Acharang Sutra Me Mulyatmak Chetna - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Acharang Sutra me Mulyatmak Chetna" by Kamalchand Sogani:

This article by Dr. Kamalchand Sogani, titled "Valuational Consciousness in the Acharang Sutra," explores the profound ethical and spiritual teachings within the Acharang Sutra, presenting them as foundational elements of a "valuational consciousness." The author highlights the Sutra's significant contribution to understanding life development and spiritual practice, particularly its emphasis on concepts like rebirth, the soul, non-violence (ahimsa), detachment, equanimity, and sensitivity.

Core Message and Purpose:

The primary objective of the Acharang Sutra, as interpreted by Sogani, is to inspire individuals towards creating a non-violent society. This is to be achieved by fostering equality, which in turn will lead to peace, prosperity, and happiness. The Sutra criticizes the human tendency to pursue noble goals through violent means due to ignorance of the far-reaching negative consequences of violence on both the individual and society.

Comprehensive Understanding of Violence (Himsa):

Sogani emphasizes that the Acharang Sutra offers an exceptionally nuanced definition of violence. It extends beyond merely taking a life to encompass any form of infringing upon a creature's freedom. The Sutra explicitly states: "Do not kill any creature, do not rule over it, do not enslave it, do not torment it, and do not disturb its peace." True religion, according to the Sutra, lies in a sense of equality towards all beings. The author considers this depth of analysis on violence and non-violence in relation to equanimity to be unparalleled in world literature.

The Importance of Rebirth and Self-Existence:

The Acharang Sutra begins by addressing the fundamental human question of continuity of self-existence through the principles of past and future births. The author argues that without a belief in the eternal nature of the self, moral and spiritual values become questionable, undermining the very foundation of individual and social life. This belief in self-existence, and by extension, the existence of other beings and the causal effects of actions, lends reality to life and makes the discussion of values possible. The Sutra suggests that knowledge of past lives can be gained through personal memory, the teachings of omniscient beings, or those who have encountered them.

The Nature of Actions and Their Consequences:

The text laments that humans often misunderstand the correct direction of their actions (mental, verbal, and physical), leading them through a cycle of births and deaths, experiencing happiness and suffering in various forms. The Sutra analyzes the motivations behind human actions: self-preservation, seeking praise and respect, and concern for future lives or fear of death. It points out that in pursuit of these motivations, humans engage in violence against other beings, instigate violence, or approve of it.

Sogani interprets "contrary actions" as those leading to violence, which stem from a lack of spirituality. These actions bind individuals, lead to attachment, and result in misfortune. Conversely, actions aligned with non-violence are considered "proper" and lead to well-being. Understanding violent actions from a detached perspective, the Sutra suggests, can eventually lead to liberation from them.

The consequences of actions, whether positive or negative, affect the individual, becoming integral to their personality and leading to karmic bondage. Violence corrupts the personality and causes suffering for oneself and others, while non-violence develops personality and leads to happiness. Violent actions contract consciousness, while non-violent actions expand it.

The State of the Deluded (Moorchhita):

The article describes the "deluded" individual as someone who has forgotten their true self-existence. This leads to an identification with worldly pleasures and pains, causing them to be unhappy. Such individuals are unaware of their true self, suffer from unrest, lack equanimity, and struggle to grasp spiritual concepts or values based on non-violence. They remain engrossed in sensory pleasures, are prone to attachment and crooked behavior, and may preach non-violence while practicing violence.

These deluded beings are described as being in a state of "sleep" or having forgotten the right path. Driven by desires, they engage in violence, causing harm and distress to others. Unfulfilled desires lead to grief, anger, and further torment. The Sutra states that those engaged in constant violence are fearful and filled with mental stress. They are unable to navigate the flow of existence and are trapped in a cycle of suffering. They pursue trivial matters, seek selfish relationships, are greedy for wealth, and resort to violence to solve problems.

Spiritual Inspiration and Lessons:

Despite the prevalence of delusion, the world offers experiences that can inspire spiritual growth. Aging, death, and the impermanence of wealth can compel individuals to understand the world's mysteries. While some remain focused on sensory gratification, others, through sensitivity, can break free from delusion.

