Bramhacharya Ek Drushti - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Bramhacharya Ek Drushti" by Mahendrasagar Prachandiya, based on the provided pages:

Bramhacharya Ek Drushti: A Perspective on Celibacy

This text, "Bramhacharya Ek Drushti" (Celibacy: A Perspective), by Dr. Mahendrasagar Prachandiya, explores the profound concept of Bramhacharya (celibacy or chastity) within the Jain philosophical framework. The author posits that humanity's superiority over other beings stems from its enhanced intellect and the resulting discernment or "bhed vigyan." This awakening of discernment leads humans towards righteous living, and it is this path that Bramhacharya is meant to illuminate.

The Essence of Bramhacharya: Sensory Control

True Bramhacharya, according to the text, is the control of all senses through thought, word, and deed. When this sensory control is achieved through "gupti" (restraint), the inherent spiritual quality of Bramhacharya becomes manifest. Achieving perfection in Bramhacharya requires not just restraint with one entity but careful consideration of all sensory objects.

The Ten Senses and the Choice of Life's Path

The term "Indriya" (sense organ) is traced back to "Indra," which can also mean the soul. The senses are the instruments through which the soul's existence is perceived. These are divided into five external senses (ear, eye, nose, tongue, touch) and their internal manifestation through the mind, which is considered an eleventh sense. This eleven-sensed being, humanity, faces a crucial choice: "bhav-bhraman" (cycle of worldly existence) or "bhav-mukti" (liberation from worldly existence). A preference for worldly existence leads to the pursuit of "Kama" (desire) and "Artha" (wealth) as life's goals. Conversely, achieving "bhav-mukti" necessitates the pursuit of "Dharma" (righteousness) and "Moksha" (liberation), which in turn require the practice of Bramhacharya.

Rethinking "Maithuna": Beyond Sexual Union

The text critically examines the word "Maithuna," often associated solely with sexual intercourse. It argues that the meaning of "Maithuna" has deteriorated over time and context. Originally, "Maithuna" signifies a pair, a union of two. In the context of spiritual "sadhana" (practice) and "aradhana" (worship), this meaning is valid. Even in the realm of desire ("vasana"), "Maithuna" refers to the union of the perceived object and the initiating cause – the joining of two elements required for any pursuit. This dualistic interaction is deemed essential for the success of any endeavor.

The Journey from Sensory Engagement to Spiritual Union

When the soul engages with the external aspects of the senses, the outer doors of perception are opened, leading to physical union. However, these external sensory engagements do not provide eternal satisfaction. The author emphasizes that true "yoga" (union) is born when the soul is established in the internal application of the senses. This internal focus leads to the awakening of "upayoga" (rightful application or attention), which is the first step of Bramhacharya. Without this awakening, life spent in unproductive pursuits is not characteristic of virtuous individuals. "Upayoga" must evolve into "shubh upayoga" (auspicious application) and then into "shubh shuddha" (pure auspiciousness), at which point Bramhacharya truly blossoms.

The Importance of Labor and Cultivating Inner Beauty

The text asserts that labor and exertion are essential for awakening "upayoga." Labor performed with the body yields manual work, with the intellect yields craftsmanship, and with the heart yields art. Life itself is an art, the art of living and shaping one's existence, which is synonymous with "achar" (conduct) and "charitra" (character). The development of moral strength through character is, in essence, the development of the soul and life itself.

A true "brahmachari" is self-reliant, finding worldly attractions meaningless. Their soul awakens to inner beauty, causing them to perceive the entire world as beautiful. The perishable physical body loses its value due to the unfolding of "sheel" (virtue or chastity). This awakening of "sheel" fosters equanimity ("samatva"), leading to success, power, and radiance.

Discipline and Restraint: Rules for Bramhacharya

The "Uttaradhyayan Sutra," a significant Jain scripture, is highlighted for its rules and regulations concerning the protection of Bramhacharya. Just as a fence is necessary to protect standing crops, certain rules are vital for preserving virtue. These include:

Avoiding shared spaces: Not using a house that has women, animals, or eunuchs.
Abstaining from gossip: Not engaging in conversations about women.
Physical separation: Not sitting on a woman's seat or bed.
Avoiding visual indulgence: Not observing women's bodies or limbs.
Ignoring enticing sounds: Not listening to women's laughter or playful speech.
Forgetting past indulgences: Not reminiscing about past sensual pleasures.
Moderation in food: Not consuming excessively rich or flavorful food daily.
Avoiding excess: Not eating in large quantities.
Renouncing adornment: Not indulging in ornamentation or beautification.
Balanced sensory engagement: Not being overly attached to sound, form, smell, taste, or touch.

The text stresses that intentional adherence to these principles allows a practitioner to awaken the characteristic of Bramhacharya. The virtuous individual must exercise restraint over their senses, mind, and intellect.

An Illustrative Anecdote: Learning from the Uncivilized

The author recounts an experience in a tribal village where the inhabitants, despite their partially unclothed state, demonstrated a profound awareness of their bodies and their functions. A refined gentleman in the accompanying group, though outwardly neat, harbored impure thoughts and was swayed by the attractiveness of a young tribal woman. He ignorantly inquired about her breasts, to which she responded that they were "milk bottles," machines for feeding children. This humble yet wise response opened the gentleman's eyes. The author commends the tribal woman for her insightful understanding of her body's purpose, contrasting it with the lack of self-awareness in many who consider themselves civilized. He urges readers to learn from the tribal woman's conscientious and discerning application of her senses.

The Power of Bramhacharya: Inner Joy and Outer Grace

The Uttaradhyayan Sutra is quoted again, emphasizing that a true ascetic does not allow thoughts of women's beauty, charm, playfulness, speech, affection, gestures, or glances to enter their mind, nor do they attempt to seek them out. A life permeated by Bramhacharya transforms a person into a "good person" not for others, but for themselves. Their inner self is filled with uninterrupted bliss. Humility, authenticity, virtue, and courtesy emanate from their every step. This adherence to right conduct leads to auspicious beginnings in life.

While householders can practice Bramhacharya partially, ascetics observe it in its complete form, truly realizing the meaning of a life of restraint. Even as lay followers ("anuvratis"), one can strive for controlled conduct to set an example. The author observes that contemporary society, by disregarding rules and regulations, is plagued by suffering. For happiness and peace to flourish, it is essential to cultivate virtue, equanimity, and diligence in one's actions.

Bramhacharya as an Inherent Quality

Ultimately, Bramhacharya is presented as one of the inherent spiritual qualities of the soul. Its emergence and protection bestow amazing strength, vitality, and radiance upon life, enhancing the beauty and efficiency of the physical body. The text concludes with a poignant observation: even a great person, enslaved by ignorance, cannot truly perceive the truth.