Sanatan Jain Mat - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sanatan Jain Mat" by Shitalprasad:

The book, "Sanatan Jain Mat" (Eternal Jainism), authored by Shitalprasad, aims to present the essence of the ancient Jain tradition, making it accessible and understandable to both Jain and non-Jain readers. The author emphasizes that by practicing the principles outlined in the book, individuals can experience immediate benefits, leading to a life filled with happiness and peace. The text cites the teachings of prominent Jain acharyas like Kundakundacharya, Umashwami, Samantabhadra, and others, encouraging readers to explore their works for deeper understanding and spiritual enjoyment.

Core Principles and Philosophy:

Ancient and Universal: Jainism is presented as a very ancient religion that predates the arrival of the Aryans in India. Its influence is noted to have extended to other world religions. The book asserts that Jainism is a simple, scientific, and soul-elevating path that is universally accessible to all intelligent beings, regardless of their country or lineage.
The Nature of Desire and Suffering: A significant portion of the book delves into the root cause of human suffering: unfulfilled desires and the constant pursuit of worldly pleasures. It explains how desires, even when fulfilled, only lead to temporary satisfaction and give rise to new, more intense desires, creating a cycle of unhappiness and anxiety. The text uses examples like anger and greed to illustrate this point.
The Soul's True Nature and Happiness: The book posits that true and lasting happiness and peace reside within the soul (Atman). This intrinsic happiness is obscured by negative emotions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed. The author draws an analogy of water being naturally cool, just as the soul is naturally peaceful and blissful. The pursuit of external, sensual pleasures is compared to trying to quench thirst with saltwater, which only exacerbates it.
The Path of Self-Attention (Atmadhyan): The central remedy for the cycle of desire and suffering is presented as "Atmadhyan" (self-attention or meditation). By focusing inward and realizing the true nature of the soul, one can overcome desires and attain eternal peace and freedom. This is identified as the path of Dharma and liberation in Jainism.
The Role of Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Ratnatraya): Drawing from scriptures like the Tattvartha Sutra, the book highlights the "Ratnatraya" (three jewels) as the path to liberation:
- Sammyagdarshan (Right Faith): Believing in the true nature of the soul.
- Sammyagyan (Right Knowledge): Knowing the soul's true nature without doubt.
- Sammyagcharitra (Right Conduct): Living in accordance with the soul's true nature. These are considered inherent qualities of the soul and form the path to self-realization and liberation.

Understanding Reality: Nayas (Perspectives):

Nischay Naya (Ultimate Perspective): This perspective focuses on the soul's pure, unadulterated nature – its inherent qualities of omniscience, perception, bliss, and its non-physical essence. It emphasizes that the soul is distinct from material substances.
Vyavahar Naya (Conventional Perspective): This perspective explains the soul's conditioned state, its bondage with karmic matter, and the practical means to achieve liberation. It encompasses the study of the seven tattvas (principles).

The Seven Tattvas (Principles) of Jainism:

The book outlines the seven tattvas as the framework for understanding the soul's journey:

Jiva (Soul): The conscious, living entity.
Ajiva (Non-Soul): Matter, time, space, dharma (principle of motion), and adharma (principle of rest).
Asrava (Inflow): The process by which karmic particles enter the soul due to mental, verbal, and physical activities, coupled with wrong beliefs and passions.
Bandha (Bondage): The actual binding of karmic particles to the soul, influenced by passions.
Samvara (Stoppage): The cessation of karmic inflow through the practice of opposite virtues.
Nirjara (Shedding of Karma): The process of shedding accumulated karma through austerities and spiritual practices, either by its own fruition or through conscious effort.
Moksha (Liberation): The state of complete freedom from all karma, leading to the soul's pure, blissful, and omniscient state, residing at the top of the universe.

The Path for Householders (Grihasth):

The book details the practical aspects of living a Jain life for householders, emphasizing the importance of:

Dev puja (Worship of Deities): Reverence for Arhats and Siddhas, often through their statues, which are meant to inspire detachment and contemplation of their virtues.
Guru Bhakti (Devotion to Gurus): Serving and learning from ascetics who dedicate themselves to spiritual practice.
Swadhyaya (Self-Study): Regularly studying and reflecting on Jain scriptures.
Tapa (Austerities): Practicing self-discipline and contemplation, including daily meditation (Samayik).
Sanyam (Restraint): Controlling the mind and senses, avoiding harmful practices, and behaving with compassion.
Dana (Charity): Generously offering food, medicine, knowledge, and protection to others.

The Eleven Stages of Observance for Laypeople:

The text elaborates on the eleven stages (Pratimas) that a householder can progress through, gradually moving towards a more renounced lifestyle. These stages involve increasing levels of detachment from worldly possessions, activities, and sensory pleasures, leading ultimately towards the path of renunciation.

Eight Core Virtues (Ashta Mulgune):

Householders are advised to practice eight fundamental virtues, including the abstinence from:

Madira (Alcohol): Due to its debilitating effect on consciousness.
Mans (Meat): Emphasizing non-violence and the natural availability of vegetarian sustenance.
Madhu (Honey): Due to the violence involved in its collection and the presence of minute organisms.
Five Anuvratas (Minor Vows): Specifically the vow of Ahimsa (non-violence) without intent, followed by vows related to truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy/chastity, and non-possession.
Five Mahavratas (Major Vows): The stricter adherence to these vows for ascetics, encompassing non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession.

The Ideal of Jain Conduct:

The book stresses that all worldly activities (like earning a livelihood, marriage, and social customs) are acceptable within Jainism as long as they do not compromise the core principles of non-violence, truth, and detachment. It advocates for a compassionate approach in all dealings, including food, clothing, and social interactions.

The Distinction Between Digambara and Shvetambara:

The text touches upon the historical schism within Jainism, explaining how the Digambara (sky-clad) tradition emphasizes nudity as the ultimate ideal for ascetics, while the Shvetambara (white-clad) tradition allows for the wearing of white garments. The author expresses a hope for unity, suggesting that a focus on the core spiritual path of Atmadhyan can bridge these differences.

Conclusion:

"Sanatan Jain Mat" ultimately presents Jainism as a profound and practical path to spiritual liberation and lasting happiness. It emphasizes self-realization through Atmadhyan, supported by a disciplined lifestyle and ethical conduct, as the means to overcome suffering and attain the ultimate goal of Moksha. The book encourages a gradual progression in spiritual practice, making the lofty ideals of Jainism attainable for all.