Sadhna Ke Guru Shikhar Par

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sadhna ke Guru Shikhar Par" (On the Guru's Pinnacle of Sadhana) by Ramesh Doctor:

Overall Theme:

"Sadhna ke Guru Shikhar Par" is a short play that beautifully presents the qualities and importance of a spiritual leader (Shraman Guru) within the Jain tradition. It aims to provide a brief glimpse into the life of a spiritual seeker and the guiding role of a Guru to young men and women. The play emphasizes the path of Sadhana (spiritual practice) as the key to attaining ultimate happiness and liberation, with the Guru as the ultimate guide on this journey.

Synopsis by Scene:

• Scene One:

  • The play opens with a venerable and radiant Acharya (spiritual teacher) seated on stage. He is greeted respectfully by a group of young men and women.
  • The youth express their grief and inner turmoil due to the untimely death of a loved one. The Acharya explains that the root of sorrow lies in attachment and possessiveness.
  • He then delves into the Jain concept of "akal maran" (untimely death), citing various causes mentioned in the Sthananga Sutra, including intense emotions, external injuries, and dietary imbalances. He also mentions natural calamities as external causes.
  • The Acharya advises the youth to not mourn the death but to utilize the precious human life between birth and death for spiritual upliftment, as this is the only life where the shedding of attachment, aversion, and delusion is possible.
  • The youth acknowledge their role as followers and the Guru as their guide and illuminator on the spiritual path, expressing their gratitude through a song.
  • Two Sadhvis (female ascetics) enter and emphasize the profound significance of a Guru in the spiritual realm, comparing them to a peak. They highlight that Gurus shape individuals, inspire them, and lead them to happiness through devotion and practice. They further explain that a Guru shapes the consciousness, removes flaws, calms the mind, and acts as a creator and guide, leading to a life of equanimity and beneficial intentions.
  • The youth collectively pledge to cultivate patience, seriousness, tolerance, compassion, and a spirit of service, eschewing pride and ego.

• Scene Two:

  • The scene begins with a song praising the Guru as learned, humble, and a source of spiritual knowledge and guidance.
  • One young man speaks about the Guru's teaching on shil (virtuous conduct), describing it as the mine of all virtues and the foundation of their faith, strengthening character and intellect.
  • The Sadhvis reiterate the importance of embracing virtuous conduct and practicing penance and renunciation, which leads to inner peace and spiritual progress. They emphasize that adherence to virtuous conduct can curb societal immorality and lead to a life free from vices, guided by the teachings of ascetics.
  • Another pair of youth enters, and one speaks about the Guru illuminating the path of Sadhana, which, though simple, is also arduous. They compare the Guru's voice to a resounding bell, signifying their inspirational and formative role.
  • The young woman elaborates that the Guru's words are a stepping stone in Sadhana, fostering harmony, a science of ego annihilation, and a process of self-purification.
  • They highlight the respect gained through the path of Sadhana and call the Guru a hero of dharma, compassion, and charity.
  • The Sadhvis explain that the path of Sadhana is an integral part of the Jain faith, filled with right faith, a thirst for liberation, and the realization of dharma. They state that Sadhana awakens self-confidence and leads from darkness to light, bringing transformation, from untruth to truth, and from mortality to immortality, and from unrest to peace.
  • The youth and Sadhvis express their aspiration to become like the Guru through dedicated practice and pledge to spread the Guru's teachings, making the world fragrant with the essence of dharma.
  • A song reiterates the Guru's greatness in imparting knowledge and leading souls towards spiritual elevation.

