Acharang Sutra Aatmgyan - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Acharang Sutra Aatmgyan" by Nagindas Kevaldas Shah, based on the provided pages. The text is a Gujarati translation and commentary of the Acharang Sutra, a foundational scripture in Jainism.

Core Message and Purpose:

The central theme of this translation and commentary, titled "Aatmgyan" (Self-Knowledge), is to elucidate the fundamental principles of Jainism as presented in the Acharang Sutra, particularly focusing on the path to liberation (moksha). The author, Nagindas Kevaldas Shah, aims to make these profound teachings accessible to a wider audience, emphasizing the practical application of Jain philosophy in daily life for spiritual growth.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

The Root of Suffering (Sansar): The text identifies ignorance (ajnan) and attachment/delusion (moh) as the primary causes of all suffering in the world. These lead to harmful actions (himsa), which bind the soul with karmas, perpetuating the cycle of birth and death (sansar).
The Path to Liberation (Moksha): The opposite of sansar – righteous conduct, detachment, and the eradication of ignorance and attachment – leads to moksha. The text stresses that right understanding, faith, and action are crucial for liberation.
Ahimsa (Non-violence) as the Supreme Principle: Ahimsa is presented as the foundational command (aagna) and the essence of Dharma. It extends to all living beings, including the subtle, unperceived beings in elements like earth, water, fire, air, and vegetation (Shadakayajeev). The text highlights Mahavir's teachings on the pervasive presence of life and the need for compassion towards all.
Karma and its Effects: The text explains how actions (karma) bind the soul. It details the cycle of karma accumulation through attachment (raag), aversion (dvesh), and accumulation (parigrah). It also describes how these karmas lead to suffering across various life forms and realms (dev, human, animal, hellish).
The Importance of Right Knowledge, Faith, and Conduct (Samyak Darshan, Gyan, Charitra): Liberation is achieved through the purification of the soul, which requires right perception (samyak darshan), right knowledge (samyak gyan), and right conduct (samyak charitra). These three are interdependent and essential for spiritual progress.
Samyam (Restraint/Discipline): Samyam is identified as the core of Jain practice, encompassing self-control and restraint from actions that harm living beings. It is linked to ahimsa and samabhav (equanimity).
The Nature of the Soul (Atma): The text emphasizes understanding the soul's journey through numerous births and deaths. It refutes monistic philosophies and supports the Jain concept of multiple souls.
The Role of Equanimity (Samabhav): Mahavir Bhagavan established equanimity as a central principle, replacing the Upanishadic concept of 'Brahma-bhav'. Samabhav leads to non-violence, as it fosters empathy and prevents causing suffering to any being.
The Significance of Acharang Sutra: The Acharang Sutra is highlighted as the most ancient and pristine scripture, directly conveying Mahavir's teachings. Its name signifies its focus on conduct, although the detailed rules of conduct are in the second section (second shrutkand). The first section focuses on the underlying principles.
The Concept of Brahmacharya: In Jainism, Brahmacharya is defined not merely as celibacy but as seventeen types of restraint (sanyam), with a particular emphasis on the nine chapters dedicated to Brahmacharya. It signifies living a life of discipline and non-violence.
The True Meaning of Words: The text clarifies the spiritual meaning of terms like 'Brahman,' 'Brahmin,' and 'Vir' (Mahavir), as used in the Acharang Sutra, emphasizing that true Brahminhood and Virahood are achieved through spiritual attainment and adherence to non-violence, not by birth or physical prowess.
Syadvada and Anekanta: The philosophy of Syadvada (conditional predication) and Anekanta (non-absolutism, manifold perspectives) is explained through an analogy of a child's search for Lord Mahavir. It highlights that truth is relative to perspective and that avoiding dogmatic assertions is key to understanding reality.
Sarvodaya (Universal Upliftment): Mahavir's concept of Sarvodaya, contrasting with Vargodaya (class upliftment), aims for the welfare and progress of all living beings through equanimity and equal opportunity.
The Importance of Viveka (Discrimination/Wisdom): Viveka is crucial for discerning right from wrong, ahimsa from himsa. Without it, even actions intended as ahimsa can become himsa. The text stresses the importance of pure intention behind actions.
The Nature of Kasha (Kleshas/Passions) and Attachment: Kleshas like attachment (raag), aversion (dvesh), ego (ahamkara), and greed (lobha) are identified as the roots of the cycle of birth and death. True liberation comes from transcending these.
Tapa (Austerities): Tapa is presented as a means of spiritual development, helping to reveal the soul's latent powers. It's not just physical hardship but a discipline that requires knowledge, discretion, and detachment from results.
The Role of Knowledge and Meditation: Knowledge (gyan) provides wisdom and discrimination, while meditation (dhyana) aids in concentration and guarding against distractions. Both are essential for successful austerity.
The Pervasiveness of Life (Shadakaya): The text details the existence of life in earth, water, fire, air, plants, and mobile beings (tras), emphasizing the need to avoid harming any of them.
The Essence of Jainism: The core of Jainism is identified as ahimsa, leading to equanimity, and ultimately moksha. The text contrasts the practices and ideals of Jainism with other contemporary philosophies.
Criticism of Modern Jain Practices: The later sections of the text (particularly pages 32-35) offer a critique of the contemporary Jain society, lamenting the shift from spiritual focus to material wealth and status. It points out the disconnect between the ideals of ahimsa and the practices of some within the community, highlighting a need for a return to the core principles of the Acharang Sutra.

Structure and Methodology:

Translation and Commentary: The book provides a Gujarati translation (bhavanuvad) of the Acharang Sutra, along with detailed commentary.
Focus on First Shrutkand: The analysis primarily focuses on the first Shrutkand of the Acharang Sutra, which deals with principles of conduct.
Author's Intent: The translator-commentator, Nagindas Kevaldas Shah, aims to present the essence of the sutra in a way that is comprehensible and inspiring for seekers.
Dedication: The book is dedicated to Muni Shri Punyavijayji Maharaj, acknowledging his influence on the author.

Overall Significance:

This work serves as a guide to understanding the profound ethical and spiritual teachings of Jainism, particularly the Acharang Sutra. It emphasizes the practical realization of self-knowledge and liberation through strict adherence to principles like ahimsa, restraint, and equanimity, while also offering a reflection on the state of Jain practice in the modern era.