Atma Vishwas Ka Tulnatmaka Adhyayan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Atma Vishwas ka Tulnatmaka Adhyayan" (A Comparative Study of Self-Confidence/Self-Development), authored by Sadhvi Sudarshanshreeji:

The book, "Atma Vishwas ka Tulnatmaka Adhyayan," by Sadhvi Sudarshanshreeji, explores the concept of spiritual development, particularly in comparison to other philosophical systems, with a primary focus on the Jain perspective.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• Dual Nature of Development: Jain philosophy recognizes two primary types of development:

  • Physical Development: This is understood through the cyclical nature of time, known as the kalachakra. This cycle is divided into two phases:
    • Utsarpini Kal (Ascending Phase): A period of gradual improvement where human lifespan, strength, wealth, and happiness increase.
    • Avasarpini Kal (Descending Phase): A period of gradual decline where human lifespan, strength, and other attributes decrease. These phases are further divided into six "aras" (stages), totaling twelve in the full cycle, which has been ongoing since time immemorial and will continue infinitely. This concept of cyclical physical development is contrasted with Darwin's theory of evolution, which primarily focuses on upward progress without accounting for decline.
  • Spiritual Development: This is the core focus of the text and is meticulously outlined in Jain scriptures.

• The Concept of Gunasthana (Stages of Spiritual Development):

  • Jainism describes spiritual progress through fourteen stages, known as Gunasthana.
  • The term "Gunasthana" is specific to Jain philosophy. "Guna" refers to the inherent qualities or powers of the soul (such as knowledge and conduct), and "Sthana" refers to the stage or phase of their development.
  • Therefore, Gunasthana signifies "various stages of development of the soul's qualities." These are not physical locations but progressive states of spiritual evolution.
  • These fourteen stages are analogous to different phases of human life (infancy, youth, old age) or academic progression, representing a structured path towards liberation (Moksha).

• Comparison with Other Philosophies:

  • Darwin's Theory of Evolution: The book critiques Darwin's theory for focusing solely on upward evolution (from simpler to complex forms) without acknowledging the possibility of decline or fall in spiritual development. Furthermore, Darwin's theory, by not considering the soul, omits concepts like rebirth and karma, making it incomplete from a spiritual perspective. Jainism, in contrast, emphasizes the soul and its journey, including potential setbacks.
  • Ajivika Sect: The Ajivikas are mentioned as having eight stages of spiritual development, but the book finds these stages less compatible with the Jain framework.
  • Buddhism: Buddhist scriptures also describe spiritual progression, with six stages leading to Nirvana (equivalent to Moksha). These stages, such as "Puthujjana" (ordinary person), "Sotapanna" (stream-enterer), and "Arhat" (worthy one), are seen as having parallels with the Jain Gunasthana. The book notes a similarity in the emphasis on the shedding of "samyojana" (fetters) in Buddhism, akin to the shedding of karmic obstructions in Jainism. However, the detailed and systematic progression through the intermediate stages is considered more comprehensive in Jainism.
  • Yoga Philosophy (Patanjali): Patanjali's Yoga Sutras describe five states of the mind's vrittis (fluctuations): Kshipta (agitated), Mudha (dull), Vikshipta (distracted), Ekagra (focused), and Niruddha (controlled). While these represent mental states, the book argues they are primarily based on the mind and not as directly focused on the soul's inherent development as the Jain Gunasthana. The text further refers to the Yoga Vashistha, which categorizes states as ignorant (avyavasthita) and knowledgeable (vyavasthita), with seven sub-stages for each, indicating a progression towards liberation.

• Jain Spiritual Progression and its Significance:

  • The fourteen Gunasthana are described as invaluable gems on the path to spiritual growth. Understanding this progression aids in comprehending the soul's fluctuating states (upward and downward movements) and facilitates spiritual practice.
  • Jainism posits that true spiritual progress begins from the fourth Gunasthana (Aavirati Samyagdarshi), where a right understanding is achieved.
  • Each stage represents a step closer to enlightenment. For instance, overcoming delusion (mithyatva) leads to the fourth stage, renunciation of minor vows (avirati) to the sixth, suppression of passions (kashaya) to the twelfth, and cessation of all activities (yoga nirodh) to the fourteenth.
  • The thirteenth and fourteenth Gunasthana represent the states of Sanyogi Kevali (omniscient with residual activities) and Ayogi Kevali (omniscient without any activities), the final stages before liberation.
  • The text also distinguishes between the bahyātmā (external soul) in the first three Gunasthana, the antarātmā (inner soul) from the fourth to the twelfth, and the paramātmā (supreme soul) in the thirteenth and fourteenth Gunasthana.

• Core Principles for Spiritual Growth: The book emphasizes that genuine spiritual development, or self-confidence in the context of spiritual pursuit, is built upon:

  • Patience (Sahanshilta): Essential for self-control.
  • Self-Control (Sanyam): Necessary for renunciation.
  • Renunciation (Tyag): The foundation for self-confidence.
  • Non-violence (Ahimsa): Declared as the greatest dharma.

In essence, "Atma Vishwas ka Tulnatmaka Adhyayan" provides a detailed comparative analysis of spiritual development, highlighting the comprehensive and systematic approach of Jainism through its fourteen Gunasthana, and contrasting it with other philosophical and religious traditions. It underscores the cyclical nature of physical existence while emphasizing the soul's journey of purification and liberation through disciplined spiritual practice.