Rag Ka Urdhvikaran

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Rag Ka Urdhvikaran" (The Elevation of Attachment/Affection) by Amarmuni, based on the provided excerpt:

The book, "Rag Ka Urdhvikaran," by Amarmuni, critically examines the perceived shortcomings and misinterpretations in the path of spiritual practice and religious observances within the Jain tradition. The author feels that the original, pure flow of spiritual practice has become polluted by misconceptions and contaminations over time, much like a clear stream gathering debris. He believes that this "dirt" can and must be removed to restore the purity of the spiritual path.

Core Issues Identified:

• Duality in Sadhana (Spiritual Practice): A major critique is the artificial compartmentalization of spiritual practice. People live one way in their homes and families, and another way in religious places. They present one face to society and another in private. This creates a "two-faced" or "multi-faceted" life, where the outward display of renunciation and detachment in religious settings often contrasts sharply with a more worldly or even aggressive demeanor in their personal lives. This duality, the author argues, stems from fundamental misunderstandings about the nature of Sadhana itself.

• Misconception of Religion's Purpose: The prevailing understanding of religion, the author notes, is narrowly focused on the afterlife ("parlok"). Practices like service, devotion, and charity are primarily undertaken with the goal of improving one's future lives. This obsession with the afterlife overshadows the importance of the present life ("ihlok").

• The Illusion of "Lok" and "Parlok": While acknowledging the belief in rebirth and the afterlife, the author questions this exclusive focus. He suggests that "lok" (this world) and "parlok" (the other world) are relative concepts. The present life can be considered the "parlok" of the previous life. Therefore, neglecting the present life in the name of the afterlife is a significant error. He advocates for understanding that the present moment is constantly transitioning into the next, making the distinction between "lok" and "parlok" artificial if not understood in a continuous flow.

The Concept of "Lokateet" (Transcending Worlds) and Vitraagta (Freedom from Attachment):

• Beyond Dualistic Thinking: Lord Mahavir's teachings are interpreted as an invitation to rise above the limited perspectives of "lok" and "parlok" and adopt a "lokateet" (world-transcending) vision. This vision recognizes the unbroken and eternal nature of the soul, which exists in the past, present, and future.

• Vitraagta as the True Goal: Vitraagta, or freedom from attachment and aversion, is presented as the ultimate spiritual goal, which transcends both worldly and otherworldly concerns. It is a state of pure existence, not bound by rules or inhibitions.

• The Paradox of Jain Philosophy: The text highlights a seeming paradox in Jain philosophy: it encourages the "aradhana" (worship/practice) of both "lok" and "parlok," yet also prohibits practicing "for the sake of" this world or the other. This prohibition, the author explains, is because "lok" and "parlok" are associated with attachment, aversion, and the cycle of worldly existence. The true aim is to become "lokateet" – detached from these worldly concerns.

Addressing the Gap: "Rag Ka Urdhvikaran" (The Elevation of Attachment):

• The Present Challenge for Sadhaks: Since achieving "lokateet" and complete "vitraagta" is an arduous journey, the author addresses the practical question for the average seeker: how to live in this world until that ultimate state is reached? How to manage the body and desires when complete detachment hasn't yet occurred?

• Elevating Attachment to "Shubh Rag" (Auspicious Attachment): The answer lies in "Rag Ka Urdhvikaran" – elevating and purifying attachment. While "vitraagta" is the ideal, the intermediate stage involves transforming "ashubh rag" (inauspicious attachment) into "shubh rag" (auspicious attachment).

  • Ashubh Rag: This is impure, leading to bondage and negative consequences, akin to the sting of a thorn.
  • Shubh Rag: This is a purer form of attachment, still a form of attachment, but leading to positive outcomes, like the gentle touch of a flower.

• Practical Manifestations of Shubh Rag: Examples of "shubh rag" include:

  • Sneha and Karuna (Affection and Compassion): Essential for practicing non-violence and living a moral life.
  • Daan, Daya, Seva, Upasana, Bhakti (Charity, Compassion, Service, Worship, Devotion): These are considered "shubh rag" and are preparatory steps towards "vitraagta."
  • Gunuraag (Appreciation of Virtues): Finding joy and admiration in the qualities of others is a positive and uplifting spiritual attitude.
  • Maitri, Karuna, Samayik (Friendship, Compassion, Equanimity): These are all aspects of purifying one's emotional responses.

• Avoiding the "Drama of Vitraagta": The author strongly warns against merely "acting" detached or renunciatory without genuine internal transformation. He illustrates this with an anecdote of a monk who preached against worldly possessions ("pudgal") but then sought out houses offering good food. This hypocrisy, he argues, is a false display of "vitraagta." True detachment comes from overcoming personal attachment and ego.

• The Path of Gradual Progress: The book emphasizes a step-by-step approach. Instead of attempting a sudden "jump" to "vitraagta," which can be detrimental, the path involves a gradual elevation from "ashubh" (inauspicious) to "shubh" (auspicious) and then towards "shuddh" (pure) states. This gradual progress is the proper way to achieve liberation.

• Vitraagta and Welfare: Even a "vitraag" individual, after achieving complete liberation, is not passive. Lord Mahavir, despite being a fully enlightened being, spent the remaining thirty years of his life actively working for the welfare of humanity, spreading compassion and dispelling ignorance. Therefore, even after detachment, one can and should engage in selfless service for the betterment of the world.

In essence, "Rag Ka Urdhvikaran" is a call to refine and purify the emotional and attitudinal landscape of the spiritual seeker. It acknowledges the ultimate goal of detachment but provides a practical and nuanced path for the intermediate stages, emphasizing the importance of cultivating auspicious emotions and actions as a means to ultimately transcend all attachments.