Jain Dharm Me Vyasanmukta Jivan Ka Tulnatmaka Adhyayan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the concept of a life free from addictions (Vyasanmukta Jivan) in Jainism, as presented in the book "Jain Dharm me Vyasanmukta Jivan ka Tulnatmaka Adhyayan" by Janeshwar Maur:

The text emphasizes that in Jainism, the contribution of Lord Mahavir is invaluable. It asserts that addictions (vyasan) are more harmful than death, because while death causes suffering only once, an addicted person suffers throughout their life and even in the afterlife, experiencing various torments in hell. Conversely, a person free from addictions experiences a life filled with joy and enjoys heavenly pleasures after death.

The word "vyasan" is Sanskrit for "suffering." In Jainism, an addiction is defined as a habit that a person cannot live without. These habits are not formed suddenly; they begin with attraction, then develop into a desire, and finally become an addiction through repeated practice. Addictions are described as un-sown poisonous trees that turn human virtues to ashes, preventing the blossoming of flowers of good conduct in the soil of life. They are compared to a deep pit disguised by greenery and flowers; those attracted to the surface are drawn in and trapped in the mire. Addiction diminishes a person's intelligence, nobility, and other qualities.

While Vedic texts mention 18 types of addictions, with 10 being lust-driven (kamaj) and 8 being anger-driven (krodhaj), Jain ascetics primarily identify seven major addictions: gambling, consuming meat, consuming alcohol, visiting prostitutes, hunting, stealing, and adultery.

The text quotes a verse: "Gambling, meat, alcohol, prostitutes, forbidden wealth (through unethical means), and adultery – these seven addictions in the world lead to the most terrible hell." It is stated that all other addictions are encompassed within these seven, and indulging in them hardens the heart.

The text highlights the solemn aspect of addiction to alcohol, stating that it is the first door to enter a palace of vices. A person remains trapped in worldly pleasures until they are free from addiction, and without freedom from addiction, human virtues cannot develop. Therefore, Jain ascetics have placed great importance on freedom from addiction. Upon liberation from addiction, life becomes an ocean of joy.

In the context of a democratic era, freedom from addiction is presented as a unique ethical practice that enables householders to live a life of righteousness and contribute actively to national development. Through the divine light of Jain philosophy, a strong tradition of character can be established. This is an ethical code that is not only beneficial for Jain householders but for all of humanity. It can enrich and bring happiness to practical life and, inspired by selfless duty, infuse the nation with unparalleled strength and vigor. It can bring happiness and fearlessness to the entire human society. Therefore, a life free from addiction is beneficial and desirable from all perspectives.

The text also mentions the sixteen faults associated with alcohol consumption as described by Acharya Haribhadra: physical weakness, susceptibility to various diseases, social rejection, inability to perform tasks on time, generating hatred in the inner consciousness, dimming of intellectual faculties, memory loss, corrupted intelligence, loss of contact with virtuous people, harshness in speech, association with low-born individuals, loss of honor, decline of strength, and the ruin of dharma, artha, and kama (righteousness, wealth, and desire).

The text further illustrates the impact of addiction through an anecdote about Kalidasa asking a liquor seller about the contents of his pot. The seller, a philosopher, replied that his pot contained eight vices: intoxication, madness, quarrel, impudence, destruction of intellect, hatred of truth and ability, destruction of happiness, and the path to hell.

Regarding hunting, it is referred to as "papadhi" in Jain scriptures, meaning wealth obtained through sin. Analyzing the mindset of a hunter, the text states that one addicted to hunting becomes incapable of showing mercy when taking a life.

Finally, it includes a quote from "Indriya Parajaya Shatak 46": "Just as a fly stuck in mucus is unable to escape, similarly, a person trapped in the mucus of worldly pleasures finds it impossible to detach themselves from those pleasures."