Samta

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samta" by Taraben R Shah:

The book "Samta" by Taraben R Shah explores the profound concept of equanimity (Samta) within the Jain tradition, defining it as patience, calmness, mental stability, composure, impartiality, and non-violence. Samta is presented as the ability to maintain a balanced and empathetic state of mind regardless of favorable or unfavorable circumstances, positive or negative events, or good or bad people.

The text explains that human minds experience fluctuating states of happiness and sorrow. Attachment (raag) arises towards pleasant experiences, leading to impatience, regret, blame, and jealousy when these experiences turn into suffering. Conversely, the desire to overcome suffering often proves futile, leaving the mind restless and unbalanced. Samta, therefore, is the state of being aware of both happiness and sorrow without attachment or aversion, maintaining a balanced and peaceful disposition.

Key aspects of Samta highlighted in the book include:

• Definition and Meaning: Samta is not weakness, cowardice, apathy, or emotionlessness. It is inner magnanimity, a forgiving spirit, and a well-considered composure in the face of challenges. It involves understanding, discerning, and accepting what is true, auspicious, and real, while also recognizing, evaluating, and relinquishing what is inauspicious and harmful.
• Connection to Great Souls: The text cites the Bhagavad Gita, stating that Samta involves not being disturbed in suffering and not craving happiness. It is considered the essence of a monastic life, with the word "Shraman" itself signifying Samta. Lord Mahavir's vow to maintain Samta throughout his life and treat all beings equally, remaining steadfast even in adverse situations, earned him the title "Mahavir" (Great Hero). The example of Lord Parshvanath, who remained unaffected by the torment of Kamath and the protection of Dharanendra, exemplifies Samta through equal regard for both.
• Samta and Viveka (Discernment): Equanimity fosters discernment, enabling individuals to see, understand, and accept reality. This leads to self-control in speech, thought, and action.
• Benefits of Samta: When individuals achieve Samta, they are inclined towards virtuous deeds and the welfare of themselves and others. It prevents escapism and encourages engagement with life. Samta ensures that neither pleasure nor pain, victory nor defeat, praise nor criticism, honor nor dishonor, gain nor loss can disturb the mind.
• Samta as Yoga: Acharya Haribhadrasuri identifies Samta as one of the five types of Yoga. Union of the mind with equanimity is "Samtayoga." The text emphasizes that the soul is inherently of the nature of equanimity, and achieving this state is the soul's goal. Lord Krishna extols Samta as the highest form of Yoga.
• Jain Philosophy and Samta: The Jain religion prioritizes the renunciation of possessiveness (mamata) and the manifestation of equanimity (samata). Samta eradicates the sense of "mine" and ego, as it is the soul's natural disposition.
• Samta and Ethical Conduct: Individuals practicing true Samta become virtuous. A medicine seller would not offer adulterated medicines to their own kin or others. Similarly, an honest grain merchant would not consume or sell spoiled grains. This principle of impartiality extends to all areas of life, leading to a universally beneficial attitude.
• Samta as the Essence of Jainism: Samta is considered the core of Jain philosophy. The three jewels of Jainism – right faith (samyakdarshan), right knowledge (samyagnan), and right conduct (samyakcharitra) – are encompassed within Samta. Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession), and Anekantavada (non-absolutism) are mutually reinforcing principles that are founded upon Samta.
  • Ahimsa and Samta: Ahimsa signifies a state of equanimity towards all living beings. Through universal empathy, humanity can experience oneness with the consciousness of the entire universe. Greater equanimity leads to better adherence to Ahimsa. Universal love is Ahimsa, and seeing oneself in all beings is Samta.
  • Anekantavada and Samta: Anekantavada embodies the practice of Samta through thought and speech, representing intellectual tolerance. It involves examining differences in thought, beliefs, and religions with impartiality, seeking synthesis to arrive at truth. This is presented as a powerful tool for world peace.
  • Anekantavada and Aparigraha: Anekantavada also signifies intellectual non-possession, meaning freedom from attachment to one's own thoughts or opinions ("what I say is correct"). It involves accepting the truth in others' ideas and abandoning rigid adherence to one's own views. Anekantavada is a valuable means to resolve differences in religion, politics, and family matters.
