Jain Dharm Me Tapa Ka Mahattva

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharm me Tapa ka Mahattva" (The Importance of Austerity in Jainism) by Chandmal Babel, based on the provided pages:

The book "Jain Dharm me Tapa ka Mahattva" by Chandmal Babel emphasizes the profound significance of Tapa (austerity, penance, self-discipline) within Jainism, positioning it as a crucial pillar alongside Ahimsa (non-violence) and Samyama (restraint). The author draws upon scriptural references to highlight how austerity is not merely an option but an essential practice for spiritual purification and liberation.

Core Principles and Purpose of Tapa:

• Purification of the Soul: The central theme is that Tapa is the primary means of purifying the soul from the impurities accumulated through past actions (karma). It's described as a powerful tool to wash away the "mud and mire" of worldly attachments and passions.
• Destruction of Past Karma: The text explicitly states that while Sanvara (prevention of new karma) stops the influx of karma, Tapa is the method for Nirjara – the shedding of existing, accumulated karmic bonds. This is likened to emptying a large pond by first stopping the inflow and then actively removing the existing water.
• Strengthening Restraint (Samyama): Tapa acts as a protective shield for Samyama. Without austerity, the ability to practice restraint in desires, eating, speaking, and other sensory experiences is compromised.
• Counteracting Materialism: The book contrasts Jainism's emphasis on self-discipline with materialistic philosophies that advocate for hedonism ("eat, drink, and be merry"). Jainism, through Tapa, prioritizes the nourishment of the soul over the fleeting pleasures of the physical body and the present life.

Historical and Scriptural Basis:

• Universal Practice: The text highlights that all revered spiritual figures, including the first Tirthankara Rishabhadeva, the middle Tirthankaras, and Lord Mahavir, practiced Tapa. Lord Mahavir himself undertook austerities for six months, indicating its paramount importance.
• Scriptural Endorsements: Key scriptural quotes are used:
  • "Dharma utkrisht mangal hai. Ahimsa samyam aur tap uske lakshan hai..." (The Dharma is the highest auspiciousness. Non-violence, restraint, and austerity are its signs...)
  • "Tavsa ghunai puran paavag" (Austerity grinds down old sins) from the Dashavaikalik Sutra.
  • The Uttaradhyayan Sutra is quoted to explain how Tapa effectively sheds karmic matter accumulated over countless lives.
• Definition of Tapa: The book offers several definitions of Tapa:
  • "Tapyate avena paap karma iti tapo" (That by which sinful karma is heated/destroyed is Tapa).
  • "Tapyate karmani anen iti tapah" (That by which karma is heated/destroyed is Tapa).
  • "Tapo naama taavayati attavih kammagathim naase titi" (Austerity is that which heats and destroys the eight types of karmic knots).

The Nature and Practice of Tapa:

• Transformation like Gold in Fire: The soul, though inherently pure, becomes sullied by passions like anger and desire. Tapa is likened to the fire that purifies gold, burning away these impurities and restoring the soul to its natural, luminous state.
• Control of Desires (Ichha Nirodh): Tapa is defined as the cessation of desires. Lord Mahavir prescribed Tapa as a potent medicine to eradicate desires and their resulting afflictions.
• Methods of Austerity: The Acharaanga Sutra is cited, suggesting extreme measures like consuming meager or unpalatable food, practicing Kayotsarga (standing in meditation), enduring heat and cold, and even complete food abstinence if necessary to subdue passions, while strictly guarding the mind from sensual temptations, especially towards women.
• Importance of Pure Intent: The book strongly warns against the misuse of Tapa. It must be undertaken with pure intentions, solely for the purpose of karmic shedding (Nirjara). Any other motivation, such as seeking worldly pleasures, fame, or praise, can render the austerity harmful, turning it into a "weapon" against oneself. Examples like Chandkaushik snake and King Brahmadata are given as cautionary tales of Tapa misuse leading to suffering.
• "Tapa Chor" (Austerity Thieves): The text criticizes those who merely pretend to be ascetics or engage in superficial acts of austerity without genuine inner transformation. Such individuals are condemned to lower births and future suffering. It's stated that those who are not ascetics but present themselves as such to gain respect bind themselves with severe karmic consequences.
• Tapa as Mercy: Tapa is also described as a form of self-compassion. The soul experiences hardship, not the body. Tapa is about experiencing physical discomfort with inner joy and equanimity, overcoming passions like anger, greed, and selfishness, and not inflicting pain on others in the name of austerity.
• Types of Tapa: The book categorizes Tapa into two main types:
  • External Tapa (Bahya Tapa): Has six sub-types:
    1. Anashan: Abstinence from food and drink.
    2. Unodari: Moderation in consumption, keeping possessions minimal, taking less alms.
    3. Bhikshachari: Practicing austerity through specific vows while seeking alms, regardless of hardship.
    4. Ras Parityag: Giving up the taste or indulgence in specific foods and drinks.
    5. Kaya Klesh: Enduring physical hardship, such as prolonged postures, enduring heat and cold, enduring harsh words, and self-mortification.
    6. Pratisamlinata: Subduing the senses and controlling attachments and aversions to sensory experiences.
  • Internal Tapa (Abhyantara Tapa): Also has six sub-types:
    1. Prayashchit: Performing expiation to remove defects in one's conduct or vows.
    2. Vinay: Cultivating virtues like humility, respect, and devotion towards worthy individuals, which purifies the soul.
    3. Vaiyavrittya: Serving and assisting elders, gurus, and ascetics in their spiritual practices.
    4. Svadhyaya: Deep study and contemplation of scriptures.
    5. Dhyana: Concentrating the mind on a single object or thought.
    6. Vyutsarga: Renouncing attachment to possessions and oneself, with a sense of detachment.

Key Takeaways:

• Tapa is indispensable for spiritual progress in Jainism.
• It is the primary mechanism for karmic liberation.
• It must be performed with genuine intent, free from worldly desires or the pursuit of recognition.
• Both external and internal austerities are crucial for purifying the soul.
• Austerity without inner purity or right knowledge is considered "childish austerity" and ineffective for liberation.
• Even approving or appreciating the Tapa of others can yield good results.

In essence, the book "Jain Dharm me Tapa ka Mahattva" powerfully advocates for austerity as the transformative force that cleanses the soul, breaks karmic bonds, and ultimately leads to the attainment of Moksha (liberation) in Jainism.