Sadhna Ka Swarup Aur Acharya Hastimal Ki Sadhna

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text:

Book Title: Sadhna ka Swarup aur Acharya Hastimal ki Sadhna (The Nature of Sadhana and the Sadhana of Acharya Hastimal) Author: Kanhaiyalal Lodha Publisher: Z_Jinvani_Acharya_Hastimalji_Vyaktitva_evam_Krutitva_Visheshank_003843.pdf

This text, authored by Kanhaiyalal Lodha, discusses the fundamental nature of Sadhana (spiritual practice) and illustrates it through the exemplary life and practices of Acharya Shri Hastimalji.

The Nature and Types of Sadhana:

The text begins by distinguishing human life from that of other beings. While all creatures experience fleeting pleasures and sorrows through sensory indulgence, humans have the unique capacity to strive for and attain an eternal, unbroken, and infinite happiness. Those who endeavor for such a state are called Sadhaks (practitioners). Acharya Shri Hastimalji is presented as an outstanding example of such a Sadhak.

The core principle of suffering, according to Jain philosophy, stems from impurities like lack of self-control, desires, possessiveness, ego, attachment, aversion, delusion, worldly affections, sensual pleasures, and negative emotions (kashayas). Conversely, happiness arises from virtues like forgiveness, friendliness, humility, and modesty. Therefore, the path to sorrow-free happiness lies in the cessation of faults and the manifestation of virtues.

The text categorizes Sadhana into two primary forms:

1. Negative Sadhana (Nishedhatmak Sadhana): This involves the renunciation of faults and negative tendencies.
2. Positive Sadhana (Vidhiyatmak Sadhana): This involves the cultivation and active expression of virtues.

These two are intrinsically linked. The renunciation of a fault naturally leads to the emergence of its opposite virtue. For example, the renunciation of enmity (negative Sadhana) leads to friendliness (positive Sadhana). Similarly, abstaining from violence (negative Sadhana) results in compassion and kindness (positive Sadhana). Giving up pride leads to humility, and renouncing greed leads to generosity.

The Importance of Sadhana:

The text emphasizes that positive Sadhana spontaneously arises as negative Sadhana matures. If positive Sadhana is lacking, it indicates that negative Sadhana is not yet fully developed. Furthermore, negative Sadhana without positive expression is considered lifeless, leading to inactivity and a sense of helplessness. The author states that a deficiency in one aspect of Sadhana implies a deficiency in the other, and incomplete Sadhana cannot lead to liberation or ultimate success. Therefore, the perfection of both negative and positive Sadhana is essential.

Psychologically and spiritually, negative Sadhana (like controlling senses and renouncing faults) purifies the self. This self-purification then manifests in life as positive actions and virtues, such as good thoughts, truthful speech, and righteous deeds. In Jain philosophy, these positive activities are termed "Shubh Yoga" (auspicious activity), which leads to "Samvara" (cessation of the influx of karma). As negative emotions decrease, the soul becomes purer, and this purity enhances the auspiciousness of one's mental, verbal, and physical activities. This auspiciousness is the outward expression of inner purity, and the perfection of both leads to liberation.

The Sadhana and Inspiration of Acharya Shri Hastimalji:

Acharya Shri Hastimalji’s life exemplified both aspects of Sadhana – negative and positive. He primarily engaged in positive Sadhana during the day and negative Sadhana at night.

• Positive Sadhana: From sunrise, Acharya Shri would be engaged in beneficial activities like scriptural study, writing, reading, teaching, and delivering discourses until sunset. His guiding principle was: "Do not waste even a moment in Sadhana; strive for the self's work." He remained healthy and actively engaged in such pursuits even months before his passing. He not only practiced these himself but also encouraged visitors to engage in spiritual activities like study and chanting. He was vigilant against wasting time in idle talk or negative pursuits. Upon meeting visitors, he would inquire about their spiritual progress and encourage them to advance further, guiding them according to their aptitude. He inspired wealthy individuals to practice restraint in possession and practice generous giving. He encouraged their children to abstain from vices and take vows of Samayika (equanimity) and study. He motivated scholars to write and research, and advised women on how to avoid violence, waste, and unwholesome food in household duties and how to instill good values in their children. He tirelessly inspired everyone towards scriptural study and Samayika. His guidance led to the development of hundreds of students, numerous writers, many practitioners, and the establishment of several organizations. The author himself attributes his involvement in writing and service to Acharya Shri's grace.

• Negative Sadhana: Alongside his active positive Sadhana, Acharya Shri also dedicated time to practices like meditation, silence, and solitude. He observed silence every Thursday, the tenth day of every lunar month, the thirteenth day of each fortnight, and daily from 12 PM to 2 PM. He also maintained silence for about an hour in the mornings. He regularly meditated for about an hour after midday. These periods of silence and meditation were crucial for strengthening his mind for contemplation, reflection, and writing. After his daily meals and routines, he would engage in scriptural study (like the Nandi Sutra), resolve the doubts of seekers, and offer devotional worship through hymns like the Kalyan Mandir Stotra. He slept very little at night, dedicating most of his time to meditation and spiritual practice.

In essence, Acharya Shri Hastimalji was continuously engaged in some form of Sadhana. His positive practices were aimed at conquering attachment and aversion, and his negative practices served the same purpose. His positive Sadhana strengthened his negative Sadhana, and the energy gained from negative Sadhana bolstered his positive activities. Thus, both forms of Sadhana were mutually supportive, nurturing, and conducive to progressing towards Veetragata (freedom from attachment and aversion).

The text concludes by stating that Acharya Shri’s Sadhana was an inseparable part of his life; his life was Sadhana, and Sadhana was his life. He achieved success in life through his Sadhana, and following his path is presented as the way to attain meaning and success in our own lives.

The text also includes inspirational quotes from the Sutrakritanga, the Dhammapada, and the Yogavashishtha concerning equanimity, good deeds, and a life lived for the welfare of all beings.