Bramha Vrateshu Vratam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text "Bramha Vrateshu Vratam" by Mansukhlal T. Mehta:

The text, "Bramha Vrateshu Vratam" (The Vow within Vows of Brahmacharya), by Mansukhlal T. Mehta, emphasizes Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity) as the highest form of penance, akin to Kevalgyan (omniscience) in knowledge and Shukla Dhyan (pure meditation) in meditation. It draws from the Prashnavyakaran Sutra, stating that one who practices pure Brahmacharya is a true Rishi, Muni, Sanyami, and Bhikshu.

Meaning and Power of Brahmacharya:

Etymological Meaning: The text explains Brahmacharya etymologically as contemplating within the soul.
Patanjali's View: It references Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which state that firmness in Brahmacharya leads to extraordinary valor.
Mental and Spiritual Strength: Brahmacharya conserves immense mental power and strengthens willpower. Without it, mental and spiritual strength are impossible.
Examples of Great Achievers: The text highlights that great Jain Acharyas like Shrisiddhasen Divakar, Shriharibhadrasuri, Shrihemchandracharya, and Shriyashovijayji were all dedicated Brahmacharis. Similarly, yogis like Swami Ramtirth, Swami Vivekananda, and Maharishi Raman achieved their great works due to the power of Brahmacharya. Acharya Vinoba Bhave's land donation movement is also attributed to his steadfast Brahmacharya.

The Essence of Pure Brahmacharya:

Beyond Physical Restraint: Pure Brahmacharya is not merely the physical suppression of semen. It involves conquering the five senses, anger, pride, deceit, greed, and the mind itself. It's about gaining victory over the senses through mind, speech, and body, and freeing oneself from their misguidance. Mere suppression is insufficient.
Tolstoy's Perspective: The text quotes Mahatma Tolstoy, who believed that virtues like Brahmacharya are valuable not through inability to sin but through voluntary effort and faith. He likens forced restraint to self-inflicted harm. The divine spirit within the physical body is meant to control desires, not to be mutilated.

The Role of Vision and Ideals:

Grand Vision: To practice pure Brahmacharya, one needs a grand vision and to be wholly absorbed in it, leaving no room for worldly desires. A broad vision makes Brahmacharya easier.
Examples: The text cites the examples of chemist John Dalton, who was so absorbed in science that he didn't realize how his life passed without marriage. Bhishma Pitamah accepted the vow for his father's happiness, making his father's joy his Brahmacharya, thus becoming an ideal Brahmachari. Michelangelo stated that painting was his sole companion and couldn't tolerate a rival wife. These examples illustrate how grand ideals aid in practicing Brahmacharya.

The Significance of Brahmacharya within Jainism:

Acharya Vijayavallabhsuriji's Praise: Acharya Vijayavallabhsuriji Maharaj Saheb's composition of the Brahmacharya Vrat Puja (worship of the vow of Brahmacharya) brilliantly describes its importance, necessity, and power, incorporating the essence of Jain Agamas on the subject.
Superiority over Other Vows: The text emphasizes that while the breaking of other vows only results in the breaking of that specific vow, the breaking of Brahmacharya leads to the breaking of all five vows. This highlights Brahmacharya's supreme importance.
Haribhadrasuri's Illustration: Shri Haribhadrasuri, as an illustration, quotes a "Vriddha Vyakhyan" (ancient commentary) explaining how harboring thoughts of a prostitute breaks the vow of non-intercourse. This thought then leads to violence (crushing creatures while going for alms), untruthfulness (hiding the thought), theft (seeing the prostitute without permission), and greed (possessiveness towards her), thus breaking all five vows.

Practices and Avoidances for Brahmacharya Sadhaks:

Environment and Stimuli: The text, referencing the Uttardhyayan Sutra, advises Brahmacharya sadhaks to avoid places frequented by women, animals, and eunuchs. They should also refrain from discussing stimulating topics related to women.
Senses and Their Nature: The senses are inclined to grasp their objects, and objects are meant to be grasped by the senses. The text illustrates this with the story of Sadhvi Lakhamana, who experienced mental disturbance seeing the lovemaking of ignorant animals, leading to prolonged cycles of rebirth. Therefore, sadhaks must stay away from such stimuli.
Sambhutimuni's Example: The Uttardhyayan Sutra's example of Sambhutimuni is used to demonstrate the impact of stimuli. A strand of hair from Queen Sunanda falling on him during a salutation led to intense desire and a vow to become the husband of many women in his next life, resulting in a rebirth as Brahmadata, enjoyment of worldly pleasures, and descent into the seventh hell.
Avoiding Proximity to Women: The Uttardhyayan Sutra (Chapter 32) states that just as mice should not live near cats, Brahmacharis should not live near women. The Dashavaikalik Sutra (Chapter 8, Verse 56) further advises that a Brahmachari should avoid contact even with a hundred-year-old woman whose limbs are deformed.
The True Nature of the Body: Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj, in Gyanasar, describes the female body from a philosophical perspective as a vessel of excrement and urine, contrary to its outward appearance. The text asserts that both male and female bodies are merely collections of impure substances like blood, flesh, bone, and waste.
The Body as a Source of Trouble: The text describes the body as a "foul storehouse" (apavitra kothari) and a place of "conflict and stubbornness" (kalah kadagrah tham). It notes that women's bodies, like drains, continuously excrete waste, comparing them to leather bags. The text also acknowledges that men are not immune to cunning, cruelty, fickleness, and unchaste behavior, but it emphasizes that desires are the greater fault.

