Mahavir Swamino Achar Dharm - Book Summary

This document is a Gujarati translation and commentary on the Acharanga Sutra, one of the foundational texts of Jainism, titled "Mahavir Swamino Achar Dharm" (The Ethical Code of Lord Mahavir). The author is Gopaldas Jivabhai Patel, published by Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad. The book provides a detailed explanation and interpretation of the Acharanga Sutra, focusing on the conduct and ethical principles of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its content:

Introduction and Purpose:

The book is presented as a "Chayanuvad" (selective translation) of the Acharanga Sutra, making it accessible to readers. The editor, Gopaladas Jivabhai Patel, highlights the suitability of this translation method for ancient texts like the Acharanga Sutra, which are often collections of scattered statements that have been thematically reorganized for clarity and to reduce repetition.
The Acharanga Sutra is considered the first and foremost of the twelve Angas (limbs) of Jain scripture, both in order and importance. It is described as containing the path to liberation and being the essence of the entire Jain doctrine.
The text emphasizes that all Tirthankaras have prioritized ethical conduct (Achar) in establishing their teachings.
It categorizes Jain scriptures into four sections: Dravyanuyog (philosophy of substances), Ganitanuyog (mathematics and cosmology), Charan-karananuyog (conduct and ritual), and Charitanuyog (hagiography and religious narratives). The Acharanga Sutra is placed under Charan-karananuyog, which is considered the most important as it leads to right faith (Darshan), the prerequisite for right conduct (Charan).

Structure of the Acharanga Sutra (as presented in the book):

The Acharanga Sutra is divided into two parts:

Part 1 (Achar): This is the primary part, focusing on the conduct of ascetics. It is further divided into nine chapters, collectively known as the "Brahmacharya Adhyayan" (Chapter on Celibacy/Right Conduct), as it expounds upon the concept of Brahmacharya. This part details the comprehensive spiritual discipline for the earnest seeker.
Part 2 (Acharanga): This part is considered an extension or elaboration of Part 1. It often delves into finer details and rules, sometimes presented in a more scholastic or commentary-like style, likely reflecting the efforts of later scholars and monks to codify and explain the teachings.

Key Themes and Teachings (Summarized by Chapter Titles and Content):

The book covers various aspects of Jain asceticism and ethics, with a strong emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence) and self-control.

