Samayik

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samayik" by T.U. Mehta, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Samayik (સામાયિક) Author: T.U. Mehta (Presented by) Publisher: Umedchand and Kusumbaben Charitable Trust, Ahmedabad

Overall Purpose: The book "Samayik" (meaning equanimity or a period of spiritual practice) is a guide to understanding and performing the Jain religious practice of Samayik. It aims to help practitioners achieve a state of equanimity, mental peace, and self-realization by engaging in specific prayers and contemplative practices. The text emphasizes the importance of detachment from worldly activities and focusing on the soul.

Key Sections and Concepts:

1. Introduction and Definition of Samayik/Kayotsarg:

   • The term "Samayik" is derived from "Samai," meaning the attainment of equanimity or a state of equanimity (raag-dwesh rahit avastha).
   • The core objective of Samayik is to achieve a temporary state of equanimity and peace, with the ultimate goal of making this state permanent.
   • Kayotsarg (Kaussag) is central to Samayik. It means "utterance of the body" or forgetting the physical self to realize the spiritual self. It involves detaching from all activities of the body that are linked to worldly affairs and the resulting emotions like attachment, aversion, etc.
   • The practice aims to control mental agitation and focus the mind on the soul.

2. The Path to Equanimity:

   • The book acknowledges the difficulty of controlling the mind, comparing it to controlling the wind.
   • It presents two methods for mind control, as mentioned in the Gita: Vairagya (detachment) and Abhyasa (practice).
   • Samayik incorporates both:
     • Vairagya: Achieved through reciting mantras like the Navkar Mantra, Tikhutto, and Loggasa, which evoke a sense of detachment.
     • Abhyasa: Achieved through the regular and disciplined practice of Samayik, and the recitation of Iriyavahiya, which aims to eliminate violence stemming from passions.

3. Methods of Meditation within Samayik:

   • The book details several meditation techniques to aid in Kayotsarg:
     • Simple Sitting Meditation: Sit in a quiet place with a straight spine, free from mental or physical stress, preferably in the morning.
     • Self-Inquiry: Ask fundamental questions about the purpose of human life (eternal peace and joy), the source of this peace (eternal things vs. temporary things), and what is eternal in life (the soul vs. the body).
     • Affirmation: The mantra "I am the soul, pure, indestructible, naturally joyful" is suggested for constant remembrance.
     • Breath Awareness: Focus entirely on the process of breathing in and out. Thoughts will arise; do not get caught by them, but let them pass like watching a movie.
     • Mindfulness of the Soul: While breathing, keep the sole realization that the true self is the soul, and these bodily activities are temporary.
     • Chakra Meditation: Focusing attention on the seven chakras in the body (Sahasrara, Ajna, Vishuddhi, Anahata, Manipura, Svadhisthana, Muladhara) is also presented as a method of Kayotsarg.
     • Omkar Chanting: Chanting "Om" during exhalation is a simple way to focus the mind and achieve spiritual peace, as "Om" is accepted across Vedic, Jain, and Buddhist traditions. Jain scholars see the Navkar Mantra within "Omkar."

4. The Structure of Samayik Prayers:

   • The book provides the prayers in their original Ardha-Magadhi script and also in a poetic translation (padyanuvad), notably by Muni Shri Santbalji.
   • Pledge (Karemi Bhange Sutra): A formal declaration at the beginning of Samayik, renouncing sinful activities and committing to the practice.
   • Navkar Mantra (Path 1): The fundamental Jain mantra, paying homage to the five supreme beings (Arihanta, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu). The poetic translation uses a Ghazal style.
   • Tikhutto (Path 2): A prayer expressing reverence and seeking blessings from the Panch Parmeshthi, also presented in a Ghazal.
   • Iriyavahiya (Path 3): A prayer seeking forgiveness for any harm caused to living beings through actions of mind, speech, or body. It details various categories of beings (one-sensed to five-sensed) and the potential for unintentional harm. The poetic translation is in a devotional song style.
   • Tassottari (Path 4): This is described as the Kayotsarg or Samadhi prayer. It details the purpose of Kayotsarg and acknowledges unavoidable bodily movements (like coughing, sneezing) during the practice, stating that the intention (Bhavana) is what matters. It also reiterates the importance of focusing on the soul and seeking forgiveness.
   • Loggasa (Path 5): A prayer glorifying the 24 Tirthankaras, acknowledging their role in establishing the Jain path and seeking their blessings for spiritual progress, health, and peace. The poetic translation is in the Doha meter.
   • Samayik Adaravano Path (Path 6): A prayer for committing to the practice of Samayik, renouncing sinful activities, and seeking inner peace.
   • Namo Thunna (Path 7): A highly revered prayer in Jainism, expressing profound devotion and salutations to the Arihantas. The book provides the original text and an extensive poetic rendition, describing the virtues and accomplishments of the Arihantas. It mentions that this prayer should be recited three times.
   • Samayik Palavani Vidhi (Path 8): A prayer for observing Samayik correctly, acknowledging past lapses, seeking forgiveness for deviations, and renewing commitment to equanimity. It covers various types of transgressions, including those of mind, speech, and body, and errors in reciting the prayers.
   • Kshamapana (Khamaana): A prayer of repentance and seeking forgiveness, attributed to Shrimad Rajchandra. It expresses deep remorse for not adhering to the teachings of the Lord, for being lost in worldly affairs, and for the impurities of the soul. It culminates in seeking refuge in the Jinas, their Dharma, and their Sadhus, and requesting liberation from sins.
   • Concluding Prayers: After the main prayers, it is recommended to recite the Namo Thunna and Navkar Mantra again to formally conclude the Samayik practice.

5. Author's Observations:

   • The presenter, Chumbaklala U. Mehta, suggests that the traditional order of Samayik prayers might not be entirely logical, proposing that the "Samayik Adaravano Path" (Path 6) should ideally come earlier as it sets the intention for the subsequent prayers. However, he refrains from suggesting changes due to the established practice among many practitioners.
   • He also notes the inclusion of a Kshamapana prayer composed by Shrimad Rajchandra.

Author's (Chumbaklala K. Mehta) Background: The book includes a profile of the presenter, Chumbaklala K. Mehta. He is a retired Chief Justice of the Himachal High Court, actively involved in public affairs in Gujarat. He is the president of the Bha. Na. Pra. Sangh, founded by Muni Shri Santbalji, and a member of the editorial board of the monthly magazine "Vishva Vatsalya." He is a scholar of world religions, especially Jain philosophy. The profile lists his other publications, which include works on Jain principles, the life of Muni Shri Santbalji, Anandghan stanzas, Uttaradhyayan, and other spiritual and legal texts.

In essence, "Samayik" by T.U. Mehta serves as a comprehensive manual for performing the essential Jain practice of Samayik, offering both the traditional prayers and insightful explanations, along with poetic renditions to deepen the spiritual experience.