Characteristics Of Jaina Mysticism - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, "Characteristics of Jaina Mysticism" by Dr. (Miss) Shanti Jain, focusing on the key themes and characteristics discussed:

The article by Dr. Shanti Jain, "Characteristics of Jaina Mysticism," asserts that mystical experience is a legitimate and intrinsic method of knowing both empirical and trans-empirical realities in Jainism. It is described as the direct vision of the soul in its purest form. The author points out that various terms in Jaina literature, such as "Svasamaya," "Suddhopayoga," "Suddhabhāvas," "Niscayanaya," and "Tattvānubhava," are indicative of mystical expression, making the question of mysticism's possibility within Jainism seem insignificant.

The core of the article lies in identifying and elaborating upon the marked characteristics that define Jaina mysticism. While acknowledging the difficulty in recognizing mystical states, Jain scholars have outlined specific traits that serve as criteria. The author emphasizes that these experiences, while subjective in origin, possess an objective quality and can be articulated through certain expressions of mystical life.

The ten key characteristics of Jaina mysticism are detailed as follows:

Spiritual Knowledge (Spiritual Knowledge): This is the foundational characteristic, emphasizing "Know thyself." True knowledge of the soul (Ātman) is supreme. The mystic, through contemplation of the pure self, becomes pure. This knowledge leads to the eradication of the sense of "mine" and fosters omnipotence, as the knower of the self becomes omniscient, seeing and knowing everything simultaneously and completely. Knowledge and spiritual life are inseparable.
Spiritual Joy (Spiritual Joy): This joy is a direct consequence of spiritual knowledge and the destruction of delusion. It is described as eternal, supersensuous, incomparable, infinite, and indestructible happiness, distinct from the transient pleasures derived from the senses. This joy leads to the shedding of karmas.
Spiritual Steadfastness (Spiritual Steadfastness): The mystic is firmly established in the knowledge of the self. While worldly actions may appear ordinary, transcendentally, the mystic is free from volitional activity and steadfast in their true nature. This inner stability resolves doubts and leads to the conquest of senses, mind, and passions.
Intuitive Insight (Intuitive Insight): This is defined as direct and immediate apprehension of reality (Pratyakşa Jñāna). It perceives both concrete and non-concrete things, including those beyond sensory perception and hidden truths. The mystic, through self-knowledge, directly visualizes objects and their modifications, transcending mere sense perception. This is likened to Yogic perception, which pierces through veils of reality directly and immediately.
Ineffability (Ineffability): Mystical experience is described as ineffable, meaning it is difficult or impossible to articulate or verify through empirical methods. The intensity and unique quality of the experience defy linguistic formulations and cannot be imparted to those who haven't experienced it. It is supra-dialectical, supra-logical, supra-rational, and supra-conceptual.
Activistic Attitude (Activistic Attitude): Contrary to potential misinterpretations of passivity, true mysticism is an active, practical life process. While seemingly quiet or contemplative, the mystic is actively engaged in spiritual matters. This active pursuit leads to unbounded joy, infinite knowledge, and lasting power. Mystics are dedicated to their spiritual mission and also strive for the betterment of society.
Moral Elevation (Moral Elevation): Mystics are upholders of moral and spiritual values, embodying perfection in virtues. They follow a strict ethical code and serve as educators of morality. Key virtues include forbearance, modesty, straightforwardness, truthfulness, purity, self-restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment, and celibacy. Despite transcending categories of good and evil, they are considered the most virtuous souls.
Freedom from Fear (Freedom from Fear): The transcendental life of a mystic is a state of fearlessness. Freed from doubt and external influences, they are unburdened by common fears related to life, the future, protection, secrets, pain, accidents, and death.
Holiness (Holiness): Mystics inhabit a world of holiness, radiating sacredness. They are perfect incarnations of holiness, transcending conventional notions of good and evil. The emergence of holiness is a natural concomitant of their sacred life.
Permanency (Permanency): Unlike transient spiritual illuminations, the transcendental experience in Jaina mysticism is a permanent state. While stages of development might involve temporary states, the ultimate state of Arhats and Siddhas is one of permanent peace, joy, and bliss, signifying an eternal spiritual existence.
Social Characteristics (Social Characteristics): Although mystics often adopt solitude, their lives are characterized by compassion and benevolence towards all beings. They foster friendliness, joy, compassion, and neutrality. The presence of a mystic can transform even fierce beings, fostering harmony and dispelling enmity, as exemplified by the Tirthankaras. Their spiritual life also brings them societal recognition and inner contentment.