Jain Dharm Evam Bhakti

This Jain text, titled "Jain Dharm evam Bhakti" (Jainism and Devotion) by Deshbhushan Acharya, discusses the core principles of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of a goal-oriented life and the spiritual path towards liberation. The text can be broadly summarized as follows:

1. The Importance of Goals: The text begins by highlighting that every human endeavor, from a businessman's trade to a mother's nurturing of her child or a student's pursuit of knowledge, is driven by a specific goal. Farmers toil with the aim of harvesting abundantly, fathers educate their sons for future support, and students strive for knowledge to become scholars. These goals, while often worldly, demonstrate a fundamental human drive to achieve something.

2. The Spiritual Goal: Liberation (Moksha): In contrast to worldly goals, the ultimate spiritual objective in Jainism is Atma Shuddhi (self-purification) leading to Moksha (liberation) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

3. The Five Supreme Beings (Panch Parmeshthi): To achieve this liberation, the text identifies the Panch Parmeshthi (Five Supreme Beings) as the ideal role models. These are: * Arihants: The living liberated souls, who have attained omniscience and bliss. They are considered the most revered as they guide the world with their teachings. * Siddhas: The completely liberated souls who have attained eternal bliss and freedom from all karmas. They reside in the highest abode of the universe. * Acharyas: The heads of the monastic order, who possess deep knowledge and guide the ascetics. * Upadhyayas: Teachers of scriptures who impart knowledge to monks and nuns. * Sadhus: Ascetics who have renounced the world and practice strict vows for self-purification.

While Siddhas are considered highest in terms of karmic purity, Arihants are seen as most revered in the world due to their direct guidance to humanity.

4. The Path of a Sadhu: The text elaborately describes the life of a Sadhu, emphasizing their renunciation of worldly possessions, desires, and attachments. They live a life of austerity, practicing the five great vows (Mahavratas), five carefulnesses (Samitis), control of senses, and other rigorous practices. They rely on alms for sustenance and dedicate their time to meditation, study, and contemplation.

5. The Four Auspicious Elements (Chatur Mangal): The text clarifies that true auspiciousness (Mangal) is not found in worldly objects or rituals. Instead, the four auspicious elements are: * Arihants: They are auspicious because they have attained omniscience and teach the path to liberation. * Siddhas: They are auspicious because they are fully liberated and represent the ultimate state of purity. * Sadhus: They are auspicious because they are actively engaged in self-purification and guide others. * The Dharma preached by the Omniscient (Kevalipannatto Dhammo): This is auspicious as it leads to self-purification and liberation.

6. Devotion to Arihants (Arihant Bhakti): The text stresses the importance of devotion to Arihants. Their worship and contemplation help in remembering the pure soul, cultivating virtues like forgiveness and peace, and moving towards self-realization. Devotion to Arihants helps in overcoming negative emotions and attracting positive karmic influx.

7. Devotion to Acharyas (Acharya Bhakti): Acharyas, as leaders of the monastic community, are also to be revered. Their devotion involves obedience, respect, and following their guidance, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the Sangha (monastic order) and the propagation of Jain teachings.

8. Samayika (Equanimity): Samayika is explained as the practice of concentrating the mind on the self, achieving a state of equanimity, and remaining detached from external objects. It involves practicing non-attachment, non-violence, and controlling one's senses and emotions. The text details the proper methods and conditions for performing Samayika, emphasizing its importance for spiritual progress.

9. Right Faith (Samyaktva): Samyaktva, or Right Faith, is presented as the fundamental pillar of Jain spiritual practice. It is defined as the correct understanding and faith in the true nature of reality, particularly the seven tattvas (essences): soul (Jiva), non-soul (Ajiva), influx of karma (Asrava), bondage of karma (Bandha), stoppage of karma (Samvara), shedding of karma (Nirjara), and liberation (Moksha). Right faith is essential for purifying the soul and progressing towards liberation.

10. The Five Vows (Panch Anuvrat): The text describes the five minor vows (Anuvratas) undertaken by lay followers (Shravakas): * Ahimsa Anuvrata: Non-violence towards living beings. * Satyavrata Anuvrata: Truthfulness, avoiding speech that causes harm. * Asteya Anuvrata: Non-stealing. * Brahmacharya Anuvrata: Chastity and faithfulness to one's spouse. * Parigraha Parimana Anuvrata: Limited possession and detachment from excessive wealth.

11. Karma Theory: The text delves into the Jain concept of Karma. It explains how actions (karma) lead to consequences, both positive (punya) and negative (pap). The soul is bound by these karmas and cycles through different life forms. The text emphasizes that while actions have consequences, the ultimate liberation comes from transcending the karmic cycle through self-effort and purification. It refutes the idea that an external deity dictates karmic outcomes, asserting that individuals are responsible for their own karmic accumulation and its results. The concept of karma-phal (fruit of karma) and its practical implications in daily life are also discussed.

12. Sallekhana (Controlled Fasting unto Death): Sallekhana is explained as a process of gradually reducing intake of food and renouncing worldly attachments and aversions as the end of life approaches. It is a conscious and voluntary process undertaken with equanimity and detachment, aimed at purifying the soul before death and ensuring a better rebirth or liberation. It is distinguished from suicide as it is performed with spiritual intent and without attachment or aversion.

13. The Soul in Plants and Vegetables (Vanaspati mein Jeeva): The text affirms the Jain belief that plants and vegetables possess life. It cites ancient Jain scriptures and modern scientific discoveries by scientists like Jagadish Chandra Bose to support the idea that these beings have consciousness, can feel sensations, and grow based on external sustenance, much like humans and animals.

In essence, "Jain Dharm evam Bhakti" serves as a guide to the fundamental principles of Jainism, highlighting the ultimate goal of liberation and the devotional path through the veneration of the Panch Parmeshthi, the practice of vows, equanimity, and understanding the law of karma, all aimed at purifying the soul and achieving ultimate freedom.