Keshloach

This summary is based on the provided Gujarati text, "Keshloach," by Ramanlal C. Shah.

Keshloach: A Comprehensive Summary

The book "Keshloach" by Ramanlal C. Shah delves into the practice of keshloach, a significant ritual in Jainism, particularly for ascetics (monks and nuns). Keshloach literally translates to pulling out hair from the face and head.

Understanding the Terminology and Significance:

• Kesh: Refers to hair, specifically on the head. The text explains the Sanskrit origins of the word.
• Loach: Derived from the Sanskrit root 'luch' meaning to break, uproot, or pull out.
• Keshloach: The act of pulling out hair from the face and head. This practice is also commonly referred to simply as 'loach'.

The Role of Hair in Human Appearance and Asceticism:

The text begins by acknowledging the prominent role of hair in human appearance, contributing to beauty and individuality. It notes the vast industries and practices developed around hair care, styling, and even artificial hair.

However, for Jain ascetics (sadhu-sadhvis), the goal is to renounce worldly attractions and adornments. They strive to shed the outward appeal that can lead to vanity and attachment. Practices like tonsuring (shaving the head) and removing hair are found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, as well as in some secular traditions like mourning rituals.

Keshloach as a Means of Renunciation and Discipline:

• Detachment from the Body: By removing their hair, ascetics aim to diminish the attraction and vanity associated with their physical appearance. This helps in cultivating inner detachment.
• Brahmacharya and Self-Control: The text highlights that a shaved or unadorned head promotes indifference to physical appearance and aids in the practice of brahmacharya (celibacy and spiritual discipline). A shaven head symbolizes restraint.
• Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Jain ascetics strictly adhere to the principle of ahimsa (non-violence). Keeping long hair would necessitate frequent washing, use of oils, and soaps, increasing the risk of harming subtle organisms (jivas). It could also lead to itching, irritation, and anger, thereby causing himsa (violence) through mental states. Therefore, keshloach is crucial for adhering to the highest principles of ahimsa.
• Karma Nirjara (Shedding Karma): The practice of keshloach is seen as a form of kayaklesh (self-mortification or penance involving the body), which leads to the shedding of karmic bonds.

Uniqueness of Keshloach in Jainism:

The book emphasizes that keshloach by pulling out hair with fingers is a unique practice found predominantly in Jainism. While other religions may practice shaving with blades or scissors for specific reasons, the method of pulling hair is distinctly Jain.

The Process and Types of Keshloach:

• Frequency: Keshloach is categorized into three types based on frequency:
  • Uttam (Excellent): Every two months (six times a year).
  • Madhyam (Medium): Every three months.
  • Kanishth (Inferior): Every four months.
• Traditions: Digambar monks adhere strictly to the two, three, or four-month cycle. Shvetambar nuns typically perform keshloach every Chaturmas (four-month rainy season) or once a year before the Paryushan festival.
• Ritualistic Aspects: Typically, an ascetic observes a fast on the day of keshloach. The practice is done during the day. Ash or dust is permitted to aid in gripping the hair if it is difficult to pull. Ash can also be used to stop any minor bleeding.
• Method: Keshloach is not done randomly. It starts from the middle of the forehead and proceeds systematically, section by section, in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner. The skin becomes less sensitive in areas where hair has been pulled repeatedly, making the process easier over time.

Comparison with Other Practices and Interpretations:

• Shaving vs. Pulling: The text addresses the question of why ascetics don't simply shave with a blade or scissors.
  • Non-possession (Aparigraha): Using a barber involves financial transaction, which is not permissible for Jain ascetics.
  • Self-Reliance: Carrying tools like scissors or razors requires dependency. Jain ascetics are committed to self-reliance and non-asking (ayachak vritti).
  • Detachment: Using scissors or razors might lead to a desire for perfectly cut or attractive hair, which contradicts the ascetic ideal of detachment from appearance. Keshloach, despite its pain, fosters self-reliance and detachment more effectively.
• Exceptions: In exceptional circumstances like illness, old age, or inability to bear pain, ascetics may be permitted to shave their heads with blades ("Surmundan") or scissors ("Kartrimundan"). However, in such cases, the frequency of shaving is prescribed (monthly for blades, bi-monthly for scissors) to ensure hair doesn't grow beyond a certain length.
• Tirthankaras: The text mentions that Tirthankaras, upon initiation, perform keshloach themselves. Lord Rishabhadeva performed chaturmushti loach (pulling hair in four handfuls), and Lord Mahavira performed panchamushti loach (pulling hair in five handfuls). Some traditions state that after initiation, Tirthankaras' hair and nails do not grow, or that Indra intervenes to prevent further growth.

The Pain and Spiritual Significance of Keshloach:

• Pain as Tapasya: The pain associated with keshloach is significant, especially on the face (mustache and beard). This voluntarily endured pain is considered a form of penance (tapasya) and leads to the shedding of karma.
• Benefits: The practice cultivates:
  • Tolerance and resilience.
  • Detachment from sensory pleasures.
  • Diminished ego and attachment to the body.
  • Simplicity and purity.
  • Steadfastness in observing vows.
  • Control over the self and the soul.
  • Adherence to the highest principles of non-violence.

Keshloach and Ascetic Virtues:

The text notes that keshloach is considered one of the fundamental virtues (mul gunas) for ascetics in the Digambar tradition, whereas in the Shvetambar tradition, it is not listed as a primary virtue but is still a significant practice.

In conclusion, "Keshloach" by Ramanlal C. Shah presents a detailed exposition of this profound Jain practice, highlighting its origins, significance, unique methodology, and its multifaceted role in the spiritual discipline, non-violence, and karma liberation for Jain ascetics. It underscores that the voluntary endurance of pain through keshloach is a crucial step in the journey of spiritual purification and self-realization in Jainism.