Samayik Ek Adhyatmik Prayog

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Samayik Ek Adhyatmik Prayog" by Subhash Lunkad:

This book, "Samayik: An Spiritual Experiment," by Dr. Subhash Lunkad, published by Kalpana Lunkad, aims to present a simplified and spiritually profound understanding of Samayik, a fundamental Jain practice. The book is dedicated to the author's parents, who instilled religious values in him.

Core Concepts and Philosophy:

• Samayik as a Sacred Ritual and Prayer: The book defines Samayik as a true form of worship for Jain laypersons (Shravaks). It's an internal journey into one's own temple of the mind to discover the inner divinity and purify the soul. Unlike traditional worship, Samayik doesn't require external objects like sandalwood, incense, flowers, fire, or money; it only needs two hours, pure intentions, and a spiritual thirst.
• The Supreme Vow: Among the twelve vows (vratas) prescribed for Shravaks, Samayik is considered the most significant and paramount. It's the primary means to liberation, practiced from the fifth to the fourteenth spiritual stages. The complete integration of Samayik into life is considered liberation (Moksha). Muni and Tirthankar, upon initiation, vow to observe Samayik lifelong.
• Samayik as an Spiritual Experiment: The book emphasizes that principles don't lead to spiritual progress unless practiced. Samayik is presented as an "experiment" to connect with inner happiness and requires daily practice. It's a "training vow" (Shikshavrata) that, through repeated practice, integrates equanimity (Samata Bhava) into daily life, leading to the true results of Samayik.
• The Essence of Samayik: Samata Bhava (Equanimity): The core objective of Samayik is to attain "Samata Bhava," which means to see all living beings as equal. This equality is not based on external appearances (color, form, size) but on the level of consciousness or soul. Every soul is eternal, indestructible, and capable of achieving divinity by shedding karmic bonds.
• The Pillars of Samayik: Kayotsarg and Dharmadhyan: To achieve Samata Bhava within Samayik, the book highlights two crucial classical steps:
  • Kayotsarg (Detachment from the Body): This involves understanding the self as the imperishable soul, distinct from the perishable body. It's the process of realizing one's true identity beyond physical form. The phrase "Aappanam Voshirami" (I separate myself) signifies this.
  • Dharmadhyan and Shukladhyan (Meditative Contemplation): Dharmadhyan is the practice of focusing the mind with concentration and purity of thought, aiming to understand one's true nature. Shukladhyan is the advanced, pure state of Dharmadhyan where one is free from attachment and aversion, leading to the manifestation of the pure soul. This meditation is the foundation of achieving the state of equanimity.
• Critique of Traditional Samayik: The author points out perceived flaws in the traditional practice of Samayik:
  • Language Barrier: Many devotees recite ancient Prakrit (Ardh-Magadhi) verses without understanding their meaning, hindering genuine spiritual connection. The book suggests translating these texts or understanding their meaning deeply.
  • Lack of Guidance on Samata: While traditional Samayik includes activities like scripture study or chanting, there's often no clear guidance on how these practices lead to the attainment of equanimity.
  • Misunderstanding of Kayotsarg: Kayotsarg, the core of Samayik, is often performed incorrectly or given insufficient time. The recitation of specific prayers like "Ichchhakarein" or "Logass" during Kayotsarg is questioned for its relevance to physical detachment.
  • Insufficient Emphasis on True Meditation: The book argues that the traditional approach often relies on external aids (like chanting or scripture reading) instead of directly guiding the practitioner into deep meditation and self-realization, which are essential for achieving Samata. The author believes many followers get stuck in these external practices without progressing to the core spiritual experience.
• An Ideal Samayik Method: The book proposes a structured 48-minute Samayik practice:
  1. Preparation: Arrive with a cheerful and pure mind, renouncing worldly attachments.
  2. Equipment: Simple seating mat, face cloth (mukhavastrika), and optional cleaning brush (punjani).
  3. Location: A quiet, safe, and clean place.
  4. Attire: Simple, clean, loose-fitting clothes.
  5. Seating: Sit comfortably, maintaining a straight spine, and relax the body.
  6. Invocation: Recite the Navkar Mantra.
  7. Guru Vandana: Recite prayers showing reverence to spiritual guides.
  8. Iriyavahi Pratikraman: A prayer for atonement for any harm caused to living beings.
  9. Samayik Sankalp (Intention): A vow to practice equanimity and detachment.
  10. Kayotsarg and Dharmadhyan: The core practice involves focusing on breath, developing witness consciousness, and then meditating on the oneness of consciousness in all beings. This is followed by visualizing oneself as pure soul and the pursuit of liberation.
  11. Concluding Prayers: Recite concluding verses.
  12. Navkar Mantra: Conclude with the Navkar Mantra before rising.
• Benefits of Samayik:
  • Mental: Deep peace, reduced stress, enhanced self-power, equanimity in difficult situations, control over vices (anger, greed, ego), and lasting mental tranquility.
  • Verbal: Soft, loving, and calming speech due to the development of love, friendship, and compassion.
  • Physical: Improved immunity, reduction in stress-related illnesses, and overall better health. The body is seen as a tool for spiritual practice, to be kept healthy.
  • Familial: Harmonious relationships with family members, resolving conflicts with equanimity.
  • Societal: Promoting honesty, integrity, and detachment from divisive factors like caste, creed, or nationality.
  • Spiritual: The ultimate goal is the attainment of inner and outer equanimity, which leads to genuine non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, self-control, and detachment. It helps in overcoming the six inner enemies (kama, krodha, etc.) and ultimately leads to the shedding of karmic bonds, spiritual progress, and the realization of one's true, divine nature.
• Samayik as a Universal Practice: The proposed method of Samayik is presented as a universal spiritual practice, accessible to all humans irrespective of their religion or background, as it focuses on the fundamental principles of soul-consciousness and equanimity, not specific deities or rituals. The Navkar Mantra, being a salutation to all enlightened beings, serves as a unifying element.

In essence, Dr. Subhash Lunkad's book is a guide to revitalizing the practice of Samayik by focusing on its core spiritual essence – achieving equanimity through introspection, meditation, and detachment. It aims to make this profound practice accessible and impactful for the modern seeker, promising significant spiritual and personal transformation.