Papni Saja Bhare Part 10

This document is the tenth booklet in a series titled "Papni Saja Bhare" (The Burden of Sins) by Muni Arunvijayji. It focuses on the seventh sin-posture (papsthanak), which is Maan (Pride/Arrogance). The booklet is published by Dharmanath Po He Jainnagar Swe Mu Jain Sangh and is part of a series of religious discourses given in 2045 Vikram Samvat.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content:

Core Message: The Destructive Nature of Pride (Maan)

The central theme of this booklet is to explain the detrimental effects of pride and arrogance (Maan) and to encourage readers to overcome this vice. The text emphasizes that pride is a root cause of suffering and spiritual downfall.

Key Points and Sections:

• Introduction and Scriptural Basis:

  • The booklet begins with reverence to Lord Mahavir.
  • It quotes the Uttamadhyayan Sutra, highlighting Lord Mahavir's teachings on the consequences of anger, pride, deceit, and greed. Anger leads to a decline in status, pride to the lowest states of existence, deceit to closed doors of good destiny, and greed to fear in both this world and the next.
  • It emphasizes that while vices cause harm, people often indulge in them believing they will bring benefit (e.g., anger to get what they want, pride to gain respect, greed to accumulate wealth). However, these short-term gains are overshadowed by long-term suffering.

• The Nature of Pride:

  • Maan is described as a deeply ingrained habit, developed over time, which makes it difficult to live without it.
  • It compares this to a slow poisoning of the body, where eventually the poison has no apparent effect. Similarly, constant indulgence in pride makes one numb to its negative consequences.
  • The text illustrates how people create an environment where they only respond to harshness and anger, not gentle persuasion, blaming themselves for fostering this atmosphere.
  • It recalls ancient warnings that excessive anger leads to rebirth as violent creatures (lions, snakes), greed as mice, pride as elephants, and deceit as foxes. Escaping such animal births is extremely difficult.

• The Consequences of Pride:

  • Pride is identified as a root cause of downfall and destruction. It is compared to the bright flare of a lamp just before it extinguishes, signifying impending doom.
  • Pride blinds individuals, making them see everyone else as inferior. This leads to judgmental behavior and a tendency to belittle others.
  • The text strongly advocates for the principle of "As you sow, so shall you reap." If you offer respect, you will receive respect; if you insult others, you will be insulted.
  • It highlights that the true joy lies in giving, not taking. Giving happiness to others brings more joy than enjoying it oneself.
  • Renunciation (Tyag) is praised as a superior dharma compared to indulgence (Bhog).

• The Dangers of False Gurus:

  • The booklet warns against those who falsely portray themselves as gods and promote indulgence as dharma, corrupting the eternal principles of Indian culture. Such individuals are destined for destruction and suffering.

• The Way to Overcome Pride:

  • Humility (Vinay), Gentleness (Mriduta), and Modesty (Namrata) are presented as antidotes to pride.
  • The principle "Treat others as you wish to be treated" (Aatmanah pratikulani parebhyah na samacharet) is strongly advocated.
  • Instead of seeking respect, one should strive to give respect.
  • The greatest sacrifice is renouncing the respect one receives.
  • Prayer for the welfare of all (Sarva kalyan) is encouraged, as it includes one's own welfare. Wishing only for personal benefit while indifferent to others' well-being is futile.

• The Pervasiveness of Pride:

  • Pride is not limited to humans; it is found even in celestial beings and animals (e.g., elephants, scorpions, dogs).
  • It is a manifestation of Mohaniya Karma, specifically the Kasha Mohaniya sub-category, which includes anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
  • Pride makes individuals arrogant, haughty, and behave wildly, like an elephant in rut.

• Identifying Pride:

  • Pride is recognizable through changes in gait (a swagger), posture (head held high, chest puffed out), and speech (constant use of "I," boasting about achievements, belittling others).
  • The proud person's vision is distorted, making them see others as insignificant.

