Jain Achar Mimansa

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Achar Mimansa" by Chandrahas Trivedi, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Achar Mimansa (જૈન આચાર મીમાંસા) Author: Chandrahas Trivedi (ચંદ્રહાસ ત્રિવેદી) Publisher: Gurjar Granthratna Karyalay Subject: Philosophy of Jain Aachars (Jain Practices and Conduct)

Overall Purpose and Theme: "Jain Achar Mimansa" by Chandrahas Trivedi delves into the core principles and practices of Jainism, aiming to illuminate the significance and underlying philosophy of Jain conduct. The book emphasizes that true Jainism lies not just in knowledge but in the practice and internalization of its ethical and spiritual disciplines. It argues that these practices are deeply rooted in scientific and psychological understanding, even if perceived as ancient rituals.

Key Concepts and Structure: The book is structured around the understanding and explication of essential Jain practices, categorizing them into distinct yet interconnected aspects of spiritual progress. The primary focus is on the "Panchachar" (Five Conducts) and the "Shat Avashyak" (Six Essential Duties), along with other important vows and practices.

Detailed Summary of Key Sections:

1. Introduction (Prastavik):

   • The author begins by acknowledging the diversity of religions and the natural preference individuals have for their own.
   • The ultimate goal of any religion, according to Trivedi, is to achieve contentment of the mind ("chitta ki prasannata"), which is only possible through the purification of the soul ("atma ki shuddhi").
   • He contrasts the paths to spiritual realization presented by various philosophies: some prioritize knowledge, others action, and some emphasize devotion and surrender.
   • Jainism, however, carves a unique path, identifying karma as the root cause of suffering and emphasizing purushartha (self-effort) to achieve a state of karma-freedom.
   • This is achieved through the Jain path of Samyak Darshan (Right Faith), Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct), forming the central tenet: "Samyak Darshan, Gyan, Charitra hi Mokshmarga."
   • Trivedi mentions writing three books to cover Jain philosophy: "Karmavad na Rahasya" (Secrets of Karma), "Jain Achar Mimansa" (Philosophy of Jain Conduct), and "Jain Dharma nu Haard" (Essence of Jainism). He stresses that knowledge without self-transformation is worthless in Jainism, and conduct without knowledge is blind.

2. Panchachar (The Five Conducts):

   • The book details the Panchachar as the initial step in spiritual practice, essential for liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
   • Darshanachar (Conduct of Vision/Faith): This refers to correct perception and faith. It starts with seeing or having faith in the Tirthankaras, their teachings, and the Jain path. In the absence of Tirthankaras, their images and temples serve as a focus for devotion and remembrance of their virtues. True Darshanachar involves seeing without personal biases (rag-dwesh) and understanding the reality of things, leading to faith. It is the foundation for right knowledge and conduct. The author explains that Darshan is the ability to see, and it leads to faith, which in turn strengthens knowledge.
   • Gyanachar (Conduct of Knowledge): This emphasizes the acquisition and application of right knowledge ("bodh"). It's not just about accumulating information but about understanding what is worth knowing, what to pursue, and what to renounce. Right knowledge guides one towards self-purification and the ultimate goal. It can be gained through scriptures, lectures, contemplation, and association with learned individuals.
   • Charitrachar (Conduct of Character/Action): This is the practice of living according to right knowledge and faith. It involves controlling desires, renouncing the unnecessary, and purifying oneself of past karma. For monks, it means observing the five Mahavratas (Great Vows) with utmost care. For lay followers (Sravakas), it involves observing partial vows (Anuvratas) and a structured set of twelve vows that guide their daily conduct, ensuring adherence to ethical principles even within worldly life. Charitra is seen as the battle against delusion and attachment, leading to victory through discipline and effort.
   • Tapachar (Conduct of Austerity/Penance): This is crucial for burning away accumulated karma ("karma nirjara") and stopping the influx of new karma ("samvar"). Jainism categorizes Tap into six external (bahya) and six internal (abhyantar) austerities. External austerities include fasting, reduced intake, renunciation of tastes, and physical hardship. Internal austerities are more significant and include penance, humility, service, study, meditation, and detachment. Tap is not merely physical suffering but a means to purify the soul and overcome obstacles on the spiritual path.
   • Viryachar (Conduct of Energy/Effort): This is the dynamic force that sustains all other practices. It represents the enthusiasm, effort, and sustained exertion required for spiritual progress. Jainism emphasizes self-effort and the inherent infinite potential (Virya) within every soul, which needs to be awakened and directed through these practices. Viryachar is the driving force that ensures the consistent application of the other four Acharas.

