Samatvayoga Ek Samanvay Drushti - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samatvayoga Ek Samanvay Drushti" by Dr. Pritam Singhvi:

Book Title: Samatvayoga Ek Samanvay Drushti (Equanimity: A Synthetic Viewpoint) Author: Dr. Pritam Singhvi Publisher: Navdarshan Society of Self-Development, Ahmedabad Year of Publication: 1996

Core Theme: The book's central theme is Samatvayoga (समत्वयोग), which translates to the "Yoga of Equanimity." The author posits that "Samatvam Yogam Uchchayate" (समत्वं योगमुच्यते), meaning equanimity is yoga. Equanimity is presented not just as a philosophical concept but as the very essence of the divine and the ultimate goal of Indian ethical and yogic practices.

Key Concepts and Arguments:

Definition of Equanimity (Samata): Equanimity is defined as:
- Stability of Mind (मन की स्थिरता): A calm and unwavering state of mind.
- Sublimation of Attachment and Aversion (रागद्वेष का उपशमन): The pacification of feelings of liking and disliking towards objects or beings.
- Equitable Disposition (समभाव): Remaining undisturbed and balanced amidst happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, victory and defeat. It is about remaining in one's true nature, free from the fluctuations of external influences.
- Equanimity as the Nature of the Supreme Soul: It is considered the direct manifestation of the divine or the supreme soul.
Centrality in Jainism: The book emphasizes that this ideal of equanimity (Samabhava) is the focal point of Jainism. Lord Mahavir is highlighted as the first to preach equanimity, which is intrinsically linked to Ahimsa (non-violence), as all beings desire to live and none wish to die.
Comparative Study: A significant aspect of the book is its comparative analysis of equanimity as presented in Jainism, Buddhism, and the Bhagavad Gita (Vedic tradition). The author aims to show that despite their different approaches and terminology, these traditions fundamentally share the same goal of achieving equanimity.
Path to Equanimity: The book explores the foundations, means, and practices for attaining equanimity:
- Shanta Rasa (शान्तरस) as the Basis: Spiritual peace (Shanta Rasa) is identified as the core foundation of equanimity, stemming from the freedom of the soul and the destruction of desires. As attachment and aversion diminish and knowledge illuminates the mind, peace develops within.
- Methods of Sadhana (Practice): The book details various practices across traditions:
  - Jainism: Ratnatraya (रत्नत्रय - Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct), Samayika (सामायिक - a ritual of equanimity), and Pratikraman (प्रतिक्रमण - confession and atonement).
  - Buddhism: Eightfold Path (comprising right view, right resolve, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration), various meditation practices like Vipashyana, and the four Brahmaviharas (Maitri, Karuna, Mudita, Upeksha).
  - Bhagavad Gita: Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge), Karma Yoga (Path of Action), and Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion).
- Anekantavada (अनेकान्तवाद) as the Ground for Harmony: The principle of Anekantavada (non-one-sidedness or manifoldness of reality) is presented as the foundation for coordination, peace, and equanimity. It counters narrow-mindedness and intolerance, promoting understanding and acceptance of diverse viewpoints. By recognizing that reality has infinite aspects, Anekantavada resolves apparent contradictions and fosters a synthetic view.
- Other Philosophers: The book also briefly touches upon the ideas of Plato (justice in society and the soul) and Karl Marx (equality and critique of capitalism) in relation to equanimity, as well as Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa and Aparigraha (non-possession) as practical manifestations of equanimity.
- Bhedavigyan (भेदविज्ञान): The understanding of the distinction between the soul and the body/mind is crucial for detaching from worldly possessions and ego, which is fundamental to achieving equanimity.
The Importance of Equanimity: The book argues that equanimity is essential for overcoming the disharmony, suffering, and turmoil prevalent in personal, social, religious, political, and economic spheres. It is presented as a scientific approach to life that can lead to lasting joy and inner peace, transcending life's crises.
Samatvayoga as Praxis: The book emphasizes that equanimity is not merely an abstract concept but a practical way of living, a science that can be applied to daily life to achieve a state of tranquility and well-being.

Structure of the Book:

The book is structured into six chapters, systematically exploring the concept of Samatvayoga:

Chapter 1: Samatvayoga: Discusses the meaning, definition, nature, and importance of equanimity, including its connection to Ahimsa and its presence in Buddhism and the Bhagavad Gita. It also briefly mentions its relevance in modern thought through thinkers like Gandhi, Plato, and Karl Marx.
Chapter 2: The Basis of Equanimity - Shanta Rasa and Emotions: Delves into the concept of Shanta Rasa (the aesthetic sentiment of peace) as the bedrock of equanimity and analyzes the role of emotions, particularly the four Bhavanas (friendship, joy in others' happiness, compassion, and impartiality).
Chapter 3: The Means to Attain Equanimity in Jainism - Ratnatraya (Knowledge, Faith, Conduct): Explains the Jain concept of the "three jewels" (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra) as the path to liberation and compares them with similar concepts in Buddhist (Prajna, Shila, Samadhi) and Vedic (Jnana, Karma, Bhakti) traditions.
Chapter 4: The Practice of Equanimity - Samayika and Pratikraman: Provides a detailed analysis of Samayika (the Jain ritual of equanimity) and Pratikraman, including their meanings, types, importance, and a comparative study with Vedic Sandhya.
Chapter 5: The Foundation of Coordination, Peace, and Equanimity - Anekantavada: Explores Anekantavada as the philosophical basis for harmony and equanimity, highlighting its role in resolving conflicts and fostering tolerance. It discusses its origins, objectives, and relevance to other philosophical systems.
Chapter 6: The Process of Attaining Equanimity - Yoga, Austerity, Spiritual Development, and Liberation: Details the role of Yoga, Tapas (austerities), meditation, and the spiritual developmental stages (gunasthanas in Jainism) leading to liberation (Moksha/Nirvana).

Overall Contribution: "Samatvayoga Ek Samanvay Drushti" is presented as a significant contribution to understanding equanimity from a synthetic and comparative perspective. It aims to demystify ancient concepts, redefine them in modern terminology, and propagate equanimity for the welfare and well-being of mankind, offering a path to overcome stress, conflict, and mental disturbances. The book is lauded for its lucid exposition and its ability to create a sound base for understanding the philosophy and means of achieving equanimity.