Jain Muni Aur Vastra Parampara - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jain Muni aur Vastra Parampara" by Shreechandmuni:

This Jain text, "Jain Muni aur Vastra Parampara" (The Tradition of Jain Monks and Clothing), authored by Muni Shreechand 'Kamal' (a disciple of Yugpradhan Acharya Shri Tulsi), explores the deep connection between a Jain monk's spiritual practice and their relationship with clothing. It highlights two primary traditions regarding monastic attire: one that prohibits clothing (Digambara) and another that permits it (Svetambara).

The text emphasizes that the four stages of clothing mentioned in the eighth study of the Acharaanga Sutra – three, two, one, or no clothing – are not arbitrary but are deeply intertwined with a detailed process of spiritual discipline. This process encompasses the monk's practice with their alms bowl, food, daily conduct, and ultimately, a ritualistic death (Panditmaraṇ). These four stages of clothing are seen as four distinct phases or levels of spiritual advancement.

The core principle is that as a monk's spiritual practice progresses, their tolerance for hardship increases, leading to the awakening of inner strength and a higher level of spiritual attainment. This advancement is often marked by a reduction in clothing, or indeed, the complete abandonment of it. This reduction in external possessions is seen to foster lightness and an increased capacity to endure external trials (parishaha).

The text explains that as tolerance grows, internal desires also diminish, thus forging an indirect but significant link between clothing and spiritual practice.

The Four Stages of Practice and Attire:

First Stage (Prathama Bhumika): Monks in this stage are described as Pratima-sweekrut Sthavir Muni. For them, the acceptance of up to three garments is permitted. Typically, during the summer, a monk is expected to be unclothed. If their spiritual maturity is not yet sufficient, they might keep one garment. In winter, if the cold is severe, they may accept a second garment made of cotton, with a specified dimension of two and a half hands in length and width. If the cold intensifies further, they might accept a third garment made of wool. However, even in such conditions, they are expected to bear the cold rather than desire a fourth garment. As winter subsides, they gradually relinquish these garments, progressing towards being Santarottar or Adhochhelak. They discard worn-out garments and retain stronger ones. If capable, they embrace complete unclothedness (Achalata), otherwise, they may retain one garment, where Achalata in this context refers to a waist-cloth.

This stage also involves different vows related to the sharing of alms and provisions among fellow monks:
- Bringing provisions for others and accepting provisions brought by others.
- Bringing provisions for others but not accepting provisions brought by others.
- Not bringing provisions for others but accepting provisions brought by others.
- Neither bringing provisions for others nor accepting provisions brought by others.
Monks engaged in Pariharavishuddhi (a specific type of rigorous penance) who become weak due to extreme penance or illness are advised to renounce their bodies through Bhaktaparigya Anshan (a type of fasting where only food and passions are renounced), seeking service from fellow monks according to their vows.
Third Stage (Teesri Bhumika): In this stage, the practitioner accepts one garment and one alms bowl. Upon the end of winter, if capable, they become unclothed; otherwise, they continue to wear one garment.

During spiritual practice, if illness strikes, the monk is encouraged to contemplate oneness ("I am alone, I have no one, and no one has me") and bear the illness with equanimity, without seeking external help. This involves practicing Asvadavritti (eating without tasting by transferring food from one side of the mouth to the other) and, if dry food causes illness or weakens them, they may reduce their intake through Aayambil tapas, thereby becoming more tolerant and dedicating themselves to Inginimaraṇ (a type of ritualistic death where movement is restricted to a specific area).
Fourth Stage (Chaturth Bhumika): This stage involves monks who are Gachh-nirgat Pratima-sweekrut Muni (monks accepted by the community but outside its direct organizational structure). They are unclothed and do not possess alms bowls; thus, they renounce both clothing and vessels. Their tolerance for hardship is significantly enhanced, enabling them to endure various physical sensations like cold, heat, touch of grass, and insect bites. Only those who remain unaffected by favorable or unfavorable circumstances can practice at this level. While generally remaining naked, those who find it difficult to conquer shame may wear a waist-cloth for practical purposes when entering towns or villages. Monks in this stage may also take on one of the following specific vows:
- Bringing provisions for others and accepting provisions brought by others.
- Bringing provisions for others but not accepting provisions brought by others.
- Neither bringing provisions for others nor accepting provisions brought by others.
- Not bringing provisions for others but accepting provisions brought by others.
In this stage, if a monk falls ill, they seek out dry grass, perform purification of the ground in an isolated place, sit on it, and take a vow of the five Mahavratas (great vows) in the presence of Siddhas (liberated souls), renouncing all four types of food. They engage in Padapopagaman Anshan (a form of fasting where the body's position remains unchanged from start to finish, like a tree), ceasing all bodily movements, vocalizations, and even unwholesome mental activities.

The Goal of Unclothedness and the Role of Tolerance:

The text reiterates that these four stages of spiritual practice are interconnected, and monks engage in practices like Pariharavishuddhi, Yathaladik, or Jinkalpik based on their suitability. The ultimate aim for all is Achalata (unclothedness). The Sthananga Sutra considers unclothedness as commendable for five reasons, including fostering penance and control of the senses.

The reduction of clothing leads to a decrease in internal desires. External possessions are reflected internally, and as the need for clothing diminishes, so does attachment to it, increasing internal detachment. The text acknowledges that physical strength varies, so individuals begin by renouncing as much clothing as their strength allows. Young and healthy monks might wear only one garment, while those who are ill or elderly might wear three.

Exceptional Circumstances and Aprovadic Death:

The text also touches upon exceptional circumstances. If a monk in the first stage develops an unbearable illness that persists for a long time, they may resort to Vesana or Griddhaprishtha Apvadik Maran (specific forms of ritualistic death) to preserve their vows, which is considered permissible. Similarly, if a monk faces a situation where their chastity is threatened by a woman, resorting to Apvadik Maran (ritualistic death in exceptional circumstances) through means like consuming poison or hanging is not disapproved for the protection of Brahmacharya. However, such deaths are not acceptable under normal circumstances.

The second stage (as described earlier, but the text references it as "second stage" after discussing the first and third/fourth stages separately) involves monks following Jinkalpik, Pariharavishuddhi, or Yathaladik practices. Pratima-sweekrut Sthavir Muni in this stage may wear two garments – one of cotton and one of wool – and possess an alms bowl. During summer, if capable, they can become unclothed or retain one garment.

Finally, if a monk feels their physical strength is depleted due to illness and they are unable to procure alms, they should not accept impure food offered by householders. However, they may accept offerings from a healthy fellow monk, and upon recovery, they can reciprocate the service. The text concludes with a quote from the Acharaanga Sutra, stating that a young, strong, and healthy monk with a stable physique should wear only one garment and no more.