Adhunik Jivan Me Sadhna Ki Anivaryata

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Adhunik Jivan me Sadhna ki Anivaryata" by Vasumati Daga, based on the provided pages:

The book, "The Necessity of Sadhana (Spiritual Practice) in Modern Life," by Vasumati Daga, argues that sadhana is indispensable for human existence, both for worldly (preya) and spiritual (shreyah) goals. The author begins by defining sadhana as the process of engaging oneself in a specific method, path, or means to achieve a particular goal. She emphasizes that human beings, unlike animals, possess intellect and discrimination, allowing them to choose between a life of sensual gratification or spiritual liberation.

Daga highlights the qualitative difference between suffering from the lack of material possessions and suffering from the lack of truth. While the former leads to decline, the latter, the absence of truth, marks the beginning of true sadhana. She criticulates the pursuit of material pleasures alone, citing the words of Bhartrihari to illustrate how the endless pursuit of desires leads to suffering, aging, and a life of anxiety and dissatisfaction, even amidst wealth.

The text points to the modern predicament: despite technological advancements and globalization, humanity faces increasing violence, hatred, mental health issues, family breakdown, and a loss of emotional connection. Children are becoming desensitized, and societal norms are eroding. This deterioration underscores the need to draw strength from India's timeless traditions.

Daga then delves into the core principles of spiritual practice, drawing from various Indian philosophies. She explains that faith in truth (shraddha), constant focus on the pure Self (samadhan), and the desire for liberation from ignorance (mumukshuta) are crucial for spiritual progress. She outlines the internal sadhanas as shravana (listening), manana (contemplation), and nididhyasana (deep meditation). The ability to engage in shravana is dependent on divine grace, surrender, or the fulfillment of one's duties without hindrance.

The author then explores the sadhana methodologies presented in different traditions:

• Adi Shankaracharya's system: This is divided into external (bahiranga), internal (antaranga), and direct (pratyaksha) sadhanas.

  • External sadhanas include discrimination between the eternal and non-eternal (nitya-anitya vastu viveka), detachment from worldly and heavenly pleasures (vairagya), and the six virtues: shama (mental tranquility), dama (sense control), uparati (renunciation), titiksha (endurance), shraddha (faith), and samadhan (concentration).
  • Internal sadhanas involve the deep contemplation of the truth heard.
  • Direct sadhanas are the Mahavakyas (great sayings) from the Upanishads.

• Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: The text presents a summary of Yoga sadhana, outlining factors leading to distress and the means to overcome them through practices like Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.

• Bhagavad Gita: The Gita, it is stated, begins with a state of despair and offers guidance to overcome it. It emphasizes the ideals of self-control (sanyam) and renunciation (tyaga). The Gita states that through faith, self-control, and dedicated practice, one can attain peace. It also highlights the importance of endurance (titiksha) in facing dualities like heat and cold, pleasure and pain, as they are impermanent. Renunciation is presented as the root of freedom from suffering.

• Jainism: The book highlights Jainism's strong emphasis on ahimsa (non-violence), sanyam (restraint), and tapas (austerity). Jainism is described as a philosophy of self-awareness that does not incite agitation towards others. Through these practices, individuals can purify themselves of vices and achieve peak consciousness. The text details the six daily practices (shatkarmas) for spiritual attainment in Jainism: Samayika, praise of the 24 Tirthankaras, Vandana, Pratikramana, Kayotsarga, and Pratyakhyana.

  • Samayika (Equanimity): This is considered the core of Jain sadhana. It means adhering to superior conduct, transcending agitated states, and resting in one's true nature. Samayika calms the mind, preventing new karmic bondage and leading to the destruction of karmic impurities and the attainment of omniscience. It involves purifying the mind, speech, and body through devotion, austerity, and shedding attachment to external objects.

  • Praise of the Tirthankaras: This practice purifies the mind and inspires upliftment.

  • Vandana (Salutation): This helps dissolve the ego and cultivate humility.

  • Pratikramana (Review) and Pratyakhyana (Renunciation): These practices involve self-reflection, acknowledging and atoning for mistakes, and making resolutions to prevent future errors. This leads to a gradual integration of Dharma into daily life.

  • Kayotsarga (Self-absorption): This is the highest state of meditation where one becomes one with the Self, transcending the physical body, senses, and mind. In this state, mental and physical afflictions cease. It is also linked to the power of Satyagraha.

  • Tapas (Austerity): Austerity is crucial for subduing the mind and senses, fostering endurance, and building control over impulses. It strengthens concentration and willpower, enabling individuals to fulfill their resolutions.

The author concludes by stating that material happiness is illusory and not worthy of human dignity. While humanity has advanced in material science, achieving external comforts, there's a deep internal void. The pursuit of wealth has become an end in itself, leading to a spiritual crisis. The book warns against the commercialization of spirituality and urges readers to adhere to Indian eternal values and practices with discernment. Ultimately, the path of restraint and austerity is a deliberate choice that requires a shift in direction towards self-upliftment, lest future generations face insurmountable suffering. The author ends by emphasizing the rarity and preciousness of human life.