Anukul Madhyastha Bhav Pratikul Madhyastha Bhav - Book Summary

Certainly! Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anukul Madhyastha Bhav Pratikul Madhyastha Bhav" by Sanyamkirtivijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Bhavanamrut-II: Anukul Madhyastha Bhav - Pratikul Madhyastha Bhav Author/Editor: Pujya Muniraj Shri Sanyamkirti Vijayji M.S. Publisher: Shri Samyagyan Pracharak Samiti, Ahmedabad

Overall Theme:

This book delves into the nuanced concept of Madhyastha Bhav (equanimity/neutrality) within Jain philosophy, distinguishing between its favorable (Anukul) and unfavorable (Pratikul) forms. The core message emphasizes the critical importance of understanding and correctly applying this principle for spiritual progress and accurate understanding of Jain principles. The author stresses that a misguided or misapplied concept of neutrality can lead to delusion and deviation from the true path of liberation.

Key Concepts and Arguments:

The Nature of Madhyastha Bhav: The book defines Madhyastha Bhav not as passive indifference or an equal acceptance of all viewpoints, but as a state of mind free from attachment to one's own side (swapaksha) and aversion to the other side (parapaksha). This balanced perspective is crucial for discerning truth.
Distinguishing Favorable (Anukul) and Unfavorable (Pratikul) Madhyastha Bhav:
- Anukul Madhyastha Bhav: This is the beneficial form of neutrality, which is essential for accurate Tattva Nirnaya (determination of truth) and spiritual development. It involves a calm and unbiased evaluation of different perspectives, ultimately leading to the acceptance of truth based on scriptural authority (Agam) and reason (Yukti). It fosters mental purity and helps in progressing on the spiritual path.
- Pratikul Madhyastha Bhav: This is the detrimental form of neutrality. It manifests as treating the truth and falsehood, the right path and the wrong path, or genuine principles and their distortions as equal. This leads to confusion, increases delusion (mithyatva), and hinders the discernment of true principles. It's characterized by a lack of discernment and an inability to differentiate between right and wrong based on scriptures.
The Supremacy of Scriptures (Agam/Shastra): A recurring and central theme is the absolute authority of Jain scriptures (Agam or Shastra). The book repeatedly asserts that all decisions, principles, and practices must be based on scriptural evidence. Independent reasoning, popular opinion, or personal whims have no place in determining truth. Scriptures are the "eyes" of the wise and the ultimate guide.
The Necessity of Tattva Nirnaya (Determination of Truth): The book underscores the vital need for clear understanding and conviction about Jain principles. Without accurate knowledge and firm belief in core truths (Tattvas), even right knowledge (Samyak Gyan) and right conduct (Samyak Charitra) cannot lead to liberation. This determination of truth is only possible through the proper study and application of scriptures, aided by a favorable Madhyastha Bhav.
Critique of Misinterpretations and Modern Trends: The book critically examines contemporary interpretations and practices that deviate from scriptural teachings. It laments the misuse of concepts like neutrality, friendship, and compassion, warning against their distortion for personal gain or convenience. It also addresses the rise of new paths and sects that allegedly disregard scriptural authority and promote personal opinions or charisma over established Jain tenets.
The Role of Discrimination and Taking Sides (in the right context): Contrary to a superficial understanding of neutrality, the book argues that in matters of truth and falsehood, or right and wrong paths, one must take a side – the side of truth and righteousness as revealed in the scriptures. Remaining neutral between truth and falsehood is detrimental. The book champions the Tapasgachch's tradition of adhering to scriptures and clearly distinguishing right from wrong.
The Importance of Adherence to Agam (Scriptures): The book emphasizes that the path to liberation is guided by the teachings of the Omniscient Ones (Jinas) as preserved in the scriptures. The author stresses that deviating from these teachings, even with good intentions, can lead to ruin.
The Function of Madhyastha Bhav in Discrimination:
- For Tattva Nirnaya: Favorable Madhyastha Bhav is essential for a correct analysis of scriptures and different philosophical viewpoints to arrive at the truth.
- For Mental Purity and Meditation (Dharma Dhyana): It also plays a role in maintaining mental purity and focus during spiritual contemplation.
- For Dealing with People: It involves maintaining equanimity towards all beings, showing goodwill towards the virtuous, compassion towards the suffering, and a necessary detachment or upeksa (often translated as indifference or overlooking) towards the wicked or uncooperative, without developing aversion. However, this upeksa should not be passive acceptance of wrongdoing.
The Danger of Misplaced Neutrality: The book strongly warns against a Pratikul Madhyastha Bhav that equates scripturally defined good and bad, or considers all paths equally valid. Such an attitude is condemned as delusion (mithyatva) and a deviation from the true Jain path.
The Role of Gurus and Scriptures: While respecting Gurus, the book prioritizes the authority of scriptures. Gurus are to be followed if their teachings align with the scriptures. If a Guru deviates, their word is not to be blindly followed.
The Nature of True Practice (Anushthan): The book clarifies that true religious practice is aligned with scriptural injunctions. Actions performed without scriptural basis or against it, even if seemingly pious or popular, are ultimately considered fruitless or even harmful. The emphasis is on Agam-based actions.
The Four Types of Analysis: The book refers to the importance of analyzing statements based on Dravya (substance), Kshetr (place), Kaal (time), and Bhav (state/attitude).
The Correct Understanding of Svadha (S anekanta): The book clarifies that Syadvada (the Jain doctrine of manifold predication) does not advocate for indiscriminate acceptance of all views. It is about understanding things from multiple perspectives, but always within the framework of truth and scriptural validity. It's about understanding the relative nature of truth without falling into absolute relativism or accepting falsehood.
Rejection of "New Paths": The book is critical of contemporary movements or individuals who claim spiritual authority or establish new paths that deviate from established Jain scriptures and traditions. These are often labeled as deviations from the true path (unmarga) and sources of delusion.
The Importance of Actions (Kriya) alongside Knowledge (Gyan): The book stresses that mere intellectual knowledge without corresponding action (kriya) is incomplete. True spiritual progress requires the integration of both. Actions must be performed according to scriptures and with the right attitude.

Structure of the Book (as indicated by chapter titles):

Chapter 1: Anukul-Pratikul Madhyastha Bhav: This chapter likely introduces the core concept, differentiating between favorable and unfavorable forms of neutrality, and emphasizes the necessity of Tattva Nirnaya based on scriptures.
Chapter 2: Madhyastha's Explanation of the Path is Not Condemnable: This chapter seems to address potential criticisms of clearly distinguishing between right and wrong paths, arguing that such discrimination is not condemnation but a necessary clarification for the benefit of spiritual seekers.
Chapter 3: Question and Answer Section: This is a substantial part of the book, addressing contemporary questions and debates within the Jain community from a scriptural standpoint. Topics likely cover the definition of a Sangh, the validity of various practices, the interpretation of scriptures, the nature of new movements, and the importance of scriptural adherence.
Chapter 4: Madhyastha Bhav in Spiritual Pursuit: This chapter likely focuses on the practical application of favorable Madhyastha Bhav in spiritual practices, such as maintaining equanimity, dealing with vices, and fostering positive mental states.

Overall Message:

The book serves as a strong call to intellectual honesty, scriptural fidelity, and genuine spiritual endeavor. It warns against the dangers of intellectual pride, deviation from established principles, and the allure of popular but baseless philosophies. The ultimate goal is to guide individuals towards a clear, scripturally-grounded understanding of Jainism and a sincere practice that leads to liberation. It advocates for a discernment that is rooted in scripture and driven by a genuine desire for truth and spiritual welfare, rather than personal gain or appeasement.