Jain Penance

This comprehensive summary delves into the Jain text "Jain Penance" by Champat Rai Jain, published in 1930. The book, based on the Digambara Jain scripture "Prayaschitta Samuchchaya," offers a detailed exploration of penances and their application within the Jain spiritual framework.

Core Concepts and Purpose:

• Prāyaschitta (Penance): The central theme is penance, understood as the purification of the soul and the eradication of karmic impurities. It's presented as essential for proper conduct, leading to dharma (righteousness) and ultimately salvation. The term itself is derived from "prāya" (people/ascescisim/saints) and "chitta" (mind), signifying actions that please the pious, establish the mind in austerities, or attract the hearts of saints.
• Destruction of Karma: Penance is the primary means for destroying the negative effects of past karmas.
• Purity of Mind: Aspirants are constantly striving to maintain the purity of their minds and immediately resort to penance when a blemish is perceived in their thoughts, words, or deeds.
• Foundation of Jain Practice: The book emphasizes that disciplinary vows are meaningless without penance, and proper conduct is impossible without rectifying faults.

Two Aspects of Penance:

1. Nischaya (Spiritual/Higher): This is the true penance, involving self-contemplation and immersion in the Self, leading to the speedy washing away of evil by the "Vision of the Self." The longing to wash away the stain is itself a great penance.
2. Vyavahara (Physical/Lower): This is the external manifestation of penance, often involving confession and other prescribed acts.

Key Elements and Principles:

• Confession (Ālochanā): Enjoined for all who embark on self-conquest. It should be made to a preceptor and should be open and truthful, avoiding ten specific faults like concealment, dishonesty, or confessing to equals.
• Self-Censure (Pratikramana): Blaming oneself for faults. It is considered adequate for offenses like uttering untruths, disrespect, violence, and forgetting duties.
• Tadubhaya: A combination of confession and self-censure, applicable in cases of subtle distinctions or when faults go unnoticed.
• Viveka (Discernment/Refraining): Giving up objectionable food or articles that excite passions or are suspected to be impure.
• Kayotsarga: Performing a fixed period of motionless meditation.
• Tapa (Asceticism/Fasting): Fasting or imposing restrictions on food intake.
• Chheda: Degradation or loss of seniority.
• Mula: Re-ordination, signifying a complete loss of rank.
• Parihara (Anupasthāna/Pinchha): Humiliation or temporary expulsion from the community.
• Sraddhāna: Re-admission into the faith.

Factors Influencing Penance:

The book meticulously details how various factors influence the type and severity of penance:

• Kāla (Time): The season influences the intensity of Tapa.
• Kshetra (Country/Place): The nature of the land (e.g., abundant water, forest land, fertility) can influence penance, with harsher penances permissible in colder regions and lighter ones in dry, hot areas.
• Food Supply: The quality and availability of food in a region also dictate the penance.
• Type of Man: The disposition, knowledge, strength, and character of the individual are crucial in determining appropriate penance. This includes classifications like:
  • Devoted vs. Indifferent to religion
  • Meek vs. Proud
  • Learned vs. Unlearned
  • Physically weak vs. strong
  • Those who desire service (vaiyāvritya) vs. those who don't.
  • The classification of saints into Sapeksha (expecting compassion) and Nirapeksha (not expecting).
• Sinful Disposition: A detailed analysis of 16 and 32 types of sinful mentality is provided, based on factors like:
  • Yielding under stress vs. without stress
  • Committing one fault vs. repeated faults
  • Longing to follow truth vs. not longing
  • Resisting temptation vs. not resisting
  • External pressure
  • Knowledge level
  • Straightforwardness
• Nature of the Fault: The severity, intent, and repetition of the transgression are primary determinants.

Types of Penances in Detail:

The book systematically lists and explains the ten types of penance, elaborating on their application for various transgressions. It provides detailed lists of specific offenses and the corresponding penances, covering:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): Penances vary based on the number of senses of the destroyed being, the temperament of the transgressor, and the scale of the destruction.
• Satya (Truthfulness): Penances for direct and indirect falsehoods.
• Asteya (Non-stealing): Penances for taking what is not given, varying by location and presence of others.
• Brahmacharya (Celibacy): Penances for various levels of sexual misconduct, including evil dreams, improper thoughts, and physical indulgence.
• Aparigraha (Non-possession): Penances for retaining household paraphernalia, covetousness, and unlawful acquisition of wealth.
• Samitis (Rules of Vigilance): Detailed penances for transgressions related to:
  • Travelling and Walking: Based on the path's condition, time of day, and presence of life.
  • Speech: For harsh or unbecoming speech and encouraging disruptive behavior.
  • Eating: A comprehensive section covering various food-related faults, including objectionable items, improper eating habits, and the taint of violence in food preparation.
  • Handling Things: For improper handling of objects.
  • Discharging Bodily Products: For discharging waste in unsuitable places.
• Six-Fold Daily Duties (Sāmayika, Adoration, etc.): Penances for neglecting these crucial observances.
• Lēśa Lōcha (Hair Pulling): Penances for neglecting this practice.
• Renunciation of Clothes: Penances for resuming clothing under various circumstances.
• Mula Gunas (Root Virtues): Penances for transgressions of these fundamental principles.
• Uttara Gunas (Additional Virtues): Penances for abandoning special austerities.
• Bastikā (Dwelling): Penances for unmindful habitation and actions within a dwelling.
• Bed and Plank: For improper use or examination of sleeping arrangements.
• Sleeping: For sleeping at improper times or in inappropriate ways.
• Play and Idle Occupations: For engaging in non-spiritual activities.
• Mischief and Destruction of Things: For damaging or destroying objects.
• Worship: For improper performance of religious rites.
• Respect and Disrespect: For showing improper regard or disrespect to various individuals and sacred items.
• Pupils and Castes: For improper ordination practices.
• Sickness and Purification: For specific actions related to personal hygiene and medical treatment.
• Accessories (Upaharana): For losing or mishamndling essential monastic items.
• Miscellaneous Matters: Including keeping bad company, earning a living through non-spiritual means, deserting the Sangha, exhibiting fear, lack of learning, grief, and disclosing confessions.

Special Rules:

• Nuns: Specific penances applicable to nuns, excluding certain severe forms, are outlined.
• Householders: A scaled approach to penance for laymen, based on their spiritual progress (pratimas), is detailed.

Appendix:

The book includes an appendix detailing the "Prayaschitta Grantha," which provides further specific penances for various transgressions, often involving elaborate rituals and offerings.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Penance" serves as an exhaustive guide to the principles and practices of penance within Jainism. It underscores the importance of self-discipline, accountability, and the continuous effort towards spiritual purification. The text highlights the nuanced approach taken in Jainism to address transgressions, emphasizing the proportionality of penance to the fault and the individual's circumstances.