then he must embrace the right conduct, i.e. righteousness, and thereupon expiate for the past sins. After doing so an aspirant takes to austere practices to annihilate the existing stock of karmas and to purify the self. We get a detailed discussion of the 12-fold Nirjara, i.e. austerity in this context. They are explained with their sub-divisions and are important for spiritual progress. Jainism has never given importance to blind faith and blind practices of austerities. Austerity should be accompanied with spirituality, only then it can serve the purpose of emancipation. Throughout the discussion of stoppage and annihilation of karma the Bhagavati Sutra has stressed the need for giving up passion, delusion and attachment. One ought to renounce food and also check the causes of karmic bondage immediately for spiritual progress.15 16 Moksa or Emancipation Brahma Sutra begins with 'Athato Bahmajijnasa', for the Mimamsa Sutra and Vaisesika it is 'Athato Dharmajnasa, for Jainism it can be said 'Athato Tattvajisa, i.e. philosophical speculations are rooted in curiosity for Brahma, Dharma and Tattvas respectively. The purpose of Indian philosophy is not only knowledge of the reality, but also realization of it for attaining freedom from misery. It is not merely an academic pursuit of knowledge, but has the aim of realization of the truth in life. The Bhagavati Sutra chapter 12.7 reveals that in this entire loka there is not a single space point where the soul has not experienced birth and death, there is not a single soul with whom all kinds of relation have not been established, be it of friend, foe, parent, offspring, husband, wife, partner, master, servant, etc. The world is eternal, it is beginning-less, the soul too is eternal, but is bound by karmas and subject to birth and death. Just as one cannot say whether the hen came first or the egg, none can reveal about the origin of the living and non-living. Those who realize the purity of their souls and conduct accordingly are able to annihilate the karmas to finally ascend to Moksa, enjoying infinite knowledge, vision, bliss and power. 15 Bhagavati Sutra 25.7.255. Bhagavati Sutra 1.6. Page 360 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #374 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ gaya para Chapter 14.10 records the differences between the embodied perfect omniscient and the disembodied perfect souls in Moksa. Chapter 12.2 reveals that since beginning-less time infinite souls have reached Moksa and will continue to do so in future, but still the world will never become empty of souls. Those who are subject to sensual pleasures tighten the knot of karmas, extend their duration, intensify them and wander endlessly in the worldly sojourn. Those who conquer the sensual pleasures and themselves attain Moksa and enjoy complete freedom and bliss. Chapter 12.9 tells us about five kinds of Gods and says that the Arhats who preach the eternal path of purification and emancipation and the siddhas who have attained Moksa are the Gods of the Gods and supreme redeemers. Some other important Notes on the Bhagavati Sutra * Of all the Angas and Upangas it is the most voluminous one exhaustive in contents. * The topics of living, non-living, universe and its constituents, different philosophical concepts, etc are discussed in depth. The minutest details of life, breath, food, genetics, etc are thoroughly analyzed. * The discussion about atom and the atomic theory are very scientific. * The topics discussed from different aspects reveal the Anekanta style of presentation. * Most of the enquiries were made by Gautama Ganadhara but we come across people of other faiths who came and discussed freely with Lord Mahavira. Details of the various hells, heavens and celestial beings also figure here. Description of the plant-bodied beings, i.e. the vanaspati-jagat is made in chapters 11, 22, 23, etc. * A detailed description of Makkhaliputra Gosalaka is given in Sataka 15, of Jamali in 9.33, 22, 11.9, 11.11, and 13.6. Details of the Karma Theory, the cause of influx of bondage etc give new insight on the topic. For the first time mangalacarana or salutation is found in the Arga literature in Bhagavati Sutra. The greatness and sublime features of ascetic life are extolled in many places. Bhagavati Sutra is important for its contents of spirituality. A detailed analysis of Tapa i.e. austerities is made in Chapter 25.7 which includes the various divisions and subdivisions of fasting, expiation, scriptural study, meditation etc. These explanations give an insight of Jaina beliefs and practices. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 361 of 385 Page #375 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION * * Chapter 8.8 discusses the 22 kinds of afflictions faced by an ascetic and reveals the significance of patience, tolerance and perseverance. * The death of a wise man and the death of a fool are discussed in chapter 13.7 The extra-ordinary powers acquired through austerity are explained in chapter 3.1 in the context of Isanendra. * Detailed discussion on time, features in Chapter 11.11 Reference of many cities and kings too feature in the Bhagavati Sutra and give us an insight of the political, social and cultural India at that time. * SCHOOL Discussion on yoga, upayoga, lesya, passion, body, mind, senses, language etc enable us to understand the dynamic nature of the soul. Throughout the text we get to understand the curiosity of Gautama and others which enabled them to search the truth 2600 years ago A detailed discussion of the ayusya karma features in Chapter 5 and 6. Concept of karma and kriya i.e. action features in many places. Description of life in the 6th spoke of the Kalacakra is made in Chapter 7.6. The same chapter reveals the fruit of sin as Karkasavedaniya and the renunciation of sin as Akarkasavedaniya. It also says that by practicing compassion on all prana, bhuta, jiva and sattva and by not torturing them one binds pleasure producing karma i.e. Satavedaniya. * OF * SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama * The condition of life in the womb, their nourishment etc, is revealed in Chapter 1.7, 2.5. The relation, of the thought paints i.e. lesya and the future births, is revealed in Chapter 3.4. * MSTUDIES Chapter 5.4 informs us about embryo transplantation. It is told in chapter 5.4 that the celestial beings converse in Ardhamagadhi language. Chapter 8.10 informs us about four kinds of people Those with conduct but no knowledge Those with knowledge but no conduct. Those without both knowledge and conduct. Those with knowledge and conduct. Lord Mahavira says, "O Gautama! The first category of people is any day better than the second and the third category, but the people of the fourth are the best and praiseworthy." Thus the Bhagavati Sutra enjoys a unique place and it is considered very auspicious to study this text. Page 362 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #376 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.6.0.g Tattvartha-sutra Dr. Veer Sagar Jain 1.0 Introduction Tattvartha-sutra is a very important text of Jaina religion. It has covered all the aspects of Jaina philosophy and is the source to other literary works as it has seeds of all the topics. Jainism is divided into many sects and sub-sects since ancient days, but all the sects accept Tattvartha-sutra faithfully. None have doubted its authenticity. Like Namokara-mantra, Tattvartha-sutra is accepted by all faithfully. There is no other text like Tattvartha-sutra, which is accepted by all. This is the first Jain religious text written in Sanskrit as earlier texts were all written in Prakrit language. Being written in Sanskrit, and in aphorisms form, it holds a unique place in the overall Indian tradition and hence even the other Indian philosophical schools study this text. 1.1 Name There are two names: 1) Tattvartha-sutra and 2) Moksa-sastra. Even though its proper name is