Saman Suttam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Saman Suttam," based on the supplied pages:

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The book "Saman Suttam" is presented as the first Italian publication of canonical texts from Jainism, one of India's lesser-known but highly original doctrines and ascetic practices. The text aims to synthesize the core principles and precepts of Jainism, a religion that shares philosophical ground with Buddhism, particularly in its atheistic stance (denying a creator God) and its emphasis on rigorous asceticism for spiritual liberation. The book is structured into verses, similar to the Dhammapada, making it accessible for recitation and study.

Key Doctrines and Concepts Presented:

• Non-Violence (Ahimsa): This is the central and most significant doctrine of Jainism. It is described as the "golden rule" and extends to all living beings – human, animal, and even plants and insects. The principle of Ahimsa is deeply integrated into the Jain way of life, advocating for living and letting live, and loving and serving all creatures. This dedication to life aligns with modern ecological movements.
• Atheism and the Nature of God: Jainism is explicitly stated as an atheistic spiritual doctrine. It does not believe in a creator God or a prime mover. Instead, the universe is considered eternal and uncreated. The concept of "God" is understood as the "Essence of Life" that animates all creatures, and ultimately, God is identified with the state of perfect faith, knowledge, and conduct, which is Ahimsa.
• The Path to Liberation: The core goal in Jainism is the liberation of the immortal soul (ātmā) from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (transmigration). This liberation is achieved through rigorous asceticism, self-control, and purification. The path is illuminated by the "Three Jewels": right faith (samyaktva), right knowledge (samyagjnana), and right conduct (samyagchāritra).
• The Soul (Ātmā): Jainism posits that each individual possesses a unique, eternal, and potentially divine soul (ātmā). This soul is the active agent in its own liberation. All souls are considered potentially omniscient and holy, with divinity residing within each individual and needing to be cultivated.
• Asceticism and Renunciation: The path to liberation involves strict ascetic practices, including renunciation of worldly possessions, passions, and attachments. The text highlights the importance of self-mastery, penance, meditation, and vigilance in achieving spiritual progress.
• Karma and Reincarnation: Jainism accepts the Vedic theories of karma and reincarnation. However, it emphasizes that individuals are not passive recipients of karma but direct causes of it, with the ability to modify their karmic consequences through their actions and intentions.
• The Tirthankaras: These are the "ford-makers" or "bridge-builders," great spiritual teachers who guide humanity across the ocean of suffering. Vardhamāna Mahāvīra is presented as the 24th and last Tirthankara of the present era, continuing an ancient spiritual tradition. Rṣabhadeva is considered the mythical founder.
• Anekāntavāda (The Doctrine of Many-Sidedness): This philosophical principle, also known as Syādvāda ("the doctrine of 'perhaps' or 'may be'"), is central to Jainism. It asserts that reality is complex and multi-faceted. No single statement can capture the absolute truth; truth is relative to the point of view. This promotes tolerance, open-mindedness, and the reconciliation of seemingly contradictory viewpoints.
• The Structure of the Universe: Jainism has a detailed cosmology, outlining the universe (loka) as composed of six substances (dravya): soul (jīva), matter (pudgala), the principle of motion (dharma), the principle of rest (adharma), space (ākāśa), and time (kāla). The universe is considered eternal and uncreated.
• Vows and Ethical Conduct: The text outlines specific ethical precepts and vows for both laity (śrāvaka) and monks. These include the five great vows (mahāvrata) for monks (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, non-possession) and five minor vows (aņuvrata) for laics, along with seven disciplinary vows (śikṣhāvrata).
• The Saman Suttam: This compilation itself is presented as a significant achievement, born from an initiative by Vinobaji (influenced by Gandhi) to unite the various Jain sects. Monks from all sects reviewed and approved the text, which was first published in Prakrit, then translated into English, and now into Italian. It aims to provide a unified essence of Jain teachings.
• The Importance of Intention and Vigilance: The text stresses that the application of Ahimsa, and indeed all ethical principles, requires constant attention and vigilance. Even accidental harm caused by inattention is considered culpable, while vigilant action, even if inadvertently causing harm, is seen as pure.
• The Conduct of Laypeople and Monks: A distinction is made between the conduct of lay followers and monks, with monks undertaking a more rigorous path of renunciation. However, the path of a layperson is seen as a gradual progression towards the monastic ideal.
• The Nature of Karma and the Leshyas: The text details the eight types of karma and their effects. It also describes the concept of "leshyas" – the subtle colors or tinctures of the soul determined by one's mental state and actions. These leshyas are categorized from the most negative (black, blue, grey) to the most positive (golden yellow, lotus-colored, white), influencing one's rebirth and experiences.
• Spiritual Progress and Liberation: The text outlines a progressive path of spiritual development through fourteen stages, leading to complete liberation (moksha or nirvana). This journey involves purifying the soul from karmic matter through knowledge, faith, conduct, and asceticism.
• Death with Serenity (Sallekhanā): The text discusses the Jain practice of Sallekhanā, a voluntary fast unto death undertaken by those who are incurably ill, extremely old, or unable to resist passions. It is considered the ultimate act of non-violence and detachment, a serene embrace of death.

Historical and Editorial Context:

The publication of "Saman Suttam" is presented as a historic event, bridging doctrinal divisions within Jainism. The initiative was spearheaded by Vinobaji and supported by numerous scholars and monks, culminating in a unified text. The Italian edition is a translation from the English version, which in turn was based on a unified Prakrit version. The text emphasizes the deep influence of Mahāvīra's teachings, comparable to that of the Bhagavadgītā on Vinobaji.

In essence, "Saman Suttam" offers a foundational and comprehensive overview of Jain philosophy and practice, emphasizing its profound commitment to non-violence, self-purification, and spiritual liberation through rigorous ethical conduct and asceticism.