Ayurved Ka Uddeshya Sanyam Sadhna

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ayurved ka Uddeshya Sanyam Sadhna" by Kundanlal Jain:

Core Argument: Ayurveda's True Purpose is to Support Spiritual Discipline (Sanyam Sadhna)

The book argues that the ultimate goal of Ayurveda, as understood within the Jain tradition, is not merely to treat physical ailments but to cultivate a healthy body that can effectively pursue spiritual liberation (Moksha). This is achieved through disciplined living, balanced diet and behavior, and the judicious use of medicinal substances.

Ayurveda's Origins in Jain Agamas:

• The text traces the roots of Ayurveda back to the Pranavayu Purva, the twelfth part of the twelfth Anga (Drishtivada) of the Jain Agamas (sacred scriptures). This Purva, according to the text, comprehensively discusses the means to maintain both internal (mental and spiritual) and external (physical) health. It details practices like Yama (restraint), Niyama (observances), diet, lifestyle, and the use of beneficial juices and rejuvenators. It also addresses the treatment and control of various diseases.
• The author emphasizes that this Pranavayu Purva is the foundational scripture of Ayurveda, the original Veda. Later, benevolent Jain Acharyas built upon this foundation to create numerous Ayurvedic texts.

Jain Philosophy of Existence and its Relation to Health:

• Jainism posits that the soul (Jiva) and matter (Pudgala) are eternal, self-existent, and have been since time immemorial. There is no external creator, preserver, or destroyer.
• The universe and its changes are a result of the inherent nature and self-transformation of substances. Each substance possesses its own distinct essence and cannot alter the nature of another.
• The transformation of Jiva and Pudgala occurs through Upadana (material cause/inherent capability) and Nimitta (efficient cause/external agency). Upadana is the inherent potential within a substance, while Nimitta is the external presence that facilitates a specific transformation.

Who Needs Ayurveda?

• The text clarifies that Ayurveda is primarily for humans and certain animals (Tiryanches) in karma-bhumi (lands of action), especially those who are prone to diseases due to imbalances of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
• Devas (gods) and Narakis (hell-dwellers) do not require Ayurveda. Devas are free from disease and old age, living in states of perpetual bliss. Narakis experience such intense suffering due to their accumulated negative karma that external remedies are ineffective.
• Beings in Bhoga-bhumi (lands of enjoyment) are also largely free from diseases, old age, and untimely death due to their simple, virtuous lifestyle and inherent long lifespans.
• Even in karma-bhumi, exceptionally virtuous individuals (like Tirthankaras) with superior bodies are naturally free from illness.

The Concept of Untimely Death (Akala Mrityu) and Ayurveda's Role:

• The author refutes the notion that untimely death is impossible. While some believe that deaths due to accidents, poison, or weapons are merely "timely" occurrences facilitated by external factors, Jain scholars like Bhattakalanka argued that Ayurveda's very existence, particularly the Pranavayu Purva, demonstrates that untimely death is a reality.
• Just as a lantern protects a flame from wind, timely and appropriate medical intervention (Ayurveda) can prevent premature death when a person is afflicted by severe conditions like sannipata (a critical stage of illness), provided their lifespan has not yet concluded.

Ayurveda as a Means to the Four Purusharthas (Goals of Life):

• The four goals of human life are Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire/pleasure), and Moksha (liberation).
• Dharma and Artha are considered sadhana (means), while Kama and Moksha are sadhyam (goals to be achieved).
• Good health (Arogya) is the ultimate foundation for achieving all four Purusharthas, particularly Kama and Moksha. Without a healthy body, spiritual discipline and the pursuit of higher goals are severely hampered.

The Genesis of Ayurveda According to the Text:

• The book recounts the story of Bharat Chakreshwar (son of Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara) approaching Lord Adinath for guidance.
• Bharat described the difficulties faced by beings in karma-bhumi, who were not as fortunate as those in the earlier kalpas (time cycles) or the inhabitants of bhoga-bhumi. They suffered from diseases, the vagaries of seasons, and unhealthy lifestyles.
• Lord Adinath then revealed the principles of Ayurveda:
  • For the healthy: Maintaining health through timely, moderate, and wholesome diet and lifestyle, avoiding mental afflictions (anger, lust, greed, attachment, ego), and periodically consuming rejuvenating substances after purification.
  • For the unhealthy: Diagnosing the specific imbalance (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) causing the disease and treating it through Brihana (strengthening weakened doshas) or Karshana (reducing aggravated doshas) using appropriate herbs and remedies.
• This divine discourse became the foundation for the creation of Ayurveda.

Jain Acharyas' Contribution to Ayurveda:

• Prominent Jain Acharyas like Samantabhadra and Akalanka wrote extensively on Ayurveda, particularly on Rasashastra (science of minerals and metals) and Khalvi Rasayana (herbal preparations).
• Texts like "Yogachintamani" by Harshagani are highlighted as valuable resources offering affordable and effective remedies for common ailments, serving as a "Chintamani jewel" for the common person.

Conclusion:

The book concludes by reiterating that Jain Acharyas contributed to Ayurveda with the pure motive of public welfare and the specific aim of enabling individuals to practice self-discipline (Sanyam) through a healthy body, ultimately leading to the attainment of Moksha. Ayurveda, in the Jain context, is a vital tool for spiritual progress.