Tattvartha-sutra, yet generally it is known as Moksa-sastra. It is known as Moksa-sastra because the work begins by the word moksa and also because it has detailed expositions of moksa and the path to attain moksa. This is also found as the style with other texts like Bhaktamara-stotra (Rsabhadeva-stotra) is so called because it begins with the word Bhaktamara, Devagamastotra (Aptamimamsa) is so called because it begins with the word Devagama. This text is popularly known as Tattvartha-sutra because it explains the tattvas (basic elements) in the aphoristic style. It is necessary to know that goal of life is moksa and hence to know it, is to know the seven tattvas. Explaining the seven tattvas, there are totally 10 chapters (adhyayas) in this text. They are as follows: 1st-4th 6th-7th Jiva (Sentience) Ajiva (Non-sentience) Asrava (inflow) Bandha (bondage) Samvara-nirjara (stoppage and efflux) Moksa (liberation) 8th gth 10th STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 363 of 385 Page #377 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The tattvas are explained in the aphoristic style; this is very important. The author has seriously thought about the content of the text. Aphorisms are full of important content and are in simplistic style. The mark of a sutra is: Alpaksaramasandhigdham sarvad gudhanirnayaml Nirdosam hetumatathyam sutramityucyate buddhehall It means, the sutra is that which is of fewer words, free of doubt, all the essence, deeply decisive, flawless, with logic, complete with facts. It means in very less words, the much more is told in a simple and lucid way. To write and make others understand the sutras, both are very difficult. One has to be very cautious while writing the sutras. Any irregularities may create misunderstandings. One cannot write more in the aphorisms. You may read my article "32 faults (dosas) of sutra". We can therefore see the name Tattvartha-sutra is so because the tattvas are described in the aphoristic style. 1.2 The author of Tattvartha-sutra: It is a pity that there is no foolproof data available about the author's place, parents, his teacher, time etc. Even there is a controversy about his name. Digambaras call him Umasvami and the Svetambaras call him Umasvati. Who is right or wrong, cannot be established properly and both sects claim that the writer belongs to their tradition. Concerning the timing, there are differences and most scholars put the author in 2nd to 4th century AD. 1.3 Important commentaries of the Tattvartha-sutra: It has been mentioned that sutras are very serious and full of meanings and it is difficult to understand their meanings. Therefore one has to be very cautious about it. There are many acaryas who have written commentaries on this text. There are more than 100 commentaries on it. It is difficult to talk of all of them, but let us see the following four important ones: Page 364 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #378 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 1. Sarvarthasiddhi. Acarya Pujyapada has written this commentary in 5th century A.D. This is a very balanced commentary. All the aspects are and topics are covered in a simple manner and the later on acaryas have kept it intact and present it as it is. The following sutra expounds Pujyapada's art of writing: Pramanakalaskasya Pujyapadasya laksanas Dhananjayakaverkavyas ratnatrayamapascimall1 2. Tattvarthavartika: Acarya Akalanka has written this commentary in 7th century A.D. In this commentary the author has help of previous commentaries and then he has elaborated those and written his commentary. At several places he has given interesting stories and anecdotes. 3. Tattvartha-slokavartika: Acarya Vidyanandi has written this commentary in 8th century A.D. This is a detailed commentary. 4. Tattvarthadhigama-sutra-bhasya: The above three commentaries are written by the Digambara authors. But this is a Svetambara commentary. It is believed that the Umasvati himself has written this commentary. What ever may be the case, it is necessary to read and understand the commentaries to know the Tattvartha-sutra. The above commentaries are sufficient enough to know and read. 2.0 The content of Tattvartha-sutra : We have discussed the external matter of the text. Now we will discuss the actual content of the text, which is very important from the point of Jaina philosophy. The external content is important for the historical and the social point of view. But from logical, philosophical and spiritual point of view one need not entangle in the above controversies. 2.1 Mangalacarana (Benediction): To begin any good work it is necessary to evoke good saying of blessings and all the literary works have so. In all the works they evoke the ista-devata and worship them in the benediction. In Tattvartha-sutra 2 the following mangalacarana is found: Dhananjayanamamala 203 2 Grddhapichcha Acarya Pranita, Shri Ganesh Varni Jain (Sodh ) Sansthan, Naria, Varanasi STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 365 of 385 Page #379 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Moksamargasya netaram, bhettara karmabhubhrataml Jnataram visvatattvanam, vande tadgunalabdhayell It means 'l bow to the qualities of that one who is the leader of the path of liberation, has eradicated the karmas and is the knower of the tattvas.' This is a very important benediction in the Jaina philosophy, because it is not for the person but the Vitaraga-sarvajna (omniscient) who are the shower of the path; they are worshipped so. It is not for any worldly gains but only to attain the best qualities. It is because of this reason that on the above verse many Acaryas having written elaborately. Many have also written independent works, for example, Acarya Vidyanandi (7th century) has written Aptaparikna, Samantabhadra (2nd century) has written Aptamimamsa on the basis of this Verse. Acarya Vidyanandi has said to the extent that this verse is like a tirtha (ford). To recite this verse is equivalent to worshipping the tirthas. Hence one should understand this verse properly. 2.2 Contents 1st Adhyaya: Right faith (Samyak-darsana), Right Knowledge (Samyak-jnana) and Right conduct (Samyak Caritra) all three put together constitute the path of liberation. Jiva, ajiva, asrava, bandha, Sanvara, nirjara and moksa - the faith in these tattvas is Samyak-darsana. The faith thus arises due to two reasons - 1) on its own due to the previous karmas and 2) due to the discourse by other. Full faith arises after the right knowledge; hence the full knowledge of the tattvas etc should be regained first and foremost. This happens with the help of valid knowledge (pramana), standpoints (naya) and presentation (niksepa), direction (Nirdesa), ownership (svamitva), instrument (sadhana), location (adhikarana), duration (stithi), classification (vidhana), existence (sat), number (samkhya), field of occupation (ksetra), field of touch (sparsana), time (kala), interval (antara), condition (bhava), relative numerical strength (alpabahutva) etc are also useful for the cognition of the tattvas. Pramana is right knowledge and is of 5 types- mati, sruta, avadhi, manahparyaya and kevala. Mati and sruta are both paroksa pramana and the rest three are pratyksa pramana. Naya is a part of pramana. The difference between naya and pramana is that pramana cognizes the whole Page 366 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #380 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Types and means of acquiring knowledge Indirect Mind Based truth, while naya cognizes only partial truth. The chart below explains naya and pramana classification easily: Avagraha Tha Avaya Dharana 2nd Adhyaya: Pramana Verbal Testimony Angapravista Arigabahya Direct SCHOOL SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga Clairvoyance Telepathy Omniscience Rjusutra Straight thread. Sabda-Literal Sambhirudha- etimological STUDY NOTES version 5.0 OF Naya Naigama-figurative / Non-literal Sangraha-Class view: Vyavahara-Distributive view Evambhuta-Determinant STUDIES Jiva has following five kinds of psychic states / bhavas (thought activities) 1. Aupasamika - that which results from the subsidence of the karma concerned 2. Ksayika - that which results from destruction/annihilation of the karma concerned 3. Ksayopasamika- that which results from subsidence-cum-destruction of the karma concerned. 