In Search Of Ultimate

"In Search of the Ultimate" by Vinod Kapashi is a compilation of selections from significant Jain scriptures, aiming to provide readers with the core essence of Jain philosophy and practice. The book serves as a guide for those seeking spiritual enlightenment and a deeper understanding of Jainism.

The book is structured into several sections, each drawing from different Jain texts:

1. Acharanga Sutra: This section highlights the Acharanga Sutra, considered the foremost of the Agam scriptures, dating back approximately 2,500 years and attributed to Sudharma Swami. It primarily focuses on the code of conduct for Jain monks. Key themes presented include:

• Causes of Suffering: Attachment to worldly pleasures is identified as the root cause of birth, death, and misery.
• Sentience in All Life: The text emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings, drawing parallels between human life and that of plants, asserting that all life forms experience pain and have a right to live.
• Non-Violence (Ahimsa): The profound importance of non-violence is stressed, urging individuals to avoid harming even the smallest living beings. It emphasizes empathy and understanding the suffering of others.
• Detachment from Materialism: The book advises against pride in social standing or material possessions, highlighting the impermanence of life and the futility of uncontrolled desires.
• Pursuit of the Sublime: It encourages individuals to utilize their senses and faculties wisely to pursue deeds that elevate the soul and life.
• Self-Reliance and Inner Strength: The core message emphasizes that liberation and freedom from bondage are achieved through one's own mind and determination, urging readers to combat internal enemies.
• The Role of a Spiritual Teacher: Teachers are described as sources of knowledge and guidance, essential for spiritual growth.

2. Dasavaikalika Sutra: This section focuses on the Dasavaikalika Sutra, emphasizing virtues like non-violence, self-control, and austerity as paramount. Key takeaways include:

• The Nature of True Renunciation: True renunciation is not merely the absence of possessions but the detachment from desires and pleasures.
• Mind Control and Detachment: The text explains that detaching the soul from the body, through the understanding that "this body is not mine," is crucial for overcoming worldly attachments and achieving happiness.
• The Six Types of Living Beings: A significant portion is dedicated to explaining the Jain classification of all living beings (Earth bodies, Water bodies, Air bodies, Fire bodies, Vegetation bodies, and Mobiles), underscoring the absolute prohibition against harming any of them.
• The Path to Liberation: The text outlines the Jain path to liberation, involving understanding virtues (Punya), vices (Papa), bondage (Bandha), and liberation (Moksha). It describes how checking the influx of karma (Samvar) and destroying existing karma leads to omniscience and ultimate emancipation.
• The Five Great Vows (Pancha Maha Vrata): The five fundamental vows – non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-acquisition – are detailed, along with the additional vow of not eating after sunset for monks.
• The Importance of Right Speech: It emphasizes speaking truthfully, kindly, and avoiding harmful or divisive speech.
• Conquering Internal Enemies: The text highlights the need to conquer anger, pride, deceit, and greed through virtues like peace, humility, gentleness, and contentment.

3. Uttaradhyayan Sutra: This scripture is presented as a collection of questions and answers offering practical advice and outlining Jain philosophy. Key points include:

• Vigilance and Awareness: The importance of staying alert to the impermanence of life and the approaching reality of death.
• Conquering the Self: Self-conquest, achieved by controlling the senses and vices like anger, pride, delusion, and greed, is presented as the ultimate victory.
• The Insatiable Nature of Greed: The text illustrates how desires are infinite, unquenchable by material wealth.
• The Impermanence of Life: Life is described as unstable and transient, like a dewdrop, emphasizing the need for constant spiritual effort.
• The Power of Penance and Self-Control: These are depicted as the means to purify the soul and overcome the cycle of birth and death.
• The Importance of Daily Spiritual Practices: The section lists the benefits of various practices such as desire for salvation, disregard for worldly pleasures, service, confession of sins, meditation (Samayika), praising Tirthankaras, penance (Pratikraman), and self-denial (Pratyakhyan), leading to purity, knowledge, and liberation.

4. Selections from Other Sacred Books: This brief section includes select quotes emphasizing the Jain understanding of knowledge, equanimity, compassion for all beings, and the role of religion as a source of support and protection.

5. Selection from Kalpa-Sutra: This extensive section provides a biographical sketch of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, drawn from the Kalpa Sutra. It covers:

• Auspicious Events in Mahavir's Life: The text details significant events such as his conception, birth, renunciation, attainment of Keval-Gyan (omniscience), and Nirvana, often linked to specific celestial alignments.
• The Birth and Early Life: The narrative includes the dream of Queen Trishla, the interpretation of these dreams, and the naming of the prince as Vardhaman, later known as Mahavir due to his immense bravery.
• Renunciation and Austerity: It describes Mahavir's decision to adopt monkhood at the age of 30, leaving behind his worldly possessions and embarking on twelve years of intense meditation and austerity.
• Encounters and Trials: The text recounts incidents of Mahavir facing challenges from envious beings and even enduring physical harm without retaliation, showcasing his unwavering self-control and compassion.
• Attainment of Omniscience and Preaching: Upon achieving Keval-Gyan at 42, Mahavir began his preaching career, organizing the Jain community and establishing the principles of Jainism, including strict adherence to Ahimsa, Sanyam, and Tapa.
• Lord Mahavir's Legacy: The section concludes with the details of Mahavir's final discourse, his departure from the mortal world, and the large following he left behind, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping Jainism.

6. Pratikraman Sutra: This detailed section explains the ritual of Pratikraman, a core Jain practice of introspection, confession, and repentance. Key aspects include:

• The Meaning of Pratikraman: It is described as a process of reviewing and repenting for wrong thoughts and deeds, returning to the path of non-violence and truth. It is also an act of extending friendship, forgiving others, and seeking forgiveness.
• The Navkar Mantra: The foundational prayer in Jainism is presented, expressing reverence for the Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all Sadhus.
• The Essentials of Jainism: Pratikraman is listed as one of the six essential practices, alongside Samayika, Chaturvinshtistava, Vandana, Kayotsarga, and Pratyakhyan.
• The Rituals and Prayers: The section details various sutras and mantras used during Pratikraman, such as the "Iriya Vahiya" (for repentance of accidental harm), "Logassa" (praising the Tirthankaras and seeking liberation), and "Karemi Bhante Samayika" (for establishing Samayika).
• The Significance of Michchami Dukkadam: This phrase, meaning "May my faults be forgiven," is highlighted as a crucial element of the ritual, expressing sincere apology to all beings.
• The Role of Muhapatti: The symbolic purification using a handkerchief is explained.
• The Six Essentials: The book briefly outlines the meaning of the six essentials of Jain practice.
• Duties of Shravakas (Lay People): A list of practices for lay followers is provided, including adherence to vows, charity, study, meditation, and respecting the Jain community.
• Hymns of Peace and Well-being: The section includes the "Brahad Shanti" (Moti Shanti) hymn, a prayer for peace and well-being for all beings.
• Forgiveness Mantra: The universally applicable mantra "Khamemi Savva Jive" expresses forgiveness towards all beings and the wish to be forgiven by them.

Appendix: The appendix provides a valuable overview of Jain scriptures, differentiating between the Shvetambara and Digambara traditions and listing their respective canon of texts. It also mentions the Tattvartha Sutra as a universally revered text.

In essence, "In Search of the Ultimate" is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Jainism, presenting its ethical principles, spiritual practices, and the life of Lord Mahavir in a clear and engaging manner. It emphasizes the core Jain tenets of ahimsa, self-control, and detachment as pathways to spiritual liberation.