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Chapter 11 Swädhyay (Study of Self)
Introduction
The simple meaning of Swädhyay is "to study." The word Swädhyay consists of two words, Sva and Adhyaya. Sva means self, and (soul is the self). Adhyäya means study. Therefore, Swädhyäy means a study of one's own self. Reading, listening to and reflecting on the life elevating teachings is useful in keeping the mind healthy. They inspire one to peep into the innermost recesses of the self. Study of self involves looking into one's own nature to find out one's weaknesses like anger, ego, greed, deceit, attachments, cravings, jealousy, hatred etc. He tries hard and gradually eliminates them from his nature. He remains vigilant so that the weaknesses that he does not have, do not enter in his nature. He also notes his strengths like straight forwardness, compassion, nonviolence, detachment, contentment, forgiveness, equanimity etc. He tries to develop the qualities he does not have and strengthens the qualities he has. The knowledge that brings these changes is Samyag Jnän (right knowledge).
As a result of it, man's journey on the path of progress and enlightenment becomes easy. Swädhyay is a form of austerity. Looking from an absolute (soul) point of view, the fruit of engaging in self-study is selfrealization.
To obtain the benefits of self-study, association with a self-realized soul or following his or her spiritual teachings is necessary. Wherever possible, the guidance of a Guru should be obtained. Shrimad Räjchandra gives the characteristics of a guru in Ätmä Siddhi Shästra as follows:
Knowledge of Self, equanimity, activities as ordained, unparalleled words and mastery over the scriptures are the characteristics of a true guru.
The scriptures dealing with the existence of soul, etc. can be the recourse for the deserving beings wherever direct contact with a guru is not available.
Spiritual vigilance, i.e. awakening of the consciousness and its constant alertness, is an essential constituent of Swädhyäy. Only he who is alert can be vigilant. Only he who is vigilant can concentrate and only he who is able to concentrate can practice Swädhyäy. One who is not vigilant is prone to be assailed by fear from all directions. On the other hand, one who is alert, and hence fully vigilant, is never perturbed by fear.
The great Jain saint Amitagati once said that one cannot get rid of the inner darkness of ignorance without the bright light of Swädhyäy. Swädhyäy schools are recommended when monks are not always available. Swädhyäy is one of the most important aspects of all the schools of thought. In Jainism, it is considered one of the daily necessities (one of six essentials, Ävashyaka). Swädhyäy, like humility and meditation, is one of the internal Tapa (austerities) that purify our emotions, consciousness and spiritual progress. Practicing Tapa is considered the most important process for purification of the consciousness (for shedding our Karmas). Swädhyay is one of the least painful and the most rewarding Tapa. Swädhyay is for all human beings regardless of their level of knowledge, spiritual progress, intelligence, grasping power or memory power. It is incomparable and indispensable. It yields immediate rewards.
Obstacles
Ego, anger, ignorance, an unhealthy body, and laziness are the five obstacles in acquiring knowledge (Vidyä).
Essentials
Determination, making self-improvement a top priority, an open mind, a strong desire to know (learn), a strong desire to practice after knowledge is acquired, and finding time and firm faith in Tirthankar's teachings can be considered essential elements to start Swädhyäy. As nutritious food is necessary to maintain a healthy body, Swädhyay and meditation are necessary to keep our mind and emotions healthy.
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