4. Audayika- that which results from activation of the karma concerned 5. Parinamika-that which having nothing to do with karma appears naturally. These five have got 2, 9, 18, 21 and 3 sub-types respectively. Upayoga or manifestation of consciousness is the defining characteristics of a soul. It is of two types: 1. Darsanopayaga- indeterminate cognitive operation, which is of four types. a. Caksu- indeterminate cognition had through the visual sense-organ b. Acaksu-indeterminate cognition had through the non- visual sense-organ c. Avadhi- indeterminate cognition of the nature of avadhi d. Kevala- indeterminate cognition that is all-comprehensive. Page 367 of 385 Page #381 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF AN STUDIES SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY pAdhyAya parama 2. Jnanopayoga- determinate cognitive operation which is of eight types a. Mati b. Sruta c. Avadhi d. Manahparyaya e. Kevala f. Ku-mati g. Ku-sruta h. Vibhanga - right determinate cognition by mind and sense organs. -right determinate cognition of the nature of verbal testimony - right determinate cognition with limitations of type, place etc. - right determinate cognition of the nature of thoughts. - right determinate cognition that is all-comprehensive - wrong determinate cognition by mind and sense organs -wrong determinate cognition of the nature of verbal testimony. - wrong determinate cognition of the nature of avadhi. Jivas are of two types: liberated and worldly. The worldly living beings are of two types namely mobile and immobile. Immobile are of 5 types and are with only one-sense namely: 1. Earth bodied- Prthvikayika 2. Water bodied- Jalakayika 3. Fire bodied- Tejaskayika 4. Air bodied Vayukayika 5. Plant bodied- Vanaspatikayika The mobile are the two sensed to five sensed living beings, e.g. ant, elephant and humans etc. Five sensed living beings are of two types i.e. with and without mind. There are five sense organs namely; touch, taste, smell, visual and hear. They are each of two types namely matter (dravya) and psychic (bhava). Dravya-indriya are of two types: nivrtti and upakarana. Bhava-indriyas are of two types: attainment /labdhi and manifestation/ upayoga. The state of transmigration (without gross body) i.e. leaving present body (death) and moving to the next body (rebirth) is of two types namely: of worldly living beings and liberated living beings. Movement of liberated beings is straight from present body to Moksa while of empirical souls it can have a maximum of three turns within a very small time. Page 368 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #382 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Births can be of three types namely garbhaja (i.e. born out womb of female) and upapada (of heavenly and hellish beings) and sammurchana (spontaneous generation). Gross bodies are of five types namely matter, celestial, communication, electric and karmana. These are in the order of their being gross to subtler state. At any time a living being can have four bodies at a time. Mostly they have karmana and electric plus matter or celestial. 3rd Adhyaya: In this chapter there is a discussion of the nether world (hells) and the middle world. There is a description of 7 layers of hells4 where the souls live a long life of pain and suffering. There is also the description of the middle worlds, which consists of concentric rings of continents and oceans with Bharat, Airavata, and Videha etc as continents and Ganga, Sindhu etc as the rivers. 4th Adhyaya: There are four kinds of celestial beings 6 namely Bhavanavasi (residential), Vyantara (peripatetic), Jyotisi (stellar or luminary) and Vaimaniki (heavenly beings). There are further subdivided into 10, 8, 5 and 16 sub types respectively. Again there are further sub classifications in each sub type. Details of all these are given in commentaries of Tattvarthasutra and Trilokasara etc. 5th Adhyaya: This chapter describes insentient (ajiva) beings as the first four chapters talk of sentient beings (jiva)?. Ajiva is of five types namely pudgala (matter), dharma (principle of motion), adharma (principle of rest), akasa (space) and kala (time). Matter is concrete and the rest are non- concrete. Dharma, adharma and akasa are one each in number while matter is infinite and time is innumerable in number. All jivas cooperate with each other. Body, speech, mind, breathe are all matter and results of cooperation between matter and jiva. 3 Tattvartha-sutra- 111/1 * Ibid 111/2 5 lbid 111/-7-18 6 lbid IV/-11-20 Ibid VI-1 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 369 of 385 Page #383 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama AN STUDIES Similarly motion /movement, rest, space to exist and change are the benefits of dharma, adharma, akasa and kala respectively. All substances are eternal and existent and with attributes and modes. 6th Adhyaya: This chapter describes influx of karmas to soul. Influx is of two types namely auspicious and inauspicious. Activities of mind, body and speech are called yoga and the same are the causes of influx. If the influx is auspicious then it results in inflow of merit and if it is inauspicious, then the inflow is of demerit (papa). Influx can be described of two other types also, namely samparayika (actions of passion tainted living beings) and iryapathika (i.e. actions of persons who are free of passions like walking carefully to avoid violence). Intensity of psychic actions is directly proportional to the intensity of influx. Briefly the causes of influx of all eight types of karmas are as follows: 1. Knowledge and vision obscuring: hiding flaws in knowledge and faith, jealousy etc. 2. Vedaniya or feeling: pain: causing pain, grief, scare etc. to self and others; pleasure: compassions, charity, patience, forgiveness etc. 3. Deluding: faith: disrespect to right god, scripture, teacher and religion; conduct; passion tainted activities. 4. Life span: Hell: excessive greed, possessions; sub-human: deceit; human: disinterest in possessions, amicable nature; heavenly: self restrain, penance with desire for good results. 5. Body building: inauspicious: crooked activities of mind, body and speech; auspicious: simplicity of activities; tirthamkaras: solahkaranabhavana. 6. Status: high: self-criticism and praise for others. Low: Self-praise and criticism of others. 7. Interference/obstructions: to cause obstructions in others works. 