Controlling Desires and Practices:

Sensory Control: The text asserts that Brahmacharya cannot be practiced without simultaneously controlling all senses.
Diet and Speech: Brahmacharis should avoid stimulating foods that inflame passions. They should also avoid spicy, sour, salty, and sweet foods that lead to illness. The tongue, described as the birthplace of diseases and the destroyer and sustainer of other senses, must be controlled.
Avoiding Stimulating Content: Brahmacharis should not watch dramas, magic shows, dances, or movies, as these can lead to the breaking of vows.
Simple Living: Simple clothing and avoiding adornments are encouraged.
The Great Battle: The text describes the struggle against sensual desires as the greatest and most difficult battle in life, requiring suitable environments and tools.
The Tongue's Power: The tongue is highlighted for its ability to incite desires and lead to downfall. Controlling the tongue, the instigator of all senses, leads to the submission of other senses.
Reason for Death: A significant portion of human deaths are attributed to overconsumption and eating inappropriate foods, driven by the desire for taste rather than sustenance.
Dietary Advice: The Uttardhyayan Sutra (Chapter 32, Verse 10) advises against excessive consumption of stimulating foods like ghee and milk, as they attract desires like birds flock to ripe fruit.
Intimate Connection: The text emphasizes the close relationship between the tongue and the reproductive organs, stating that lust for taste awakens lust. The tongue, though boneless, has the power to destroy other body parts.

Modern Interpretation and Critique:

Challenging Traditional Views: The text acknowledges that while ancient Rishis described women as obstacles to sadhana and used harsh language against them, times have changed. It questions why women are blamed for desires that are inherent in all humans. It suggests that fostering hatred or aversion towards the opposite sex does not liberate one from desires.
Men's Weakness: The text suggests that the harsh descriptions of women by ancient Rishis were merely a demonstration of men's weakness. It quotes a scholar stating that only imperfection complains about imperfection.
Strength of Character: Examples like Dhulikshobhadra's renunciation, Arjuna and Urvashi, and Sudarshan Sheth's conduct with Queen Abhaya prove that a strong individual cannot be swayed by any power, woman, or temptation. Those who are swayed lack masculinity, and blaming others for their downfall is futile.
Psychological Insight: The text includes the opinion of psychologist Dr. McDougal on women, stating they are more emotional and respond more to affection. This can lead to a desire for attention, sometimes making them susceptible to manipulation by cunning men.
The Need for a Shift in Perspective: The text critiques the historical approach of demonizing women to uphold Brahmacharya. It advocates for a new perspective where Brahmacharya sadhaks should view all women as mothers, not with contempt, but with maternal affection.

Conclusion and Call to Action:

Brahmacharya as a Great Achievement: Acharya Vijayavallabhsuriji Maharaj Saheb preached Brahmacharya as an unparalleled sadhana and a great human achievement.
The Value of Brahmacharya: The text concludes by stating that even building a Jin Chaitya (temple) with millions of gold coins is not equal to the merit of a pure Brahmachari. The benefits of Brahmacharya far outweigh those of temple construction. Similarly, the self-restraint of someone who gives nothing is superior to the charity of millions of cows.
Universality and Perseverance: Pure Brahmacharya is possible for all men and women. While difficult, it can be achieved through effort, even if it takes many lifetimes.
The Legacy of Acharya Vijayavallabhsuriji: The text highlights the Acharya's own practice of Nishthik Brahmacharya and the power it imbued in his great deeds. It encourages readers to follow his path and complete his unfinished work to bring peace to his soul and be worthy of his devotion.
Modern Relevance: The text suggests that in an era of increasing sensory stimulation and blurring of societal distinctions, the study of Acharya Vijayavallabhsuriji's Brahmacharya Vrat Puja should be made mandatory in religious schools across India, as it will be a blessing for future generations.