Bhagwan Mahavir Ane Sanyam Jivan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhagwan Mahavir Ane Sanyam Jivan" by Gunvant Barvalia, based on the provided pages:

Overview of the Book:

The book, "Bhagwan Mahavir Ane Sanyam Jivan" (Lord Mahavir and the Life of Restraint), authored by Gunvant Barvalia, is a tribute to Lord Mahavir. Published by Navbharat Sahitya Mandir, it delves into the profound concept of Sanyam Jivan (a life of restraint and discipline) as exemplified by Lord Mahavir. The author's intention is to present Lord Mahavir's life as a guiding principle for achieving spiritual upliftment and inner peace. The book was released in April 2004 to commemorate the 2600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir.

Core Themes and Content:

The book extensively explores the essence of Sanyam (restraint/discipline) in Jain philosophy, drawing heavily from the teachings and life of Lord Mahavir. Key themes and concepts discussed include:

Lord Mahavir's Royal and Spiritual Legacy: The book begins by highlighting the spiritual kingdom of Lord Mahavir, which is characterized by non-violence, truth, celibacy, non-possession, and non-stealing, contrasting it with worldly kingdoms based on power and conquest. His reign is established on the throne of truth and virtues.
The Sacredness of India and its Spiritual Heritage: India is depicted as a land rich in spirituality, having given birth to numerous revered souls who have offered divine treasures for the welfare of humanity. The Indian culture is described as a "Tapovan" culture, emphasizing purity, peace, and harmony, and prioritizing the soul over the body, the ultimate good (shreyas) over immediate pleasure (preyas), and spiritual happiness over material comfort.
The Significance of Human Life and Self-Responsibility: The text emphasizes that human life is a precious opportunity to achieve spiritual liberation and avoid the cycle of birth and death. It underscores that humans are the architects of their own destiny, capable of achieving greatness through self-effort, continuous awareness, and adherence to high life values, with the support of good company, right conduct, noble thoughts, and the grace of divine beings.
Indian Spiritual Currents: The book identifies Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism as three major spiritual streams of Indian culture that guide towards spiritual upliftment, well-being, and auspiciousness. It suggests that Western countries, despite their scientific progress, can find inspiration for eternal peace and life's true fulfillment in the timeless wisdom of Indian culture.
Jainism's Ancient Roots and Lord Mahavir's Role: Jainism is presented as an ancient religion of India, with its origins predating even the Vedas. Its earlier names like "Shraman Dharma" and "Nirgrantha Dharma" are mentioned. Lord Mahavir, the 24th and final Tirthankar of the current era, is credited with harmonizing and disseminating the eternal teachings of his predecessors, incorporating original contributions while primarily elaborating on their spiritual essence. His philosophy is deemed highly beneficial for the present global situation, advocating for harmony, affection, friendship, and generosity through non-violence, forgiveness, self-control, non-possession, universal brotherhood, and equanimity. He taught the path of self-conquest over conquering others.
The Scriptures of Jainism: The book briefly touches upon the scriptural traditions within Jainism, mentioning the 45 Agamas according to Shvetambara Murtipujak Jains, 32 Agamas for Shvetambara Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi Jains, and the Digambara perspective that the scriptural lineage of Mahavir's teachings is not found in Agamas.
Lord Mahavir's Life and Restraint:
- Purity from Conception: Even as an embryo, Lord Mahavir exhibited purity and sensitivity, influencing his mother's well-being. The text highlights the virtuous and disciplined conjugal life of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, its positive impact on Mahavir.
- Respect for Parents: A significant event is described where Mahavir, in the womb, ceased movement to prevent his mother's distress, demonstrating his filial piety and respect for his parents' consent before renouncing the world.
- Married Life of Restraint: Despite marrying due to parental affection and karmic influence, Mahavir's married life was characterized by restraint, renunciation, wisdom, and detachment rather than indulgence in pleasures.