7th Adhyaya: Description of auspicious influx: Disengagement and disinterest in violence, telling lies, stealing, excessive possessions and infidelity is called vow (vrata). These can be observed partially (by laity) and completely (by monks). Violence is to cause pain /hurt intentionally. To speak the untruth or what is not right is telling lies. To take things without permission or the owner is stealing. To have sexual desires towards others is infidelity. To have attachment in other living and non-living beings is excessive possession. Flaws caused in these vows due Page 370 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #384 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ to laziness or disinterests are called flaws of the vows. To avoid them one should contemplate or reflect on the vows and in the end should observe sallekhana gth Adhyaya Description of bondage: Jiva, in a passion-tainted state, gets bonded with the matter particle, which can become karmas. This is due to five causes namely: perverted faith, disinterest in vows, laziness, passions and activities of mind body and speech. Bondage is of four types namely prakrti (nature), duration, strength /potency and pradesa (area or space). Nature relates to eight types of karmas, duration is the time when and how long the karmas will be active, strength relates to the intensity of the results of karmas and pradesa related to the firmness with which the karmas are bonded with soul. 9th Adhyaya Description of stoppage and dissociation of bonded karmas. Stoppage of influx is samvara or stoppage. This is due to the observance of 3 attitudes of restraints and 5 attitudes of carefulness, 10 dharmas, 12 reflections /contemplations, 22 afflictions and five types of conduct. Restraining activities of mind, body and speech, 5 types of carefulness are in walking, speech, seeking food, excretion and picking up and keeping things; ten dharmas are supreme forgiveness, absence of pride deceit and greed, speaking the truth, penance, charity, detachment and celibacy; twelve reflections relate to impermanence, helplessness, cycle of transmigrations, loneliness, separation of self and non-self, impurity of body, influx of karmas, stoppage of influx, dissociation of karmas, cosmos, rarity of religion and laws expounded by Jinas, 22 afflictions relate to indifference/ perseverance against thirst, hunger, cold, heat, mosquito bites, nudity, lack of interest, women, daily activities, bed, anger, pain, begging, non attainment of knowledge, sickness, straw hurting, dirt, getting respect, wisdom, lack of knowledge and lack of belief; five types of conduct are samayika, chedopasthapaniya, pariharavisuddhi, suksmasamparaya and yathakhyata. Dissociation is caused by austerities /penance. Penance is of two types namely external and internal and each is further divided in six categories. & Tattvartha-sutra VII-17 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 371 of 385 Page #385 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL ONAL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY dhyAya parama AN STUDIES 10th Adhyaya Description of salvation / Moksa. Annihilation of knowledge and vision obscuring, deluding and obstruction causing karmas result in attaining omniscience. This state is called Arihanta. After this the remaining karmas which are experienced only namely status determining, life span, feeling and body formation are also annihilated at death when the pure soul becomes absolutely pure and stays at the summit of cosmos. Conclusion: We thus see that by describing the seven basic elements in Tattvartha-sutra, the entire doctrine of Jain religion are described and the reader can acquire knowledge about them by its study. Page 372 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #386 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.6.0.h Pancastikaya "Ancient book of reality" Dr. Anekant Jain INTERNATIO SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga parama STUDY NOTES version 5.0 tapa STUDIES Parcatthikaya (Pancastikaya) is an ancient and important text of Jain's which is composed in old classical Indian language named 'Prakrit' and specifically in 'Saurseni Prakrit' (an important part of the Prakrit language). This work is composed by the famous Jainacarya Kundakunda in 1st century A.D. The Pancastikaya, as it is specified by its brief title, is one of the important works of Kundakunda who occupies unique position, next only to Lord Mahavira and his Ganadhara Gautama, in the south Indian Jaina tradition. It deals with Jain metaphysics, ontology and ethics, i.e. exposition of the path leading to liberation. The text is in Prakrit gathas / verses and it mentions its title in two places: Paricatthikaya-sarigaha (Pancastika-sangraha) in gatha No. 103, and elsewhere, in No. 173, suttam (sutram) is tacked on to it, and in both the places it is qualified by Pavayanasaram (Pravacanasaram). Though the brief title is more popular, some have used the title Sanskrit like Pancastikayasara. In this edition they are allowed to return as they are, inherited from earlier sources. In Pancastikaya, the five astikayas or existents (jiva, pudgala, dharma, adharma and akasa), which are different from kala, are explained. In this text there is an authentic explanation of the nature of dravya (substance), division of dravya, Saptabhangi, guna (attributes), paryaya (modes) and in the first section /adhikara there is an exposition of the substance, attributes and modes. In the second section, there is a clear analysis of the nine entities (padarthas) called: merit (punya), demerit (papa), living being (jiva), non living being (ajiva), influx (asarva), bondage (bandha), stoppage (samvara), dissociation (nirjara) and liberation (moksa); and the moksa-marga (path of liberation) is also explained. According to the commentary of Acarya Amrtacandra, there are 173 gathas in it, whereas according to Acarya Jayasena, there are 181 gathas. Commentaries: A number of commentaries in Sanskrit by Amrtacandracarya; Brahmadeva, Devajitu, Jayasena, Jnanacandra, Mallisena and Prabhacandra are known. Those of Amrtacandra and Jayasena are already printed and well known. There is a commentary of Balacandra in old - Kannada language; but, so far, it is not published. Some expositions of Page 373 of 385 Page #387 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ this work in Hindi have been composed by Hemaraja (Samvat 1700) Rajamallu (Samvat 1716), Hiracanada (Samvat 1718) and Vidhicanda (Samvat 1891). About the author Kundakunda, the author of this work, was a very famous Jaina philosopher and theologian. He was also a great organizer of religious institutions. His name is held in great veneration especially by the Digambara section of the Jains. Many great religious teachers claimed honour to trace their lineage from the great teacher Kundakunda. Several inscriptions that are found in south India belong to Kundakundamnayaor the line of Kundakunda. Students of Jaina literature are familiar with such phrases as the following: Sri Kundakunda - gurupatta - paramparayam, Sri Kundakunda - santanam, Sri Kundakundakhyamunindra - vansa. These are some of the phrases claimed by Jaina writers such as Sakalabhisana, author of Upadesaratnamala, Vasunandi, author of Upasakadhyayana, Brahmanemidatta of Aradhana-kathakosa. Instances may be multiplied without number, for showing the important place occupied by our author in the hierarchy of Jaina teachers/preceptors. Some of the epithets employed to characterize him are also significant of his great importance. Sumindra, the Indra among the ascetics, Municakravarti the emperor among the munis, Kaundesa, Lord Kunda, are familiar designations of the great preceptor. The personality of this great preceptor, as is generally the case with world famous individuals, is lost in obscurity and shrouded with traditions to have a glimpse of this great person. The early history of India is but a string of speculations and even as such there are very many gaps. Under these circumstances, we have to be very cautions about the history of our author. After many discussions a group of scholars decided 1st century A.D. for the Kunda Kunda's period. Works of Kundakunda All the works of Kundakunda are in Prakrit verses which are easy to recite and understand. Prabhitatraya or nataka, i.e. the trilogy of Pancastikayasara, Pravacanasara, and Samayasara or Samayasara-prabhrta, Niyamasara, Astapahu da, Rayanasara; Baraha Anuvekkha are the best creations of Kundakunda. All these books have been printed. He is said to have written 84 pahudas but they are not as yet found in any library. Page 374 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #388 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Central concept of the textThere are two important concepts in Pancastikaya which are perplexing to students of Jainism, the astikaya i.e. the existent and the dravya / substance. The term astikaya is a compound name made up of asti and kaya which respectively mean existing and extensive magnitude. Thus astikaya means a real that