Samyak Achar Samyak Vichar - Book Summary

Based on the provided text, here is a comprehensive summary of "Samyak Achar Samyak Vichar" (Right Conduct, Right Thought) by Gulabchandra Maharaj and Amrutlal "Chanchal," originally authored by Taran Swami Maharaj:

I. Introduction and Context:

Title: Samyak Achar Samyak Vichar (Right Conduct, Right Thought).
Original Author: Taran Swami Maharaj (16th Century Jain saint).
Translators/Editors: Amrutlal "Chanchal" (translator) and Brahmachari Gulabchandra Maharaj (editor).
Publisher: Bhagwandas Jain.
Purpose: The book is a compilation and translation of Taran Swami Maharaj's works: Shravakachar (Conduct of a Lay Follower), Pandit Puja (Worship of the Learned), Malarohan (Garland Ascension), and Kamal Battisi. The collective title signifies the core message of the combined works.
Core Philosophy: Taran Swami Maharaj's teachings emphasize the unity of "Right Conduct" and "Right Thought," both being essential and interdependent for spiritual welfare. The book highlights the concept of "Adhyatmavad" (Spiritualism), urging a focus on the inner self (Antaratma) rather than external worship (Bahiratma).
Significance: Dr. Hiralal Jain, in his foreword, states that Taran Swami's principles are fundamental to Jainism and his reforms were timely, addressing a perceived deviation in religious practice.
Patronage: The publication was supported by Seth Bhagwandas Shobhalalji of Sagar, who bore the expenses for printing 1000 copies, acknowledging their contribution to human welfare.

II. Key Themes and Content:

The book is divided into "Samyak Achar" (Right Conduct) and "Samyak Vichar" (Right Thought), covering various aspects of Jain philosophy and practice.

A. Samyak Achar (Right Conduct) - Primarily based on Shravakachar

This section guides householders and individuals on their spiritual journey, focusing on purifying their conduct and understanding.

The Nature of the World and Suffering:
- The world is described as a terrifying ocean of suffering, filled with birth, death, and old age, driven by attachment and delusion.
- The body is depicted as impure and transient, a source of numerous diseases and ultimately destined for decay.
- Sensual pleasures (bhog) are identified as the root cause of suffering, binding the soul to the cycle of birth and death.
Mithyatva (False Beliefs/Delusion):
- Three types of Mithyatva: False belief in God (Mithya Dev), false belief in Guru (Mithya Guru), and false belief in Dharma (Mithya Dharma).
- Four Kashayas: Greed (Lobh), Anger (Krodh), Pride (Maan), and Deceit (Maya) are presented as the primary drivers of suffering.
- Three Mūḍhatās (Follies): Delusion regarding the world (Lokamūḍhatā), delusion regarding deities (Devamūḍhatā), and delusion regarding false practices (Pākhāṇḍamūḍhatā) are highlighted as major obstacles.
- Twenty-five Doshas (Faults): These include the eight mads (prides), eight dṛṣṭis (viewpoints) like doubt (śankā), etc., the three mūḍhatās, and six anāyatans (unsuitable places/objects of worship). These are considered impediments to samyaktva.
The Path to Purification (Samyaktva):
- Vairāgya (Renunciation): Cultivating detachment from worldly pleasures and the transient nature of existence is crucial.
- Abandoning Mithyatva and Kashayas: Overcoming false beliefs and the four kashayas is essential for attaining pure vision (samyaktva).
- Samyak Shraddhān (Right Faith): This is the foundation of the spiritual path, involving right belief in the soul, God, and scriptures.
- Focus on the Pure Soul (Shuddhātma): Meditation on the pure soul is repeatedly emphasized as the ultimate goal.
- The "So'ham" (I am That) Meditation: This concept signifies the identity of the individual soul with the supreme soul.
- Six Karmas (Shadkarma): The text details the right way to perform daily actions with pure intention.
The Three Forms of the Soul:
- Paramātma (Supreme Soul): The realized, liberated soul.
- Antarātma (Inner Soul): The soul striving for liberation, characterized by right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
- Bahirātma (Outer Soul): The soul engrossed in worldly matters, external rituals, and attached to the senses and external objects.
Actions of Bahirātma (Outer Soul):
- Worshipping false gods (Kudevas) and unholy gurus.
- Engaging in worldly discussions (woman, politics, theft).
- Indulgence in the seven deadly vices (sapta vyasana): gambling, meat-eating, alcohol consumption, adultery, hunting, theft, and sexual misconduct.
- Being attached to the eight mads (prides) and four kashayas.
Duties of the Virtuous and the Path to Liberation:
- Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): The fundamental prerequisite for any spiritual progress.
- The Eleven Pratimas (Stages of Conduct): These are progressive stages for lay followers, from basic faith to renouncing all worldly activities.
- Five Anuvratas (Minor Vows): These are vows of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy/chastity, and non-possession, with increasing levels of strictness.
- Eight Mūlaguṇas: Essential practices like avoiding five types of fruits, honey, meat, etc.
- Three Makāras: Avoiding wine, meat, and honey.
- Rightful Giving (Dāna): Distinguishing between worthy recipients (pātra) and unworthy ones (kupātra), emphasizing the importance of giving to the right individuals (monks, nuns, virtuous laypeople).
- Renunciation of Improper Practices: Advocating against practices like night-eating, drinking unfiltered water, and engaging in impure activities.
- Following the Sixfold Duty (Shadkarma) Correctly: Emphasizing purity in divine worship, guru adoration, scripture study, self-control, meditation, and charity.
The Path of the Ascetic (Muni/Sadhu):
- Fifty-three Actions and Thirteenfold Conduct: Following strict rules of behavior and discipline.
- Yoga and Restraint: Controlling mind, speech, and body through yogic practices.
- Contemplation of the Pure Soul: Deep meditation on the true nature of the soul.
- Veneration of Scriptures: Showing respect for the sacred teachings.

