Samayik Se Samta Ka Abhyas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samayik se Samta ka Abhyas" by Hirachandra Acharya:

The book "Samayik se Samta ka Abhyas" (Practice of Equanimity through Samayik) by Acharya Hirachandra Ji discusses the profound significance of Samayik, a core practice in Jainism, as a path to achieving equanimity (Samta). The author emphasizes that Samayik is not merely a ritual but a fundamental spiritual discipline that guides individuals towards self-realization and spiritual growth.

Core Concepts:

• Samayik as the Foundation: Samayik is described as the initial vow for ascetics (Shraman-Shramani) and a preparatory vow (Shikshavrat) for lay followers (Shravak-Shravika). It is presented as the practice of cultivating equanimity in life.
• Purpose of Samayik: The primary purpose of Samayik is to renounce disturbing emotions like Arta (sorrowful) and Raudra (fierce) meditation and to remain in a state of equanimity by abstaining from all sinful activities (Savadyakriya).
• Equanimity as the Basis of Virtues: Just as the sky is the basis for all substances, the earth for all beings, and compassion for all religions, Samayik (leading to equanimity) is the foundation for all virtues. Without equanimity, even worldly possessions and achievements can become sources of jealousy and conflict.
• Detachment from Worldly Possessions: The text draws parallels with great souls like Lord Mahavir, Gautam Buddha, and Chakravarti Bharat, who renounced immense wealth, palaces, and kingdoms, finding them to be meaningless and even frightening without spiritual development. They embraced Samayik and the path of self-development.
• Salvation through Samayik: The scripture states that those who have attained salvation, those who are on the path, and those who will attain it in the future have all done so through the influence of Samayik.
• Inner Transformation is Key: No amount of wealth, knowledge, scientific advancement, or external practices like tonsure, renouncing clothes, or adopting specific attire can solve problems without the emergence of equanimity (Samabhav) in the heart. Samayik offers the true solution.
• The Nature of the World and Desires: The world is inherently imbalanced, with pairs of opposites like heat and cold, day and night, pleasure and pain, birth and death. While humans constantly strive for happiness and its increase, true fulfillment lies not in fulfilling desires but in transcending them.
• Life as a Game: For a practitioner of Samayik, life is viewed as a game, much like children play games for enjoyment and preparation. Just as one learns to overcome challenges in business or other endeavors, Samayik teaches one to face life's challenges with equanimity and resilience. The goal is to play this game of life with such equanimity that one no longer needs to take birth.
• Consistency and Practice: The benefits of Samayik can only be realized through continuous practice. Sporadic practice yields little benefit, much like a plant needs consistent watering and nourishment to bear fruit. Regular practice purges negativity and fosters equanimity.
• Avoiding Misconceptions: It is crucial to avoid the misconception that Samayik or Pratikraman can absolve any sin committed. The purpose of Samayik is for purification and the shedding of karmas, not as a license to sin. It should be performed with the right understanding, free from worldly desires for fame, praise, or prosperity.
• Abstinence from Negative Influences: Practitioners of Samayik must constantly guard against negative influences such as bad company, harmful literature, detrimental views, evil thoughts, bad habits, and negative meditations.
• Samayik Beyond Ritual: Samayik should not be confined to religious places or a specific duration (like 48 minutes). Its influence should permeate every aspect of life, inspiring others. True practitioners maintain equanimity even in adverse situations.
• Understanding the True Meaning: The true meaning of Samayik is to treat all beings as oneself and to behave with equanimity in all circumstances. It is about fostering goodwill and impartiality.
• Definitions of Samayik: Samayik is defined in various ways:
  • Friendliness towards all beings.
  • Knowledge, perception, and conduct (according to some Acharyas).
  • The soul itself (according to Bhagavati Sutra).
  • A practice oriented towards liberation.
  • The act of bringing someone from punishment to freedom from punishment (Gurudev Hasti).
  • Excellent conduct.
  • Becoming balanced within oneself.
  • A spiritual practice, not a display.
  • A practice that requires self-study (Swadhyaya).
  • A key component for attaining liberation.
  • Fulfilling one's duties at the appropriate time.
• Samayik as a Multifaceted Practice: Samayik is a multidimensional practice that paves the way for liberation. Those who practice it can experience the life of an ascetic and can avoid lower realms of existence, progressing towards divine and liberated states.
• The Principles of Samayik:
  • Renunciation of Arta and Raudra: The first characteristic is the abandonment of sorrowful and fierce thoughts.
  • Abstinence from Sinful Activities: The second is the renunciation of sinful actions.
  • Control of All Senses: The third is the control of all senses, understanding them as deceptive allurements.
• The Importance of Inner Purity: The practice begins with vows like "Karemi Bhante! Samaiyam" (I undertake Samayik, reverend Sir) and "Savajjam Jogam Paccakkhāmi" (I renounce sinful actions). The subsequent steps of "Padikkamāmi, Nindāmi, Garahāmi" (I repent, condemn, and criticize) and "Appānam Vosirāmi" (I surrender myself) symbolize purification.
• Formal vs. True Samayik: Performing Samayik merely by changing clothes, sitting for an hour, and reciting prayers is considered superficial (Dastur ki Samayik) without true inner equanimity. The author advocates integrating self-study (Swadhyaya) with Samayik for genuine spiritual progress.
• The Four Purities (Chaturshuddhi): For the proper practice of Samayik, four types of purity are essential:
  1. Dravya Shuddhi (Purity of Material/Equipment): This involves using pure, simple, and appropriate equipment for Samayik, such as clean clothing, a suitable seating mat, and a pure mouth cloth. The author advises against ostentatious or distracting items. The attire should be simple and uniform to foster a sense of equality and devotion.
  2. Kshetra Shuddhi (Purity of Place): Samayik should be performed in a calm, peaceful, and undisturbed environment, free from worldly distractions, noise, and the atmosphere of commencing or accumulating activities. A dedicated prayer room or a quiet corner is recommended.
  3. Kaal Shuddhi (Purity of Time): Samayik should be performed at appropriate times, preferably before sunrise or after sunset. It is also crucial to prioritize family responsibilities, especially caring for the elderly and infirm, before engaging in Samayik.
  4. Bhava Shuddhi (Purity of Mind/Intent): This is the most critical purity. It involves purity of mind, speech, and body.
     • Mind Purity: The mind is the root of bondage and liberation. Samayik is essential during periods of attachment and agitation to attain peace and freedom. Controlling the mind, reducing attachment, and finding contentment are key. Mental discipline leads to control over senses and desires.
     • Speech Purity: Speech should be measured, truthful, and beneficial. Avoiding harsh, flattering, or divisive words is crucial. Silence, speaking sparingly, and expressing oneself thoughtfully contribute to speech purity.
     • Body Purity: This refers to physical control and discipline. Sitting in a stable posture, avoiding unnecessary movements, and controlling the senses are vital. The external conduct reflects inner purity.

Conclusion:

The book emphasizes that Samayik is a profound spiritual practice that leads to equanimity and ultimately to liberation. It encourages sincere and consistent practice, focusing on inner purification, detachment from worldly entanglements, and living a life guided by virtues. The author concludes by stating that Samayik is indispensable for achieving liberation, and by diligently practicing it with the right understanding and purity, individuals can indeed conquer their vices and reach their ultimate spiritual goal.