Jain Dharm Me Swadhyaya Ka Arth Evam Sthan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jain Dharm me Swadhyaya ka Arth evam Sthan" by Sagarmal Jain:

The book "Jain Dharm me Swadhyaya ka Arth evam Sthan" (The Meaning and Place of Self-Study in Jainism) by Sagarmal Jain emphasizes the paramount importance of Swadhyaya (self-study) as a cornerstone of Jain spiritual practice. The ultimate goal of Jain practice is the attainment of Samabhava (equanimity or equanimity of mind), and Swadhyaya is presented as essential for achieving this state.

Core Concepts:

Swadhyaya as a Friend: The text describes Swadhyaya and studying good literature as an invaluable friend that accompanies an individual through both favorable and unfavorable circumstances, providing guidance and alleviating mental disturbances and stress. It leads to inner satisfaction and spiritual joy, serving as an potent remedy for mental peace.
Historical Significance: The importance of studying good literature is ancient, rooted in Vedic traditions. The Upanishads famously instructed students upon leaving their guru's ashram with the admonition: "Swadhyayan ma pramadaḥ" (Do not neglect self-study). Swadhyaya functions as a substitute for the guru's presence, offering guidance when the guru is absent. Mahatma Gandhi's reliance on the Bhagavad Gita for solutions during difficult times is cited as a testament to this principle.
Swadhyaya and Liberation: In Jainism, liberation (Moksha) is defined as freedom from attachment (raga) and aversion (dvesha), and from mental stress. This freedom requires the shedding or decay of past karmic impressions (nirjara). Nirjara involves unraveling the knots of attachment, aversion, ego, etc., in the mind, a process also known as granthi-bheda (piercing of knots). Nirjara is a form of penance (tapas), and Swadhyaya is categorized as an internal penance among the 12 types of penance in Jain tradition, thus making it a path to liberation and an essential component of Jain spiritual practice.

Definitions of Swadhyaya:

The text offers two primary interpretations of the term Swadhyaya:

Study of the Self (Sva + Adhyaya): This emphasizes introspection, looking inward, and understanding one's own thoughts, desires, and experiences. It is about self-awareness and becoming a witness to one's internal states. Without understanding oneself, one cannot attempt to overcome desires and defects, which is necessary for spiritual purity and liberation. This is likened to a homemaker cleaning her house by first observing its dirt, or a patient seeking medical help after understanding their ailment and its causes.
Study of Good Literature (Su + Adhyaya): This refers to the study of virtuous or sat literature, which contributes to mental peace, contentment, and spiritual purification. This type of reading is distinguished from material that stimulates desires, distracts the mind, or disrupts spiritual peace and equanimity.

The text stresses that not all reading constitutes Swadhyaya. True Swadhyaya involves both introspection and the study of texts that aid in understanding and overcoming mental impurities.

The Five Components of Swadhyaya:

Jain tradition elaborates on the practices involved in Swadhyaya, outlining five key components:

Vachana (Reading/Studying): This is the act of studying scriptures or good literature, preferably in the presence of a guru. In a broader sense, it means studying any good book.
Pratiprichhana (Questioning): This involves asking questions with a spirit of inquiry to clarify doubts and gain a deeper understanding of the text being studied.
Paravartana (Recitation/Repetition): This is the practice of reviewing or reciting previously studied texts to solidify understanding and memory.
Anupeksha (Contemplation/Reflection): This is the process of deep thought and contemplation on the subject matter of the study. It involves internalizing the teachings and understanding them at a personal experiential level.
Dharmakatha (Religious Discourse/Teaching): This is the act of sharing the knowledge gained through study with others, either by explaining it or delivering religious discourses.

These components are presented in a sequential order, starting with reading and culminating in sharing the knowledge.

Benefits of Swadhyaya:

The text highlights numerous benefits of Swadhyaya derived from scriptures like the Uttaradhyayana Sutra and Sthananga Sutra:

Destruction of Ignorance: Swadhyaya leads to the shedding of karmas that obstruct knowledge (jnana-avaraniya karma), enabling the soul to acquire right knowledge (samyak-jnana).
Karmic Shedding (Nirjara): Through the various components of Swadhyaya, significant karmic shedding occurs.
Clarity of Meaning: Vachana aids in gathering scriptural knowledge, Pratiprichhana removes doubts and illusions, and Paravartana stabilizes the textual understanding.
Weakening of Karmic Bonds: Anupeksha (contemplation) helps weaken the strong bonds of most karmas (except possibly lifespan karma), shortening their duration, reducing their intensity, and converting large karmic masses into smaller ones. It aids in quickly traversing the cycle of birth and death.
Propagation of Jain Teachings (Prabhavana): Dharmakatha (religious discourse) leads to the shedding of karma and promotes the spread of Jain teachings, resulting in the accumulation of merit-generating karma.
Preservation of Knowledge: Swadhyaya ensures the continuity of scriptural knowledge, benefits students through teaching, and prevents the forgetting of learned material.

Purposes of Swadhyaya:

The text outlines the specific objectives for engaging in Swadhyaya:

To gain knowledge.
To acquire right knowledge.
To encourage righteous conduct.
To dispel prejudice and ignorance.
To understand reality or the true nature of things.
To purify intellect.
To cultivate noble thoughts.
To protect Jain teachings.
To resolve doubts.
To address criticisms.
To foster penance and renunciation.
To purify faults and transgressions.

The Place of Swadhyaya in a Ascetic's Life:

The Uttaradhyayana Sutra illustrates the significant place of Swadhyaya in the life of a Jain monk. Monks are advised to dedicate approximately 12 hours daily to Swadhyaya (four paurushis, which are 3-hour periods, throughout the day and night). This highlights that Swadhyaya was considered a primary means for dispelling ignorance and achieving spiritual purification in the ascetic life.

Directions for Studying Good Literature in the Modern Era:

The author concludes by reflecting on the current state of reading habits. While interest in reading exists, the choice of material is often not conducive to spiritual growth. The prevalence of sensational and morally corrupting content in magazines and media is criticized for distorting individuals' life perspectives and contributing to the decline of ethical values. The author advocates for a shift towards studying sat-sahitya (good literature) to uplift character and guide individuals towards righteousness and morality, defining this as true Swadhyaya.