- Acceptance of Initiation: He accepted initiation after his parents' demise, respecting his elder brother Nandivardhana's emotional plea and showing his deep family affection, which paradoxically served as a prelude to his intense detachment.
- Vows and Discipline: After initiation, he adopted five vows at the request of the head of ascetics: to live wherever he felt no aversion, to always engage in karyotsarg (standing meditation), to mostly observe silence, to eat only from his cupped hands, and to show no disrespect to householders. His Chaturmas (four-month stay) was undertaken in Mora village.
The Pillars of Jainism and the Importance of Restraint: Ahimsa (non-violence), Sanyam (restraint), and Tapa (austerity) are presented as the bedrock of Jain philosophy. The book specifically focuses on the indispensable role of Sanyam in every aspect of life, stating that it leads to universal welfare and auspicious beginnings. Lack of restraint is blamed for the world's despair, destruction, violence, stress, discrimination, conflicts, and overall chaos.
Sanyam as a Way of Life: The book advocates for living for others, making restraint and renunciation a lifestyle, and becoming messengers of love and peace. It emphasizes that life without restraint is not truly living, leading to internal turmoil and lost years. Restraint and renunciation are presented as the means to bring hope, enthusiasm, freshness, and purity into life, offering liberation from bondage, problems, and suffering.
Defining Sanyam: Sanyam is defined as sam (properly) + yam (control) – the proper control of senses, passions, and afflictions. It involves mindful living, controlling mind, speech, and body, and acting with awareness. It is synonymous with righteous conduct and initiation.
Types of Restraint: The text details seventeen types of restraint, including restraint towards earthly beings, water beings, fire beings, air beings, plant beings, and beings with two to five senses, as well as restraint over inanimate objects, mindful action (preksha), equanimity (upeksha), avoiding harm, purification, and control over mind, speech, and body. It also mentions two main types: Sarag Sanyam (restraint with attachment) and Vitarag Sanyam (restraint without attachment), with further subdivisions.
Sanyam in Daily Life: Restraint is deemed essential not only in spirituality but also in everyday life for householders, leading to external prosperity and inner peace. It highlights that overeating leads to weakness, while controlled eating leads to health. Spiritual restraint is crucial for overcoming ignorance, passions, and achieving purity of the soul.
The Union of Restraint and Austerity (Tapa): Austerity without restraint is considered unfruitful, yielding only limited merit and material comforts, not liberation. Restraint is the first step, and austerity is the subsequent one. True austerity leads to the shedding of karmas only when accompanied by samvar (prevention of new karmic influx) through restraint.
Benefits of Restraint: Restraint fosters a sense of oneness, leads to detachment, awakens the soul, aids in the development of self-qualities, acts as a sharp chisel to cut bonds, pacifies suffering, cultivates friendship with renunciation, makes one disregard sensual pleasures, and leads from "I" to "Thee." It is the gateway to the abode of the Vitarag (detached beings).
The Role of Knowledge (Gyan), Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), and Conduct (Samyak Charitra): The book emphasizes the triad of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct as the path to liberation.
- Knowledge: Knowledge is the light that illuminates the soul, the means to distinguish between the soul and non-soul. It is the elixir, medicine, and the ultimate cure for ignorance. True knowledge leads to ultimate equanimity and spiritual bliss. The book details five types of knowledge (Mati, Shrut, Avadhi, Manaparyav, Keval), highlighting Keval Gyan (Omniscience) as the ultimate goal.
- Right Faith (Samyak Darshan): This is the foundation of spiritual practice, involving unwavering faith in the teachings of the Tirthankaras. It is the seed of attaining the supreme soul. The book emphasizes the importance of detachment from ego and sincere faith in the nine fundamental truths (Navatattva). It explains that right faith is the beginning of one's spiritual journey and the counting of one's lives towards liberation starts from the moment one attains it.
- Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra): This follows Right Faith and Right Knowledge, leading to the shedding of all sins and the attainment of self-qualities. It is the practice of renunciation and the core of spiritual discipline. The book elaborates on different types of conduct, including partial restraint (Desh Virati) and complete restraint (Sarva Virati), as well as the vows of monks and laypeople.
The Significance of Austerity (Tapa): Austerity is the lifeblood of Jain practice, central to every action, embodying non-violence, restraint, and austerity. It is the light and strength of spiritual practice. The book explains the importance of knowledge-infused austerity (Gyan-yukt Tapa) for karma purification. It details various types of austerity, both external (Bahya Tapa) and internal (Abhyantar Tapa), emphasizing that internal austerity is paramount for true spiritual progress and liberation.
Renunciation (Tyag): Renunciation is defined as giving away what one possesses and relinquishing what one could acquire. It involves shedding external and internal possessions and cultivating non-attachment. It extinguishes suffering, fulfills desires, increases detachment, teaches the principle of "what is given is yours," leads to a path of withdrawal, trains in non-possession, and opens the door to the realm of detachment. The book provides ten points for contemplation to strengthen the practice of renunciation and discusses its various types.
Charity (Dan): Charity is a significant aspect of Jain tradition, with Jains understanding it as a duty. The book highlights the exemplary charity of Tirthankaras before their renunciation and the presence of many charitable souls in the present. It emphasizes that true charity is given without expectation of reward or ego, and that giving to worthy recipients (supatra) leads to immense merit. It categorizes charity into ten types, including compassion-based charity (Anukampa Dan), relief charity (Sangrah Dan), and most importantly, Dharma Dan (charity for the support of spiritual practice and practitioners).
The Eight Pillars of the Doctrine (Ashta Pravachan Mata): These are the five senses of caution (Samiti) and the three restraints (Gupti), which are considered "mothers" to the conduct of a monk, nurturing and protecting their spiritual progress.
- Five Samitis:
  1. Irya Samiti: Careful movement, mindful walking, and awareness of one's surroundings to avoid harming any living being.
  2. Bhasha Samiti: Speaking truthfully, beneficially, and concisely, avoiding harsh or useless speech.
  3. Eshana Samiti: Mindful acquisition of food and necessities, ensuring they are obtained without harm to any life form.
  4. Adan-Nikshepan Samiti: Careful handling of objects and utensils to avoid harming even subtle beings.
  5. Parishthapanika Samiti (Utsarg Samiti): Proper disposal of waste and unwanted items in a way that causes no harm.
- Three Guptis:
  1. Man Gupthi: Control of the mind, restraining it from negative thoughts and passions.
  2. Vachan Gupthi: Control of speech, avoiding harmful or unnecessary words.
  3. Kaya Gupthi: Control of the body, restraining it from sinful actions and movements.
Mahavir's Teachings in Modern Life: The book concludes by emphasizing the relevance of Lord Mahavir's teachings in contemporary life. His principles of non-violence, non-possession, and anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints) are presented as crucial for personal and societal well-being, peace, and harmony. The concept of "Live and let live" (Jivo aur Jine Do) is highlighted as vital for protecting all life forms and maintaining environmental balance. The practice of mindful consumption and the renunciation of unnecessary desires are encouraged to foster contentment and prevent harm. The author stresses the importance of ethical conduct in economic activities and the potential of Mahavir's philosophy to resolve conflicts and promote understanding in a world rife with violence and intolerance.

Author's Perspective:

Gunvant Barvalia, through this work, aims to present a holistic view of Lord Mahavir's life and teachings, emphasizing that his principles are not merely about personal spiritual pursuits but also about social upliftment and universal welfare. He encourages readers to embrace the path of restraint, knowledge, right faith, right conduct, austerity, renunciation, and charity as demonstrated by Lord Mahavir.

In essence, the book is a detailed exploration of the Jain path to liberation, using Lord Mahavir's life as a living example of how to achieve spiritual perfection through Sanyam Jivan.