Jain Darshan Ki Sangna Ki Avdharna Ka Samikshatmak Adhyayan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jain Darshan ki Sangna ki Avdharna ka Samikshatmak Adhyayan" by Pramuditashreeji:

This doctoral dissertation, "A Critical Study of the Concept of 'Sangna' in Jain Philosophy," authored by Sadhvi Pramuditashreeji and guided by Dr. Sagarmal Jain, explores the concept of 'Sangna' in Jainism, drawing parallels with modern psychology. The study posits that 'Sangna' in Jain philosophy is equivalent to 'Instincts' in Western psychology, representing innate, innate driving forces behind living beings' behavior.

Key Concepts and Definitions of Sangna:

Instinct/Moolpravrutti: In Jain philosophy, 'Sangna' is identified as the innate, primal drives or instincts that motivate behavior in living beings, from the smallest organisms to humans. These are considered inherent from birth.
Identifier of Liveness: 'Sangna' is also that which helps identify a living being's essential nature, its 'Jivatva' or "liveness." It's the underlying principle that drives their internal and external actions.
Consciousness of Needs: Sangnas are defined as the mental consciousness of physical needs and emotional states, manifesting as desires or aspirations that propel behavior.
Core Motivators: Jain Agamas utilize the term 'Sangna' in various contexts:
- Noun/Name: In the sense of a name or designation for a person, object, place, or concept, akin to the grammatical concept of a "noun" in English. However, this meaning is not the primary focus of the study.
- Faculty of Discernment/Knowledge: Derived from 'Sam + Gyan' (to know well), 'Sangna' can also refer to the faculty of thought, deliberation, and discernment. It's linked to 'Mati-gyan' (sensory knowledge) and the power of intellect and reason that arises from the partial destruction/suppression of 'Gyanavarniya' and 'Darshanavarniya' karmas. The ability to discern what is beneficial and what is detrimental leads to the designation of a being as 'Sangni'.
- Desire/Aspiration: Crucially, 'Sangna' also signifies desire, longing, or aspiration. It's described as a dormant or subconscious desire related to objects like food, fear, sex, and possession. This latent desire is present even in one-sensed beings. Jainism identifies several related terms used synonymously with Sangna, including 'Jeevvritti' (wants), 'Kshudha' (appetite), 'Abhilasha' (desire), 'Vasanā' (lust), 'Kamana' (wish), 'Asha' (expectation), 'Lobha' (greed), 'Trishna' (thirst/craving), 'Aasakti' (attachment), and 'Sankalp' (will). All these relate to the inherent craving of the body, senses, and mind for their respective objects.

Classification and Types of Sangna:

The text highlights that Jain Agamas present varying numbers of Sangnas, leading to different classifications:

Four-Fold Classification: The most fundamental is the classification into four primary Sangnas observed in all living beings:
1. Ahara Sangna (Food): Desire for nourishment.
2. Bhaya Sangna (Fear): Instinct of self-preservation, avoidance of danger.
3. Maithuna Sangna (Sex): Instinct for procreation and species propagation.
4. Parigraha Sangna (Possession): Instinct for accumulation and ownership.
Ten-Fold Classification: This adds to the four basic Sangnas:
- The four above, plus:
1. Loka Sangna: Desire related to worldly pursuits, social customs, and conformity.
2. Ogha Sangna: Innate tendencies, general predispositions, or unconscious actions (often linked to subtle instinctual knowledge rather than conscious deliberation).
3. Krodha Sangna (Anger): A kashaya (affliction) driven by offense or obstruction.
4. Mana Sangna (Pride/Ego): The sense of self-importance or superiority.
5. Maya Sangna (Deceit/Hypocrisy): The tendency towards cunning, deception, and hidden intentions.
6. Lobha Sangna (Greed): Insatiable desire for more.
Sixteen-Fold Classification: This expands further, incorporating psychological and emotional states:
- The ten above, plus:
1. Sukha Sangna (Pleasure): Desire for pleasant experiences.
2. Dukkha Sangna (Pain): Aversion to unpleasant experiences.
3. Moha Sangna (Delusion/Attachment): Deep attachment and infatuation.
4. Shoka Sangna (Sorrow): Grief due to loss or misfortune.
5. Vichikitsa Sangna (Disgust/Aversion): Feeling of repulsion or dislike.
6. Dharma Sangna (Righteousness/Virtue): Inclination towards virtuous conduct and spiritual pursuits (this is highlighted as a key differentiator and a positive or 'vivekatmak' (discriminative) Sangna).

