Acharang Sutra Ka Mukhya Sandesh Ahimsa Aur Asangatta - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Acharang Sutra ka Mukhya Sandesh Ahimsa aur Asangatta" by Shreechand Surana:

This article, authored by Shreechand Surana, delves into the core messages of the Acharang Sutra, highlighting Ahimsa (non-violence) and Asangatta (non-attachment) as its primary tenets. The author presents the Acharang Sutra as a profound ocean of spiritual knowledge, emphasizing that even casual study yields invaluable insights.

Significance of the Acharang Sutra:

It is the first of the Anga Sutras, but more importantly, it is considered the essence of all Anga Sutras as stated by Acharya Bhadrabahu: "Angaanam kim saaro? Aacharo" (What is the essence of the Angas? Achar).
It is believed to contain the seeds of all Jain teachings, including conduct, thought, meditation, and spiritual absorption. Studying it unlocks the secrets of all Anga Sutras.
A monk who does not study the Acharang Sutra is not considered knowledgeable in the path of a Shraman (ascetic), nor can they be considered a follower of right conduct or a leader of a monastic order.

Content and Themes of the Acharang Sutra:

The article details how the Acharang Sutra, despite losing significant portions of its original text (estimated at 18,000 verses, with much now lost), still contains a wealth of wisdom. The author highlights the following key themes:

The Foundation of Self (Atmavada): The Acharang Sutra begins with the concept of self-realization (Atma-bodha), akin to the Brahma Sutra's beginning with the inquiry into Brahman. It leads the aspirant to the pinnacle of self-realization.
The Meaning of 'Achar': While 'Achar' relates to conduct (Charitra), its meaning is broader. It encompasses the Panchacharas: Jnana-chara (conduct of knowledge), Darshana-chara (conduct of perception), Charitra-chara (conduct of action), Tapa-chara (conduct of austerity), and Vinaya-chara (conduct of humility).
Six Foundational Truths of Jain Philosophy: Drawing from Acharya Siddhasen, the article outlines six fundamental principles that form the basis of right faith (Samyaktva) and the entire philosophy of the soul (Atmavada):
- The soul exists.
- The soul is indestructible.
- The soul is the doer of its actions.
- The soul is the experiencer of its actions.
- Liberation (Nirvana) is freedom from karma.
- There are means to achieve liberation. The Acharang Sutra elaborates on these principles within its teachings.
The Essence of the First Study ('Shastra Parigna'): The first study focuses on weapons (Shastra), which symbolize violence and its instruments. It establishes the existence of conscious beings in the six categories of life (Shat-jeev nikaya) and warns against all forms of violence. The key message here is ** সংযম (Sanyam - restraint/discipline)**, as violence stems from a lack of restraint. The text cautions against the destructive power of weapons, even modern scientific creations, by targeting the root cause: lack of self-control.
The Essence of the Second Study ('Lok Vijaya'): The second study's core message is victory over attachment (Asakti Vijaya). It states that sensory objects (Indriya Vishaya) are the cause of worldly existence. To conquer the world (Lok), one must overcome desires with contentment, and worldly aspirations with detachment. Only the detached and dispassionate can conquer the world.
Universal Application of Sadhana: The article highlights Lord Mahavir's progressive thought, challenging the prevailing Vedic notion that spiritual practice could only occur in forests. Mahavir declared that sadhanā can be performed anywhere – in villages or forests – as long as the mind is pure and stable.
Equality and Inclusivity: In contrast to the caste-based restrictions on accessing religious discourse in some contemporary traditions, Lord Mahavir proclaimed that religious teachings should be imparted equally to all, regardless of their status or piety. He refuted the notion of superiority or inferiority based on birth, advocating for universal equality.
Ahimsa and Environmental Consciousness: Scholars often interpret the Acharang Sutra as advocating for principles of Ahimsa and environmentalism. The text's emphasis on non-violence is directly linked to environmental protection.
The Core of Ahimsa: Empathy and Non-Attachment: A pivotal verse encapsulates Ahimsa: "AayatuLe prakaasu—eYa tULamanneSiM" – "Consider others as you consider yourself." This means weighing the happiness and suffering of all beings on the scale of one's own self-experience.
The Root of Violence: Attachment and Possessiveness (Parigraha): Lord Mahavir's insight is that violence is an action driven by a mindset, the root cause of which is attachment (Asakti), craving (Trushna), or possessiveness (Parigraha). While economics and social psychology see attachment to wealth as a motivator for human development, Mahavir asserts that this pursuit leads to neither peace nor joy. The goal of life is not happiness but bliss, and the path to bliss lies in contentment, renunciation of attachment, and freedom from possessions.
Renunciation as the Solution: The Acharang Sutra repeatedly advises the renunciation of attachment and the conquest of passions. The urge to possess things fuels violence, and violence is often a tool for acquiring possessions. Therefore, Mahavir advocated for renouncing the root cause of violence: possessiveness and sensory attachment.
The Definition of a Wise Person: A wise person is one who renounces hope, desire, and craving for worldly pleasures.
The Great Fear of Craving: The text warns, "He Munie! See, this craving, the desire for pleasures, is the cause of great fear in the world. This is the greatest sin."

Conclusion:

The author concludes that each verse and word of the Acharang Sutra is a complete scripture and philosophy in itself, offering profound insights into meditation, equanimity, contemplation, detachment, diligence, conquest of passions, endurance, humility, reduction of karma, and renunciation of possessions. By contemplating these teachings, one can experience the divine essence of life and the sublimity of emotions.

In essence, the Acharang Sutra's overarching message can be summarized in two points:

The realization of an attitude of harmony towards all beings everywhere.
Victory over internal vices; in other words, Ahimsa and Asangatta.