Pacchakhana

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pacchakhana" by Ramanlal C. Shah, based on the provided pages:

The text "Pacchakhana" (also spelled "Pachakkhan" or "Pratyakhyana") is a fundamental concept in Jainism, signifying a voluntary commitment or resolution. The word originates from the Sanskrit "Pratyakhyana," composed of the prefixes "prati" (against, adverse) and "a" (limit), and the root "khya" (to speak). It essentially means to regulate and limit activities that are adverse to the soul, spoken in the presence of a guru.

The core idea behind Pacchakhana is to rein in the ceaseless flow of thoughts and desires that arise in the human mind. If all desires were pursued without restraint, it would lead to chaos and conflict. Pacchakhana is a mechanism for self-control, preventing harmful or inappropriate actions, whether they are selfish desires or negative thoughts that one knows would have adverse consequences if expressed.

While humans possess inherent understanding and discretion to restrain themselves, ignorance, negligence, and passions (kashays) often lead to actions that should be avoided. When such actions occur, an individual may later regret them and resolve not to repeat them, or take a vow (vrat) to do good deeds and Pacchakhana to abstain from wrong ones.

Pacchakhana is defined as a commitment to abstain from actions that are detrimental to the soul, through mind, speech, and body. It necessitates discipline of the senses and the mind.

The necessity of Pacchakhana in life is highlighted:

• Combating a restless mind: The mind is naturally fickle and prone to negative thoughts and actions. A Pacchakhana taken in the presence of others acts as a safeguard, prompting one to pause when such an impulse arises.
• Strengthening the mind: Pacchakhana acts as a fence, boundary, or fortress to protect the inner self. Just as a fence protects a field from cattle or a dam prevents water from flowing out, Pacchakhana provides the strength to control the mind and senses.
• A bridle for the mind: The mind is compared to a horse. Without a bridle (Pacchakhana), the horse runs wild, potentially throwing off its rider. A bridle allows for controlled movement. Similarly, Pacchakhana is the bridle to control the "horse" of the mind.
• Guiding on the path of Dharma: Pacchakhana is an excellent means to keep one on the righteous path of Dharma and protect from temptations. The text emphasizes that without Pacchakhana, there is no auspicious future or liberation (moksha).

In response to Gautam Swami's question about the fruit of Pacchakhana, Lord Mahavir stated that its fruit is samyama (self-control). The Uttaradhyayana Sutra further elaborates that Pacchakhana closes the doors of influx (asrava), thereby preventing the inflow of new karma, and generates the cessation of desires (ichha-nirodha). This cessation of new karma is known as "samvara," and Pacchakhana is considered a practice that embodies this.

Pacchakhana is also listed as one of the six essential daily duties (shat avashyak) for a Jain practitioner, alongside Samayika, Chaturvimsati-stotra, Vandan, Pratikramana, and Kausagga. The purity of these essential duties leads to purity of vision, character, meditation, and ultimately, the destruction of karma and attainment of liberation.

Jainism emphasizes the gradual adoption of vows and abstinences. Initially, individuals take on simple rules within their capacity, gradually increasing the rigor and difficulty as they gain experience and strength. The Jain tradition offers a vast array of Pacchakhana types, catering to the diverse capacities and inclinations of individuals.

Types of Pacchakhana are discussed, primarily concerning food and possessions:

• Food: Abstinence from the four types of food (ashan, paan, khadim, swadim) for specific durations, often daily between sunrise and sunset, is a common practice.
• Possessions and Movement: Some individuals also take vows regarding the limit of wealth and possessions, and restrictions on their movement (direction, distance, and vehicles).
• Abstinence from Sins and Vices: Pacchakhana is also undertaken to abstain from major sins like violence, falsehood, theft, illicit sexual conduct, and excessive accumulation, as well as vices like anger, pride, deceit, greed, criticism, and slander. Some commitments are for a lifetime.