• Samta and Generosity (Daan): Lord Mahavir advocated for limited possession for householders, identifying greed and hoarding as roots of economic inequality. Keeping more than necessary and depriving others leads to violence and disparity. To counter this, he preached the virtue of daan (charity), where giving is seen not as a favor but as a duty. This practice of equitable distribution is rooted in the ideal of Samta.
• Path to Samta: Achieving Samta requires conscious effort and self-purification. The heart must be cleansed of vices and desires, just as a mirror is cleaned for a clear reflection. The text suggests that cultivating fearlessness (abhay), non-attachment (asanga), and absence of regret (akhed) through overcoming ego, worldly competition, and desires leads to purification of the heart and prepares the ground for Samta.
• Importance of Satsang and Knowledge: Associating with virtuous individuals and studying their conduct fosters the development of Samta. Studying philosophical truths helps understand the true nature of the soul and the distinction between the soul and the perishable body. Contemplating mortality deters wrongdoings and encourages virtuous actions, which are only meaningful if performed with underlying Samta.
• Samayika as a Means to Samta: The Jain religion prescribes essential daily practices for religious observance, and Samayika is highlighted as an excellent means to achieve Samta. The subtle meaning of Samayika is to adopt a state of equanimity. It involves abstaining from sinful activities, repenting for wrongdoings, and making a conscious effort to maintain equanimity for a set period. Regular practice cultivates the habit of equanimity. The text quotes a verse defining Samayika as equanimity towards all beings, self-control, auspicious thoughts, and the abandonment of distressful states of mind.
• The Four Bhavanas (Auspicious States of Mind):
  • Maitri (Friendship): Concern for the welfare of others, encompassing love and forgiveness. Maintaining Samta is crucial for sustained love and forgiveness.
  • Pramod (Joy in Others' Virtues): Experiencing joy in the virtues, happiness, and good qualities of others, including saints and learned individuals. Appreciating virtues, even in opponents, can foster friendships and enhance one's own virtues. Pramod keeps both mind and body cheerful and healthy.
  • Karuna (Compassion): The intention to alleviate the physical and mental suffering of others. This practice leads to the shedding of karma and the purification of one's disposition. Lord Mahavir's compassion towards Sangam Dev is cited as an example. Empathy and understanding are like droplets of nectar for those in distress.
  • Madhyasth (Impartiality with Compassion): A state of detached impartiality towards the unrighteous, strayed, or guilty, without harboring bitterness. This detachment should be compassionate, not cold or harsh. These four bhavanas lead to universal friendship and are considered "Dharma Dhyana" (religious contemplation), helping to transcend painful mental states and cultivate Samta-filled contemplation. They foster compassion, love, generosity, and charity, leading to a stable mind and indescribable joy.
• Samta and Dhyana (Meditation): Samta and Dhyana are complementary. Meditation is not possible without equanimity and mental stability, and meditation further strengthens unwavering Samta. As meditation deepens, a unique consciousness emerges, which is the wisdom of equanimity.
• Samta and Jnana (Knowledge): Samta is knowledge, or the essence of knowledge. The primary goal of spiritual practice is to attain right vision and knowledge. As one transcends attachment and aversion, the veils of ignorance and delusion are removed from the soul. Those who embody Samta are called "Samyayogi" or "Pandita Samashrita." The foundation of detachment (vitaragapana) rests on Samta.
• Numerous Benefits of Samta: Samta protects excellent qualities, brings peace of mind, and enables quick, sound decisions in difficult situations. While external circumstances may be beyond control, Samta allows for control over internal states, leading to sincerity and purity. It brings mental and physical balance, the strength to endure illness, and a reduction in mental stress, fear, and doubt that can lead to mental disorders.
• Samta as the Means to Moksha (Liberation): Samta leads to detachment (vairagya). It is the foundation and the ultimate peak of spiritual practice. Starting with love, compassion, and non-violence, the practice intensifies, leading the aspirant towards complete detachment. The text quotes a verse illustrating the hierarchy of human pursuits, with Samta being the highest attainment for a select few.

In conclusion, the book emphasizes that the greater the equanimity in every aspect of life, the greater the happiness and peace. Collective practice of Samta can build a harmonious, non-exploitative, and tolerant society. When Samta becomes firm and natural, it becomes a constant source of universal welfare. Samta is an invaluable treasure, yielding the nectar of bliss, and is therefore considered by the wise to be equivalent to God.