Sachitra Mukh Vastrika Nirnaya

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sachitra Mukh Vastrika Nirnaya" by Shankarmuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sachitra Mukh Vastrika Nirnaya (Illustrated Decision on the Mouth Cloth) Author: Shankarmuni Publisher: Shivchand Nemichand Kotecha Jain, Shivpuri

Overall Purpose: The book "Sachitra Mukh Vastrika Nirnaya" by Muni Shankarmuni aims to definitively address and clarify the tradition and proper usage of the mukh vastrika (mouth cloth) within Jainism, particularly for ascetics. The central argument is to establish that wearing the mukh vastrika on the mouth is an ancient, scripturally ordained practice, and that the more recent trend of holding it in the hand is incorrect and a departure from the true tradition.

Key Arguments and Content:

1. Challenging the "Modern" Notion: The author directly refutes the idea prevalent in some sections of the Jain community that the practice of wearing a mukh vastrika on the face is a modern invention. He asserts that it is a sanatan (eternal/ancient) practice.

2. Origin of the "Modern" Practice: Shankarmuni suggests that the practice of holding the mukh vastrika in the hand originated during a severe 12-year famine. During this hardship, some individuals who claimed to be ascetics found it too difficult to maintain the mukh vastrika on their face while begging for food and other necessities. They then began holding it in their hand, marking the genesis of this "new" (and in his view, incorrect) custom.

3. Evidence for the Ancient Practice:

   • Scholarly Agreement: The author states that knowledgeable scholars consider the practice of wearing the mukh vastrika on the face to be ancient.
   • Current Practices of Some Ascetics: He observes that even proponents of the "new" (hand-held) method often wear the mukh vastrika on their face when delivering sermons or lectures. This, he argues, is an unconscious imitation of the ancient tradition, serving as proof of its antiquity.
   • Specific Ascetics: He names several revered Jain monks (like Vijayniti Suri, Vijay Siddhi Suri, Kripachand Suri) who, in his observation, used to wear the mukh vastrika on their face while delivering lectures. He personally witnessed Kripachand Suri doing so in 1917 in Ratlam.
   • Other Sects/Practices: He notes that ascetics from the Aanchal Gacch and members of the Papachal Gacch during Pratikraman (repentance rituals) also wear the mukh vastrika on their face, further substantiating its historical prevalence.
   • Swami Dayanand Saraswati's Testimony: He quotes Swami Dayanand Saraswati from his book "Satyarth Prakash," stating that ascetics tie a cloth over their mouth when reading texts, proving the ancient practice of wearing it during lectures.
   • Scriptural Basis: The author emphasizes that the core intention behind both practices (continuous wearing and wearing during lectures) is the protection of microscopic and subtle beings (tras jivas) and the practice of samyam (restraint). He argues that debating the duration of wear is futile when the intention is the same and the practice is scripturally supported.

4. The Meaning of "Mukh Vastrika":

   • The word mukh vastrika literally means "mouth cloth."
   • It is an etymologically derived word, similar to how shiroveshtan (head covering/turban) or angarakshika (body protector) are named based on their function.
   • The author highlights the word "satatam" (continuous/constant) in the definition of mukh vastrika ("Sukh Potate Bandhate Satatam, Anen Sa Mukh Potika" - that which continuously binds the mouth is a mukh vastrika), underscoring the intent of constant wear.

5. Purpose of the Mukh Vastrika:

   • Protection of Living Beings: The primary purpose is to protect microscopic, invisible beings from being harmed by the ascetic's breath, speech, or saliva. The author stresses the immense number of subtle beings in the air.
   • Protection of the Ascetic: It also serves to protect the ascetic from inhaling harmful dust particles, impurities, or even infectious matter present in the air.
   • Self-Control and Purity: The book delves into the health benefits of breathing through the nose and keeping the mouth shut, linking it to mental clarity, willpower, and overall well-being.

6. Critique of the Hand-Held Practice:

   • The author strongly criticizes the practice of holding the mukh vastrika in the hand. He argues that when held in the hand, it often swings away from the mouth, rendering it ineffective for its intended purpose.
   • He describes the various, often awkward, ways people have tried to adapt the hand-held method (e.g., attaching strings to ears, tucking it away) and how these attempts were temporary and uncomfortable.
   • He contends that this practice is a departure from the true Jain tradition and a deviation from the scriptural meaning and purpose of the mukh vastrika.

7. Scriptural Interpretation and Debate:

   • The author addresses a common argument used to support holding the mukh vastrika in the hand, citing a passage from the Dukh Vipak scripture involving Queen Mrigavati and Lord Gautama Swami. He meticulously analyzes the context and argues that this passage refers to covering the nose due to foul odor, not the mukh vastrika.
   • He contrasts this selective quoting with manipulative tactics used in other contexts, emphasizing the importance of understanding the full scriptural context.
   • He presents numerous scriptural references and interpretations from respected Jain texts (e.g., Bhagavati Sutra, Jnana Dharma Kathanga Sutra, Ogha Niyukti, Pravachansaroddhara, Syadvadanubhavaratnakara, Samachari, Samayika Sutra) to prove that the mukh vastrika is meant to be worn on the face.
   • He cites examples from texts of other religions (Vaishnavism) and observations by Western scholars to further corroborate the practice of wearing the mukh vastrika on the face.

8. Health Benefits of the Mukh Vastrika:

   • The author dedicates significant portions of the book to explaining the health benefits, citing medical literature and the opinions of doctors.
   • He highlights that breathing through the nose, facilitated by keeping the mouth covered, improves health, increases vitality, purifies blood, strengthens the heart and brain, and enhances willpower.
   • He explains how inhaled dust, impurities, and harmful gases can cause various respiratory and other diseases, and how the mukh vastrika acts as a protective barrier.

9. Author's Intent and Call to Action:

   • Shankarmuni states that his aim is not to create controversy or display his own scholarship, but to present a truthful and scriptural analysis of the mukh vastrika.
   • He urges readers, especially those following the Mandir Margi tradition, to abandon the incorrect practice of holding the mukh vastrika in hand and to revert to the true, ancient practice of wearing it on the face.
   • He hopes his work will help people understand the true meaning and significance of the mukh vastrika and encourage adherence to the teachings of the Jinagama.

Overall Message: "Sachitra Mukh Vastrika Nirnaya" is a detailed and passionate defense of the traditional Jain practice of wearing the mukh vastrika on the mouth. It serves as a historical and scriptural argument against the modern adaptation of holding it in the hand, emphasizing the spiritual and physical well-being derived from adhering to the ancient, compassionate principles laid down by the Tirthankaras.