Significance of Sangna Study:

Understanding Human Behavior: The study of Sangnas is crucial for understanding the multi-faceted nature of human personality, including desires, aspirations, emotions, and intellect. They are considered fundamental drivers of all internal and external behavior.
Self-Improvement: By understanding one's own Sangnas, individuals can identify their inherent tendencies and work towards self-correction and refinement, leading to self-improvement and spiritual progress.
Comparison with Modern Psychology: The research emphasizes the strong parallels between Jain 'Sangnas' and modern psychological concepts of 'Instincts' and 'Emotions', providing a cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary understanding of human motivation.
Spiritual Growth: Jain philosophy stresses the importance of controlling and transcending these Sangnas, especially the 'vasanatmaka' (desire-driven) ones, through 'viveka' (discrimination and wisdom). This control is seen as the path to spiritual liberation ('Moksha'). The 'Dharma Sangna' is particularly highlighted as the 'vivekatmak' (discriminative) aspect that guides towards self-welfare.

Detailed Analysis of Specific Sangnas (Chapters 2-13):

The dissertation then proceeds to analyze several specific Sangnas in detail:

Ahara Sangna (Food): Discusses its role in body formation, the reasons for its origin (hunger, karmic influence, sensory perception), its types (nourishment, energy), and its significance in maintaining health and character, including the Jain principles of 'Bhakshya-Abhakshya' (what to eat and what not to eat).
Bhaya Sangna (Fear): Examines its nature, causes (lack of strength, karmic influence, external stimuli), consequences, various classifications (e.g., seven types of fear), and its relationship with modern psychology's concept of fear. It also touches upon the path to overcoming fear and attaining 'Abhaya' (fearlessness).
Maithuna Sangna (Sex/Lust): Explores the nature and types of sexual desire, Jain concepts of 'Veda' (sexual desire) and 'Ling' (gender/physical attributes), comparing 'Maithuna Sangna' with Freud's 'Libido'. It discusses the Jain approach to controlling and eradicating sexual desire, its impact on spiritual development, and the practice of 'Brahmacharya' (celibacy).
Parigraha Sangna (Possession/Greed): Defines its nature, types in Jainism, negative consequences of accumulation, methods of control (like 'Parigraha Pariman Vrata'), and draws parallels with Gandhi's concept of 'Trusteeship'. It differentiates between the drive to earn and the drive to hoard.
Krodha Sangna (Anger): Details its nature, manifestations, destructive consequences, and methods for overcoming it. It also compares it with modern psychological perspectives on anger and aggression.
Mana Sangna (Pride/Ego): Analyzes its various forms, negative impacts, and strategies for overcoming it.
Maya Sangna (Deceit/Hypocrisy): Explores its nature, different expressions, detrimental effects, and methods for its eradication.
Lobha Sangna (Greed): Discusses its essence, various forms, negative consequences, and strategies for its conquest.
Loka Sangna & Ogha Sangna: Compares and contrasts these two concepts, relating them to general worldly behavior and adherence to traditions ('Loka') versus general principles or unconscious tendencies ('Ogha'). It discusses the need to prioritize 'Ogha' (wisdom-based general principles) over 'Loka' (worldly customs) and how to overcome the influence of 'Loka Sangna'.
Sukha Sangna & Dukha Sangna: Differentiates between pleasure and true happiness ('Ananda'), analyzing their nature, causes, and the psychological underpinnings of seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, highlighting Jain philosophy's emphasis on inner peace over fleeting external comforts.
Dharma Sangna (Righteousness): Explores the multifaceted definitions of Dharma, its true nature as inherent disposition, its importance in life, and its role as the means to Moksha (liberation).
Moh Sangna (Delusion), Shoka Sangna (Sorrow), Vichikitsa Sangna (Disgust): These chapters delve into negative mental states, their origins, consequences, and the spiritual paths to overcome them. Moh is particularly identified as a significant obstacle to spiritual progress.

Comparative Analysis:

The dissertation undertakes comparative analyses with:

Buddhism: Compares Jain 'Sangnas' with Buddhist 'Chaittasikas' (mental factors), finding commonalities in their role as motivators of action, particularly concerning mental afflictions like greed, hatred, and delusion.
Psychology: Directly compares Jain 'Sangnas' with psychological concepts like 'Instincts' (McDougal), 'Emotions', and 'Drives', noting parallels in behavior motivation but highlighting Jainism's emphasis on 'Viveka' (discernment) as a means to transcend or control these impulses, a dimension less prominent in purely psychological models. It notes that while modern psychology often sees instincts as relatively fixed, Jainism believes Sangnas can be modified and overcome through conscious effort and spiritual discipline.

Conclusion:

The research concludes that 'Sangna' is a fundamental Jain concept encompassing both primal instincts and more complex behavioral motivations. While some Sangnas are instinctual and karmically driven, others, like 'Dharma Sangna', represent conscious ethical choices and spiritual development. The ultimate goal in Jainism is to transcend the 'vasanatmaka' (desire-driven) Sangnas through 'viveka' (wisdom and self-control) and realize the inherent 'Jivaswabhava' (soul's true nature), leading to liberation ('Moksha'). The study underscores the practical applicability of Jain philosophy in understanding and managing human behavior for personal and spiritual growth.