Samyag Achar Ki Adharshila Samyaktva - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samyag Achar ki Adharshila Samyaktva" by Sadhvi Surekhashreeji, focusing on its content and perspective:

The book, "Samyag Achar ki Adharshila Samyaktva" (Samyaktva: The Foundation Stone of Right Conduct), authored by Sadhvi Surekhashreeji, delves into the concept of Samyaktva within the Jain philosophical framework, particularly in relation to the Acharanga Sutra. The author emphasizes that Jainism, as an Āstika (orthodox) philosophy, meticulously analyzes every aspect of existence. It asserts that the soul itself is of the nature of the Supreme Soul and that progress towards this spiritual realization is impossible without self-effort.

Understanding Samyaktva:

Core Meaning: The text defines Samyaktva fundamentally as shraddhan (faith or conviction) in the true nature of substances (vastu tattva). While other philosophies use the term "faith," Jainism provides the specific term Samyaktva, also known as Samyagdarshana.
Tattvartha Sutra Definition: Quoting Acharya Umāsvāti from the Tattvartha Sutra, the book defines Samyaktva as "faith in the true nature of realities" (Tattvartha shraddhanam Samyagdarshanam).
Etymological Analysis: The term Samyak is derived from the root "añch" (to move) with the suffix "kvip," signifying "moving with or towards," or "collected" (sam + añch). In a praiseworthy context, Samyak means "right" or "proper." Acharya Umāsvāti and other commentators explain Samyak as praiseworthy (prasamsarthaka) or as signifying a "good way of moving" (samyag giti).
Self-Knowledge and Liberation: The text posits that Samyaktva is liberation from ego and attachment (parabhinivesha). Only when the soul understands the distinction between the self and the non-self (the differentiation between the living and the non-living, the sentient and the insentient) can it move towards self-realization and liberation. This discriminative knowledge is the seed of Samyaktva.

Samyaktva in the Context of Acharanga Sutra:

Acharanga's Focus: The Acharanga Sutra, the first and oldest Anga (canonical text) of Jainism, is primarily focused on conduct and action (achara). Unlike later texts that might emphasize faith, the Acharanga Sutra views Samyaktva as being rooted in right conduct (Samyak Acharaparak).
Samyaktva as Muni-Achar: The Acharanga Sutra explicitly equates Samyaktva with the conduct of a monk (muni āchār). While right conduct is informed by faith, Samyaktva brings correctness and stability to action.
Four Sections (Uddeshakas) of Samyaktva in Acharanga: The book outlines the four sections of Samyaktva as understood in the Acharanga Sutra:
1. Samyagvada (Right Speech): This section emphasizes the importance of truthful and harmless speech, highlighting the principle of non-violence (ahimsa) as preached by all Tirthankaras. It criticizes violence in rituals like sacrifices, stating that suffering is inherent in it, and thus, violence is to be renounced while non-violence is to be embraced.
2. Dharma Pariksha (Examination of Dharma): This section discusses the examination of the pronouncements of various religious proponents. It stresses discerning what is beneficial (yukta) and what is detrimental (ayukta). The text argues that all beings desire happiness, not suffering, making violence inherently undesirable and non-violence essential. It also touches upon the examination of inflow (asrava) and outflow (parisrava) of karma, noting how the ignorant remain trapped in asrava while the knowledgeable engage in parisrava (liberation).
3. Nishiddha Anavadyam Tapa (Forbidden and Blameless Austerity): This section focuses on the nature and efficacy of austerity (tapa) for karma cessation. It highlights that those who have renounced worldly attachments, controlled their senses, and are engaged in practice and penance, can shed karma. It contrasts this with those driven by desires and attachments, who are reborn.
4. Samayik (Right Conduct/Practice): This section briefly outlines regulated living, including detachment from past relationships, control of desires, and the practice of austerities to reduce the body and shed karma. It emphasizes that those who are free from desires and attachments are truly without residual tendencies.

Broader Perspective and Significance:

Unity of Knowledge, Faith, and Conduct: The text establishes a fundamental unity between Samyaktva (right faith), right knowledge (Samyagjnana), and right conduct (Samyakcharitra). True Samyaktva encompasses all three, leading to liberation.
Comparison with Other Philosophies: The book briefly notes that in Buddhist philosophy, Samyagdrushti (right view) is emphasized with faith playing a role. Similarly, Sankhya and Yoga philosophies consider vivekhyaati (discriminative knowledge) and Vedanta integrates faith within knowledge. Even texts like the Mahabharata and the Gita highlight the paramount importance of faith for spiritual progress and liberation. Christian and Islamic traditions also prioritize faith.
Samyaktva in Daily Life: Beyond its spiritual significance, the text underscores the profound importance of Samyaktva in practical, worldly life. It is crucial for individual personality development, character building, and societal harmony.
- Social and Familial Life: Right perspective fosters harmonious relationships.
- Political Sphere: A just political system, guided by right principles, prevents corruption and national decline.
- Economic, Religious, and Moral Spheres: Samyaktva is essential for ethical conduct and the practical application of religious principles.
The Power of Speech: The text concludes with a reflection on the power of speech, highlighting how sweetness in language reflects one's refinement and character. It uses the analogy of the tongue holding both nectar and poison, emphasizing that sweet speech can alleviate stress and bring peace, while harsh words create turmoil.

In essence, "Samyag Achar ki Adharshila Samyaktva" argues that while the term Samyaktva is often understood as right faith, its deepest roots, particularly as elucidated in the Acharanga Sutra, lie in right conduct and action. This right conduct is characterized by non-violence, self-control, austerity, and a profound understanding of the self and the world, all stemming from a correct, unbiased perspective. The book emphasizes that this holistic approach to Samyaktva is the true foundation for spiritual liberation and also a guiding principle for a meaningful and ethical life.