has extensive magnitude. The other term dravya means the real that is changing like the flow of water. (i) Existent / Astikaya- The existents are of five types namely jiva /living being (soul), ajiva, pudgala (matter), dharma (principle of motion), adharma (principle of rest) and akasa (space)). These five build up the cosmos. Space and matter are distinctly extended exitents. Dharma and Adharma are indirectly related to space. Their operation is in space and is limited to Lokakasa, Thus they may also be considered as related to space. Lastly life is generally associated with body; the organic body is constituted by pudgala or matter. Jiva is operative in and conditioned by such a physical medium. In a way therefore jiva also is related to space. These five existences which have spatiality either directly or indirectly are the five astikayas. These are the constituent elements of the universe or the world. The text describes in detail the five existences. Kundakunda describes the number of each and the general and special characteristics of the different astikayas. Jivas, pudgalas, the principles of rest and motion, and finally space - these are the astikayas. They are eternal, uncreated and of huge magnitude. The things, which have the essential nature of manifesting themselves severally through their numerous attributes and modes up to the limits of the three worlds, are the astikayasthey being the constituent part of the world. Another substance which is the main cause for every change / transformation in this world is called kala (time). In the text the author didn't include time dravya in Astikaya. Therefore kala has no extension in space either directly or indirectly. Hence it is not an astikaya. Time has its own definitions. Kala or time, though not an element of the physical universe as Jiva puggalakaya dhammadhamma taheva ayasam/ Atthittamhi ya niyada anannamaeya anumahamtall. Pancastikaya (1/4) Jesim athisahao gunehisaha pajjarhi viviehil Te honti atthikaya nippannam jehi tailokkam // Pancastikaya (1/5) STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 375 of 385 Page #389 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY STUDIES mentioned in the text; however it is, through its attributes of change and motion, is admitted to be real. So time also must be considered real. The real or absolute time, as contrasted with the relative time, is constituted by simple elements known as kalanus or instants. Instants, points and atoms are the characteristics conceptions of Jaina thought and in this respect it has a wonderful corroboration from the field of Modern mathematics and physics. 2 So, kala (time) is not an astikaya. It is distinctly a real entity which accounts for changes in other things. Such are the characteristics of real time. This should not be confounded with Vyavahara kala or relative time which is measured by some conventional units of either long or short duration. These conventional distinctions would have no meaning if they are not coordinated in a single real time series. Theory of existence: The term dravya (substance) denotes any existence which has the important characteristics of persistence through change. Pancastikaya admits only the dynamic reality or dravya. Dravya then is that which has permanence and its manifestations through change of its attributes resulting in its modes. Utpada origination, Vyaya the destruction are real. Kundakunda in explanation of existence ('satta) says: "Existence (substance) is one (as a class). It is inherent essence of all things. It manifests itself through diverse forms. It undergoes infinite modifications. It has the triple characteristics of origination, destruction and permanence. It also has the antithetical qualities, i.e. it may be described by the opposite".2 Substance, qualities and Modes: The dynamic substance or dravya is always associated with certain intrinsic and inalienable qualities called gunas. Thus the yellow colour, mallability, etc, will be the qualities which must exist in some state or form. This is its mode of existence or paryaya. This mode or paryaya is subject to change. It may be destroyed and a new mode may appear. But this origination and destruction are relevant only to paryayas or modes and not to dravyas, the constitutive substance that can neither be destroyed nor created and so is eternal. Satta savvapayattha savissaruva anatapajjayal Bhanguppaddhuvatta sappadivakkha havadi ekka// Pancastikaya 1.9 Page 376 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #390 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF 3 Davvam sallakkhanayam uppadavvayadhuvattasanjuttam/ Gunapajjayasayam va jam tam bhanamti savvanhull Pancastikaya 1/10 Jivo tti havadi ceda uvaogvisesido pahu kattal Bhotta ya deha matto na hi mutto kammsainjuttoll Pancastikaya 1/24 Khandha ya khandhadesa khandhapadesa ya honti parmanu/ Edi te caduvviyappa puggalakaya muneyavvall Pancastikaya, 1/74 CXI STUDY NOTES version 5.0 SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY svAdhyAya parama tapa Substance exists with the qualities and modes. Without it there is no existence of the substance. Pancastikaya explaining the characteristics of dravya says, "whatever has substantiality, has the dialectical triad of birth, death and permanence, and is the substratum of qualities and modes is dravya. So say the all knowing omniscient.3 IN STUDIES Explanation of Jivastikaya Acarya Kundakunda gave very long explanations about Jivastikaya these are in about 46 gathas- from gatha No. 27 to 73. The attributes of jiva (soul) are- it has life, consciousness, manifestation/upayoga (knowledge and perception), is potent, performs action, and is affected by their results, is conditioned by his body, is incorporeal and ordinarily found with karma. Kundakunda discussed many subjects which are directly related to jiva e.g. state of pure soul; knowledge of soul; size of soul; relation between karma and soul; actions of soul, modes of the soul etc. Concept of matter - Theory of Atom: Theory of smallest indivisible part of matter called paramanu is detailed in great depth in Pancastikaya. We can compare his description paramanu with modern science's atom and its further sub-divisions. Kundakunda mentions four different kinds of material objects. 5 These are the four basic modifications out of which the multifarious modes of matter are formed. Be it understood that matter exists in four main modes: skandhas, skandhadesas; skandha-pradesas and primary atoms. Here skandhas are the aggregates of atoms. This class refers to complete molecular constitution. Skandhadesa is said to be incomplete. But still it is an aggregate and so is skhandhapradesa. These three are the differences in molecular constitution. The last class refers smallest unit of matter called paramanu or the indivisible part of atom that is the constituting the other three classes. And this is explained deeply in next sixteen gathas. Page 377 of 385 Page #391 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Similarly Pancastikaya explained the theory of Dharma and Adharma (medium of motion and rest) and the concept of space astikayas from gatha 83 to 96. Path of salvation: Right faith, right - knowledge and right conduct is the path of salvation. In the next half part of the Pancastikaya explains nine objects (padarthas) or entities (including seven verities) and the path of salvation. Kundakunda explaining the three jewels (Right faith, knowledge and conduct) of Jainism says, 'Belief in the real existence or tattvas is the right faith, knowledge of their real nature without doubt or hankering is right knowledge. An attitude of neutrality without desire or aversion towards the objects of the external world is right conduct. These three are found in those who know the path'. 