B. Samyak Vichar (Right Thought) - Primarily based on Pandit Puja, Malarohan, and Kamal Battisi

This section delves into the philosophical and devotional aspects, emphasizing right understanding and meditation.

The Primacy of Omkar:
- Omkar is described as the eternal, pure, and omnipresent reality, the source of all existence and the ultimate goal.
- It represents the pure soul, the supreme being, and the essence of the Pancha Parameṣṭhi (five supreme beings).
- The meditation on Omkar is considered the highest form of worship.
The Nature of the Soul and Liberation:
- The soul (Ātmā) is distinct from the physical body and is inherently pure, conscious, and eternal.
- True liberation (moksha) is achieved through self-realization and aligning one's thoughts and actions with the soul's true nature.
- The emphasis is on the Antarātma (inner self) as the path to Paramātma (Supreme Soul).
Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct (Ratnatraya):
- These three jewels are presented as the direct path to self-realization and liberation.
- Right faith is based on true understanding of the soul and its nature.
- Right knowledge involves understanding the true nature of reality (soul and non-soul).
- Right conduct is the practical application of this knowledge in daily life.
The Concept of "So'ham" (I am That):
- This meditative practice signifies the realization of the soul's identity with the supreme consciousness.
The Importance of Devotion to the True:
- Worship of true deities (Deva), true gurus (Guru), and true scriptures (Shruta) is paramount.
- False deities, gurus, and scriptures (Kudev, Kaguru, Kushastra) are condemned as leading to downfall.
- The emphasis is on internal worship and devotion to the soul itself, seen as the highest form of divine worship.
Meditation Techniques:
- The text alludes to various forms of meditation: Padashtha (focusing on letters/syllables), Pindastha (focusing on the body), Rupastha (focusing on divine forms), and Rupatita (formless meditation).
Critique of Ritualism and Externalism:
- Taran Swami Maharaj's teachings, as interpreted in the forewords, criticize blind adherence to rituals without inner spiritual understanding.
- He advocated for a return to the core spiritual principles, emphasizing sincerity over mere outward show.

III. Taran Swami's Unique Contribution:

Emphasis on Adhyatmavad: Taran Swami's distinctiveness lies in his unwavering focus on spiritualism, directing followers towards the soul's inherent purity and divinity, transcending caste, creed, and externalistic practices.
Rejection of Idol Worship (Implied): While the text mentions worship, Taran Swami's philosophy leans towards inner realization rather than physical idol worship, as evidenced by the emphasis on the soul as the true deity. The critique of "stone and inert objects" being worshipped as gods supports this.
Unity of Conduct and Thought: The book consistently reiterates that right conduct stems from right thought, and vice-versa. They are inseparable aspects of the spiritual path.
Inclusivity: The forewords mention Taran Swami's rejection of caste and creed discrimination, promoting equality in spiritual pursuit.

IV. Publisher's and Translator's Contributions:

Seth Bhagwandas Shobhalalji: Praised for his generosity in publishing the work, supporting the dissemination of Taran Swami's teachings.
Amrutlal "Chanchal": Commended for his poetic skill in translating the complex Sanskrit-Prakrit works into simple, heartfelt Hindi verses, making them accessible to the common people.
Brahmachari Gulabchandra Maharaj: Appreciated for his editorial work, ensuring the theoretical completeness and correctness of the text.

In essence, "Samyak Achar Samyak Vichar" is a profound spiritual guide by Taran Swami Maharaj, translated and explained for modern readers. It advocates for a life of ethical conduct and pure thought, centered on the realization of the soul's divine nature, ultimately leading to liberation from the cycle of suffering.