Samyag Darshan Ki Vidhi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samyag Darshan Ki Vidhi" (The Method of Right Faith) by Jayesh Mohanlal Sheth:

Core Message:

The book's central thesis, as stated on the very first page, is that true Right Faith (Samyag Darshan) is attained by the soul that, even while experiencing attachment and aversion (Raga-Dvesha), identifies solely with the pure soul (Shuddhatma), the essential self (Dravyātmā), and its inherent nature (Svabhāvā), experiencing oneness (Ekattva) and dwelling in that experience. This is presented as the fundamental method for achieving Right Faith.

Author's Journey and Motivation:

The author, Jayesh Mohanlal Sheth, shares his personal spiritual quest. Driven by a deep desire to find truth from a young age, he studied various philosophies before finding his realization in Jainism at the age of 38 in 1999. He has since experienced the pure soul multiple times, and this book is an attempt to share the method for this experience, grounded in Jain scriptures, for the benefit of all spiritual seekers.

Focus on the "Subject Matter of Right Faith":

Sheth notes that while many books discuss the types, divisions, attributes, and faults related to Right Faith, there's a scarcity of literature focusing on its actual "subject matter" (Vishaya). This book aims to fill that gap, emphasizing what the pure soul experiences and identifies with.

Rejection of Sectarianism:

The author explicitly states that he belongs to no particular sect or denomination. His sole focus is on the soul and its inherent nature. He aims to present only what is beneficial for the soul's liberation, refraining from advocating or refuting any specific sect.

Emphasis on Both Nayas (Perspectives):

The book critically examines the common division within the Jain community into those who solely adhere to Vyavahāra Nay (practical/conventional truth) and those who solely adhere to Nishchaya Nay (absolute/essential truth). Sheth argues that the true path to liberation lies in the harmonious understanding and application of both Nayas. He criticizes both extremes, labeling them as one-sided and potentially leading to hypocrisy.

Key Concepts and Discussions:

The extensive table of contents reveals the book's comprehensive approach, covering a wide range of essential Jain philosophical concepts:

• Dravya-Guna-Paryaya Arrangement: Understanding the fundamental Jain ontology of substance, attributes, and modes.
• Dravya-Paryaya Arrangement: Further elaboration on the relationship between substance and its modifications.
• Uttpada-Vyaya-Dhruva Arrangement: The doctrine of origination, decay, and permanence, explaining how things come into being, pass away, and yet the underlying substance remains.
• Distinction based on Types of Vision (Drishti Bhed): How different perspectives influence understanding.
• The Nature of Samyag Darshan: Defining its essence and characteristics.
• The Subject Matter of Samyag Darshan: What is to be apprehended or focused upon for right faith.
• Self-Realization (Ātmajñāna / Swātmanubhūti): Whether it's direct (Pratyaksha) or indirect (Paroksha).
• Location of Self-Realization: In which part of the soul does this occur?
• Sensory Knowledge vs. True Knowledge: Questioning the validity of sensory perception as genuine knowledge.
• The Nature of States (Bhāvas): Differentiating between inherent (Svabhāvā) and acquired (Vibhāva) states.
• Sincere Faith in the Nine Tattvas: Understanding the true nature of faith in the nine fundamental principles of Jainism.
• Attributes of the Right-Faithful (Samyagdrushti): Such as Nischikitsā (lack of aversion towards the body/elements of Jain practice).
• The Role of Motivation (Nimitta-Upādāna): Clarity on the relationship between efficient and material causes.
• Faith without Self-Experience: Critiquing mere belief without personal realization.
• The Correct View of Karma and Attachment (Bhoga Bandha): How an enlightened soul's experience doesn't lead to further bondage.
• The Importance of Proper Understanding: The book delves deeply into the correct interpretation of Jain terminology and concepts, often citing classical Jain texts like Panchādhyāyī, Pravachansāra, Niyamsāra, Panchastikāya, and Ashtapāhuda.

Critique of Misinterpretations:

Sheth addresses common misconceptions and distortions prevalent in the current Jain community:

• Misunderstanding of Nayas: Criticizing those who exclusively cling to either Vyavahāra or Nishchaya Nay, leading to one-sidedness.
• Literal Interpretation of Texts: Warning against taking scriptural statements literally without understanding their underlying context and the relative nature of Nayas. For instance, the statement "the subject of vision is the substance without modes" is cautioned against being interpreted as physically separating modes from substance, which is impossible.
• Focus on External Rituals: Criticizing the tendency to equate external religious practices with true spiritual attainment, neglecting the internal transformation required for Samyag Darshan.
• Misunderstanding of Soul's Nature: Addressing the idea of the soul being partially pure and partially impure, or that certain parts of the soul are "pure" while others are not. Sheth clarifies that the soul, in its pure essence, is always pure, and the perceived impurity is due to external karmic influences.

The Path to Samyag Darshan:

The book outlines a path involving:

• Discernment (Bhed Gyana): Clearly distinguishing the soul (Ātmā) from non-soul (Pudgala), including the body, senses, and even mental states like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, which are considered external influences.
• Focusing on the Pure Soul (Shuddhatma): The ultimate subject of vision is the pure, essential self, which is described as "Paramapārināmika Bhāv" (ultimate inherent state) or "Svabhāvā" (natural state).
• Inner Purification: Through practices like the "Four Bhavanas" (Maithri, Pramod, Karuna, Madhyastha) and the "Twelve Bhavanas" (contemplations), the mind is purified to recognize and remain in the pure soul.
• Understanding "Thank You! Welcome!" Attitude: Cultivating a mindset of gratitude and acceptance towards all circumstances and individuals, seeing them as निमित्त (causes) for spiritual progress and karmic cleansing.
• Gradual Progression: The path involves moving from gross to subtle, from manifest to unmanifest, and from the manifest to the unmanifest, using sensory experiences as a stepping stone to deeper spiritual insight.
• The Role of the Guru: Emphasizing the importance of guidance from a realized soul (Satpurush) for accurate understanding and practice.

Key Insights:

• Duality of Nayas: The constant interplay and reliance on both Nischaya and Vyavahāra Nayas are highlighted.
• The Soul as Pure Essence: The core of Samyag Darshan is to recognize the soul's inherent pure nature, which is not affected by external karmic conditions.
• The "Subject of Vision" is the Pure Soul: The ultimate goal is to direct one's focus and identification towards this pure soul.
• The Importance of Correct Interpretation: Sheth stresses the need for a nuanced understanding of scriptures, avoiding rigid literalism or one-sided interpretations.
• The Rareness of True Human Birth: The book underscores the immense spiritual fortune of having a human birth, especially in a realm where the teachings of the Tirthankaras are accessible, and the extreme difficulty of obtaining such an opportunity again if squandered.

Conclusion:

"Samyag Darshan Ki Vidhi" is a profound and detailed exploration of Right Faith within Jain philosophy. It aims to guide sincere seekers towards authentic self-realization by clarifying the true nature of the soul, the correct path of practice, and the pitfalls of sectarianism and misinterpretation, all rooted in scriptural authority and the author's personal spiritual realization. The book emphasizes a practical, experiential approach to spiritual progress, urging readers to cultivate the pure soul as the sole object of their contemplation and identification.