6 Kundakunda explains these three in very deep and spiritual way. He also defines the seven verities with punya - papa (merit -demerit) called nine padarthas. We can say in short that Pancastikaya is single text of 1st century A.D. which explains in depth, the Jaina theory of reality. "Sammattam saddahanas bhavanam tesimadhigamo nanam/ Carittam sambhavo visayesu virudhamaagginamil Pancastikaya 2/107 Page 378 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #392 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ B.6.0.1 Bhagavati Aradhana Mrs. Manjusha Sethi The whole of the Jaina exegetical literature is comprised in the dvadasangi. The Ganadharas of Tirthamkara Mahavira, who heard his divine sound, passed on this knowledge to their disciples. The srutajnana of Lord Mahavira passed on in this fashion for almost 683 years. Due the diminishing power of the memory and lack of concentration this oral tradition could not continue. This led to the loss of the knowledge. The need to procure the knowledge in writing that is in script arose. Those acaryas who did this work were known as srutadhara acaryas. Those acaryas who followed the tradition and composed the works; their works were kept in the category of the agamas. Bhagavati Aradhana- Sivarya is the author of this important work. This work can be kept in the category of agamas. This literary work is a mainly about and on the code of conduct of the monks. Acaranga is an important part of the dvadasangi. This anga is comprised of 18000 padas. Sivarya has asserted that he being a person of a little less knowledge has written his work of 2263 sutras keeping this important work in mind. This aradhana is one of the work which is has very vast content in it and this can be known from its content. From the above mentioned aphorisms it can be said that this literary work is composed by Sivarya. There is hardly any mention of Sivarya in other works, genealogies, inscriptions etc. Bhagavati Aradhana is written in Maharashtri Prakrit. From the linguistic point of view, from the context and the content it is established that this work is composed in around 2nd or 3rd centuryA.D. Though the original work in lost or is unavailable to us till date; there are many commentaries written on it. Through the commentaries the original work can undisputedly restored back. Bhagavati Aradhana has the following commentaries on it: 1. Vijayodaya Tika- Aparajitasuri has written a commentary in Sanskrit in the 7th century. 2. Mularadhana Darpana- Pt. Asadhara has written a commentary in Sanskrit in the 13th century. 3. Aradhana Pancika- The author is unknown. This is written in the 14th century. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 379 of 385 Page #393 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ INTERNATION SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY vAdhyAya parama STUDIES 4. Bhavartha Dipika Tika- Pandit Shivajilal wrote a commentary in 1818 A.D. 5. Aradhana - Acarya Amitgati (2nd) has written this commentary in the 16th century. Also there is a commentary written by Sadasukhdasa. The content of Bhagavati Aradhana The main content of this work is the four aradhanas; Samyak Jnana, Samyak Darsana, Samyak caritra, Samyak Tapa. The central point of discussion is the monk and his conduct. The main task of whose is Moksa. To walk on the part of the salvation one has to take refuge in these four aradhanas. What is Aradhana? To have knowledge of something or to have faith is incomplete when one does not put in to affect that into conduct. For this self effort (purusartha) is a must. Without conduct, knowledge and faith are unproductive or rather ineffective. The one who desires to attain something; he desires to achieve it; and hence sees to it that he finds the correct way of achieving it. In such a manner liberation from the worldly affairs is possible by achieving moksa. To attain moksa therefore one has to do self-effort of these four aradhanas. The knowledge of these aradhanas and its nature is available from the words of the Jinagamas. There is a mention of four types of aradhanas. Like Pujya, Pujaka, Puja, Pujaphala are mentioned. In the similar manner Aradhya, Aradhaka, Aradhana and Aradhana phala is mentioned. Types of Aradhana. There is a mention of two types. Faith based and conduct based aradhanas. (Gatha No: 3). The one who does the aradhana of Faith automatically the aradhana of the knowledge follows. But it may be the case that one who does the aradhana of knowledge the aradhana of faith may happen or may not happen. (Gatha No:4) For example, one who faith in a particular thing and yet may be ignorant of its nature yet it does not mean he is faithless. Intellectually one has grasped the nature of the subject and hence faith follows. Knowledge is the integrated part of Faith. But without knowledge Samyak Darsana is possible. Even in Mithyadrsti has knowledge. Therefore knowledge does not have any connection with Samyak Darsana. (Gatha No:5) Within samyak-caritra (conduct) samyak-tapa is inherited. (Gatha No: 6) Restraint is to follow the 13 fold part of conduct. This conduct is followed when outer and inner tapa (austerities) Page 380 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #394 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga STUDIES confine to each other. When they are correlated to each other a perfect conduct is followed and this will lead to the development of a refined character. Likewise one who does the aradhana of samyak-caritra, Tapa automatically follows it. But it may not be the case the one who does tapa, caritra follows it. Even though shortly two types of aradhanas are mentioned but yet there is in detailed discussion of the four types of aradhanas. 1) Samyak Darsana. Amongst the four, this one is the most important and is worth acquiring first and foremost. Sivarya says; try to acquire this one first. It is so because even if one dies while acquiring this it is fruitful because only with Samyak Darsana moksa is achievable. Once Samyak Darsana is achieved Samyak jnana, Caritra, tapa is correctly grasped. Without Samyak Darsana, the Jiva is ignorant and not restrained. Without Samyak Darsana, the knowledge of 11 Arigas is fruitless. The one who has faith in the six dravyas; Dharma, Adharma, Akasa, Pudgala, Kala, and Jiva is one who is follower of Samyak Darsana. (Gatha No: 35) STUDY NOTES version 5.0 A detailed discussion of the flaws, the qualities, the degrees of Samyak Darsana, classifications etc are discussed in detailed. 2) Samyak jnana. That knowledge which has confined to the development of soul is right Knowledge. (Gatha No: 99) With the right knowledge the knowledge of the tattvas (Jiva, ajiva, asrava, etc) is grasped properly. (Gatha No 100) To know the subject of these tattvas one needs to read the scriptures continuously. What is the type of knowledge that one has to acquire? Sivarya answers that, 1) which has in its base the nayas and Pramanas. 2) Free from the contradictions and free from 32 defaults, 3) which are based on niksepas, anuyogdvaras, nayas, 4) that which has in it the deeper meaning, 5) that which is the highest, 6) which is useful for all Jivas, 7) that which destroys the bad karmas. One has to such agamas and acquires such knowledge, is what Sivarya tends to say. (Gatha No: 98) That which is conducive to the development of the soul is necessarily worth acquiring from the scriptures or from the discourses. A person who is without right knowledge takes lacs of years to free from karmic bondages than a person who has this Page 381 of 385 Page #395 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ right knowledge requires only a time less than 48 minutes (antarmuhurata). (Gatha No: 107) A person with right knowledge refines himself far better than an ignorant one who does fasting for days together. (Gatha No: 108) 3) Samyak Caritra. This work is mainly for the monks, the importance is hence given to Samyak Caritra and samyak Tapa. The importance and other details of Samyak Caritra is expressed in 403 Gathas (Nos 775to 1178). In the Gatha no 9 it has been expressed that the knowledge that this is duty and this is non-duty; non-is hence left; this is Samyak Caritra". With mind, body and speech one has to engage oneself in the auspicious actions. (Gatha No: 9) Caritra is of 13 types, i. Five Mahavrats -Non-violence, truth, non-stealing, Celibacy, and non-possession. ii. Five attitudes of carefulness iii. Three Restraints- Mind, body and speech 5 carefulness and 3 restraints are also known as 8 Pravacanamatas. (Gatha No 1199) They are like the mother who guards the children from the bad things. These 8 Pravacanamatas are the guardians of Samyak Jnana, Darsana and Caritra. The one who is engaged in the 13 types of caritra really is one who is one who is doing the sadhana of caritra. Each of the Mahavratas has five types of mental thoughts (bhavanas). They help the seeker to remain stable during their inward journey. 