Ashtpahud Gatha

This document, titled "Ashtpahud Gatha," authored by Hukamchand Bharilla and published by Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur, is a profound exploration of Jain philosophy, focusing on the path to liberation. The text, presented in Prakrit verses, is a collection of "Pahud" or sections, each delving into a crucial aspect of spiritual practice. Here's a comprehensive summary of the key themes and teachings presented across the various "Pahuds":

Overall Theme: The central message throughout the Ashtpahud Gatha is the paramount importance of Right Faith (Samyaktva), Right Knowledge (Jnana), and Right Conduct (Charitra), collectively known as the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya), as the sole means to achieve liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death. The text emphasizes that external practices without inner transformation are futile.

Here's a breakdown by each "Pahud" (section):

1. Darshan Pahud (Right Faith):

• Foundation of Dharma: Right Faith is presented as the root of all Dharma, as taught by the Jinas. Without it, one cannot achieve spiritual progress.
• Indispensability of Right Faith: Losing Right Faith means losing everything. Those who are deprived of it cannot attain liberation, even if they are steadfast in their conduct.
• Consequences of Losing Right Faith: Even those who possess great knowledge and practice severe austerities without Right Faith wander aimlessly.
• The Power of Right Faith: Right Faith purifies the mind like pure water, washing away the karmic impurities, akin to removing sand from a river.
• Critique of False Faith: The text criticizes those who abandon Right Faith, mock the faithful, and those who support false doctrines. Such actions lead to spiritual ruin.
• Characteristics of Right Faith: True Right Faith involves believing in the six substances (dravyas) and nine realities (padarthas) as expounded by the Jinas.
• Renunciation and Right Faith: True renunciation (Sanyama) and detachment are essential for maintaining Right Faith.
• The True Guru and Devotion: Devotion to those who possess these virtues and the enlightened ones (Gurus) is crucial. Mocking or criticizing those who follow the path of righteousness is condemned.
• The Path to Liberation: Liberation is achieved through the combined effort of Knowledge, Faith, Austerity, Conduct, and Self-Control.
• The Nature of Liberation: Liberation is the ultimate goal, attained through Right Conduct which stems from Right Faith and Right Knowledge.
• The Importance of Right Faith: Right Faith is considered the most precious jewel, capable of bestowing happiness in this world and the next.
• The Meaning of Faith: Faith is not just believing in what is said, but also in what is true and what is possible, even if it's beyond immediate comprehension.

2. Sutra Pahud (Scriptural Exposition):

• The Authority of Scriptures: The teachings of the Jinas, compiled by the Ganadharas, are the true path to liberation. Understanding the essence of these scriptures is crucial for spiritual progress.
• Scriptures as a Guide: The scriptures illuminate the path to liberation and guide the seeker away from worldly attachments and the cycle of rebirth.
• Misinterpreting Scriptures: Those who deviate from the true meaning of the scriptures are considered to have false faith and their actions are futile.
• The Dangers of False Knowledge: Even a person with great worldly achievements or celestial status cannot attain liberation if they lack true scriptural understanding.
• True Practice: The text emphasizes adherence to the scriptures and the teachings of the Jinas, condemning those who follow their own whims or incorrect interpretations.
• The Path of Renunciation: The ultimate path to liberation is shown to be nudity and complete detachment from worldly possessions.
• The Importance of Self-Control: Control over the senses and adherence to vows are essential for spiritual progress.
• The Virtuous Ascetic: Those who endure hardships, practice austerities, and possess Right Faith and Knowledge are worthy of reverence.
• The Nature of True Asceticism: The text distinguishes between those who are truly ascetics (Digambara) and those who are merely adorned with the outward signs.

3. Charitra Pahud (Right Conduct):

• The Role of Conduct: Right Conduct is the means to purify the soul and achieve liberation, stemming from Right Knowledge and Right Faith.
• The Three Pillars: Knowledge, Faith, and Conduct are inseparable aspects of the soul's purification.
• The Eight Qualities of Right Faith: The text lists eight essential qualities of Right Faith: doubtlessness, desirelessness, disgustlessness, correct view, upholding the faith, steadfastness, affection, and propagation.
• The Path of the Pure: Those who are pure in their Faith and Conduct, and possess Right Knowledge, attain liberation quickly.
• The Importance of Renunciation: Renunciation of worldly attachments and sensual pleasures is essential for spiritual progress.
• The Practice of Vows: The text details the observance of vows (vratas) for both ascetics and lay followers, emphasizing their role in purifying conduct.
• The Seven Realities and Six Substances: Understanding these fundamental Jain principles is crucial for proper conduct.
• The Path of Non-Violence: The core of Right Conduct lies in the practice of Ahimsa (non-violence) in thought, word, and deed.
• The Virtues of Ascetics: The text describes the rigorous practices and qualities of ascetics, including control over senses, equanimity, and detachment.
• The Path of Laypeople: It also outlines the vows and duties of lay followers, emphasizing their commitment to the path.
• The Importance of Inner Purity: The text repeatedly stresses that outward appearances are secondary to inner purity and genuine devotion.