1. Understanding Violence (Hinsa ni Samaj):
- Emphasizes the importance of non-negligence towards all living beings, as it's equivalent to neglecting oneself.
- Details the concept of violence in relation to various elements: earth (Prithvi), water (Jal), fire (Agni), air (Vayu), plants (Vanaspati), and mobile beings (Trasa).
- Explains how attachment, desire, and ignorance lead to various forms of violence, even in seemingly innocuous actions.
- Stresses the need to understand the nature of violence in sensory pleasures (sight, sound, etc.) and its connection to the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).
- Defines Pramada (carelessness/negligence) and its result, attachment to senses, as the root of violence and the cycle of existence.
2. Victory Over the World (Lokvijay):
- Discusses the overwhelming nature of desires (Kamaguna) and their role as the root of Samsara.
- Highlights the ephemeral nature of life and material possessions, and how attachment to them leads to suffering.
- Emphasizes the importance of self-control, detachment, and renunciation, as worldly pleasures ultimately lead to misery and do not offer lasting protection.
- Encourages introspection and self-reliance, stating that one's true friend is oneself.
- Warns against attachment to sensory pleasures and the deceptive nature of worldly happiness.
- Stresses the need to conquer internal desires and passions rather than external enemies.
3. Happiness and Suffering (Sukh ane Dukh):
- Explores the insatiable nature of worldly desires and how their pursuit leads to the suffering of oneself and others.
- Details the cycle of birth and death driven by ignorance and attachment.
- Advocates for renunciation of worldly pleasures and firm adherence to the path of Samyama (self-control).
- Emphasizes the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death, urging individuals to seek spiritual well-being while they have the opportunity.
- Highlights the importance of equanimity (Samata) in experiencing dualities like pleasure and pain, heat and cold.
4. Right Faith/Understanding (Samyak-Tva):
- Presents the core Jain principle of Ahimsa as the eternal and fundamental truth taught by all Tirthankaras.
- Critiques opposing views that justify violence for worldly gains or personal satisfaction, labeling them as Anarya-vachana (unchivalrous speech).
- Argues that if happiness is desirable and suffering undesirable for oneself, the same applies to all living beings.
- Stresses that true understanding comes from understanding the nature of karma and its consequences.
- Advocates for detachment from worldly activities and the relentless pursuit of liberation through self-discipline.
5. Essence of the World (Lok-Sar):
- Focuses on the illusory nature of worldly existence and the suffering caused by attachment to sensory objects.
- Critiques the actions of both worldly individuals and some religious practitioners who fail to adhere to principles of non-violence and detachment.
- Emphasizes the difficulty of attaining a human birth and the preciousness of the opportunity for spiritual practice.
- Highlights the importance of self-effort and detachment from external relationships and possessions for achieving liberation.
6. Annihilation of Karma (Karma-Nash):
- Illustrates how worldly attachments, desires, and actions lead to continued cycles of birth and death, filled with suffering and disease.
- Explains that even celestial beings are subject to the cycle of birth and death and the consequences of their karma.
- Details the path to karma annihilation through renunciation, austerity, self-control, and equanimity.
- Describes the arduous nature of the path of liberation and the resilience required to overcome obstacles.
- Discusses the various types of suffering and afflictions (like diseases) that arise from karma.
- Emphasizes the importance of accepting hardships with equanimity and perseverance.
- Highlights the role of detachment from the body and sensory desires in overcoming karma.
- Describes the characteristics of a liberated soul (Muni) and the path they follow.
7. Great Knowledge/Understanding (Maha-Parigyna):
- This chapter is noted as potentially lost in its original form, but commentary suggests it deals with enduring calamities (Parishah) and obstacles (Upsarg) that may arise from attachment and delusion, even for the spiritually advanced, and the need to bear them with fortitude.
8. Liberation from Delusion (Vimah):
- Discusses the importance of timely renunciation and adherence to principles even when faced with adverse circumstances or contradictory views.
- Provides detailed rules on various aspects of ascetic conduct:
  - Ahar-Vidhi (Rules of Alms-Seeking): How and where to seek alms, what to accept and reject, and the proper way to handle food and water, always emphasizing purity, non-violence, and avoidance of attachment.
  - Shayya (Lodging/Shelter): Rules for finding and using lodging, emphasizing purity, non-violence, and detachment from comfortable or attractive dwellings.
  - Viyaya (Travel): Guidelines for traveling, emphasizing careful movement to avoid harming living beings, and maintaining mental composure during arduous journeys.
  - Bhasha (Speech): Strict rules for speech, emphasizing truthfulness, kindness, absence of anger, pride, greed, fear, and jesting. It highlights the importance of thoughtful and beneficial communication.
  - Vastra (Clothing): Rules regarding the acceptance, use, and renunciation of clothing, emphasizing minimal possessions and detachment.
  - Patra (Utensils): Rules for acquiring and using alms bowls and other necessary items, stressing simplicity and non-possession.
  - Bhagvana Mahavir ka Tap (Lord Mahavir's Austerities): A detailed account of Mahavir's rigorous austerities, including his 12 years of intense penance, enduring physical hardships, non-violence, detachment, and mental fortitude, as a model for followers.
  - Mukam (Stays): Rules for temporary residences.
  - Swadhyaya Sthal (Place for Study): Guidelines for finding suitable places for spiritual learning.
  - Mala-Mutra Sthan (Place for Excretion): Strict rules for disposing of bodily waste to maintain purity and non-violence.
  - Anna-Pana (Food and Drink): Detailed rules on accepting and consuming food and drink, emphasizing purity, non-violence, and avoiding attachment to taste.
9. Lord Mahavir's Austerities (Bhagvan Mahavir ka Tap):
- This section provides an inspiring account of Lord Mahavir's ascetic practices, detailing his extreme penances, endurance of physical suffering (heat, cold, bites from insects, ill-treatment by people), his absolute detachment from the body, and his unwavering focus on spiritual liberation. It serves as a testament to the highest form of ethical conduct.
10. Bhavanas (Internal Reflections/Qualities):
- This concluding section elaborates on the five great vows (Mahavratas) of Jainism (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession) and their corresponding internal reflections or qualities (Bhavanas).
- Each vow is explained with five specific mental and behavioral practices that support its earnest observance. For instance, the vow of non-violence involves carefulness in walking, speaking, eating, accepting, and excreting, ensuring minimal harm to living beings.
- It emphasizes that true adherence to the vows lies not just in outward actions but in the inner purification of thoughts, speech, and actions.

Overall Message:

The book, "Mahavir Swamino Achar Dharm," serves as a profound guide to the ethical and ascetic life advocated by Lord Mahavir. It meticulously outlines the principles of non-violence, self-control, detachment, and the relentless pursuit of spiritual liberation. The emphasis is on understanding the root causes of suffering – ignorance, attachment, and karma – and cultivating the virtues necessary to overcome them, ultimately leading to the annihilation of karma and the attainment of Moksha (liberation). The detailed rules and explanations underscore the rigorous and comprehensive nature of the Jain path to spiritual perfection.