4) Samyak Tapa: That which is helpful to remove non-duty is the real tapa. That what is conducive for devopment of caritra is the real tapa. (Gatha No: 10). There is a mention of 12 types of Tapas- 6 internal and 6 external. To work with efforts for the growth of caritra is the external tapa. The inner tapa helps the seeker to refrain from the inauspicious mental modifications. Tapa is not different from Caritra. The efflux of the previous or past karmas is Tapa. (Gatha 1444) There is a detailed description of the 12 tapas in this book. Within the internal tapa, Dhyana (Meditation) which is an internal form of tapa is discussed in detailed. It is because that a seeker always aspires for the highest kind of meditation that is sukla dhyana. Attaining sukla dhyana is the zenith of the character. Page 382 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #396 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL OF To follow the 4 aradhanas undoubtedly is udhyotana. To constantly engage oneself in them is udhyavan. To bear any hardships during the journey is nirvadan. To restore oneself in these aradhanas when deviated is known as sadhana. To die with samyak darsana is known as niyarana. SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY Farenga To have faith on the tattvas is samyak darsana. To distinguish self and non-self is samyak Jnana. To refrain from inauspicious action is samyak caritra. To restraint 5 senses and mind is called samyak tapa. 4) BALA 5) BALA BALA IN STUDIES Other important aspect of Bhagavati Aradhana: Death is the main topic dealt in this text. Since the concentration of the text is on monks the issue of Prasasta death is dealt in detail and the other types are dealt shortly. This text discusses in detail the concept of spiritual death than other text of the age. The discussion is as follows: Every aspirant seeks to attain Moksa from the cycle of death and birth. To tread the path of moksa one has to seek refuge in the four aradhanas. Every aspirant therefore seeks a spiritual death. The tranquil death is one which is done under the guidance of these four aradhanas. There are 17 types of deaths mentioned in the scriptures. Sivarya has discussed 5 of them in detail. (Gatha No: 25) They are as follows: 1) PANDITA PANDIT A 2) PANDITA 3) BALA PANDITA STUDY NOTES version 5.0 1. Pandita Pandita a Death: Those whose passions are very less and have reached the state of fourteenth gunasthana. One who crossed the three yogas (activities of mind, speech and body) and one who is about to overcome four aghatiya karmas with the highest character meets this kind of death. Page 383 of 385 Page #397 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ 2. Pandita Death: This type of death is achieved by the sadhus who are perfected in character. This death is of three types:1) Padopagamana, 2) Bhaktaprarijna, 3) Inginimarana. 3. Bala Pandita Marana: One who fails to be fully restraint who yet partly follows the vratas attains this type of death. 4. Bala Marana: One who has not taken any vows attains this type of death. 5. Bala Bala Marana: one one has complete wrong knowledge and has disrespect in the words of the tirthamkara meets such a death. Miscellaneous topics covered in the text: Apart from the above topics there are various topics mentioned shortly. The famous Namokara Mahamantra and its importance, description of the four gatis (states of existence), meditation, description of vows, etc. are discussed. Other Topics: 1. The Stories: Sivarya has described interestingly philosophical things through stories. There are around 150 stories and parables found in this text. These stories are made interesting and inspire to attain the goal of life. It can be taken into account that stories were an important means in the discourses that were given. 2. Physiology: Sivarya must have had the knowledge of ayurveda. In this text refernces to anatomy, disease, process of body cleansing, gynecology, food habits, diet etc are mentioned. 3. Warfare: Sivarya must have been a king. It can be asserted that the way he has described the mechanism of warfare is remarkable. To prepare for war, its mechanism, the instruments, the psychology of the fighters etc are all well discussed. 4. Social Conditions: there is a detailed description of the social conditions around which he was living. He has also mentioned about the killing of cows, Brahmana, women etc. Drinking wine, playing cards, and other bad habits are also mentioned in the text. Injustice on women, the law and justice, robbery has been mentioned by the author. Page 384 of 385 STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #398 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ zrIAura pacca0 AurapaccakyAnapayannAsUtrana paMDita paMDita kAraNa FREE ENE SENT AU 'bAlapaMDitamaraNa "paMDitamaraNa bAla maraNa" Saltekhna Santiato - ART O YING STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page 385 of 385 Page #399 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page #400 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOO Faculty Delhi Dr. Anekant Kumar Jain Ph.D. in Jainology & Comparative religion. Is a senior lecturer in Jain philosophy at Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rastriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, (Deemed University); New Delhi. He has published several research articles in national newspapers. Prof. D. C. Jain M.B.B.S., M.D., D.M. from Delhi University. Head of the Department of Neurology and vice Principal of V.M. Medical College & Safdurjang Hospital New Delhi. He is also the Honorary Director at the L.R.S. Institute in New Delhi. Member of Indian Council of Medical Research in Delhi. He has published several research papers and also participated in many conferences & seminars both in India and abroad. Active Jainologist and leader of Jain community. Dr. J. P. Jain Ph.D. Retired officer of Indian foreign service and now a visiting lecturer at Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, Delhi. Written several books on Jainism and an international speaker on Jainism. Dr. Jai Kumar Upadhaye Ph.D. in Prakrit from ML Sukhadia Univ. Udaipur. Renowned Jain astrologist, vastru Shastri and pandit to perform religious rituals. Is a reader at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rastriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Deemed University. He has visited U.S.A. for several times Dr. Kamla Jain Specialization - Philosophy, Jainism & Prakrit. Prof. Prakash C. Jain Ph.D. in Sociology from the Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. Senior faculty member at the school of International studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. His area of academic interest include Indian Society and Culture, Indian Diaspora, and Jain community. Dr. Jain's many publications include Indians in South Africa, Indian Diaspora in West Asia: A Reader and Jains in India and Abroad. Dr. Rajendra Prasad Jain Ph.D. (Jainism from Hamburg. Taught at Munster Univ. Germany. Now with JNU Delhi India. Prof. R. K. Jain Ph.D. (Anthropology). Prof. Anthropology at Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi. Published