Bhavantno Upay Samayikyoga

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhavantno Upay: Samayik Yoga" by Sunandaben Vohra, based on the provided Gujarati text:

Book Title: Bhavantno Upay: Samayik Yoga (The Way to Transcend the Cycle of Birth and Death: The Yoga of Samayik) Author: Sunandaben Vohra Publisher: Gunanuragi Mitro (Friends of Virtue)

Core Theme: The book is a profound exploration of Samayik, a fundamental practice in Jainism, presented as the ultimate solution for overcoming the cycle of birth and death (Bhavantno Upay). It emphasizes that Samayik is not merely a ritualistic action but a deep spiritual discipline, the essence of the Jain path, and a means to achieve self-realization and liberation.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

• Samayik as the Essence of Jainism: The text equates Samayik with the soul's innate nature and the path to liberation. It's described as the "essence of the 45 Agamas" and the "essence of Navkar."
• Three Types of Samayik:
  • Saam-Samayik: Characterized by sweet (madhur) inner dispositions, filled with friendship (maitri) and devotion (bhakti). This leads to a sweetness that is millions of times greater than sugar or grapes.
  • Sam-Samayik: Involves equanimity (samabhav). Maintaining a balanced mind amidst dualities like friend/foe, honor/dishonor, pleasure/pain, and free from joy, sorrow, attachment, and aversion.
  • Samyak-Samayik: The confluence of right knowledge (Samyak Gyana), right perception (Samyak Darshana), and right conduct (Samyak Charitra). Like sugar dissolving in milk, these three jewels (Rattantrayi) merge into one. This is the highest form of Samayik.
• The Path to Samayik: Continuous practice of spirituality (Adhyatma), contemplation (Bhavana), and meditation (Dhyana) leads to the unfolding of equanimity (Samatā) in the soul. The state of equanimity is described as "Shama" (tranquility), which is the essence of Samayik.
• Shama and Samadhi: When the soul abides in its pure nature through knowledge and meditation, all dualities cease, leading to supreme peace and Samadhi (absorption). This state eradicates the illusion of likes and dislikes, fostering universal equanimity.
• The Importance of Pure Intention (Upayoga): Samayik is not meaningful without focused consciousness (Upayoga). The text stresses that Upayoga must be pure and directed towards the soul's true nature.
• Dhyana (Meditation) and Samata (Equanimity): These are complementary. Meditation strengthens equanimity, and equanimity deepens meditation. Equanimity is considered the supreme Yoga, the key to the success of all other spiritual endeavors.
• Renunciation of Sinful Activities (Savadyoga): The initial step in practicing Samayik is to strive to abandon sinful activities as per Jain injunctions.
• Compassion (Karuna) and Good Contemplation (Shubh Dhyana): Those seeking equanimity should practice compassion towards all beings (dravya and bhav karuna) and engage in auspicious contemplation. Good contemplation is paramount among all Yogas.
• The Role of the Guru: The book highlights the indispensable role of a Guru (spiritual guide) in realizing the true nature of the soul and achieving Samayik. Guru-given knowledge (Gurugam) is the highest means.
• Virtues of the Practice: Samayik cultivates virtues like fearlessness (Abhay), absence of hatred (Advesha), and freedom from sorrow (Akhed), as the soul is inherently perfect and untouched by external conditions.
• The "Eight Secrets" of Samayik: These encompass righteous conduct, adherence to scriptures, elimination of duality, universal friendship, victory over passion, touching the essence of right knowledge and conduct, worship of peace, and devotion to non-violence.
• Samayik as a Journey: The practice progresses from a simple ritual to a state of deep inner absorption, ultimately leading to Siddhavastha (the state of liberation). It's a journey from "emptiness to fullness."
• The Meaning of Samayik: Broken down, "Sam" signifies equality/equanimity, "Aya" implies benefit/gain, and "Ik" is a suffix. Thus, Samayik is the benefit derived from equanimity, or the state of being established in one's true, equal, and pure nature.
• The "Karemi Bhante" Sutra: This foundational prayer, taken at the beginning of Samayik, signifies the commitment to abstain from sinful activities and is central to the practice. The text delves into its profound meaning and its connection to the essence of Jain conduct.
• The "Khama Saman" Sutra: This highlights the importance of humility and seeking forgiveness, emphasizing the virtue of Vinay (humility) as the root of Dharma.
• The "Iriyavahi" Sutra: This prayer focuses on self-reflection and atonement for unintended harm caused through actions, speech, or thought, fostering compassion and ethical awareness.
• The "Tasya Uttari" Sutra: This ritual emphasizes further purification through self-criticism, penance, and commitment to righteous conduct, aiming to eradicate internal impurities and achieve Shalyasuddhi (freedom from mental impurities).
• The "Logass" Sutra: This eulogy of the twenty-four Tirthankaras inspires devotion and reverence, drawing the practitioner's consciousness towards the qualities of the liberated souls, thereby aiding in the journey towards Samadhi.
• The "Karyotsarg" Sutra: This practice involves detachment from the body and its sensations, fostering equanimity and the realization of the soul's true, non-physical nature.
• The "Navkar Mantra": The text reiterates the profound significance of the Navkar Mantra as the essence of Jainism and a powerful tool for spiritual purification and achieving Samayik.
• The Importance of Right Time and Understanding: The book stresses that Samayik can be practiced at any time, but understanding its true essence and value is crucial for its effectiveness.
• Overcoming Obstacles: The text acknowledges the challenges in maintaining Samayik, such as mental distractions and external interferences, and provides guidance on how to overcome them through faith, perseverance, and the grace of the Guru.
• Samayik as a Lifelong Journey: It's not just a ritual but a continuous endeavor to live with equanimity, culminating in the ultimate goal of Siddhavastha (liberation).

Author's Perspective: Sunandaben Vohra, described as a scholar of true knowledge (Tattvajnan), aims to impart valuable insights into Samayik to her readers, encouraging them to cultivate a life of equanimity and achieve spiritual success.

Overall Message: "Bhavantno Upay: Samayik Yoga" presents Samayik as a transformative practice that purifies the mind, cultivates compassion, leads to self-realization, and ultimately guides the soul towards liberation from the cycle of rebirth. It serves as a practical guide and spiritual inspiration for all seekers of Jain truth.