Manonushasanam

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided text, which is the book "Manonushasanam" by Acharya Tulsi, with an explanation by Muni Nathmal (Acharya Mahapragya).

Book Title: Manonushasanam (मनोनुशासनम्) Author: Acharya Tulsi Explanation: Muni Nathmal (Acharya Mahapragya) Publisher: Adarsh Sahitya Sangh Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/010300/1

Overall Purpose:

"Manonushasanam" is a Jain text focused on the discipline and control of the mind (Manas). It aims to provide guidance on achieving mental equilibrium, peace, and spiritual development, which are seen as integral to achieving liberation (Moksha). The book emphasizes that mental discipline is not just for Jains but for all humanity, especially in the current age of nuclear weapons where mental imbalance can have catastrophic consequences.

Core Philosophy:

• Mind as the Center: The mind is identified as the central element in spiritual practice. Its control is paramount for the subjugation of the senses and passions (kashayas).
• Discipline through Training, Not Force: The mind and senses cannot be controlled through brute force. They are best disciplined through training, including self-study (Swadhyaya) and meditation (Dhyana).
• Holistic Approach: True spiritual progress requires the discipline of the mind, speech, body, breath, senses, and even diet.
• Purpose of Life: The ultimate goal of life is liberation (Moksha), which is achieved through the self-realization of the soul.
• Mindfulness and Present Moment: The text advocates for living in the present moment and being aware of one's actions and thoughts.

Key Themes and Chapters:

The book is structured into seven chapters, each delving into specific aspects of mental and spiritual discipline:

Chapter 1: Introduction to Manonushasanam & Dhyaeyanishtha (Focus on Goal)

• The Goal of Liberation (Moksha): Life's ultimate aim is freedom from bondage.
• Harmony between Goal and Practice: Aligning one's actions (pravritti) with the spiritual goal (dhyeya) is crucial. Every action, from eating to speaking, should be performed with the ultimate goal in mind.
• Definition of Mind (Manas): Mind is described as the faculty that perceives all objects through the senses, across past, present, and future.
• The Soul (Atma): The soul is defined as the conscious substance, whose true nature is knowledge, perception, bliss, truth, and energy. It is covered and distorted by atomic particles.
• Bonds and Liberation: Bondage arises from the interaction of the soul with karmic matter, while liberation is the soul's realization of its true nature.
• Levels of Consciousness: The text outlines three levels: sensory (Indriyik), mental (Mansik), and transcendental (Atindriya).
• Yoga as a Path: Yoga is defined as the control of mind, speech, body, breath, senses, and diet, leading to purification and ultimately liberation.

Chapter 2: Six States of Mind

• Classification of Mind: The mind is categorized into six states:
  1. Mudha (Deluded): Overwhelmed by delusion and incorrect views. Unfit for spiritual practice.
  2. Vikshipta (Scattered): Wandering, unable to focus. Common in beginners.
  3. Yatayat (Fluctuating): Shifting between internal and external focus. Also common in beginners.
  4. Shlishta (Attached/Focused): Stable on a chosen object of meditation. Found in advanced practitioners.
  5. Suleena (Deeply Absorbed): Profoundly stable on the object of meditation, leading to intense bliss. Found in advanced practitioners.
  6. Niruddha (Controlled): The state where the mind is free from external objects and merged with the self, attainable by the liberated (Vitaraag).
• Causes of Mental Instability: Memory, imagination, attachment, and aversion are identified as primary causes of mental agitation.
• Path to Stability: The text suggests techniques like focusing on a single memory, controlling desires, proper breathing, and self-suggestion.

Chapter 3: Meditation (Dhyana) and its Ancillaries

• Definition of Meditation: Meditation is defined as focusing the mind on a single point or object and controlling the fluctuations of the mind.
• Key Practices for Meditation:
  • Dietary Control (Uno'darika, Rasa Parityaga, Upavasa): Eating moderately, abstaining from stimulating foods, and fasting are essential for mental clarity.
  • Posture (Asana) and Place (Sthana): Maintaining a stable and comfortable posture is vital. Various seated, standing, and lying postures are described.
  • Silence (Mauna): Restraining speech is beneficial for mental concentration.
  • Withdrawal of Senses (Pratisamlinata/Paryahara): The process of turning the senses inward and controlling attachment and aversion to sensory objects.
  • Self-Study (Swadhyaya): Contemplating the nature of the self.
  • Contemplation/Reflection (Bhavana): Cultivating specific mental attitudes like impermanence, non-attachment, and equanimity.
  • Renunciation (Vyutsarga): The practice of relinquishing the body, possessions, and even desires.

