Atonements In Ancient Ritual Of Jaina Monks

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Atonements in the Ancient Ritual of the Jaina Monks" by Colette Caillat, based on the provided text:

Overview:

This book, "Atonements in the Ancient Ritual of the Jaina Monks" by Colette Caillat, published by L.D. Indology Ahmedabad in 1975, is an in-depth study of the disciplinary and penitential systems within ancient Jaina monasticism, primarily focusing on the Svetambara tradition. It delves into the organization of monastic life and the intricate system of atonements (prayaścitta) designed to purify monks from their transgressions. The author emphasizes the similarities and differences between Jaina practices and those of other Indian religious communities, particularly Buddhism and Brahmanism, highlighting the common socio-cultural milieu that influenced these traditions.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured into two main parts: the organization of monastic life and the atonements themselves.

Part One: Organization of Monastic Life

• Subdivisions of the Monastic Community: Caillat details the hierarchical structure of the Jaina samgha (community), including concepts like gana (flock), kula (family/school), parivāra (entourage), and sambhoga (commensality/fellowship). These subdivisions highlight the organized and disciplined nature of monastic life.
• Titles and Hierarchy of Jaina Religious: The text examines the various titles and ranks within the monastic order, such as niggantha, bhikkhu, samana niggantha, and sāhu. It discusses the distinctions between different types of monks like giyaṭṭha (adept) and agiyatthi (postulant), and the significant role of superiors like ācārya, uvajjhāya, and thera. The author notes the strict hierarchy and the importance of seniority and knowledge in attaining these positions.
• Teachers and their Role: The selection of teachers (ācārya, uvajjhāya) involved rigorous examinations, assessing their knowledge, conduct, and spiritual maturity. Their role was crucial in guiding the flock towards salvation and in the administration of discipline. The book highlights the honors and benefits accruing to the teachers for their service.
• Change of Gana: The text discusses the practice of changing gana (monastic groups) for spiritual improvement. This process involved examinations to ascertain the newcomer's motives and ensure their assimilation into the new community, emphasizing the importance of jñāna (knowledge), darśana (faith), and caritra (conduct).
• The "Nirapeksa" and "Sapekṣa" Religious: A significant distinction is made between those who are detached from the community (nirapeksa, like jinakalpika) and those who are concerned with the community's welfare (sāpekṣa, like ācārya, uvajjhāya). This division influences their status and disciplinary measures.
• The Ideal Monastic Life: The book contrasts the "rule of the Jina" (jina-kappa), emphasizing solitude and austere practices, with the "rule of the elders" (thera-kappa), which emphasizes community life and service. While the solitary ideal is recognized, the structured community life, supported by mutual service, became the prevailing norm.
• The "Proud" and the "Zealous": The text categorizes monks based on their conduct and commitment, distinguishing between "proud" (paribhavanta) monks who neglect their duties and "zealous" (samvigna) monks who aspire to deliverance.

Part Two: The Atonements (Prāyaścitta)

• General Principles: Caillat explains that atonements were central to Jaina monastic discipline, aiming to purify the monk from the karmic consequences of sin. These practices were often harmonized with civil law and governmental structures, reflecting a strong sense of procedure (vyavahāra).
• Classification of Faults and Atonements: The book details the ten traditional atonements (daśa prayaścitta) recognized by the Jainas, which include:
  1. Confession (Aloyanā): The primary atonement, considered essential for purification and a prerequisite for all others. It involves admitting one's faults sincerely and completely.
  2. Repentance (Paḍikkamaṇa): A complement to confession, involving expressing regret and a desire to amend.
  3. Mixed (Misa/Ubhaya): A combination of confession and repentance.
  4. Restitution (Vivega): Returning anything acquired improperly.
  5. Undisturbed Abandonment of the Body (Viussagga/Kāussagga): A psychosomatic exercise of detachment and self-stripping.
  6. Mortification (Tapas): Originally parihāra (isolation), later replaced by various forms of asceticism, particularly fasting and dietary restrictions.
  7. Partial Suppression of Religious Seniority (Cheya/Cheda): A reduction in rank.
  8. Radical Suppression of Religious Seniority (Mūla): A complete demotion, forcing the monk to restart their religious career.
  9. Demotion (Anavasthāyā): Being removed from a position or rank.
  10. Exclusion (Parāñciya): Permanent expulsion from the monastic community.
• Interplay of Law and Religion: Caillat highlights the close relationship between religious and civil law, with Jaina procedure often mirroring secular judicial practices. The concept of relativity in sentencing, considering circumstances and the penitent's capacity, is a key Jaina peculiarity.
• Dispensation from Vows: The text notes that Jaina monastic law, like others in India, allowed for dispensations from vows (great vows), particularly concerning chastity and truthfulness, in exceptional circumstances or for the good of the community, often involving strategic maneuvers to avoid scandal.
• The Significance of the Sixth Atonement (Parihara/Tapas): This atonement, initially emphasizing isolation (parihāra), evolved to include various mortifications (tapas), especially fasting and dietary restrictions. Its prominence is underscored by its later replacement of parihāra and its central role in classifying other penances. The text details the complexities of its application, including cumulative and non-cumulative forms, abatements, and the role of fasting.
• Offences and Responsibility: The book analyzes how offenses are classified based on the principles infringed (mūla-guna and uttara-guna) and the intentions behind them. The Jainas, unlike some interpretations of Buddhism, do consider intention and responsibility, differentiating between actions done by oneself, caused by another, or assisted by another.
• The Role of Service (Veyyāvacca): Service to brethren, superiors, and the sick is presented as a complementary observance to mortification and atonement, aiding in the elimination of karmic residue and spiritual progress. It is a crucial aspect of community life and mutual support.
• Confession and Repentance: The text elaborates on the critical role of confession (aloyaṇā) and repentance (padikkamaṇa) as foundational atonements, emphasizing their lustral and corrective functions. It details the various types of confession, the qualities of the confessor and penitent, and the procedures, highlighting the Jaina emphasis on sincerity, repetition, and the meticulous examination of the offender.
• Demotion and Exclusion: These final atonements represent severe forms of punishment, involving the removal of religious seniority or complete expulsion. The book discusses the nuanced procedures for their imposition, rehabilitation, and the contrasting approaches of the Svetambaras and Digambaras.

Overall Argument:

Caillat's "Atonements in the Ancient Ritual of the Jaina Monks" demonstrates that despite the Jainas' rigorous pursuit of spiritual perfection and their development of a detailed disciplinary system, their practices were deeply embedded in the socio-cultural fabric of ancient India. The atonement system, while complex, reflects a pragmatic approach to monastic life, balancing strictness with humanity, and adapting ancient traditions to the evolving needs of the community. The author emphasizes the Jaina teachers' concern for individual reformation, their understanding of human frailty, and their commitment to guiding their followers towards salvation through a nuanced application of penance. The work provides a valuable insight into the administrative, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of early Jaina monasticism.