3. Shat Avashyak (The Six Essential Duties):

   • These are daily practices prescribed for both monks and lay followers to maintain spiritual discipline.
   • Samayik: The most significant, involving a period of equanimity and self-reflection, where one strives for mental stillness and detachment from worldly concerns. It's about being in the "self" or "soul" for a specific duration. The author links it to the concept of "Samata" (equanimity) and the ultimate state of "Atma Ramanta" (dwelling in the soul).
   • Chaturvinshti Stava (Praise of Twenty-four Tirthankaras): This involves remembering and praising the virtues of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, the spiritual guides who showed the path to liberation. It's a way to connect with their enlightenment and draw inspiration. The text discusses the importance of namasmaran (chanting the name) and the Loggass sutra, detailing its structure and spiritual significance.
   • Vandan (Salutation): Primarily referring to showing respect and humility to spiritual preceptors (Gurus) and the Tirthankaras. It emphasizes inner humility and the dissolution of ego as a crucial step for receiving spiritual knowledge.
   • Pratikraman (Repentance/Reversion): A process of introspection to identify and confess past wrongdoings (karma) committed through mind, speech, and body, followed by sincere repentance and a commitment to avoid them in the future. It's seen as a way to cleanse the soul from accumulated sins. The author draws parallels with modern psychological concepts like catharsis and therapy.
   • Kayotsarga (Retention of Body/Self-Observation): A meditative practice involving stilling the body and mind to observe the self or soul. It is described as a scientific process of relaxation and inner exploration, leading to the purification of consciousness and potential liberation from karmic bonds. The author highlights its physical benefits in stress reduction and its spiritual depth in connecting with the soul.
   • Pratyakhyan (Renunciation/Resolve): This involves making specific vows or resolves to abstain from certain actions or desires, either permanently or for a limited time. It's about actively preventing future karma by setting boundaries and cultivating self-control. It is described as a crucial step to secure the gains made through Pratikraman and to progress on the spiritual path.

4. Vrat Vishesh (Special Vows):

   • The book elaborates on the vows that form the cornerstone of Jain ethical conduct, starting with the five Great Vows (Mahavratas) for ascetics and the twelve vows (Vratas) for lay followers.
   • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Discussed in depth, emphasizing that it goes beyond mere physical non-harming to encompass mental and verbal non-violence, free from anger, ego, deceit, and greed. It highlights the subtle forms of violence and the importance of recognizing the soul in all beings.
   • Satya (Truthfulness): Presented as a foundational vow, stressing not just speaking truth but living in truth and recognizing the eternal, unchanging nature of the soul beyond fleeting appearances.
   • Achaurya (Non-stealing): Explored beyond the literal act of theft to include not taking anything that is not rightfully given, respecting others' belongings, relationships, and intellectual property. It also touches upon renouncing the bhava (attitude) of possession.
   • Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): Explained not just as physical abstinence but as the control of all sensual desires and the redirection of vital energy upwards towards spiritual growth. It is linked to conserving energy for higher consciousness and achieving the state of "Akam" (desirelessness).
   • Aparigraha (Non-possession): Defined as freedom from attachment to possessions, relationships, and even one's own body. It's about recognizing the illusory nature of external things and the inherent completeness of the soul, thereby reducing the tendency to hoard and cling.
   • The author also briefly discusses the supportive Gunavratas (Virtue Vows) and Shikshavratas (Training Vows) that help in the gradual practice and strengthening of the main vows.

5. Kayotsarga (Self-Observation/Body-Retention): A Scientific Approach:

   • This section highlights Kayotsarga as a crucial and highly potent practice in Jainism, often considered the peak of internal austerity.
   • It's described as a scientific process involving physical stillness, controlled breathing, mental detachment from the body, and the redirection of vital energy.
   • The author draws parallels with modern relaxation techniques (like Shavasana) and psychological practices but emphasizes the crucial difference: Kayotsarga aims for conscious awareness of the soul's nature, not just physical rest or mental blankness.
   • It's presented as a tool for achieving equanimity, reducing stress, and ultimately gaining self-knowledge and liberation from bodily attachment, leading to the realization of the soul's true form.
   • The section details the practical steps of performing Kayotsarga, emphasizing gradual progress and the importance of correct posture, breathing, and mental focus.

6. Sharan (Refuge/Taking Shelter): The Final Step of Sadhana:

   • This chapter discusses the final aspects of spiritual practice, which involve taking refuge in the principles and guides of the Jain path.
   • Dushkrit Graha (Self-Criticism/Confession): The sincere acknowledgment and repentance of one's wrongdoings, ideally with a spiritual guide. This process helps purify the mind and reduce karmic impurities.
   • Sukrit Anumodana (Appreciation of Good Deeds): This involves appreciating and taking inspiration from the virtuous actions of others, particularly the great souls (Tirthankaras, Gurus, and Saints). It fosters a positive outlook and encourages one to engage in good deeds.
   • Four Refuges (Chatur Sharan):
     • Arihant (Shattered Enemies): Taking refuge in the Arihantas (those who have conquered their inner enemies like passions and karma) by following their teachings and path. It's about surrendering to the path shown by the enlightened.
     • Siddha (Liberated Souls): Taking refuge in the Siddhas, the souls who have attained eternal liberation. This signifies aiming for and dedicating oneself to the ultimate goal of salvation.
     • Sadhu (Ascetics/Saints): Taking refuge in the ascetics who are actively walking the spiritual path, embodying self-effort and discipline. This means following their guidance and respecting their way of life.
     • Dharma (Righteousness/Nature): Taking refuge in the inherent nature of the soul and the principles of righteousness that govern the universe. It's about living in harmony with the natural order and the soul's true essence.

Author's Approach: Chandrahas Trivedi combines philosophical exposition with practical guidance, often drawing parallels with scientific and psychological insights to make the ancient Jain teachings accessible and relevant to modern readers. He emphasizes the depth and practicality of Jain principles, urging readers to not only understand but also to actively practice them for genuine spiritual transformation.

Overall Significance: "Jain Achar Mimansa" serves as a valuable guide for understanding the practical application of Jain philosophy, emphasizing the journey from right faith and knowledge to right conduct, austerity, and sustained effort. It presents Jain practices not as mere rituals but as a scientifically and psychologically sound path to achieving ultimate spiritual well-being and liberation.