Aavashyak Sutra Vibhav Se Swabhav Ki Yatra - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aavashyak Sutra Vibhav se Swabhav ki Yatra" by Sadhvi Naginashreeji, based on the provided pages:

The article "Aavashyak Sutra: Journey from Dispositions to Inner Nature" by Sadhvi Naginashreeji emphasizes the significance of the Aavashyak Sutra in Jainism and presents the six Aavashyakas (obligatory duties) as a scientifically ordered path towards spiritual progress.

The Importance and Meaning of Aavashyakas:

The Aavashyak Sutra, though concise in text, is extensively commented upon by various Jain scholars.
It is considered indispensable for ascetics (shramans), as neglecting it leads to straying from the spiritual path.
The term "Aavashyak" has eight synonyms, all conveying the idea of something essential and to be done.

The Scientific Order of the Six Aavashyakas: The article highlights the logical progression of the six Aavashyakas:

Samayik (Equanimity): This is the foundational step, representing the establishment of mental equilibrium. Without inner peace and equanimity, one cannot truly appreciate or cultivate virtues. It's described as a "sea of equanimity."
Chaturvinshtistava (Praise of Twenty-Four Tirthankaras): After achieving a state of equanimity, the next step is to praise the virtues of the Tirthankaras. This act purifies the mind, calms desires, and can even lead to the accumulation of Tirthankara-level merit. Praising virtuous beings acts like a Garuda repelling snakes (sins). This leads to clarity of perception and purity of faith.
Vandana (Salutation/Homage): Following the praise of Tirthankaras, the aspirant salutes their Guru. Vandana is the means by which virtues are internalized. It can only be performed by those free from ego and is an expression of humility. Humility is closely linked to sincerity and simplicity, which are fundamental to the spiritual path.
Pratikraman (Confession and Repentance): A sincere individual, being simple and open, recognizes their faults. Pratikraman is the process of turning away from past wrongdoings. It's defined as ceasing from inauspicious activities and returning to auspicious ones. Pratikraman rectifies the breaches in one's vows caused by inauspicious actions. It leads to:
- Cessation of influx of karma (asrava).
- Removal of the blemishes on one's conduct.
- Increased awareness of the eight pravachana-matas (fundamental rules of conduct).
- Establishment of consistency in ascetic practices (samyam).
- Attainment of peace and contemplation (samadhi).
- Pratikraman is described as a "coming back" to one's true self, a cure for the cycle of birth and death, and an awakening of inner joy.
- It's done by reflecting on approved rules, accidental lapses in vows, loss of faith due to not perceiving subtle elements, and unintentional wrongdoings.
Kayotsarga (Abandonment of the Body): This practice involves curbing restlessness and is a balm for mistakes made due to negligence. It leads to the detachment from the physical body, allowing the aspirant to transcend the physical even while living in it. It fosters the development of discriminatory knowledge. During Kayotsarga, the Chaturvinshtistava is often meditated upon.
Pratyakhyan (Renunciation/Abstinence): Stability gained from Kayotsarga awakens the consciousness for renunciation. In a vast universe with countless objects, it's impossible for one person to experience them all. Human desires are infinite, leading to dissatisfaction. Renunciation is the solution to this unrest. The journey from equanimity to renunciation is an upward climb of spiritual development.

Types of Aavashyakas: Dravya (Material) vs. Bhava (Internal/Conscious):

Dravya Aavashyak: Performing the ritualistic actions without full mental engagement or consciousness. This is mechanical and devoid of inner vitality, akin to a lifeless ritual. The example of people falling down in imitation of their guru who had an epileptic fit illustrates the limitations of dravya practice.
Bhava Aavashyak: Performing actions with full awareness and consciousness. This is a higher form of practice, a "living spirituality." Bhava action is synonymous with equanimity and allows for the channeling of inner strength to manifest great energy. Without equanimity, even worship can become a mockery.

Pratikraman in Other Religions: The article notes that various religions also have practices analogous to Jain pratikraman for purification from sins:

Buddhism: Uses the term 'Pravarana,' where monks confess their faults to the assembly to purify themselves, especially after the rainy season retreat.
Vedic Dharma: The 'Sandhya' ritual involves prayers and sprinkling water for purification of the body and seeking forgiveness.
Parsi Religion: The 'Khor Deh Avesta' speaks of regretting evil thoughts, speech, and deeds, confessing them with a pure heart, and thus becoming pure.
Christianity: Jesus emphasized that confessing sins reduces and destroys them, while hiding them increases them.
Islam: The five daily prayers (Namaz) are considered a means of purifying oneself from sins.

In conclusion, the article asserts that the underlying principle behind all these practices is self-purification. It also provides a statistical overview of the frequency of various pratikraman observances in Jainism throughout the year.