several papers in leading journals and is an invited speaker to several international seminars all over the world. Dr. Shugan Chand Jain BE. M.E. PhD in Jain philosophy. IT specialist with international professional and living experience. After retirement is involved STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #401 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOOL TIONAL OF JAIN SELF STUDY IS THE SUPPENE AUSTERITY www parame Dr. Veer Sagar Jain Prof. Viney Jain Jaipur Prof. D.N. Bhargava Prof. Kusum Jain Prof. K. C. Sogani in Jain philosophy study, practice and teaching, Written several paper and delivered talks at several universities. Director of ISJS India since beginning. PhD. (Hindi) Rajasthan University. Reader, dept. of Jain philosophy at Shri Lal Bhadur Shastri Sanskrit Vidhyapith, (Deemed University) New Delhi. He has published 21 books and research papers on Jainology. Frequent speaker on Jainism at local Jain fora. A biophysicist and radiation biologist, author of more than 100 original publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. He served on the faculties of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi; National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Delhi University, Delhi and as a visiting professor/scientist at several institutes in India, Germany, U.K., France, Netherlands and USA. Prof. Jain was elected as President of Indian Photobiology Society and Indian Society for Radiation Biology. He superannuated in 1998 from the post of Director, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi. Ph.D. Prof emeritus at Jain Vishva Bharti University. Chairman of Visva Sanskrita Pratisthana, Jodhpur. He is an Editor of And Sanskrit Literature. He has participated in more than sixty seminars in India and Abroad. He was awarded the Preksha Puraskar & Rajasthan Sanskrit Academy. Ph.D in Human Rights from the University of Ottawa, Canada. L.L.B.). Director of the Center for Advanced Study in Philosophy and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Has written extensively on Jaina Logic in international journals. She is the recipient of many national and international awards. B.Sc., M.A. in Philosophy, Ph.D. in Jaina Philosophy. Professor emeritus of Philosophy at M.L. Sukhadia University in Udaipur and Jain Vishva bharti Univerity, Rajasthan. He is currently the Director of Jaina Vidya Samathan, Director of the Apbhramsa Sahitya Academy, and Chairman of Prakrita Bhasa Samiti, Prakrita Academy in Jaipur, Rajasthan. He is a Member of the Indian Council of Philosophical Research in Delhi and has been internationally recognized for his work in Jain Philosophy. Dr. Sogani has published thirty books and many papers on Jainism. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #402 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SCHOO Shri Naresh Kumar Sethi M.A. (Political Science). Retired as Secretary and Director of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Government of Rajasthan. Now foremost leader of Digambar Jains and manages several institutions like Digamber lain Atishaya Kshetra, Shri Mahavirji, Rajasthan, Shri Vardhman Relief Society, Jaipur, Bhagwan Mahavira Smarak Samiti, Vaishali, Kundgram, Bihar. Just. N.K. Jain Retired chief justice of High court of Tamil Nadu. Now working as chairman Rajasthan Human Rights Commission. Written several papers on human rights with emphasis on Jain philosophy. Dr. Pratibha Jain Ph.D. in History, from the University of Jaipur, Rajasthan. V.C. of Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. She has published several research papers and Books. Dr. Jain is the recipient of many national and international awards. Practicing Gandhian and a renowned scholar on Gandhi. Dr. Sushma Singhvi Ph.D. Director Vardhman Mahavir Open University Kota Jaipur Branch. Taught and written several paper and books on Jainism. Travelled overseas several times to deliver talks on Jainism Varanasi Prof. Kamal Giri Ph.D. Director of Inana-Pravaha, Center for Cultural Studies and Research, Varanasi and editor of "Chhavi", "Khajuraho in Perspective" and "Kala"- The Journal of Indian Art History Congress. She has published more than 100 research papers in seminars on different aspects of Indian Art and Culture in India and abroad. She visited several Asian Countries in connection with academic. Prof. M. N. P. Tiwari Dr. Tiwari is a Head of the Department of History of Art, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. He has visited London in 1995 to work on Jain Sculptures and paintings in the U.K. Museums. Dr. Tiwari has published about hundred research papers in various Indian and foreign research journals. He has supervised fourteen PhD thesis on different aspects of Indian Art. He has ten books to his credit which are titled jaina pratimavijnana, temples and cultures of kashi and jaina kala Tirtha: Deogarh. He was awarded many times by the president of India. Prof. Sudarshan Lal Jain M.A. (Sanskrit), Ph.D., Acharya. Former Director (Research) of Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi. Former Prof. & Head, Deptt. Of Sanskrit, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #403 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ sAya para Others Dr. Anupam Jain Ph.D Mathematics. He is Associate Professor at the Government Autonomous Holkar Science College in Indore. He is also the Honorary Director of the Ganini Jnanmati Prakrita Sodhapitha Jambudvipa in Hastinapur; Honorary Secretary and Executive Director of Kundakunda Jnanapitha Indore. He has published six books and many research papers. He has received several national awards. Prof. Bhag Chand Jain PhD (Jainism and Buddhism). Teaching and researching for over thirty five years on Jain and Buddhist philosophies. Now Prof at University of Madras and joint director of National Institute of Prakrat Research at Sravanbelgola. Dr. M.R. Gelra Ph.D. in Chemistry. Emeritus Professor in Jainology and was the first vice chancellor of Jain Vishva Bharti University Ladnun, Rajasthan. Dr. Meenal Katarnikar Ph.D. (Philosophy) with specialization in Indian Philosophy and epistemology. She is a Reader in Jainology, Department of Philosophy, University of Mumbai. She has published many research papers and also participated in seminars in India. Dr. Priyadarshana Jain PhD in Jainology from University of Madras. Research scholar and faculty at Univ. of Madras. She has published many books and research papers on Jain philosophy. Was a member of Interfaith dialogue mission to USA. Dr. Sulekh Chand Jain Ph.D aeronautical engg. retired as research engineering manager at GE. Is Chairman Governing council ISJS USA. Founding president several Jain centers in USA and Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA). Trustee of ISIS India, Ahinsa Foundation India; Vice President, Mahavir World Vision, Inc. USA & Deputy Secretary General, World Council of Jain Academies. STUDY NOTES version 5.0 Page #404 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ CONTACT US Dr. Sulekh C Jain, Mahavir Vision Inc 4502 Saint Michaels Court, Sugar Land TX, 77479, USA Email: scjain@earthlink.net Dr. Atul Shah, UK Diverse Ethics Ltd. 9 Redmill, Colchester, CO3 4RT UK Email: atul@diverseethics.com Mr. Pramod Jain Email: jain_pm@hotmail.com Ms. Lidiya Potapenko, USA Coordinator, Center for Jain Studies, Claremont Lincoln University Email: lidiya.potapenko@cst.edu Prof. Christopher Chapple, USA Professor Dept of Theology, Loyola Marymount University LMU Extension, 1840, University Hall, One LMU, Drive, LA, California-90045, U.S.A Email: cchapple@lmu.edu Ms. Sarah Hadmack,Hawaii Religious Studies Instructor,W.C. College and University of Hawaii 45-720 Keaahala Road Kaneohe, HI 96744 Email: minnis@hawaii.edu Chairman's Office International School for Jain Studies D-28,Panchsheel Enclave, New Delhi-110 017, INDIA Email: svana@vsnl.com; admission@isjs.in; issjs_india@yahoo.co.in www.isjs.in