Sadhna Of Mahavira As Depicted In Upadhan Sruta - Book Summary

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The provided text, "Sadhana of Mahavira as Depicted in Upadhan Sruta" by Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, delves into the ascetic practices and spiritual journey of Lord Mahavira as described in the Upadhanasruta section of the Acarangasutra.

Key Points about the Acarangasutra and Upadhanasruta:

Acara and Liberation: The Acarangasutra, the first Anga of Jain canonical texts, focuses on conduct (acara). Mahavira's concept of acara is expansive, encompassing not just moral behavior but also knowledge, faith, self-discipline, austerities, and spiritual exertion. It represents the three essential means for liberation: right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
Essence of Jain Teachings: Due to its comprehensive nature in describing the path to liberation, the Acarangasutra is considered the essence of all Jain teachings.
Structure and Age: The Acarangasutra is divided into two Srutaskandhas (sections). The first Srutaskandha is generally accepted as the oldest part of the Jain canons. The second, known as the Cula, is a later addition.
The Upadhanasruta: While originally believed to have nine chapters, the first Srutaskandha currently has eight. The Upadhanasruta, the last chapter, is considered by some scholars to be a later addition, though it is undoubtedly older than most other canonical texts. It is credited with providing the oldest, most realistic, and unexaggerated depiction of Mahavira's life and spiritual practice (sadhana) after his initiation.

The Meaning of "Upadhana":

The term "upadhana" has various interpretations within Jain tradition:

Austerity for Liberation: As defined in Sutrakrtanga tika, it refers to austerity that leads to liberation.
Respite for Knowledge: In Sthananga tika, it signifies the means through which knowledge (sruta) finds rest or is absorbed.
Enrichment of Knowledge: In Vyavahara Bhasya tika, it means that which enhances knowledge.
Performance or Doing: In Aupapatika Sutra, it denotes performance or action.
Pillow: In Silanka's commentary on Acaranga, it is interpreted as a pillow.
Abandonment of Worldly Attachments: In Haribhadra's Upadespanda, upadhi refers to things, implements, or attachment to worldly possessions.
Austerity for Reading Sutras: In Pravacana sayra and Vidhimargaprapa, it is used for austerities performed during the reading of canonical texts.
General Understanding: Generally, it refers to austerities undertaken to attain knowledge and encompasses all practices contributing to liberation.

The Acaranga Niryukti further classifies upadhana into Dravya (external things like abode) and Bhava (austerity and conduct). The text concludes that the title Upadhanasruta is fitting for the chapter's content, which details Mahavira's practices.

Mahavira's Sadhana as Depicted in Upadhanasruta:

The chapter highlights specific and prominent features of Mahavira's spiritual discipline:

Constant Vigilance (Apramattata): Mahavira was perpetually alert and never slackened in his spiritual efforts. This vigilance is a core theme, emphasizing consciousness of the self and indifference to the external world.
Equanimity and Equipoised State of Mind (Samata): Mahavira maintained a state of mental balance and composure throughout his sadhana. His ability to bear hardships and adverse situations without disturbance, as indicated by terms like 'Ahiyasae saya samio', showcases his profound self-purification and discipline. Equanimity is presented as crucial for spiritual progress, preventing attachment and aversion, which are the root causes of karma bondage.
Indifference to the External World: Mahavira was completely detached from external circumstances and focused solely on his inner self.
Practice of Meditation (Dhyana): Meditation is the most pervasive theme. Mahavira meditated day and night, remaining self-restrained, mindful, and concentrated. He sought secluded places and, if unavailable, would mentally isolate himself. The text discusses the interpretation of a specific gatha (1/9/1/4) which describes a mode of meditation, with scholarly debate on whether it refers to walking meditation or Trataka dhyana (gazing meditation). Mahavira meditated in complete stillness, enduring both cold and heat without disruption.
Practice of Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Non-violence is presented as the paramount principle. Mahavira meticulously avoided causing harm to any living being, whether by himself or with assistance, demonstrating extreme care in his movements to prevent any apprehension or hindrance to even the smallest creatures.
Abandonment of Bodily Care (Kayotsarga): Mahavira renounced all concern for his physical body, including practices like purgatives, emetics, bathing, and dental hygiene.
Control of Sleep: Following his preaching that the wise are always awake, Mahavira controlled his sleep, often standing up when drowsy. He took only brief naps for bodily maintenance and would immediately return to meditation.
Endurance of Hardships (Parishaha): Mahavira faced severe physical and mental hardships, including attacks by animals, insects, and people. The text details his resilience and unruffled state amidst these adversities, likening him to an elephant on a battlefield.
Places of Residence: Mahavira resided in diverse and often challenging locations, including workshops, assembly halls, shops, deserted houses, and under trees, yet he remained cheerful and uninterrupted in his meditation.
Abandonment of Vitiated and Tasty Food & Practice of Fasting and Dietary Control: Mahavira eschewed delicacies and specific food preferences. He practiced strict dietary control, often fasting for extended periods (two to five days) and subsisting on minimal food and water. He consumed alms with complete control over his passions.

Conclusion:

The Upadhanasruta is highly commended for its successful depiction of Mahavira's rigorous ascetic life, his commitment to non-violence, non-attachment, self-control, and spiritual vigilance. It vividly illustrates his equanimity in the face of hunger, thirst, extreme weather, animal bites, and harsh human treatment. His adherence to this stringent code of conduct ultimately led him to attain omniscience (Keval Jnana). The text concludes by stating that Mahavira's sadhana was characterized by simplicity of heart, continuous self-discipline, and an unwavering commitment to his path, leading to complete self-purification and tranquility.