Jain Shastra Aur Mantra Vidya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jain Shastra aur Mantra Vidya" by Rammurti Tripathi, based on the provided pages:

The book "Jain Shastra aur Mantra Vidya" by Rammurti Tripathi explores the intricate relationship between Jain scriptures and the science of mantras. It begins by establishing that different religious traditions, including the Brahmanical and Shramanic paths, have distinct foundational texts and philosophies. The Shramanic path itself is divided into Buddhist and Jain streams, with the Jain stream further diversifying based on the spiritual inclinations of its followers.

Core Jain Scriptures and Philosophy:

Foundation: The primary Jain scriptures are the Chaturdashpurva (Fourteen Purvas) and the Eleven Angas. Digambara Jains believe the Purvas are lost, with their remnants compiled in the twelfth Anga, Divya. However, they don't strictly adhere to this belief.
Principles: Jain philosophy encompasses 46 principles, including 11 Angas, 12 Upangas, 10 Prakirna, 6 Chedasutras, 4 Mulasutras, and 2 independent texts.
Universal Respect: Acharya Umaswati is highly revered by both major Jain traditions for his authentic and widely accepted work, Tattvartha Sutra.
Path to Moksha: The collective path to liberation (Moksha) is understood as Samyak Darshan (right faith/perception), Samyak Gyan (right knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (right conduct). This integration of right belief, knowledge derived from that belief, and its embodiment in action is considered essential.
Significance of Jain Agamas: The text quotes the Samaysar, highlighting the profundity of Jain scriptures. It states that what appears contradictory in the world is resolved by the Jin Agamas, which reveal essential characteristics. Those whose delusion has vanished naturally embrace the Agamas, realizing their eternal, unbroken, and infinite brilliance, leading to immediate attainment of the highest state.

The Nature of Mantra:

Definition of Mantra: The book delves into the definition and various aspects of mantras. A mantra is defined as a name connected to the core essence of the object of worship.
Mantra, Name, and Word: Philosophically and scientifically, mantras, names, and words are considered interchangeable at a fundamental level.
Types of Words/Sounds: Words are categorized into two main types:
- Niratisaya (Pure/Absolute): These are subtle, unadulterated, and fundamental sounds.
- Satisaya (Approximate/Relative): These are gross, audible, and often composite sounds that require causes for their production and perception.
Subtle and Gross Forms: Subtle sounds can be either composite or atomic. Gross sounds are always composite.
Pudgala and Sound: The text cites the Brihad Dravya Sangraha, stating that sound, bondage, subtlety, grossness, structural variations, shadow of darkness, heat, and light are all modifications of pudgala (matter).
Types of Sound: Sound is further divided into:
- Bhashatmak (Linguistic): Further divided into Udar atmaka (uplifting/refined) and Anudar atmaka (unrefined). The latter includes Sanskrit, Prakrit, and other languages, as well as the sounds produced by two-sensed beings and the divine speech of the Omniscient.
- Abhashatmak (Non-linguistic): This is classified as Prayogikrita (used by practice) and Vaitrasika (natural).
Matrika (Alphabets) and their Forms: The atoms constituting linguistic "word-matter" (bhasha vargana) have both atomic and composite forms, existing in subtle and gross states.
Brahmanical View of Vāk (Speech): The text mentions the Brahmanical philosophy that "Vak indeed created all worlds" and that speech is the creator, not dependent on anything for its origin.
The Limits of Audibility: Audible sounds are gross and composite. The vibrations of sound are also a form of sound substance. However, sounds beyond the lower and upper limits of human auditory perception are not audible to the normal ear. These vibrations, though imperceptible to ordinary senses, are real.
Yogaic Power and Subtle Sounds: Enhanced yogic power gained through meditation can perceive these subtle sounds.
Niratisaya Sound: The sound generated by the atomic particles of linguistic matter is considered niratisaya (absolute/pure). This is the omniscient, creator power, the "tanmatra" (subtle element).
Motion and Creation: The continuous creation and destruction in the universe are due to attraction and repulsion, which are driven by motion. This motion exists in the atomic particles of linguistic matter, making mantras derived from them powerful and capable of fulfilling desires.

The Namokar Mantra and Bija Aksharas:

Matrika Varnas: The alphabets from 'a' to 'ksha' are known as matrika varnas. They have three sequences: creation (srishti), preservation (sthiti), and dissolution (samhara).
The Supreme Mantra: The Namokar Mantra is considered the king of mantras. Its practice is believed to restore one's innate spiritual power.
Purpose of Mantras: Mantras are utilized for peace, prosperity, and the expression of inner spiritual power, as well as for worldly achievements. Jain scriptures detail both types of mantras extensively.
The Power of the Namokar Mantra: The Namokar Mantra itself is capable of granting both worldly and spiritual benefits. The sequences of matrika sounds within it play a crucial role. The samhara sequence aids in the destruction of karmas, while the srishti and sthiti sequences facilitate self-realization and worldly progress.
Bija Aksharas (Seed Syllables): Every mantra has bija aksharas. Consonants from 'ka' to 'ha' are considered seeds (beej), and vowels from 'a' are considered energies (shakti). Mantras are formed by the union of seeds and energies.
Origin of Bija Aksharas: The text asserts that all bija aksharas originate from the Namokar Mantra. The primary among these is "Om," which is self-indicative. The Namokar Mantra, composed of the initial letters of Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu, forms the sacred syllable "Om."
The Significance of Om: "Om" is considered the essence of all mantras, representing the eternal and creative force. It is referred to as the seed of light, desire, and existence.
Powerful Endings: Mantras are empowered by final sounds like "Svaha," "Vashat," "Phat," "Svaha," and "Namah."
Types of Mantras: Mantras can be single-syllable (e.g., Om, Hrim, Shrim, Klim), dual-syllable, three-syllable, four-syllable, five-syllable, up to twenty-seven or more syllables (e.g., Rishimandal). The Namokar Mantra is thirty-five syllables long.

Mantra Practice and Precautions:

Theoretical and Practical Aspects: The effectiveness of mantras is rooted in the acceptance of the "Shakti" (power) principle, which is awakened through practice.
Protection Mantras: Before performing mantra chanting, it is essential to recite protection mantras. Failure to do so can lead to fear from negative entities or even madness. Protection mantras are typically four types and are crucial for overcoming obstacles in mantra attainment.
The Vajramaya Kot (Diamond Fort): A specific ritual involves drawing a diamond-like protective circle with a finger while chanting a mantra, signifying the practitioner's invulnerability.

Ethical Considerations and True Purpose of Mantra Sadhana:

Misuse of Power: Using mantra power for purely material gains is considered a misuse of spiritual practice and the inherent powers of mantras. It fosters ego and a desire for display.
True Goal: The true aim of mantra sadhana for a righteous practitioner should be the reclamation of innate spiritual strength. This should be pursued free from any inclination for exhibitionism, focusing instead on self-benefit.
Example of Ravana: The text uses the example of Ravana, a learned individual who, despite his knowledge, failed to consider his own welfare and became the cause of his downfall and that of his entire lineage due to the influence of negative karma.
Humanity as the Source: The ultimate development of divinity, sainthood, and wisdom arises from the progress of humanity itself.

In essence, the book "Jain Shastra aur Mantra Vidya" presents a detailed exploration of how mantras are understood and utilized within the Jain tradition, emphasizing the foundational role of scriptures, the subtle nature of sound and language, and the ultimate spiritual purpose of mantra practice, with a strong caution against their misuse for superficial gains.