Jaina Acara Siddhanta Aur Svarupa

This document is a comprehensive summary of the book "Jaina Ācāra : Siddhānta Aura Swarūpg" (The Jaina Conduct) by Acharya Devendra Muni, published by Prakrit Bharati Academy. The book, originally in Hindi, has been translated into English by Dr. Nagarmal Sahal.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content covered in the book, based on the provided pages:

About the Author and His Guru:

• Acharya Devendra Muni Ji: Described as a popular and revered religious leader, prolific author (over 350 books), scholarly, analytical, and simple in style. Despite organizational responsibilities, he maintains a dedicated routine of spiritual practices, studies, and writing.
• Upadhyaya Shri Pushkar Muni Ji Maharaj: Acharya Devendra Muni's guru, a sage of spiritual endeavor, renowned for his practices of penance, chanting, and scriptural study. He possessed spiritual powers and was compassionate. His writings form the basis of 125 books.

Core Philosophy of Jain Conduct:

• Conduct as the Essence of Jainism: The book emphasizes that conduct (Ācāra) is the vital essence of Jainism, akin to breath for the body. Without proper conduct, spiritual practices are useless.
• Knowledge and Conduct are Inseparable: Jainism asserts that both right knowledge (Jnāna) and right conduct (Ācāra) are necessary for liberation. Neither can lead to emancipation alone.
• Foundation of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan): Right faith, born from right knowledge and leading to right conduct, is presented as the fundamental basis of Jain philosophy and culture.
• Non-Violence (Ahimsa) as the Central Principle: Non-violence is eternal and true in Jainism, forming the basis of the five great vows. Equanimity and freedom from attachment are seen as other terms for Ahimsa.
• Holistic Approach: Jain conduct emphasizes a threefold discipline of mind, speech, and body.

Structure and Content of the Book:

The book is structured into numerous chapters, covering various aspects of Jaina conduct, both for ascetics (Śramana) and lay followers (Śrāvaka). The content can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Introduction to Jaina Conduct: Defining conduct, its importance, and its historical significance. It distinguishes good conduct from immorality and emphasizes its timeless and universal applicability.
2. Right Faith (Samyak Darshan): Discusses the foundational role of right faith, its characteristics, various classifications, and the obstructions to its attainment. It highlights the importance of self-confidence, faith, and trust.
3. Stages in the Evolution of the Soul (Gunasthana): Details the fourteen stages of spiritual development, from the lowest (Mithya) to the highest (Ayogikevali), explaining the nature of the soul's journey and the role of karma.
4. Vows (Vrata): A comprehensive study of vows, including the five great vows (Mahavratas) for ascetics and the five small vows (Anuvratas) for the laity, along with their transgressions and the importance of self-discipline. It also delves into special vows (Vishesha Vratas) for householders.
5. Conduct of the Laity (Śrāvaka Ācāra): Discusses the roles, responsibilities, and conduct expected of householders, their different nomenclatures, and the various levels of observance they can undertake. It highlights the importance of householders in supporting the monastic order.
6. Ascetics' Conduct (Śramana Ācāra): Provides detailed information on the conduct of monks and nuns, drawing from various scriptural texts like Acaranga, Sutrakrtanga, Nisitha, Vrhatkalpa, and others. It covers their dress code, daily routines, alms-gathering, penances, and interactions with the world.
7. Monks' Federation and Administrators: Explains the organizational structure of the monastic order, the roles and qualifications of different administrators like Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sthavira, Gani, and Ganadhara.
8. Two Paths of Spiritual Endeavour (Utsarga and Apavada): Discusses the primary rules and the secondary exceptions allowed under special circumstances in Jaina practice.
9. Penance for Self-Purification (Tapa): Explains the significance of penance, its various types (external and internal), and its role in spiritual growth and the acquisition of supernatural powers.
10. Ten Characteristics of Monks' Dharma: Outlines the essential virtues that define the spiritual path of monks, as described in various Jaina texts, emphasizing qualities like forgiveness, humility, truthfulness, and self-control.
11. Non-Violence (Ahimsa): A deep dive into the principle of non-violence, its various dimensions, and its application in daily life, contrasting it with the practices of other religions.
12. Truth (Satya): Explores the paramount importance of truth in Jainism, its nature, and its practical implications in speech and action.
13. Vertical Movement of Life: Celibacy (Brahmacarya): Discusses the significance of celibacy in spiritual development, its physiological and psychological aspects, and its role in controlling passions.
14. The Lofty Ideal of Possessionlessness (Aparigraha): Examines the concept of non-possession, the dangers of acquisitiveness, and the importance of limiting desires for spiritual progress.
15. No Food at Night: Details the prohibition of eating at night from religious, spiritual, and physical perspectives, highlighting its importance in maintaining health and spiritual purity.
16. Self-Regulation and Self-Restraint (Samiti and Gupti): Explains the five types of self-regulation (Samiti) and three types of restraints (Gupti) crucial for stabilizing and purifying the great vows.
17. Established Code of Conduct (Samacari): Discusses the practical observances and behavioral norms for ascetics to maintain discipline and unity within the monastic order.
18. Six Indispensable Duties (Avasyaka): Outlines the six daily duties for monks and laity, emphasizing their scientific validity and their role in self-purification and spiritual upliftment.
19. Abstract Contemplation (Dhyana): Explores the significance of mental concentration, its various types, and its role in achieving inner peace and spiritual realization.
20. Passionless Voluntary Death (Samlekhana/Samadhi Marana): Discusses the Jaina concept of a dignified, voluntary death achieved through passionlessness and penance, distinguishing it from suicide and emphasizing its spiritual significance.
21. Impediments to Spiritual Endeavour and Conquest Over Them (Parisaha): Details the various afflictions and obstacles faced by spiritual aspirants and the strategies for patiently enduring and overcoming them.
22. Manifold Dimensions of the Vow of Non-Stealing (Adattadan Viramana): Explores the extensive meaning of stealing, encompassing not just physical theft but also misappropriation, plagiarism, and hoarding, and the ways to guard against them.
23. Conclusion: Summarizes the book's core message, reiterating the centrality of conduct in Jainism, the importance of a balanced approach to spiritual and material life, and the ultimate goal of emancipation through sincere effort and right conduct.

The book is presented as a comprehensive and scholarly work, aiming to fill a gap in Jaina literature by providing an in-depth and comparative study of Jaina conduct, referencing various scriptures and traditions. It offers practical guidance for spiritual seekers and researchers alike, highlighting the multidimensional brilliance of Indian culture through the lens of Jaina ethics.