• Scene Three:

  • The Sadhvis then focus on the essence of the Shraman (ascetic) life. They explain that it is a life of restraint and detachment, where one renounces worldly possessions to embrace asceticism.
  • They describe how an ascetic leaves immense wealth and possessions, remaining unaffected by attachment. Their inner consciousness is purified.
  • The ascetic's body is a tool for spiritual practice, and they live with minimal needs. They do not earn but practice restraint.
  • The Sadhvis detail the Shraman's freedom from fourteen internal attachments and impurities, including delusions, passions, and negative emotions. They are pathfinders of dharma.
  • They explain the basic requirements for ascetics: minimal food, bedding, and clothing for purposes of modesty, avoiding disgust, and protection from natural elements. Specific measurements of cloth usage are mentioned for male and female ascetics.
  • The necessary equipment for ascetics, such as face coverings, brooms, bowls, and bedding, is listed.
  • The unique system of Shraman alms (gochari) is described as a form of penance, where food is not taken for taste but for specific reasons like enduring hunger, rendering service, purifying one's path, maintaining vows, protecting life, and engaging in contemplation. They also discuss reasons for renouncing food, such as illness or opportunities for greater penance.
  • The daily routine of an ascetic is analyzed through the lens of samachari (conduct), which involves self-study to open the eyes of knowledge. The components of samachari are listed as essential, specialized, advisory, agreeable, permissive, permissive of falsehood, acquiescent, respectful, and fully accepted.
  • The youth then re-enter and discuss the importance of self-study in the Shraman life, emphasizing that living according to knowledge is the path to freedom from suffering. They highlight the disciplined daily routine of ascetics involving self-study and meditation.
  • The Shraman life is described as a symbol of awakening, self-purification, and the attainment of tranquil bliss, leading to reverence. This happiness is spiritual, not worldly.
  • The ultimate goal of a Shraman is infinite happiness, and their Sadhana is dedicated to achieving this. The path is challenging, with both obstacles and rewards, and it cultivates virtuous character and sensitivity.
  • The youth stress that every step of dharma is beneficial for living beings and makes one cultured. The school of ascetic initiation is solitude, and silence is its lesson. Dharma is the means to liberation, achieved through self-witnessing and critical review through wisdom.
  • The Sadhvis declare the Vitarag (one free from passions) speech as complete. They express gratitude to the Guru for inspiring them and conveying the teachings of the Jinas.
  • They recall the Guru's message inviting humanity to become like the Jinas by overcoming attachment and aversion through diligent effort, which breaks the veil of karma.
  • The Guru encouraged renouncing criticism of others, introspecting, letting go of the past, and filling the remaining life with nectar.
  • The youth acknowledge the Guru's great favor in showing them the right path, their selfless dedication, and their adherence to the path of Mahavir.
  • They mention the Guru's birthplace and place of renunciation.
  • The Sadhvis call to make the place of renunciation sacred like Pavapuri and to bow to the greatness of Mahavir.
  • The youth and Sadhvis collectively sing about the Guru's enlightening words, the cutting of worldly bonds through spiritual knowledge, the dispelling of ignorance, and the achievement of a successful life by renouncing anger, pride, ego, and greed.
  • The play concludes with a chorus emphasizing that the Guru's words resonate with their spiritual consciousness, creating a feeling of being on the Guru's pinnacle of Sadhana. It is a proclamation that they can transform from fallen to pure by making self-study and the Shraman life an integral part of their existence, leading to the purification of thoughts and the removal of mental impurities.
  • The play ends with a final chant of praise for the Guru who guides them on the path of dharma to the pinnacle of Sadhana.

Key Themes and Messages:

• The Paramount Importance of the Guru: The play consistently highlights the Guru as the essential guide, illuminator, and creator in the spiritual journey.
• The Path of Sadhana: Sadhana is presented as the direct route to self-purification, overcoming worldly attachments, and achieving ultimate happiness and liberation.
• The Shraman Life: The text provides a detailed description of the Shraman way of life, emphasizing renunciation, restraint, detachment, minimal needs, self-study, and spiritual discipline.
• Overcoming Suffering: The play offers solutions to worldly suffering through the principles of detachment, right conduct, and spiritual practice.
• Virtuous Conduct (Shil): Shil is recognized as the cornerstone of spiritual development and societal well-being.
• Inner Transformation: The ultimate goal is the transformation of the self, leading to inner peace, enlightenment, and liberation.
• Gratitude and Devotion: The play conveys deep respect and gratitude towards the Guru.

In essence, "Sadhna ke Guru Shikhar Par" is a devotional and educational piece that celebrates the wisdom of Jainism and the profound impact of a spiritual master in guiding individuals towards a life of purpose, virtue, and ultimate spiritual freedom.