Muktiadweshapradhanya Dvantrinshika - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Muktiadweshapradhanya Dvantrinshika" by Yashovijay Upadhyay, with commentary by Pravinchandra K. Mota, as published by Gitarth Ganga:

Book Title: Muktiadweshapradhanya Dvantrinshika (Thirty-two Verses on the Primacy of Non-Hatred Towards Liberation) Author: Mahamahopadhyay Shrimad Yashovijayji Maharaj Commentator: Pandit Shrimad Pravinchand Khimji Mota Publisher: Gitarth Ganga Trust

Overall Context:

This text is the 13th chapter within a larger work by the esteemed Jain philosopher and scholar, Mahamahopadhyay Shrimad Yashovijayji Maharaj, titled "Dwadashdvatrinshika" (Thirty-two Chapters). The "Dwadashdvatrinshika" itself is a significant work containing thirty-two sections, each focusing on a distinct spiritual topic. This particular chapter, "Muktiadweshapradhanya Dvantrinshika," focuses on the crucial concept of "Muktiadwesh" – the absence of aversion or hatred towards liberation, its means, and those who tread the path towards it. The commentary by Pandit Pravinchand K. Mota provides a detailed, verse-by-verse explanation, elucidating the profound philosophical and practical aspects of this concept.

Core Theme:

The central theme of the "Muktiadweshapradhanya Dvantrinshika" is the primacy and essential nature of "Muktiadwesh" as a foundational element for spiritual progress in Jainism. The text argues that genuine spiritual advancement, particularly the attainment of liberation (Moksha), is intrinsically linked to cultivating a deep-seated, unwavering non-aversion towards liberation itself, the practices that lead to it, and the yogis or spiritual practitioners engaged in this pursuit.

Key Concepts and Arguments:

