Bhagwati Aradhana

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Bhagwati Aradhana: A Comprehensive Summary

"Bhagwati Aradhana," authored by Pandit Kailashchandra Shastri and based on the work of Aparajit Suri, is a highly revered text within the Digambara Jain tradition. While its original title is simply "Aradhana," the epithet "Bhagwati" was added to distinguish it from other works of the same name and to express immense respect, akin to how "Bhagwan" is used for Tirthankaras and great āchāryas. The work is primarily focused on the concept of Ārādhanā (devotional practice leading to liberation), particularly in the context of pandita-maran (wise death).

Core Concepts of Ārādhanā:

The text defines Ārādhanā as achieving the fruit of four types of practices: Right Faith (Samyagdarsana), Right Knowledge (Samyagjnana), Right Conduct (Samyakcharitra), and Asceticism (Tapas). These are further elaborated with terms like Udyotana, Ugrāvana, Nirvahana, Sādhana, and Nistaraṇa.

The text outlines two primary types of Ārādhanā:

1. Samyaktva-ārādhanā (Ārādhanā of Right Faith): This is the foundation for all other Ārādhanā. The text details five atichāras (minor transgressions) of Right Faith: doubt, desire, disbelief, praise of other views, and service to non-Jain temples/institutions (anāyatan sevā). It also highlights the qualities of Right Faith: upaguhana (concealing faults of others), sthirīkaraṇa (strengthening others' faith), vātsalya (affection), and prabhāvanā (spreading the faith).
2. Chāritra-ārādhanā (Ārādhanā of Right Conduct): This is considered the ultimate fruit of Ārādhanā. The text emphasizes that while Right Faith leads to Right Knowledge, the reverse is not always true. Similarly, Asceticism is effective only when accompanied by Right Conduct. Therefore, Right Conduct encompasses all other aspects, making it the essence of Ārādhanā.

The Significance of Death and Marana-Samadhi:

A central theme of "Bhagwati Aradhana" is mercy-samadhi (māran-samādhi), or dying with equanimity and spiritual awareness. The text argues that the Ārādhanā performed at the moment of death is the most crucial, as it determines the outcome of a lifetime of practice. A lapse at the time of death can nullify years of effort, while a successful Ārādhanā at that moment can redeem past actions.

Types of Death (Marana):

The text categorizes death into five types, from the most virtuous to the least:

1. Pandita-Pandita Marana (Wise-Wise Death): Attained by Kṣīṇakaṣāya (those with attenuated passions) and Kevalī (omniscient beings).
2. Pandita Marana (Wise Death): The primary focus of the text, attained by monks who follow scriptures. It has three sub-types:
   • Bhakta-pratyākhyāna (Renunciation of Sustenance): The most prevalent form in this era. It can be savichāra (with deliberation) or avichāra (without deliberation).
     • Savichāra Bhakta-pratyākhyāna: Involves a gradual process of renouncing food and other comforts. The text details 40 specific stages or points (pada) in this process, undertaken over many years. It is permissible under certain unavoidable circumstances like severe illness, old age hindering monastic life, external afflictions, or threats to conduct.
     • Avichāra Bhakta-pratyākhyāna: Occurs when death is sudden and there is no time for deliberation.
   • Prāyopagamana (Abstaining from Sustenance due to Attachment/Detachment): Similar to Ingiṇī, but with a prohibition on using straw for the deathbed and also disallowing self or external aid for sustenance. It is undertaken by those who are extremely emaciated.
   • Ingiṇī Marana (Death of Self-Reliance): The ascetic seeks isolation, prepares their own bed, and endures hardships and afflictions alone, relying on their inherent strength.
3. Bāla-Pandita Marana (Child-Wise Death): The death of a layperson (śrāvaka) who observes vows partially. It involves observing the five aṇuvratas (minor vows) and the three guṇavratas (qualifying vows) and four śikṣāvrata (training vows). This often involves performing ālocanā (confession) and renouncing the three śalyas (darts of ignorance, deceit, and doubt) at home.
4. Bāla Marana (Childish Death): The death of an avirata samyagdṛṣṭi (one with right faith but without vows).
5. Bāla-Bāla Marana (Very Childish Death): The death of a mithyādṛṣṭi (one with perverted faith).

Key Aspects of the Practice:

• Sallēkhanā (Controlled Self-Mortification): This is a crucial aspect of the pandita-maran. It has two forms:
  • External Sallēkhanā: Involves gradually reducing intake of external substances, including food.
  • Internal Sallēkhanā: Involves the reduction of passions (kaṣāyas). The text details various external austerities (bāhya tapas) that support sallēkhanā.
• Niriyāpaka (The Guide/Facilitator of Death): The text emphasizes the importance of a qualified guide (niriyāpaka āchārya) to assist in the process of marana-samādhi. This guide must possess exemplary conduct, deep knowledge of scriptures, and the ability to discern the true state of the ascetic's mind. The process of selecting and interacting with a niriyāpaka is described, including their qualities and the crucial role of ālocanā (confession of faults) before them.
• Ālocanā (Confession of Faults): This is a vital part of purifying oneself before death. The text outlines ten faults associated with confession and stresses its importance for achieving samādhi.
• Post-Death Rituals: The text also describes certain post-death rituals that might seem unusual today, emphasizing the need to handle the deceased body immediately to prevent interference from spiritual entities and to ensure the well-being of the remaining monastic community.

Distinguishing "Bhagwati Aradhana":

While other Jain scriptures discuss right faith, knowledge, conduct, and asceticism, "Bhagwati Aradhana" specifically focuses on Ārādhanā as the essence, particularly in the context of death. The rigorous process of pandita-maran and the importance of dying with the right mindset are the hallmarks of this text. The inclusion of the term "Bhagwati" signifies the profound respect and reverence held for this detailed exposition on achieving liberation through devoted practice, culminating in a wise and peaceful death.