Bramhacharya Vaigyanik Vishleshan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text "Bramhacharya Vaigyanik Vishleshan" by Nandighoshvijay:

Book Title: Bramhacharya Vaigyanik Vishleshan (Scientific Analysis of Brahmacharya) Author: Nandighoshvijay Publisher: Z_Jain_Dharm_Vigyan_ki_Kasoti_par_002549.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229235/1

This text, "Bramhacharya Vaigyanik Vishleshan," by Nandighoshvijay, presents a scientific and philosophical analysis of Brahmacharya (celibacy or continent living), particularly within the context of Jainism. It argues for the importance and feasibility of Brahmacharya, both for individuals and for society, drawing parallels with modern scientific understanding.

Key Arguments and Concepts:

Modern Relevance of Brahmacharya: The text begins by highlighting the contemporary relevance of Brahmacharya, especially in light of widespread diseases like AIDS, which are attributed to promiscuity. It posits that for householders, monogamy (self-restraint within marriage) and for others, Brahmacharya, are the only solutions.
Limitations of Scientific Materialism: The author criticizes the tendency of modern society to accept only scientific conclusions as absolute truth. While acknowledging the advancements in science, it emphasizes that much remains undiscovered, and scientific findings should not be treated as ultimate or absolute truths.
Biological Basis of Instincts: The text discusses the inherent primal instincts in all beings – food, fear, sexual desire (maithun), and possessiveness (parigraha). It notes that ideas aligning with these instincts are readily accepted, often more quickly than concepts like Brahmacharya.
Critique of Sexological Views: The author critiques the views of sexologists and psychologists like Freud, who focus on the conservation and utilization of sexual energy. While not dismissing their work entirely, it argues that these perspectives represent only "one side of the coin," neglecting the equally important "other side" which is the practice of Brahmacharya itself.
Endocrine Glands and Hormones: Referencing "Science of Regeneration" by Raymond Bernard, the text explains that sexual instincts are controlled by endocrine glands (Andocrine glands). These glands produce sexual hormones that maintain youthfulness. A decline in their production leads to aging and weakness.
Physiological Impact of Brahmacharya: It asserts that the physical, mental, and vocal practice of Brahmacharya prevents the loss of sex hormones. These hormones are composed of vital elements like lecithin, phosphorus, nitrogen, and iodine. Lecithin, in particular, is identified as a crucial nutrient for the brain, with low levels being observed in mentally ill individuals, many of whom reportedly engaged in excessive sexual activity in their youth.
Feasibility of Brahmacharya: The author addresses the common perception that complete Brahmacharya in today's indulgent era is impossible. However, it counters this by stating that strict adherence to the "Nine Fences" (nau baad) or observances prescribed by ancient Jain Acharyas and Rishis can make the practice simple and natural.
The Nine Fences of Brahmacharya (Jain Perspective): The text elaborates on these nine specific observances for practicing Brahmacharya:
1. Abstaining from proximity: Living in an environment free from women, eunuchs, and even animals.
2. Avoiding suggestive conversation: Not conversing about religious matters even with a solitary woman when alone, and avoiding conversations related to the opposite sex.
3. Maintaining physical distance: Not sitting on the same seat, and avoiding seats recently occupied by the opposite sex for specific durations (48 minutes for women on a man's seat, 3 hours for men on a woman's seat).
4. Restraining the gaze: Not looking fixedly at the eyes, face, or other body parts of the opposite sex.
5. Avoiding suggestive sounds: Renouncing places where sounds of sexual activity from adjacent rooms can be heard.
6. Renouncing past memories: Giving up recollections of past sexual activities from one's householder life.
7. Dietary restrictions (avoiding rich food): Abstaining from overly rich, nutritious, tamasic (generating passion), or stimulating foods.
8. Dietary moderation (avoiding excessively dry food): Not consuming excessively dry or bland food in large quantities.
9. Renouncing beautification: Not cutting hair, body hair, or nails in an attractive or artistic manner, and renouncing bathing, perfuming, or adorning the body.
Scientific Rationale for the Nine Fences: The text provides a scientific explanation for each of these observances, framing them in terms of biological electromagnetic energy and magnetic attraction:
- Electromagnetic Fields: It explains that all living beings possess bio-electrical and magnetic energy. Like poles repel, and opposite poles attract. Since men and women have opposite magnetic poles, they are naturally attracted to each other.
- Eye Contact and Conversation: Looking into each other's eyes or engaging in extended conversation can merge their magnetic fields, increasing attraction and potentially leading to a fall from celibacy.
- Residue of Energy: When someone sits, they leave behind a subtle electromagnetic aura influenced by their thoughts. The rules about not sitting on recently occupied seats are to avoid the negative influence of such residues.
- Mental Attraction: Thoughts about the opposite sex, even if not explicit, can create a subtle magnetic attraction. This can lead to an "invisible coition" or violation of Brahmacharya vows.
- Five Avenues of Connection: The text identifies five ways for the opposite poles of men and women to connect: direct intercourse, touch, sight, sound (speech), and mind. Therefore, strict Brahmacharya involves avoiding even prolonged conversation, direct gaze, or mental contemplation of the opposite sex.
- Deva Analogy: The text cites the Tattvartha Sutra, stating that even celestial beings (Devas) fulfill their desires through various means, progressing from direct intercourse (lower heavens) to mere touch, sight, speech, and finally, thought (higher heavens), illustrating the spectrum of connection.
- Diet and Brahmacharya: Rich, stimulating foods are said to create "vikar" (impurities or disturbances) in the body, hindering Brahmacharya. Similarly, excessively dry food can lead to inertia. Thus, dietary moderation is crucial.
- Grooming and Attraction: Adorning the body, including grooming nails or bathing with perfumes, can enhance attractiveness and draw attention, potentially leading to unwanted thoughts and contamination of the practitioner's mental field.
Achieving Brahmacharya: The text concludes by asserting that strict adherence to these nine rules makes physical and mental Brahmacharya possible even in the present era, leading to various spiritual powers and attainments (labdhi and siddhi). It also emphasizes the benefit of being in the company of or remembering great souls who have achieved perfect Brahmacharya. The author cites Acharya Shri Vijaynemisurishwarji Maharaj as an example of a radiant soul of perfect Brahmacharya, whose remembrance can also foster the strength to practice it.

In essence, "Bramhacharya Vaigyanik Vishleshan" provides a comprehensive argument for Brahmacharya, grounding its principles in both ancient Jain philosophy and a contemporary scientific understanding of energy, attraction, and biological functions. It offers practical guidelines and a philosophical framework for its adherence, highlighting its potential for spiritual and personal development.