"Muktiadwesh" Defined: The text defines "Muktiadwesh" not just as an absence of hatred towards liberation, but also encompassing the absence of aversion towards:
- Liberation (Mukti): The ultimate goal of transcending the cycle of birth and death.
- Means to Liberation (Mukti-upaya): The spiritual disciplines, practices, and path leading to Moksha.
- Practitioners of Liberation (Muktimarga pravishthit yogi): Those who are actively engaged in the spiritual path towards liberation.
Primacy of "Muktiadwesh": The chapter emphasizes that "Muktiadwesh" holds a superior position among the four types of "Purva Seva" (preparatory practices or preliminary services) mentioned in previous sections. These four are:
- Worship of the Guru and deities.
- Right conduct (Sadachar).
- Austerity (Tapa).
- Muktiadwesh.
The text asserts that without "Muktiadwesh," the other three practices, while outwardly appearing virtuous, fail to yield their true spiritual benefits and can even become detrimental.
The Cause of Aversion: The primary reason for aversion towards liberation is identified as intense attachment (utkat ichchha) to worldly pleasures and pursuits ("Bhava"). When individuals deeply cherish worldly enjoyments, they perceive liberation – which is devoid of such pleasures – as something undesirable or even repulsive, leading to aversion.
The Fivefold Nature of Practices (Anushthan): The text elaborates on how even seemingly similar spiritual practices can be categorized into five types based on the underlying intention and mental state of the practitioner:
- Vish-anushthan (Poisonous Practice): Driven by a desire for immediate worldly gains (like fame, power) that instantly corrupts the good intentions behind the practice.
- Gar-anushthan (Bitter Practice): Fueled by desires for heavenly pleasures, which may bring temporary enjoyment but ultimately lead to suffering in the long run due to the eventual depletion of merit and the cycle of rebirth.
- Ananushthan (Non-Practice): A practice performed without any specific intention or conscious spiritual focus, akin to an unconscious or mechanical action.
- Tathetu-anushthan (Practice with a Cause): A practice performed with a specific, albeit not fully enlightened, spiritual aim. This category is further divided based on the nature of the cause.
- Amrit-anushthan (Nectar-like Practice): The practice performed with genuine faith and understanding of the ultimate spiritual truth, leading to true liberation.
The Role of Intention and Attachment: The commentary deeply explores how the intention behind a practice is paramount. Practices performed with intense attachment to worldly outcomes (both in this life and the next) are seen as ultimately unhelpful or even harmful, as they fail to address the root cause of suffering.
"Muktiadwesh" as the Root of Progress: The text highlights that "Muktiadwesh," when genuinely cultivated, leads to a reduction in worldly desires. This reduction, in turn, fosters a positive inclination towards spiritual practices. The absence of aversion towards liberation makes one receptive to the teachings of the enlightened (Jinas) and the guidance of Gurus.
The Fivefold Practices Explained in Detail: The commentary meticulously breaks down each of the five types of practices, explaining their causes, effects, and the specific types of practitioners who engage in them.
- Vish and Gar: Practices driven by worldly or heavenly desires that corrupt the spiritual intention.
- Ananushthan: Practices lacking proper intention or understanding.
- Tathetu: Practices performed with a partially understood spiritual goal, such as seeking spiritual advancement for attaining heavenly states or enjoying worldly boons, but not for ultimate liberation. This is often seen in practitioners in the "Charamavarta" (final cycle of births).
- Amrit: Practices performed with complete faith and understanding, aiming solely for liberation, free from any worldly attachments.
The Distinction Between Different "Muktiadwesh": The text makes subtle but crucial distinctions between different types of "Muktiadwesh":
- "Abhavya" (Incapable of Liberation): These beings might have an absence of aversion towards liberation due to sheer ignorance or a lack of understanding of its true nature, or due to the perceived conflict with their worldly desires.
- "Charamavarta" (Those in their Final Cycle): These individuals, through the purification of their actions and spiritual progress, develop a genuine "Muktiadwesh." This arises from a deeper understanding and a waning of worldly attachments, often accompanied by a subtle aspiration for liberation (even if initially mixed with a desire for higher realms like the Ninth Graiveyaka). This form of "Muktiadwesh" is conducive to progress.
The Importance of "Kriyaraga" (Attachment to Action): The text distinguishes between a genuine attachment to spiritual practices ("Kriyaraga" that is productive) and the attachment that corrupts practices. "Muktiadwesh" that leads to a genuine "Kriyaraga" (attachment to the practice itself, not the fruits) is essential. For example, the "Tathetu-anushthan" performed by "Charamavarta" individuals, while potentially driven by desires for higher states, becomes a stepping stone due to their underlying "Muktiadwesh" and receptivity.
The Fruit of "Muktiadwesh": The chapter concludes by outlining the positive results of genuine "Muktiadwesh":
- Fearlessness: A sense of inner courage and freedom from the fear of worldly suffering.
- Joy in Practice: Experiencing genuine pleasure and engagement in spiritual activities.
- Increased Faith: A strengthening of conviction in the path and its efficacy.
- Mental Serenity: A calm and settled state of mind.
- Vigor and Enthusiasm: Renewed energy and zeal for spiritual endeavors.
- Improved Memory: Enhanced cognitive abilities for spiritual knowledge.
- Mental Stability: A steady and focused mind.
- Attainment of Higher States: Progressing through stages of spiritual development, ultimately leading to ultimate bliss.

Commentary's Contribution:

Pandit Pravinchand K. Mota's commentary is crucial for understanding the nuances of Yashovijayji's verses. It breaks down complex philosophical points, provides context from other Jain scriptures, and explains the precise meanings of key terms. The commentary aims to illuminate the practical application of "Muktiadwesh" for the spiritual aspirant.

In essence, "Muktiadweshapradhanya Dvantrinshika" teaches that the path to liberation is paved with a profound and consistent non-aversion towards liberation itself, its methods, and its practitioners. This non-aversion is not merely passive indifference but an active cultivation that purifies intention, fosters correct practices, and ultimately leads to true spiritual flourishing.