Observing the passage of time, the decline of youth, and the disillusionment in old age, the Acharang Sutra advises against attachment and urges individuals to awaken to their true self and engage in spiritual development before their sensory powers diminish.

The Sutra reiterates the inevitability of death as a potential source of spiritual inspiration, encouraging detachment. The impermanence of wealth, through theft, confiscation, or destruction, can also serve as a catalyst for self-realization.

When the deluded individual begins to recognize the futility of worldly pursuits, their attachment gradually weakens, and they may turn towards the spiritual path. The presence of spiritually advanced individuals can also aid in this awakening. Thus, aging, death, the loss of wealth, the meaninglessness of the world, and the vision of awakened beings can all provide spiritual inspiration and awaken the sense of self.

Sutras of Inner Transformation and Practice:

Following the awakening of self-awareness, the Acharang Sutra outlines essential principles for inner transformation and practice:

Renunciation of Hopes and Desires: External contact with the world breeds hopes and desires, leading to mental stress, unrest, and suffering. The Sutra advocates for renouncing these.
Non-Attachment to Sensory Pleasures: Attachment to sensory experiences keeps one outward-focused, preventing the shedding of karmic bondage and the destruction of negative emotions. Non-attachment is crucial for spiritual practice and self-control.
Overcoming Passions (Kashayas): Passions like greed, anger, and pride destroy natural tendencies. Overcoming these, especially delusion (moha), leads to the destruction of many passions and the eradication of the cycle of existence. Pride hinders social relationships and self-development.
Equality (Samata): There is no high or low in society; all should be treated with equality, which is the essence of Dharma.
Non-Violence (Ahimsa): All beings experience suffering and distress, and all desire happiness and life. Therefore, no creature should be killed, enslaved, ruled, tormented, or disturbed. This pure, eternal Dharma is non-violence. Practicing non-violence leads to fearlessness. The Sutra emphasizes that the being one considers worthy of being killed, ruled, tormented, or enslaved is oneself. Thus, it is important to preach and practice compassion towards all living beings.
Truth (Satya): The Sutra stresses the importance of discerning, adhering to, and obeying the truth.
Non-Possession (Parigraha): Accumulation creates economic inequality. Individuals should distance themselves from possessions and not become attached even if they acquire wealth.
Obedience to the Samata-darshi (Arhat): Following the commands of the enlightened is a duty. While doubt is necessary to understand the world, faith is essential for peace, and following the guidance of the Arhat is crucial for spiritual progress. The author argues that this obedience, in spiritual matters beyond the reach of intellect, is not an infringement of freedom but a path to self-development.
Disregard for Worldly Praise: Those who practice values are extraordinary and may not receive praise from the world, which typically appreciates common actions. The Sutra advises against seeking praise, encouraging continuous adherence to values.

The Fulfillment of Practice (Perfection):

The article describes the characteristics of a "great human" who embodies the fulfillment of practice. These individuals are described as seers, vigilant, awake, detached, heroic, and skilled. They are beyond dualities, experiencing constant equanimity and joy. They are free from karma, their actions guide society, and they do not tolerate deviation from values or a regression to animalistic tendencies. They have an experiential understanding of sensory objects and are called self-possessed, knowledgeable, and virtuous. They live with discernment, free from stress, and are always seeking the right time for their activities. Their ultimate state is one of pure knowing and seeing, beyond the reach of words or logic.

Mahavira's Life of Practice:

The Acharang Sutra's teachings are exemplified by the life of Lord Mahavira. He renounced worldly dependence for self-reliance, prioritizing meditation. He endured hardships with equanimity, overcoming pleasure and pain. Despite provocations, he remained self-controlled. He practiced extreme austerities, abstained from sensual pleasures, and lived a life of detachment and equanimity, never wavering from his path of discipline.

In conclusion, Dr. Sogani's analysis reveals that the Acharang Sutra offers a profound and subtle expression of the "valuational consciousness," providing guidance for individual spiritual development and the creation of a just and peaceful society based on the principles of non-violence, equality, and truth.