4. Bodh Pahud (Enlightenment/Knowledge):

• The Importance of Knowledge: Knowledge is the essence of the soul and the key to understanding reality.
• The Nature of the Soul: The soul is characterized by its inherent purity and consciousness.
• The Jina's Teachings: The teachings of the Jinas are the means to attain true knowledge and liberation.
• The Qualities of the Enlightened: The text describes the characteristics of the liberated souls (Siddhas) and the Tirthankaras, highlighting their omniscience, bliss, and detachment.
• The Path to Knowledge: True knowledge is attained through rigorous self-discipline, austerities, and unwavering faith.
• The Significance of Symbols: The text touches upon the significance of various symbols and practices in Jainism, such as temples, idols, and the reverence for the enlightened.
• The Stages of Spiritual Progress: The text alludes to the different stages of spiritual development.
• The Nature of the Body: The physical body is seen as a temporary vessel, and true spiritual pursuit lies beyond its limitations.
• The Goal of Enlightenment: Enlightenment leads to the destruction of karmic bonds and the attainment of eternal bliss.
• The Importance of Right Perception: The text emphasizes the need for correct perception (Samyaktva) to truly understand the nature of reality.
• The Transcendent Nature of the Soul: The soul, in its liberated state, is beyond all worldly descriptions and limitations.

5. Bhav Pahud (Inner State/Attitude):

• Inner vs. Outer: This section strongly emphasizes that true spiritual practice lies in the inner state of the soul (Bhava) rather than outward appearances or rituals.
• The Futility of External Practices Without Inner Purity: The text warns that mere outward renunciation or adherence to rituals without genuine inner transformation is meaningless.
• The Cycle of Suffering: The text vividly describes the suffering endured in various realms of existence due to a lack of inner purity and attachment to worldly desires.
• The Consequences of Negative Emotions: Anger, pride, deceit, greed, and attachment to sensual pleasures lead to suffering and further entanglement in the cycle of rebirth.
• The Power of Inner Purity: Cultivating inner purity, detachment, and equanimity is the true path to overcoming suffering.
• The True Ascetic: The true ascetic is one who is detached from worldly possessions, free from inner impurities, and absorbed in the Self.
• The Importance of Self-Awareness: Understanding the transient nature of life and the soul's true nature is crucial for spiritual progress.
• The Journey of the Soul: The text describes the soul's long and arduous journey through countless lives, emphasizing the need for inner transformation.
• The Dangers of Attachment: Attachment to the body, possessions, and worldly relationships is the root cause of suffering.
• The True Path: The path of Jainism, as taught by the Jinas, emphasizes inner purity, detachment, and the practice of the Three Jewels.
• The Nature of Liberation: Liberation is the state of complete freedom from karmic bondage and the attainment of the soul's inherent pure nature.

6. Moksha Pahud (Liberation):

• The Goal of Moksha: This section focuses on the ultimate aim of liberation, the state of the soul free from all karmic impurities.
• The Nature of the Liberated Soul: The liberated soul is described as omniscient, omnipotent, blissful, and eternal.
• The Path to Moksha: The path to liberation is achieved through the unwavering practice of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
• The Importance of Meditation: Meditation (Dhyana) is presented as a key practice for self-realization and the destruction of karmic bonds.
• Detachment from the World: Complete detachment from worldly pleasures and possessions is essential.
• The Role of the Three Jewels: The text reiterates the indispensability of the Three Jewels for achieving liberation.
• The Power of Right Faith: Right Faith is presented as the gateway to liberation, purifying the soul and guiding it towards the right path.
• The Destruction of Karmas: Liberation is the result of the complete annihilation of all karmic residues.
• The True Nature of the Self: The true self is pure consciousness, beyond the physical body and worldly attachments.
• The Dangers of False Attachments: Attachment to external things, even seemingly spiritual ones, without inner purity leads to spiritual downfall.
• The Steadfastness of the Pure: Those who are pure in their faith, knowledge, and conduct are unaffected by worldly temptations and attain eternal bliss.

7. Linga Pahud (Ascetic Conduct/Symbolism):

• True Asceticism: This section delves into the outward signs of asceticism, emphasizing that true renunciation lies in inner detachment rather than mere outward appearance.
• The Dangers of False Asceticism: The text warns against those who adopt the outward symbols of asceticism without inner purity and genuine adherence to the path. These individuals are condemned to lower realms.
• The Qualities of a True Ascetic: The text describes the conduct of a true ascetic, highlighting their renunciation, self-control, and unwavering devotion to the Jinas.
• The Importance of Inner Purity: The emphasis is on the internal state of the practitioner, with outward symbols being secondary.
• Critique of Worldly Pursuits: The text criticizes ascetics who engage in worldly activities like dancing, singing, or even violence, stating that they are not true ascetics and will face dire consequences.

8. Shila Pahud (Moral Conduct/Virtues):

• The Importance of Virtues: This section underscores the significance of moral conduct and virtues like non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and detachment.
• Virtues as the Foundation: Virtues are considered the foundation for Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct.
• The Interdependence of Virtues: The text highlights the interconnectedness of various virtues and their role in spiritual progress.
• The Dangers of Sensual Attachment: Sensual indulgence and attachment to worldly pleasures are seen as obstacles to liberation.
• The Purity of the Soul: The soul, when free from sensual attachments and impurities, can attain the state of liberation.
• The Path to Inner Peace: Cultivating virtues like compassion, equanimity, and detachment leads to inner peace and spiritual well-being.
• The True Worth of Life: Human life is precious and should be utilized for spiritual advancement, not wasted on trivial pursuits.
• The Power of Austerity and Virtue: Combined with knowledge and faith, austerities and virtues lead to the destruction of karma and ultimate liberation.
• The Destructive Nature of Sensual Poisons: Sensual desires are described as poisons that lead to suffering and entanglement in the cycle of birth and death.
• The True Meaning of Renunciation: True renunciation is not just about outward abandonment but about inner detachment and freedom from desires.

In essence, Ashtpahud Gatha is a profound guide for aspiring Jains, illuminating the path to Moksha through the unwavering practice of the Three Jewels. It emphasizes the supremacy of inner transformation over outward rituals and stresses the importance of right faith as the bedrock of all spiritual progress. The text serves as a reminder that liberation is an arduous but achievable goal for those who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the teachings of the Jinas.