Chapter 4: The Dhyata (Meditator) and Meditation Techniques

• Qualifications of the Meditator: A meditator should be healthy, have a firm body, be virtuous, peaceful, moderate in diet, diligent, and free from laziness. They must also possess a desire for liberation (Mumukshu) and the ability to control their faculties (Samvruta).
• Obstacles to Meditation: Physical ailments, mental agitation, anger, greed, delusion, forgetfulness, and laziness are identified as impediments.
• Meditation Postures and Settings: Suitable postures (like Padmasana, Virasana, Sukhasana) and quiet environments (like caves, forests, mountains) are recommended.
• Types of Meditation:
  • Salambana (With Support): Focusing on an object, which can be gross (Pinḍastha - body parts, chakras), subtle (Padāstha - mantras), conceptual (Rupastha - forms), or formless (Rūpātīta - abstract principles).
  • Niralambana (Without Support): The state of pure consciousness, free from any object of focus, leading to thoughtlessness.
• Stages of Meditation: The text outlines stages of developing concentration, from initial focus to deep absorption and eventually control.
• The Importance of Practice: Consistent and dedicated practice, guided by a teacher, is emphasized for achieving meditative states.

Chapter 5: Control of Prana (Breath) and Subtle Energies

• The Five Vayus: Detailed explanation of the five vital airs within the body: Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, and Vyana, their locations, functions, colors, and the benefits of their control.
• Pranayama Techniques: Various breathing exercises, including Anuloma-Viloma, Kumbhaka (breath retention), and bandhas (muscle locks) like Mula Bandha and Uddiyana Bandha, are described as means to purify the breath and gain control over vital energies.
• Benefits of Vayu-Jaya (Control of Vayus): Controlling these vital airs leads to physical health, mental stability, enhanced senses, and even extraordinary abilities.

Chapter 6: Ethical Principles (Vratas) and Their Practice

• Mahavratas (Great Vows): The five cardinal vows of Jainism: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/continence), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
• Anuvratas (Minor Vows): These are less stringent versions of the Mahavratas, applicable to lay followers.
• Shraman Dharma: The ten virtues of an ascetic path, including forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, purity, truth, restraint, penance, renunciation, non-attachment, and chastity.
• Importance of Vows: These vows form the foundation for all other spiritual practices, including meditation and concentration.

Chapter 7: Advanced Practices and Disciplines

• Five Meditative Disciplines (Bhavana):
  1. Tapa (Penance): For victory over hunger and the cultivation of endurance.
  2. Sattva (Purity/Strength): For victory over fear and sleep.
  3. Sutra (Knowledge/Mantra): For understanding time and mastering mantras.
  4. Ekatva (Oneness/Solitude): For detachment from the body and possessions, realizing the soul's uniqueness.
  5. Bala (Strength): For conquering hardships and developing mental fortitude.
• Conquering Obstacles: The text discusses overcoming obstacles like hunger, fear, sleep, ignorance, attachment, and weakness through these practices.
• Spiritual Significance of Practices: Each practice is linked to specific benefits, including physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual insight.
• The Method of Preksha: A detailed explanation of "Preksha," a method of deep observation and introspection, is presented as a systematic approach to meditation. It involves stages of observing breath, body, feelings, thoughts, and ultimately the pure self. The practice aims to develop awareness, equanimity, and a detached observation of phenomena.
• The Role of Mantras and Chakras: The book mentions the use of mantras (like "Om," "Arh," "Hum") and the concentration on energy centers (chakras) in the body for achieving higher states of consciousness.
• The Importance of Balance: The text highlights the significance of balancing physical and mental practices, including asanas, pranayama, and ethical conduct, for overall spiritual progress.

Key Takeaways:

"Manonushasanam" is a profound guide to self-mastery and spiritual awakening within the Jain tradition. It underscores the indispensable role of the mind in achieving inner peace and ultimate liberation. The book offers a practical framework for individuals to transform their mental landscape, overcome internal obstacles, and move towards the realization of their true, pure self. Acharya Tulsi's work, explained by Acharya Mahapragya, provides a timeless and universally applicable path to mental discipline and spiritual well-being.