Bhavlinghnu Pradhanya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Bhavlinghnu Pradhanya" by Bhagvandas Mehta, focusing on the key arguments and concepts presented:

The text emphasizes the primacy of "Bhavlinga" (inner spiritual state/conduct) over "Dravya Linga" (external form/appearance) in defining a true Jain monk or ascetic.

Key Arguments and Concepts:

• Distinction between True Monks and Pseudo-Monks: The author begins by quoting Bhagwan Anandghanji, who states that a true monk is one who knows the self ("Atamgyani Shraman") and destroys sins, while others are merely outwardly adorned ("Dravya Lingi"). The text argues that merely wearing the robes of a monk or adopting the external appearance does not make one a true monk. True monkhood lies in possessing ideal virtues and adorning the soul with the qualities of a monk.

• The Test of True Monks: Non-Anger (Nishkashayata): The core criterion for true monkhood is the absence of anger and other passions (kashayas). The text explains that while very subtle remnants of anger (sanjvalana kashaya) might be present in a true monk due to time-related factors, the presence of strong kashayas (like anantabandhi) leads to breaches of vows and ultimately the destruction of monkhood. Therefore, those who are near-virtually-passionless are considered true monks, and passionlessness is the ultimate measure of monkhood.

• Critique of Superficial Devotion to External Appearance: The text laments that ordinary people often focus solely on external signs and appearances (linga, vesha). They mistakenly believe that anyone with the monk's attire is a monk and may even accept them as gurus due to familial or sectarian pride. This is likened to valuing counterfeit money over genuine currency. The author stresses that the scriptures consistently uphold the recognition of those who are spiritually accomplished (Bhavacharya, Bhavaupadhyaya, Bhavasadhhu).

• The Analogy of the Snake and its Shed Skin: The text uses the analogy of a snake shedding its skin. Just as shedding the outer skin does not make the snake venom-free, merely relinquishing external possessions and wearing monk's robes does not automatically purify the individual. The inner transformation is crucial.

• Who is a True Monk, Bhav Muni, Bhikshu,yati, Shraman? The text elaborates on the definitions of these terms, emphasizing their inner spiritual basis:

  • True Monk (Sacho Sadhu): One who continuously practices the pure path of right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
  • Bhav Muni (Inner Monk): One who knows and experiences their true self.
  • Bhikshu (Mendicant): One who lives a blameless life with self-restraint and diligence.
  • Yati (Restrained One): One who practices non-violence both internally (in thoughts and intentions) and externally (in actions towards all beings).
  • Shraman (Ascetic): One who knows the pure self, is restrained, has renounced passions, is equanimous towards pleasure and pain, and embodies the qualities of peace.

• The Value of Inner Purity Over Outer Display: The text reiterates that wise individuals (vichakshan prajna jan) do not give much importance to mere external appearances devoid of inner essence. They focus on inner spiritual states and those who possess the qualities of monks are given prominence. They evaluate monks based on the manifestation of virtues like right faith, knowledge, conduct, and penance, and most importantly, their passionlessness.

• The "Counterfeit" vs. "Genuine" Coin Analogy: This analogy is central to the argument.

  • Counterfeit Coins (Kudalna Rupiya): These represent those who have the wrong metal (outer appearance) and the wrong stamp (inner state), or the wrong metal and the right stamp. Such individuals are deemed completely unacceptable.
  • Genuine Coins (Chandina Rupiya): These represent those who have the right metal (inner state) and either the wrong stamp (but are still spiritually progressing) or the right metal and the right stamp (true inner state). These are the ones who are universally accepted.

• The True Guru is the One with Inner Knowledge: The text defines a true guru as one who is self-aware, equanimous, possesses unparalleled wisdom and divine scripture, and lives according to their enlightened path. Mere lineage or traditional titles (kulguru) are not the markers of a true guru for the soul-seeker.

• The "Sin-Destroying" Monk (Patak Ghatak Sadhu): The author argues that only one who has personally destroyed their own sins can be a "sin-destroying" monk for others. Those who are "sin-monks" (papashraman) as described in scriptures, but haven't eradicated their own sins, cannot fulfill this role. True sin-destroyers are pure-souled, virtuous saints.

• The Impact of True Ascetics: The text highlights the profound influence of true ascetics. Their mere sight purifies the soul. Their virtuous conduct has a magical effect on others, drawing them towards righteousness. Their silent presence offers far more profound wisdom than countless eloquent speeches.

• Exemplary Descriptions of True Ascetics: The text includes quotes and descriptions from revered Jain figures like Shrimad Rajchandraji, Maharsi Kundakundacharya, and the Sutrakrtanga Sutra to illustrate the ideal qualities of a true monk. These descriptions emphasize qualities like equanimity, self-control, non-attachment, absence of anger, peace, purity, and detachment.

• The Power of One True Ascetic: The concluding point emphasizes that while thousands of externally adorned monks may not contribute to the welfare of humanity or the propagation of the faith, a single true ascetic with inner spiritual development can achieve this naturally, much like a single sun or moon illuminates the world more than countless twinkling stars.

In essence, "Bhavlinghnu Pradhanya" is a profound call to look beyond the superficial and to recognize and revere those who have achieved inner spiritual transformation, embodying the true essence of Jain monkhood through their conduct, wisdom, and passionlessness.