Aavashyako Ki Mahima - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aavashyako ki Mahima" by Pramodmuni:

The book "Aavashyako ki Mahima" (The Glory of Essential Duties) by Acharya Pramodmuni, a disciple of Acharya Hirachandra, delves into the profound significance of the six essential daily practices (Shadaavashyaka) in Jainism, with a particular emphasis on Pratikraman (repentance and self-correction). The author asserts that each of these six duties is inherently glorious and helps in cultivating qualities like equanimity, reverence for the virtuous, freedom from ego, absence of flaws, detachment from desires, and an abundance of virtues within the soul. The text is based on a discourse given by Munishri in Mumbai in 2002 on the topic of Pratikraman.

The Centrality of Pratikraman: While all six essential duties are important, the text highlights that Pratikraman is the most frequently used and understood term in daily discourse. People often say they are going to perform Pratikraman rather than specifying which of the six duties they are undertaking. This emphasis is due to its pervasive role in spiritual practice.

Understanding "Atikraman" and "Pratikraman": The core concept is explained as follows:

Atikraman (Transgression/Invasion): This refers to invading or attacking others. The text draws a parallel with municipal anti-encroachment drives and the societal problem of illegal occupation, often facilitated by powerful individuals.
Pratikraman (Self-Correction/Repentance): This is defined as invading or attacking oneself – meaning, confronting and rectifying one's own faults and transgressions. The text states that the soul has been transgressing since time immemorial.

Causes of Transgression (Atikraman): The five primary causes of self-transgression are identified as:

Mithyatva (False Belief/Delusion): Considered the most potent cause, leading to a mistaken identification with the body and possessions.
Avrat (Vowlessness/Lack of Restraints):
Pramada (Negligence/Carelessness):
Kashaya (Passions – Anger, Pride, Deceit, Greed):
Ashubh Yoga (Unfavorable Modes of Action – through body, speech, or mind):

When Mithyatva is removed, only the remaining four causes persist. Similarly, shedding Avrat further reduces the sources of transgression. Pratikraman is primarily for those who have taken vows (Vrati), but it is also beneficial as a study for those without vows (Avrati).

The Impact of Transgression: The text illustrates the severity of transgression, especially driven by Mithyatva. When one considers the body or wealth as their own, they are willing to harm or kill other beings for bodily pleasure or material gain. This can manifest in acts like murder, domestic violence, and even large-scale destruction through weapons. The principle of "what is given to others returns to oneself, multiplied" is invoked, highlighting that transgressions lead to suffering and the need for repentance.

The Process of Pratikraman: When an individual, through their own conscience, understands the consequence of their actions and the underlying causes, they feel remorse and are driven to self-correction. This leads to a reduction in attachment to faults and sins, a feeling of dispassion, and an awakening of inner spiritual joy. Embracing vows (Vrat) is a powerful tool to strengthen one's willpower. When a vow-taker inadvertently slips due to negligence or unavoidable circumstances, Pratikraman becomes essential for purification.

The Six Essential Duties (Shadaavashyaka) and Pratikraman:

The text then briefly touches upon the role of each essential duty within the context of Pratikraman:

Samayika (Equanimity/Meditation - The First Essential): This involves abstaining from sinful activities. During Pratikraman, particularly in the first essential, Kayotsarga (standing in meditation, often with eyes closed or gazing at the tip of the nose) is performed. The focus is on introspection and acknowledging one's faults (atichar) – the "looking from all sides, with restraint." The author laments that often, these practices are limited to mere recitation, lacking true contemplation and self-examination. It's crucial to identify one's transgressions from the day, fortnight, or year, and seek inspiration for their rectification.
The Second Essential (Implied as purification after contemplation): This involves turning away from attachment (Mamata), renouncing all influx of karmas (Aasav), breaking karmic bonds, and fostering a connection with equanimity (Samata). Witnessing the virtuous and their path to liberation from attachment and desires inspires self-upliftment and courage.
Vandana (Salutation/Reverence - The Third Essential): This involves bowing down with humility before the spiritual preceptors. This act helps shed ego, pride, and the lower karmic dispositions, leading to the acquisition of higher karmic states. The text reiterates that ego is the root of all faults, and overcoming it is crucial for overcoming other flaws.
The Fourth Essential (Pratikraman Proper): This is the core of self-correction and involves confessing one's mistakes, acknowledging them, and criticizing oneself. The suffering experienced is due to one's faults, and the root of these faults lies in disrespecting one's own conscience, abandoning the pure self, and seeking pleasure in external sensory experiences. The text emphasizes the need to return from these transgressions. This essential has three parts: confessing past mistakes (mithya dushkrit), taking vows to prevent future lapses, and seeking forgiveness for any disrespect towards the Panch Parmeshthi (five supreme beings), spiritual practitioners, and all living beings.

The Need for True Self-Improvement in the Present Era: The author expresses concern that despite having access to the profound teachings of Jainism, many practitioners are still seeking external methods for self-improvement like attending meditation centers or reading self-help books. This is seen as a failing of both individuals and the spiritual institutions. Jain philosophy itself contains all the elements for self-realization, mental peace, purity of heart, and physical health.

Challenges and a Humble Request: The text describes a situation where differing interpretations of practices, particularly Pratikraman rituals, lead to discord and loud recitation, defeating the purpose of introspection. The author makes a humble request to understand the essence of scriptures like the Anuyogadvara Sutra and to genuinely reflect on and identify faults, rather than adhering rigidly to rituals or criticizing others.

The Ultimate Goal: Liberation from Suffering: The final essential, Pratikraman, is seen as a path to purification and eventual liberation (Moksha). It's about shedding the ego and attachment not just to one's name but also to the body. The text refers to the importance of correct breathing techniques and consistent practices, emphasizing the need to surrender to the divine, become absorbed in the self, and let go of past mistakes to ensure a brighter future. The ultimate aim is to purify the self and achieve freedom from all sorrows.

In essence, "Aavashyako ki Mahima" is a call to a deeper, more meaningful practice of Jain essential duties, with a strong emphasis on the transformative power of sincere Pratikraman as a path to self-awareness, purification, and ultimate liberation.