• The Eight Types of Pride (Ashta Mad-Sthanaka):

  • The text lists and explains the eight common causes of pride mentioned in Yogashastra:
    1. Jati-mad (Pride of Birth/Caste)
    2. Kul-mad (Pride of Lineage)
    3. Aishwarya-mad (Pride of Wealth/Riches)
    4. Roop-mad (Pride of Beauty)
    5. Bal-mad (Pride of Strength)
    6. Shruta-mad (Pride of Knowledge/Learning)
    7. Tap-mad (Pride of Austerities)
    8. Labh-mad (Pride of Gain/Profit)
  • It explains that these arise from earned virtues but are misapplied through pride.

• Examples and Narratives:

  • Hanuman's Pride: The story of Hanuman carrying the Sanjeevani mountain is recounted. When he felt pride in his strength, he was struck by Bharat's arrow, leading to his fall. He acknowledged that his fall was due to his own pride, not Bharat's fault.
  • Subhum Chakravarti: This king, after conquering six continents, desired to conquer a seventh. An aerial voice warned him against this futile pursuit of gain, but his pride prevented him from listening. He drowned in the ocean and went to the seventh hell.
  • Dasharnabhadra's Pride: This wealthy king, going to see Lord Mahavir, displayed excessive pomp and grandeur due to his pride in wealth. Saudharmendra, the celestial king, outshone him with even greater splendor, humbling Dasharnabhadra, who then renounced his pride and took initiation.
  • King Shrenik (Bimbisar): He felt pride in his strength after hunting a pregnant deer, killing both the deer and the fawn with one arrow. This act of pride led him to hell.
  • King Munja: He was humbled by a satirical message from his nephew, Bhijakumara, questioning whether he would take the earth with him after death.
  • Snatak Chakravarti: He was proud of his beauty, but celestial beings showed him the truth of his physical body being filled with impurities, diminishing his pride.
  • Bahubali's Pride: Despite achieving Kevalgnan (omniscience), Bahubali's pride prevented him from bowing to his younger brothers who had initiated before him. He only achieved Kevalgnan when he resolved to overcome this pride and bowed to them.
  • Acharya and Sthulibhadra: Examples of learned ascetics who fell due to pride are given, emphasizing that even knowledge without humility is dangerous.

• The Karmic Law:

  • The text reiterates that actions have consequences. "Karma satta" dictates that what you sow, you reap.
  • Pride is a sin because it leads to future suffering. It is an internal vice that causes spiritual harm.
  • The consequences of pride are severe and can lead to rebirth in lower realms.
  • The concept of "Karma Gatini Nyari" (the unique path of karma) is emphasized, where karma itself is the giver of results, not an external deity.

• Types of Pride and Their Durations:

  • The booklet categorizes pride based on its intensity and duration:
    1. Anantanubandhi (Indestructible/Eternal): Like a stone pillar, unyielding throughout life, leading to rebirth in hell.
    2. Apratyakhyaneya (Unrenounceable): Like bones, strong but can bend with practice over a year.
    3. Pratyakhyaneya (Renounceable): Like wood, less rigid, can bend in four months.
    4. Sanjvalan (Slight/Fleeting): Like a bamboo stick, bends easily and lasts only for a day.

• The Meaning of True Knowledge and Dignity:

  • True knowledge (Vidya) is that which destroys pride.
  • True wealth (Shri) is that which is donated to the needy.
  • True intelligence (Buddhi) is that which follows dharma.
  • Self-respect (Swa-pratishtha) is important, but it should not be confused with arrogance.
  • Humility and patience are crucial for spiritual progress.

• Conclusion:

  • The booklet concludes by urging readers to abandon pride and cultivate humility. It emphasizes that suffering is an inevitable consequence of vice, and the path to liberation lies in overcoming these internal enemies. The text promotes a life of virtue, detachment, and spiritual striving.

In essence, the booklet "Papni Saja Bhare Part 10" is a profound spiritual discourse that dissects the nature and consequences of pride, using scriptural references and illustrative stories to guide the reader towards a life of humility and righteousness, essential for spiritual liberation in Jainism.