Jina Aur Jinashasan Mahatmya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the concept of Swadhyaya (self-study) as presented by Dr. Suvrat Muni:

The text emphasizes that from time immemorial, humans have desired happiness and strived for a good destiny. According to Lord Mahavir, the path to such happiness and destiny is through knowledge (jnana) and right perception (darshan), coupled with conduct (charitra) and penance (tapas). The text specifically highlights the importance of knowledge as the first step for a spiritual seeker, as stated in the Dashavaikalik Sutra: "First knowledge, then compassion."

The central theme of the text is Swadhyaya, explaining how knowledge is acquired and its profound significance. It states that knowledge is an inherent quality of the soul, obscured by accumulated negative karma. Swadhyaya is the means to remove this veil of ignorance. The text draws upon the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, which states that through Swadhyaya, one eradicates knowledge-obscuring karma. In fact, the Chandraprajnapti Sutra even calls Swadhyaya the supreme penance. Swadhyaya is presented as a potent practice capable of dissolving accumulated negative karma from numerous lifetimes in an instant. It is also quoted that Maharshi Patanjali stated, "Through Swadhyaya, communion with the desired deity is achieved."

Swadhyaya is described as the lifeblood of spiritual practice. Without it, practice becomes lifeless. It is an inexhaustible treasury of knowledge. The text credits Swadhyaya with making ancient knowledge and science accessible today.

Distinction between Swadhyaya and Adhyayan (Study): While general reading is considered study, Swadhyaya is defined as studying sacred texts with a calm mind and adherence to discipline. Acharya Abhayadev Suri defines it as "reading with excellent discipline." Another definition is "the study of oneself by oneself," implying an introspective practice where one enters into self-meditation through studying scriptures. Thus, Swadhyaya is a gateway to meditation. Similar to how fire purifies gold and silver by removing impurities, Swadhyaya purifies the soul by removing karmic impurities accumulated from past lives, making the soul luminous. Therefore, the Uttaradhyayana Sutra advises, "One should engage in Swadhyaya to illuminate all aspects of existence." The ultimate outcome of Swadhyaya is the vast light of knowledge.

Methodology of Swadhyaya: The text outlines the proper methods for engaging in Swadhyaya:

• Seek guidance from a Guru.
• Avoid the company of ignorant and negligent people.
• Practice in a secluded place with minimal disturbance and noise.
• Sit in a stable posture.
• Concentrate the mind.
• Use appropriate sacred texts and maintain a pure intention.
• Contemplate and reflect on both the sutras (aphorisms) and their meanings with patience.
• Swadhyaya should be regular.
• Practicing Swadhyaya in sunlight is considered highly beneficial.

The text further details the "Chatushkaal Swadhyaya" (Four-Period Swadhyaya) as prescribed by Lord Mahavir:

• Daytime: The first and fourth quarters of the day are dedicated to Swadhyaya.
• Nighttime: The first quarter of the night and the fourth quarter of the night are dedicated to Swadhyaya.

This means that out of the eight divisions of a day and night, four are devoted to Swadhyaya, while the remaining four are for other essential activities like meditation, service, and alms-gathering. The text also stresses the importance of adhering to time limitations for studying the Agamas to avoid potential harm instead of benefit.

Definition of Swadhyaya in terms of Agamas: Ancient Acharyas define Swadhyaya as the study of the Dwadasangi (Twelve Limbs of Jain Scripture). Those who teach this Dwadasangi are called Upadhyayas.

Objectives of Swadhyaya: The text elaborates on the key objectives of Swadhyaya:

1. To attain complete illumination of knowledge.
2. To destroy ignorance and delusion.
3. To annihilate attachment (raga) and aversion (dvesha).
4. To attain absolute happiness and liberation (moksha).

The Dashavaikalik Sutra presents four types of Samadhi (concentration or equanimity) achievable through Swadhyaya:

1. Vinaya Samadhi (Samadhi through humility): Humility leads to acquiring knowledge.
2. Shruta Samadhi (Samadhi through scriptures): Achieved through Swadhyaya.
3. Tapa Samadhi (Samadhi through penance): Knowledge leads to engaging in penance.
4. Achara Samadhi (Samadhi through conduct): Penance leads to the purification of conduct.

Four Motivations for Swadhyaya: The text outlines four purposes or motivations for engaging in Swadhyaya:

1. "I will gain knowledge."
2. "I will achieve a concentrated mind."
3. "I will establish myself in the Dharma."
4. "I will establish myself in the Dharma and help others establish themselves in the Dharma."

Seven Benefits of Swadhyaya (as stated by Acharya Akalank):

1. Purification of intellect.
2. Purification of thoughts.
3. Protection of the Jain tradition (Shasan).
4. Resolution of doubts.
5. Rebuttal of opposing viewpoints.
6. Growth in penance, renunciation, and detachment.
7. Purification of minor transgressions.

Five Types of Swadhyaya:

1. Vachana: Reading the Agamas.
2. Prachhana: Clarifying doubts from what has been read.
3. Parivartana: Recalling what has been read repeatedly.
4. Anupeksha: Contemplating and reflecting on the learned material.
5. Dharmakatha: Preaching Dharma based on scriptural authority.

Finally, the text concludes with a poignant reflection on the eternal cycle of birth and death, noting that even great beings like Chakravartis and Tirthankaras could not break this fundamental law of existence. It serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the futility of worldly power, underscoring the enduring value of spiritual pursuit through practices like Swadhyaya.