Haiya Ni Shuddhi Pustika 7 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Haiya ni Shuddhi Pustika 7" (Purity of the Heart Booklet 7), based on the provided pages:

This booklet, "Haiya ni Shuddhi Pustika 7," authored by Kushalchandravijay and Chandrodaysuri and published by Nemi Vigyan Kastursuri Shreni Mumbai, focuses on the crucial concept of "Purity of the Heart" (હૈયાની શુદ્ધિ) as a foundation for spiritual progress in Jainism. It emphasizes that true dharma (righteousness/duty) and virtues are impossible without a pure heart.

The core message is that external rituals and practices are insufficient if the inner disposition, the heart or "haiya," remains impure. The booklet argues that purity of heart is the prerequisite for cultivating virtues and for genuine spiritual practice.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and concepts presented:

1. The Importance of Virtue and Dharma:

The text begins with a quote emphasizing that a life with virtues and dharma is successful, while a life without them is futile.
It defines dharma in various contexts, from holding back the soul from lower realms (durgati) to practicing non-violence, self-restraint, and penance. Ultimately, dharma is presented as fulfilling one's duty to the soul.

2. The Nature of the Soul and the Path to Liberation:

The soul's inherent nature is described as knowing everything (Keval Gyan), having infinite perception (Keval Darshan), being pure and untainted (Charitra), and possessing infinite strength (Anant Shakti) and penance (Tapa).
However, these qualities are obscured by karmic clouds. Removing these obstacles through shedding old karma and preventing new karma leads to the ultimate state of liberation (Moksha).

3. The Six Types of Humans (Based on Umaswati Maharaj):

The booklet categorizes humans into six types based on their focus:
1. Adham-Adham (Worst of the Worst): Those who engage in actions leading to suffering in both this life and the next.
2. Adham (Worse): Those who strive only for pleasure in this life.
3. Vimadhyam (Mid-Worse): Those who strive for happiness in both this life and the next.
4. Madhyam (Middle): Those who strive only for the well-being of their lineage in the next life.
5. Uttam (Best): Those who strive to remove karmas that cause happiness and suffering, aiming for liberation.
6. Uttamotam (Best of the Best): Those who themselves attain liberation, gain omniscience, and continuously preach dharma to others, thereby establishing the Tirthankara lineage.
The ultimate goal is to become an "Uttamotam" human.

4. The Four "Thought Dharmas" (Vichar Dharmas) for Purity of Heart: This is a central theme, explaining that these four attitudes are the foundation for purifying the heart:

Maitri (Friendship/Benevolence): Contemplating the welfare of all beings (humans, animals, plants, single-sensed beings). It's about wishing well-being for everyone and recognizing that no one is an enemy. It's about the desire to give happiness and avoid causing suffering.
Pramod (Joy/Appreciation): Finding joy in the virtues and good qualities of others. Instead of envy or jealousy, one should appreciate and rejoice in the good deeds of others, such as generosity, truthfulness, humility, etc. This is also called "Gunanurag" (affection for virtues).
Karuna (Compassion): Feeling empathy for those who are suffering, distressed, in fear, or in need of help. This includes both "Dravya Karuna" (material help to the needy) and "Bhava Karuna" (compassion for those who are irreligious, engrossed in worldly pleasures, or bound by negative emotions). It involves wishing to alleviate their suffering.
Madhyasthya (Equanimity/Indifference): Maintaining a neutral stance towards those who are malicious, condemn spiritual guides or teachings, are proud, or possess wicked intellect. This means not harboring ill will, but also not attempting to forcefully reform them, as it might be counterproductive (like feeding milk to a snake). It involves accepting that each being experiences the consequences of their own karma.

5. The Process of Cultivating Virtues:

The booklet uses analogies to explain the process of growth and refinement:
- Farming: Preparing the soil (purity of heart), sowing seeds (virtues), watering and nurturing (practice), and protecting to yield fruit.
- Pottery: Processing clay, shaping it on the wheel, and firing it to create a durable pot.
- Medicine: Diagnosing illness, cleansing the body, administering medicine, and then providing strengthening tonics.
- Gold Refining: Heating, hammering, and polishing gold to create ornaments.
- Painting: Cleaning a wall before applying new paint or artwork.
These analogies highlight the need for preparation, purification, and consistent effort to develop virtues and a pure heart.

6. Importance of Behavioral Purity (Vyavahar Shuddhi):

Pure dealings in financial transactions, honesty in trade, timely fulfillment of commitments, and returning deposits are essential.
An anecdote of an Agrawal merchant highlights how even a symbolic act of Jainism (a tilak) could command respect and influence in ancient times, emphasizing the impact of outward Jain identity, which is rooted in inner purity.
The decline in the value of such symbols today is attributed to the forgetting of ethics, virtues, and honesty.

7. Exemplary Lives and Their Contributions:

The text highlights the lives of Vastupal and Tejpal, who used their wealth for the welfare of the religion and society, constructing temples, undertaking renovations, supporting ascetics, and undertaking pilgrimages. They also contributed to other religious and social causes, demonstrating a broad sense of righteousness.
Stories of Megkumar saving a rabbit, Nemnath Bhagwan turning back his chariot for animals, and Parshwanath Bhagwan maintaining equanimity during persecution are cited as examples of the four thought dharmas in practice.

8. The Role of Sadh-Vidhi (Religious Rituals) and Spiritual Self-Reflection:

The booklet stresses the importance of daily "Dharma Jagarika" (spiritual awakening/reflection) as described in the Shradh Vidhi. This involves questioning oneself: "Who am I? Where did I come from? What have I brought? What will I take? What are my soul's true qualities? What is my lineage? Who are my Gods and Gurus? What is my dharma? What are my vows? What is my current state? What is my duty? What remains undone? What am I not doing due to negligence? What are my faults? How will I overcome them? Why are my hatreds not being removed?"
Such introspection leads to sincerity, a compassionate heart, and the sowing of seeds for spiritual growth.

9. Continuous Practice and the Path to Liberation:

The booklet concludes by reiterating that the four thought dharmas (Maitri, Pramod, Karuna, Madhyasthya) purify the heart, leading to purity of conduct and peace of mind. This state allows one to progress towards liberation.
It emphasizes that the goal is to become an "Uttamotam" human by purifying one's thoughts, transforming one's perspective, and refining one's behavior.
Developing virtues is a continuous process. The text quotes a verse suggesting that by respecting virtuous individuals and remembering their actions, good thoughts are generated, and bad thoughts are diminished.
The booklet encourages readers to practice the twelve bhavnas (meditative reflections) for a pure heart and spiritual upliftment, similar to the teachings of Acharya Vinayvijayji Maharaj.

In essence, "Haiya ni Shuddhi Pustika 7" is a guide to inner transformation, advocating that true Jain practice begins with cultivating positive attitudes towards all beings, appreciating virtue, showing compassion, and maintaining equanimity. This inner purification is presented as the essential groundwork for all external religious observances and the ultimate path to spiritual liberation.