Jain Agamo Me Varnit Dhyan Sadhikaye

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Jain Agamo me Varnit Dhyan Sadhikaye" by Shanta Bhanavat:

Overall Theme:

The book "Jain Agamo me Varnit Dhyan Sadhikaye" (Meditation Practitioners Described in Jain Agamas) by Shanta Bhanavat explores the profound role of meditation (Dhyana) in Jain philosophy and highlights the significant contributions of women (both ascetics and householders) in practicing and achieving spiritual liberation through this practice. The text emphasizes that Jainism recognizes no fundamental difference between men and women in their spiritual potential and path to Moksha (liberation).

Key Points and Sections:

• The Nature and Importance of Meditation (Dhyana):

  • Meditation is defined as the practice of turning the mind away from sensory objects and directing it towards the true nature of the self (Atma).
  • It transforms outward activities described in Jain scriptures into inward ones.
  • Meditation is a source of inner energy, leading to a pure, powerful, and clean soul.
  • It cultivates purity of life, clarity of thoughts, and feelings of love, compassion, and universal affection in behavior.
  • Crucially, meditation aids in shedding karmas (actions), being an internal austerity (Abhyantara Tapa). By destroying karmas, the dormant powers of the soul awaken, enabling the soul to become divine.

• Equality of Men and Women in Jainism:

  • Jain philosophy firmly asserts that there is no difference between men and women in achieving the ultimate spiritual goal of Moksha.
  • Women are presented as integral to the progress of humanity, just as both wheels are essential for a chariot's movement.
  • Indian scholars have consistently accorded equal importance to both genders, recognizing their equal utility and contribution.

• Women as Pillars of Indian Culture and Spirituality:

  • The text asserts that women have been the primal energy (Adi Shakti) of Indian culture and civilization, contributing even more significantly than men to human development.
  • The history of Indian women is illuminated by their immense sacrifice, love, devotion, service, austerity, and self-confidence.

• Women as Ascetics (Shramanis) and Devout Householders (Shravikas):

  • Jain scriptures consistently show a higher number of female ascetics (Bhaginis/Sadhvis) and householders (Shravikas) compared to their male counterparts throughout the lineage of Tirthankaras.
  • Women are described as inherently inclined towards religion, compassionate, and tolerant of hardship, demonstrating a strong interest in spiritual practices and often surpassing men in austerities.
  • Numerous examples exist where thousands of women were instantly enlightened by a single sermon, renouncing all worldly pleasures to become ascetics.

• Notable Female Practitioners:

  • Queens of Krishna: The Antakrit Dashang Sutra describes the queens of Vasudeva Krishna, who, after hearing the teachings of Lord Arishtanemi, renounced the world and achieved liberation through severe austerities, living a life of righteous conduct. Prominent among them are Padmavati, Gauri, Gandhari, etc.
  • Queens of King Shrenik: The Antakrit Ang Sutra also mentions ten queens of Magadha's Emperor Shrenik (Kali, Sukali, Mahakali, Krishna, etc.), who embraced the path of asceticism after hearing Lord Mahavir's sermons. They traded royal jewels for the "garlands" of austerities, illuminating their inner selves.
  • Bhagavati Mallinath: The 19th Tirthankara, Mallinath, is a shining example of a woman attaining the Tirthankara status, demonstrating that women can achieve ultimate spiritual greatness, including great knowledge and mystical powers. She renounced worldly life, along with 300 women and 300 princes, and achieved Kevalgyana (omniscience) on the very day of her initiation through deep meditation.
  • Brahmī and Sundarī: These daughters of Lord Rishabhadeva were influential teachers. Their sermons inspired even the proud Bahubali to shed his ego and turn towards introspection. They are credited with significant contributions to the world of education, with Brahmī giving her name to the Brahmī script and Sundarī being the source of numerology.
  • Rājimati: She exemplified courage and commitment. When Neminath renounced their impending marriage, Rajimati did not succumb to grief but wisely chose the path of asceticism. She later played a crucial role in guiding the deviating Muni Ratnanemi back to the right path.
  • Mahasati Dharini: Mother of Arya Chandanbala, she sacrificed her life to protect her chastity.
  • Arya Chandanbala: Her story is a testament to a woman's endurance, compassion, equanimity, and administrative skill. Born into royalty, she faced extreme hardship, including being sold and subjected to severe punishment, yet never compromised her principles. Lord Mahavir recognized her inner strength, welcomed her into the monastic order, and appointed her as the leader of the Shramani Sangha, which she led with over 36,000 nuns and 300,000 laywomen, proving women's leadership capabilities.
  • Jayanti: A learned householder, known for her sharp and balanced logic, often engaged in discussions with Lord Mahavir. She exemplified knowledge combined with humility and devotion.
  • Mṛgāvati: Daughter of King Chetak and queen of King Shatānika, she used her spiritual influence to guide Chanda Pradyota towards righteousness. After hearing Lord Mahavir, she took initiation. In a significant incident, her slight delay in returning to her guru, Arya Chandanbala, led to a moment of introspection for both. Mrigavati achieved Kevalgyana instantaneously through self-reflection, and Arya Chandanbala, realizing her oversight, also attained Kevalgyana through self-criticism and forgiveness.
  • Sita, Draupadi, Damayanti, Anjana: These exemplary women are highlighted for their virtues, character, service, spiritual practice, self-control, and tolerance, embodying divine qualities.

• The Decline of True Austerity and the Need for Meditation:

  • The author laments that while women's education has progressed, the focus has shifted towards external knowledge, leading to increased attachment to worldly pleasures, envy, anger, pride, deceit, and greed, resulting in greater mental unrest.
  • There's also a rise in ostentatious displays and religious hypocrisy.
  • The primary reason for this is the lack of meditation practice.
  • Fasting, a form of penance, is often emphasized for its own sake, to reduce sensory stimulation and attachment to the body. However, the benefits of fasting are not being harnessed for introspection, repentance of sins, service to the needy, or the study and contemplation of scriptures.
  • This leads to penance becoming a source of "heat" (Tap) rather than spiritual strength and illumination.

• Conclusion and Call to Action:

  • The text concludes by emphasizing the necessity of integrating meditation practice with austerities. Only then can individual, family, social, and national stresses be overcome, and true peace be experienced.
  • The final verse from "Indriya Parajaya Shatak" serves as a warning about the allure of women and the worldly pleasures they represent, suggesting that men often get engrossed in these distractions.

In essence, the book celebrates the spiritual prowess of women as described in Jain scriptures, underscoring meditation as the key to their achievements and advocating for its revival in contemporary society to combat modern-day afflictions and attain true peace and liberation.