Sanyam Kabahi Mile Yane - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sanyam Kabahi mile yane" (When can one attain self-control?), authored by Gunshishu:

Core Argument: The Divine Path of Jain Child Initiation

The text strongly advocates for and defends the Jain tradition of child initiation (Bal Diksha) as a divine and historical path leading to spiritual liberation. It asserts that Jainism offers the highest philosophy in the world, emphasizing compassion and friendship towards all living beings, even those at lower stages of existence. The Jain Dharma, or the teachings of Lord Jinendra, is presented as the ultimate welfare-promoting and pure religion.

The Problem: Suffering and the Need for Liberation

The book begins by highlighting the inherent suffering of souls trapped in the cycle of birth, death, attachment, and sorrow due to karmic bondage. It poses the fundamental question: "How can the soul be liberated from these karmic ties and severe suffering?"

The Jain Solution: Renunciation and the Path to Purity

Jain philosophy's answer lies in the renunciation of attachment and desires for fleeting material possessions. It states that the soul's pure nature becomes clouded by these attachments, and purity is regained by abandoning them and cultivating virtues like forgiveness. This core principle, when understood with faith, makes the elevated position of Jain initiation undeniable.

Initiation as the End of the Cycle of Suffering

The text emphasizes that the cycle of suffering is perpetual unless broken by renunciation. Souls, like addicts, are often unaware of their pure, liberated state. Despite receiving the precious human life, they are consumed by passions and consider fleeting pleasures to be the purpose of life. While renunciation is difficult even in human life, it's impossible for souls in lower realms. Many human lives are also spent without grasping this understanding. Failure to renounce and strive for self-improvement in this life will only perpetuate the cycle of birth, death, and suffering.

The Role of Renunciates and the Preservation of Culture

Renunciates (tyagis) are credited with keeping the pure culture of India alive through their sacrifices and dedication. Their way of life inspires others to follow the path of renunciation. Those who reject this heritage and embrace impure traditions are criticized as not being truly human.

Addressing Opposition to Child Initiation

The text addresses the common opposition to child initiation, particularly from parents who, though they may understand the value of renunciation, oppose initiation at a young age. This opposition is seen as a display of parental ignorance.

Who is Eligible for Initiation?

The text meticulously outlines the qualifications for initiation in the Jain tradition. These include:

Being born into a righteous family.
Belonging to an esteemed and faultless lineage.
Not having committed grave sins like murder, theft, or adultery.
Not being deceitful.
Understanding that worldly life is filled with suffering (old age, death, etc.).
Being detached from worldly pleasures due to this understanding (Vairagya).
Having a calm disposition.
Not being quarrelsome.
Being loyal.
Not being detrimental to the broader interests of society or the nation.
Not being against the ruling authority.
Not having physical deformities.
Being steadfast in keeping vows.
Being prepared to take initiation with the ultimate goal of moksha (liberation).

Age and Parental Consent

Jain Rishis recognize independent authority for initiation after the age of 16.
For individuals between 8 and 16 years, parental consent is mandatory. Initiating someone in this age group without parental consent is considered a transgression for the monk.
Women require permission from their guardian.
Pregnant women or those with infants cannot take initiation.

Why Child Initiation?

Child initiation is not done with any ill intent or to ruin the child's life. It's considered a birthright for children born into Jain families. The text argues that such children receive training in Jain practices from a very young age within their homes (religious observances, fasting, scripture study, association with monks, etc.), making the transition to monastic life easier and more natural. Their adherence to these practices is often due to their past merits and good sanskaras.

The Success of Child Initiates

Just as learning a language at a young age leads to fluency, childhood initiation leads to a smoother and more successful monastic life.
The minds of those who initiate at a later age are often "corrupted" by worldly pleasures, making their initiation more challenging than that of child initiates.
Historically, many influential Jain Acharyas and monks were initiated between the ages of 8 and 16.
Childhood initiation brings unique joy and remembrance to life.
Opposing child initiation is akin to betraying the Jain teachings.
A child initiated into the great vows (Mahavratas) has no scope for vices like violence, falsehood, theft, etc.
Comparing child initiation to child marriage is deemed absurd. Initiation in the Arya land is meant for life, with no possibility of change.

Addressing Concerns about Relapse

The text dismisses the idea that a child initiate might relapse due to curiosity.
If an individual cannot uphold the vows after initiation, their life is not considered degraded. They can return to householder life and find their social standing.
Just as a bankrupt doesn't stop all business, one instance of an initiate returning to householder life should not lead to a ban on all child initiations.

The Importance of Early Renunciation

The cycle of attachment to worldly pleasures cannot end without renunciation. This requires immense practice over many lifetimes.
Just as a child learning to walk doesn't stop after falling, one must persist in the practice of self-improvement.
Individual faults should not lead to public detriment, depriving many of early spiritual training and hindering their progress.
To reach the ultimate goal of liberation, one must ascend through various stages of spiritual development, with monasticism being a crucial step requiring initiation.

The Intelligence of Children Today

The argument that children don't understand is refuted by the advancements in the scientific age. Today's 13-14 year olds can pass matriculation and demonstrate remarkable intellectual development, making the idea that they cannot grasp spiritual concepts questionable.

The Need for Renunciation and the Role of Parents

The text stresses that attachment to worldly pleasures cannot be overcome without renunciation, and without this, liberation remains elusive.
Parents should not let their affection for their children prevent them from embracing a spiritual life.
The text highlights that even one individual with religious fervor in a village or family can sustain religious traditions.

The Karmic Basis for Initiation

The text delves into the karmic prerequisites for developing a desire for initiation, linking it to the weakening of karmic states and the auspicious influence of the soul.

Jain Initiation and Child Initiation are Divine Paths

The text concludes by reiterating that Jain initiation, including child initiation, is a divine path validated by scriptures and historical accounts.

Scriptural Evidence for Minor Initiation

The book then provides extensive scriptural evidence from various Jain Agamas (like Panchakalpa Bhashya, Nishith Bhashya, Jivakalpa Shrut) and commentaries, citing specific verses and page numbers. These passages support the eligibility for initiation from 8 years of age, with parental consent for those under 16. The text also includes numerous examples of prominent individuals, including royalty and noblemen's sons, who were initiated at a young age, reinforcing the historical validity of this practice.

Examples of Transformation Through Initiation

The text also includes examples of individuals who committed severe sins (like Arjun Mali, Dridhprahari) but were reformed and found liberation through initiation, highlighting the transformative power of the Jain path.

Historical Examples of Young Initiates

A substantial list of prominent Jain Acharyas (spiritual leaders) from the 11th to the 20th century is provided, along with their birth and initiation years and the age at which they were initiated. This further solidifies the argument that many influential figures in Jainism began their spiritual journey as children.

Conclusion

The book "Sanyam Kabahi mile yane" stands as a strong defense of child initiation in Jainism, presenting it not as a controversial practice but as an integral, divinely sanctioned, and historically validated path for spiritual liberation, rooted in ancient scriptures and exemplified by the lives of revered spiritual leaders. It urges readers to understand the depth of this tradition and to embrace its wisdom for personal and societal welfare.