Purity in Pacchakhana: The text stresses that Pacchakhana should be undertaken with utmost purity. Impure motivations for taking Pacchakhana include:

• Acting in a fit of emotion, anger, pride, cunning, deceit, or greed.
• Taking it due to distress, attachment, aversion, hatred, or stubbornness.

Essential aspects of purity (bhavashuddhi - purity of intention) include:

1. Parshit: Taking it correctly according to the prescribed ritual and time.
2. Palit: Diligently observing and remembering it.
3. Shodhit: Undertaking it with purity.
4. Tirit: Completing it for the specified period and potentially slightly longer.
5. Kirtit: Remembering it well after successful completion.
6. Aradhit: Accomplishing it fully with joy and enthusiasm, incorporating the first five purities.

Additionally, six types of purity are mentioned: Shraddhashuddhi (purity of faith), Jnanashuddhi (purity of knowledge), Vinayashuddhi (purity of respect), Anubhashanashuddhi (purity of expression), Anupalanashuddhi (purity of observance), and Bhavashuddhi (purity of intention).

Historical and Scriptural Context: The text highlights that the concept of Pratyakhyana has been extensively discussed in Jain scriptures since ancient times. The Bhagavati Sutra dedicates a section to its nature, types, and characteristics. The lost twelfth Anga, "Drishtivada," is believed to have contained a "Purva" called "Pratyakhyana Pravadapurna" with an immense number of verses (8.4 million), indicating the depth of its exploration. Many other texts, including commentaries and works by prominent Jain scholars like Haribhadrasuri and Hemchandracharya, delve into the intricacies of Pacchakhana.

Main Types of Pacchakhana: The text categorizes Pacchakhana into two primary types:

1. Mool Gunatmak (Root-based): Refers to the five great vows (Mahavratas) – non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.
2. Uttar Gunatmak (Subsidiary-based): Refers to practices that support the root vows, such as Samayika, Paushadh, Dik-pariman (limiting direction), and Atithisamvibhaga (offering to guests).

Ten Additional Types of Pacchakhana are also described:

1. Anagat: Taking a vow in advance for a future period due to anticipation of inability to observe it later.
2. Atikrant: Taking a vow to complete an observance that was missed earlier.
3. Kotisahita: Adding a new Pacchakhana before the current one expires, either of the same type (samkotisahita) or a different type (vishama kotisahita).
4. Niyantrit: A strict vow that must be fulfilled regardless of adverse circumstances (currently considered difficult to observe due to diminished strength and foresight).
5. Anagar: A vow taken without any exceptions, even unto death (though exceptions for ignorance and suddenness are permitted).
6. Sagar: A vow taken with specific exceptions or concessions. The most common are:
   • Annathanabhoga: An exception for unknowingly consuming something against the vow due to unawareness.
   • Sahasagara: An exception for a vow being broken by a sudden, unforeseen event.
   • Generally, at least two exceptions (Annathanabhoga and Sahasagara) are included in every Pacchakhana, with various other specific exceptions (around 32 in total) mentioned in scriptures.
7. Niravshesh: Total renunciation of all four types of food, often taken at the time of death or during Santhara (voluntary fasting unto death).
8. Parimanakrut: Vows specifying limits or measures for food intake (e.g., a specific number of morsels).
9. Sanket: Using a sign or cue to mark the completion of a vow, especially when the set time expires without a natural opportunity to end it. Common examples include closing and opening a fist ("mutthi sahit") or tying and untying a knot ("gathi sahit").
10. Addha: Vows based on time periods, with ten sub-types related to food intake: Navkarsi, Porasi, Purimadh, Ekasanu, Ekalthanu, Ayambil, Upvas, Divascharim/Bhavcharim, Abhigrah, and Vigai.

In conclusion, "Pacchakhana" is a multifaceted and essential practice in Jainism, serving as a crucial tool for spiritual discipline, self-control, and progress towards liberation. The text meticulously details its etymology, significance, necessity, purity requirements, and diverse forms, reflecting the Jain emphasis on conscious restraint and ethical conduct.