Jain Sadhna Me Tap Ke Vividh Rup

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Sadhna me Tap ke Vividh Rup" by Gotulal Mandot, focusing on the provided pages:

The text, "Jain Sadhna me Tap ke Vividh Rup" (Various Forms of Austerity in Jain Sadhana), authored by Gotulal Mandot, delves into the profound significance and diverse practices of tapas (austerity or asceticism) within Jain spiritual discipline. It emphasizes that tapas is a luminous flame that burns away the impurities of karma attached to the soul, revealing its inherent brilliance.

Core Concepts of Tapas:

• Nirjara as the Goal: The text highlights that among the nine fundamental principles (Nav Tattvas) of Jainism, Nirjara (shedding of karma) is the element that leads to liberation. The separation of karmic matter from the soul is defined as Nirjara.

• Twelve Types of Tapas: Nirjara is achieved through twelve specific types of tapas, which are considered the steps leading to moksha (liberation). These are:

  1. Anashan (Fasting/Abstinence from food)
  2. Unodari (Moderation in eating/Reducing intake)
  3. Mishkacharya (Alms-begging)
  4. Rasaparityag (Renunciation of palatable tastes)
  5. Kayaklesh (Enduring physical hardships/Body mortification)
  6. Pratisamlinata (Controlling senses)
  7. Prayashchit (Atonement/Penance)
  8. Vinay (Respect/Humility)
  9. Vaiya-vrittya (Service to the spiritual preceptors and elders)
  10. Swadhyaya (Self-study/Study of scriptures)
  11. Dhyana (Meditation)
  12. Vyutsarg (Detachment/Abandonment)

• Internal vs. External Tapas: The first six (Anashan to Pratisamlinata) are classified as Bahya Tap (external austerities), and the last six (Prayashchit to Vyutsarg) are classified as Abhyantar Tap (internal austerities). The text suggests that mastering external austerities purifies the soul to the extent that it readily embraces internal ones.

Detailed Exploration of Anashan (Fasting):

The majority of the provided text focuses on the first and most fundamental form of tapas, Anashan.

• Four Types of Food: The text outlines four categories of food: Ashan (solid food like grains and sweets), Pana (drinks like water), Khadim (dry fruits like dates and almonds), and Swadim (mouth fresheners and chutneys).

• Definition of Anashan: Anashan involves the complete renunciation of all four types of food or the renunciation of Ashan, Khadim, and Swadim, while allowing Pana (water).

• Two Main Categories of Anashan:

  1. Itvarik (Temporary/Short-term Fasting): This refers to fasts observed for a limited period. The text lists fourteen types, based on the duration of fasting and breaking the fast, such as Chaturtha Bhakta (fasting for one day, eating once on the day before and after), Shashtha Bhakta (two days fasting), and so on, up to Shanmasika (six months). The precise definition of Chaturtha Bhakta involves fasting for one meal on the fasting day and eating one meal on the break-fasting day.
  2. Yavatkathik (Up to a certain point/Till death): This type of fasting is not for a short duration but is undertaken with a specific resolve or until death. It has three sub-categories:
     • Padapopagaman (Stationary death): This is a vow of complete immobility after taking a specific posture, resembling a tree that doesn't move. The individual does not move any part of their body, even for essential functions, until death. It is further divided into:
       • Vyaghatim (with obstacles): When the vow is undertaken facing potential adversies like wild animals or fire.
       • Nirvyaghatim (without obstacles): When undertaken voluntarily without any external threat.
     • Bhakta Pratyakhyan (Renunciation of food until death): This is a lifelong renunciation of all food, also known as Bhakta Parigya.
     • Ingit Maran (Death by indication): This is also a lifelong fast, but with the allowance to move limbs or body parts slightly. The person does not move from their designated spot.

• Other Classifications of Anashan:

  • Itvarik Anashan is also classified into six types based on the progression of fasting: Shreni Tap, Pratar Tap, Ghan Tap, Varga Tap, Varga Varga Tap, and Prakirnaka Tap, which involve different patterns of fasting and eating.
  • Yavatkathik Anashan is categorized based on bodily movements: Kriya Sahit (with movement) and Kriya Rahit (without movement), or Saparikarma (with assistance) and Aparikarma (without assistance).

Specific Types of Itvarik Fasting with Aagaras (Exceptions):

The text elaborates on various forms of temporary fasting, highlighting the concept of Aagaras (permissible exceptions or allowances) that can be incorporated into the vow without breaking it. These include:

• Namukkari (Novakarsi): Renunciation until a certain time after sunrise (two ghadika).
• Paurisi (Paurisi): Renunciation for the duration of one prahara (approximately three hours) after sunrise.
• Sadu Paurisi (One and a half Paurisi): Renunciation for one and a half prahara.
• Purimaddh (Two Paurisi): Renunciation until midday.
• Adhdh (Three Paurisi): Renunciation until three prahara.
• Egasana (One sitting meal): Eating only once a day.
• Do Asana (Two sitting meals): Eating twice a day, or consuming nothing between the two meals.
• Eg Sthana (One place): Remaining in one place, with limited movement.
• Tivihar Upavasa (Fasting of three types of food): Abstaining from Ashan, Khadim, and Swadim, but allowing water.
• Chauvihar Upavasa (Fasting of four types of food): Abstaining from all four types of food.
• Abhigraha: A specific vow or condition set by the individual before taking food, such as eating only a particular type of food or food offered by a specific person.
• Divas Charim: Renouncing food from sunset until sunrise the next day.
• Bhav Charim (Lifelong renunciation): Renouncing food for the rest of one's life.
• Ayambil: Eating a single meal a day, which is plain and devoid of excessive tastes or senses-arousing ingredients.
• Nivi (Nivigaiyam): Renunciation of refined or special food items (Vigaya).
• Ganthi Sahita / Mutthi Sahita: Vows made with a tied knot or a clenched fist, indicating the duration of the fast.

