Samayshataka Tatha Samtashatak

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samayshataka tatha Samtashatak" (साम्यशतक तथा समताशतक), based on the provided pages from the Jain Education International archive.

Book Title: Samayshataka tatha Samtashatak (साम्यशतक तथा समताशतक) Author(s): Sinhsuri (Shri Vijay Sinh Suri), Yashovijay Upadhyay (Shri Yashovijayji) Publisher: Jain Sahitya Vikas Mandal Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001541/1

Overview:

The book is a compilation of two significant Jain works focused on the core Jain principle of Samya (सांय) or Samata (समता), which translates to equanimity, impartiality, or mental equilibrium.

1. Samayshataka (साम्यशतक): Authored by Shri Vijay Sinh Suri, this work is in Sanskrit and consists of verses (shlokas). It is described as a "short but profound" work, delving into the subtle aspects of equanimity.
2. Samtashatak (समताशतक): Authored by the renowned Jain scholar Shri Yashovijayji Upadhyay, this work is a Gujarati translation and elaboration of the Samayshataka. While it adheres to the essence of the Sanskrit original, it is enriched by Shri Yashovijayji's independent genius, making it a beautiful poetic rendition and a more detailed exploration of the subject.

Central Theme and Significance:

The primary message of both texts is that Samya or Samata is the ultimate essence and secret of the Jain spiritual path. It is considered more important than the worship of Brahma, Ishvara, or Karma for other philosophical schools. The texts emphasize that any spiritual practice, to be effective for liberation (moksha), must ultimately culminate in a state of Samata.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

• The Essence of Moksha: The texts highlight that the "Samayik Dharma" (सामायिक धर्म) is the supreme cause of liberation, and its very lifeblood is "Samya" or "Samata Bhava" (समताभाव). This state is exemplified by the "Vasi Chandan Kalpa" (वासीचंदन कल्प) - a state of equanimity where one remains unaffected by external actions, whether it be being cut like sandalwood or a reed. It implies maintaining a benevolent attitude even towards those who cause harm.
• Role in Spiritual Progress:
  • All Tirthankaras take a vow of "Samayika" (सामायिक) upon initiation, and this state gives rise to fourth-level Omniscience (मन: पर्यवज्ञान).
  • Samata is presented as the ultimate support for attaining Kevala Jnana (omniscience) by destroying karma.
  • Even with diverse external religious practices (like Svetambara, Digambara, Buddhist, etc.), it is the inner state of equanimity that leads to liberation.
• Practice and Attainment:
  • The texts stress that all external and internal Jain practices are prescribed to cultivate and enhance Samata.
  • Karma that cannot be exhausted through intense penance over millions of births can be destroyed by a mind filled with Samata in an instant.
  • The cultivation of virtues, ascetic practices, and meditation (dhyana) are meaningful only if they are aimed at achieving Samata.
• Samayik in Jain Practice:
  • Right faith (Samyakdarshan), right knowledge (Samyakgyan), and right conduct (Samyakcharitra) are only considered "Samyak" (right) when infused with the goal of Samata.
  • The term "Samayik" is linked to these three aspects, resulting in "Samyakdarshan Samayik," "Shrut Samayik," and "Charitra Samayik." Even within the five types of conduct (charitra), "Samayik Charitra" is primary and foundational for the success of others.
• The Power of Samata:
  • The texts emphasize the profound influence of Samata and Vishamata (inequanimity) on our lives, affecting the body, mind, and consciousness.
  • Samata is the foundation of meditation.
  • The texts explain that the realization of Samata leads to the cessation of worldly desires and the experience of unparalleled happiness.
  • Samata is the essence of spiritual effort (purushartha).
• Samata and Mental State:
  • Mental peace (samadhi) is achieved when dualistic perceptions (like pleasure/pain, honor/dishonor) are overcome.
  • The texts describe stages of mental control (manogupti): freedom from imagination, establishment in equanimity, and absorption in the self.
  • Balanced breathing is presented as a tool for establishing equanimity.
• The Nature of the Self: The ultimate secret of the soul lies in its inherent Samata.
• Philosophical Underpinnings: The texts discuss the dissolution of worldly illusions through equanimity, the illusory nature of worldly pleasures, the destructiveness of anger, pride, greed, and the efficacy of forgiveness and detachment. They also critique the superficiality of knowledge without inner transformation.

Structure and Content of the Book:

The book includes:

• Foreword by Pandit Bhadrakar Vijayji Ganivar: Highlighting the importance of these texts for spiritual seekers.
• Foreword by Seth Shri Amritlal Kalidas Doshi: Explaining the rationale behind publishing these two works together and elaborating on the significance of Samata in life, meditation, and spiritual realization.
• Editorial by Shri Subodhchandra Nanalal Shah: Detailing the effort behind compiling and publishing the book, including the origin of the texts, the translation process, and the cross-referencing between the two works.
• Samayshataka (with translation): The Sanskrit verses of Shri Vijay Sinh Suri, followed by their Gujarati translation.
• Samtashatak (with Gujarati translation): The Gujarati verses of Shri Yashovijayji Upadhyay, elaborating on the themes of Samata.
• Appendices:
  • Appendix 1: A comparison of the Samayshataka and Samtashatak, showing the parallels between their verses.
  • Appendix 2: An alphabetical index of the verses of the Samayshataka for ease of reference.
  • Errata: A list of corrections for any printing errors.
  • Information on other publications of the organization.

Authors and Their Contributions:

• Shri Vijay Sinh Suri: Author of Samayshataka, a Sanskrit work, and a disciple in a lineage originating from Acharya Shri Abhayadev Suri. His period is the latter half of the 12th century and the first half of the 13th century. He is also credited with other works.
• Shri Yashovijayji Upadhyay: A highly respected scholar and author of Samtashatak. He is praised for his ability to convey profound spiritual truths in accessible and poetic language. His work is seen as a brilliant elaboration of Samayshataka, adding poetic embellishments and greater depth.

Publisher's Goal:

The Jain Sahitya Vikas Mandal published this compilation with the noble intention of providing spiritual seekers with valuable material that aids in their journey towards liberation.

In essence, "Samayshataka tatha Samtashatak" is a profound guide to cultivating equanimity, a fundamental pillar of Jain philosophy and practice, offering deep insights into its spiritual significance and practical application for achieving ultimate bliss and liberation.