Explanation of Aagaras (Exceptions):

The text meticulously explains the meaning of various Aagaras that can be incorporated into fasting vows, providing crucial details for adhering to the vows correctly. These Aagaras cover situations like accidental ingestion, unforeseen circumstances, misjudging time, external influences, health emergencies, and fulfilling duties.

Other Forms of Tapas and Vows:

Beyond the detailed breakdown of Anashan, the text briefly touches upon other significant forms of tapas and vows:

• Vows related to time and conditions: Such as Anagat (fasting before a planned event), Atikrant (fasting after an event), Kodisahayitam (completing fasts in sequence), Niyantrit (pre-determined fasts), Sagār (with allowances), Anagar (without allowances), Parimanakrit (limited duration fasts), Niravasesham (complete renunciation), Sankrit (vows with specific conditions), and Addha (time-bound fasts like Novakarsi and Paurisi).
• Specific Vows for Spiritual Growth:
  • Ratnavali Tap, Kanakavali Tap, Singh Nishkridit Tap, Sarvato Bhadra Tap, Bhadrottar Tap, Muktavali Tap: These are complex, structured fasting programs involving long durations, specific sequences of fasting and eating, and often repeated cycles.
  • Sapt Saptamika, Ashtam Ashtamika, Navam Navamika, Dasham Dashamika: These vows involve fasting for specific durations (e.g., 7, 8, 9, 10 weeks) with varying levels of intake.
  • Ayambil Vardhaman Tap: A gradual increase in Ayambils interspersed with fasts.
  • Vrihad Jnana Panchami Tap: Fasting on the fifth day of the lunar fortnight for spiritual knowledge.
  • Rohini Tap: Fasting associated with the Rohini constellation.
  • Varsho Tap: Fasting over a two-year period.
  • Dash Pratyakhyan Tap, Dhai Sau Pratyakhyan Tap: Vows involving multiple combinations and repetitions of different types of fasts.
  • Chandana Bala Tap Vrat: A specific vow associated with Dana (giving) to worthy recipients.
  • Pachrangi Tap, Dharma Chakra: Vows involving collective participation or specific group observances.
  • Navpad Oli / Siddha Chakra: Vows dedicated to the nine supreme beings or principles in Jainism, often involving Ayambils.
  • Mauna Ekadashi: Fasting on the eleventh lunar day with silence, often linked to the auspicious days of Tirthankaras.
  • Meru Trayodashi: A vow associated with Mount Meru and the liberation of Tirthankaras.
  • Chaitri Purnima Vrat: A vow on the full moon day of Chaitra.
  • Panch Kalyanak Tap: Vows related to the five auspicious events in the life of Tirthankaras.
  • Karma Nirjara Vrat: Vows dedicated to shedding specific types of karma related to knowledge, perception, and conduct.
  • Navanidhi Vrat: Vows related to the nine treasures.
  • Ashok Vriksha Tap Vrat: Vows for mental control.
  • Shatkaya Alochana Tap Vrat: Vows related to the six types of living beings.
  • Panchamrita Tela Tap Vrat: A vow involving five consecutive telā fasts.
  • Pakshik Tap Vrat: Fasting for a fortnight.
  • Deepavali Vrat: Fasting on the day of Deepavali, commemorating the Nirvana of Lord Mahavir.
  • Kashay-Jay Tap Vrat: Vows to conquer the four passions (anger, pride, delusion, greed).
  • Tirthankar Gotra Karma-Uparjan Tap Vrat: Vows undertaken to acquire the karmic disposition that leads to becoming a Tirthankara.

Excesses (Atichara) and the Spirit of Tapas:

The text also addresses the five transgressions (Atichara) of tapas:

1. Desiring worldly riches.
2. Desiring heavenly pleasures.
3. Desiring long life for pride.
4. Desiring death due to lack of prestige.
5. Desiring sensual pleasures.

It strongly advises performing tapas with a nishkam (desireless) attitude, without seeking any rewards, and without regretting the effort. The true purpose of tapas is the purification of the soul, the destruction of passions, and self-realization, recognizing the transient nature of the body and the world.

Conclusion:

"Jain Sadhna me Tap ke Vividh Rup" serves as a comprehensive guide to the intricate world of Jain austerities. It emphasizes that tapas, particularly Anashan, forms the bedrock of spiritual progress in Jainism, enabling the soul to shed karmic burdens and move towards liberation. The text underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of various vows, the permissible exceptions (Aagaras), and the underlying spirit of detachment and self-control required for genuine spiritual advancement.