Sarvagna Kathit Param Samayik Dharm

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Sarvagna Kathit Param Samayik Dharm" by Acharya Vijay Kalapurnsuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sarvagna Kathit Param Samayik Dharm (The Supreme Samayik Dharma Spoken by the Omniscient) Author: Acharya Vijay Kalapurnsuri Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur

Overall Theme:

The book "Sarvagna Kathit Param Samayik Dharm" is a profound exposition of the concept of Samayik Dharma in Jainism, as taught by the omniscient Tirthankaras. It defines Samayik not just as a ritualistic practice but as a state of being—a way of life characterized by equanimity, equanimity, detachment from passions (raag-dwesh), and seeing all beings as one's own soul. The text elaborates on the multifaceted nature of Samayik, its significance, its various types, the qualifications of its practitioners, and the extensive preparatory practices required for its attainment.

Key Concepts and Content Breakdown:

1. The Importance of Samayik Dharma:

   • In the turbulent and complex life of this era, Samayik Dharma holds special significance.
   • In simple terms, Samayik means living life with equanimity (samabhaav).
   • It involves living a balanced life, unaffected by favorable or unfavorable circumstances, pleasure or pain, attachment or aversion.
   • This is a life free from attachment (raag) and aversion (dwesh).
   • The practice of Samayik Dharma involves considering all living beings as one's own soul, treating them with equal regard, and continuously striving for self-improvement.
   • The attainment of this equanimity brings happiness, purity, peace, and balance.

2. The Essence of Samayik Dharma:

   • The book delves into the extensive nature, immense glory, types, prevalence, rarity, and necessity of this Supreme Samayik Dharma, as propounded by the Omniscient.
   • It explores who are the eligible practitioners of this Dharma.
   • The text emphasizes that Samayik is the primary cause of liberation (Moksha).
   • The state of "Vasa-Chandankalpa" is described, which means remaining unaffected by both agreeable (like sandalwood) and disagreeable (like bamboo) treatment, demonstrating non-attachment to praise or blame, pleasure or pain.
   • Samayik purifies the three yogas (mind, speech, and body), making it immaculate and free from all sins.

3. Three Types of Samayik:

   • Saam (Samā): Characterized by "sweet results" (madhur parinaam). It involves an attitude of affection, goodwill, and friendship towards all living beings, treating them as one's own soul. This is also called Samyaktva Samayik (Right Faith). Equanimity in friend-enemy situations generates sweet results.
   • Sam (Sama): Characterized by "equal results" (tulya parinaam). It involves maintaining an equal, balanced, and neutral stance, like a scale, in situations of joy/sorrow, happiness/unhappiness, honor/dishonor. This is achieved through the study of true knowledge (Tattva-gyaan), leading to equal results. This is also called Shrut Samayik (Scriptural Samayik).
   • Samm (Samyak): Characterized by "milk-sugar mixed results" (ksheer-shakkar yukta parinaam). This refers to the unification of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct (Ratnatrayi). It's also called Charitra Samayik (Conduct Samayik). Moving from the particular to the general leads to equanimity.

4. The "Saam" Samayik:

   • It is associated with qualities like friendliness, non-violence, compassion, fearlessness, gentleness, forgiveness, and devotion, which purify the soul and lead to an experience of sweetness.
   • The text elaborates on the practice of "Abhaydaan" (granting fearlessness) as the unique path to fearlessness.
   • It highlights how friendliness destroys cruelty, compassion softens the heart, gentleness breaks arrogance, forgiveness calms anger, and devotion fosters surrender.
   • These qualities are indicative of "Saam" Samayik. Spiritual practices, devotional rituals, and yogic disciplines strengthen this state.
   • The principles of Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, and Dharana from Yoga are also considered integral to this stage.
   • The essence of this Samayik is "Sarva Jeev Maitri Bhav", the state of universal friendliness.

5. The "Sam" Samayik:

   • It involves maintaining mental balance and equanimity in situations of attachment and aversion, acting neutrally. This state is also known as Prasham, Upsham, Samata, or Shanti.
   • It requires the study of scriptures under a competent guru.
   • Through scriptural study and contemplation, one gains knowledge of the diverse nature of substances and beings. This knowledge helps maintain mental equilibrium and neutrality during pleasant or unpleasant situations.
   • The practice emphasizes scriptural study and meditation.
   • The goal is to achieve freedom from dependence and stability in one's true nature, leading to the eradication of karmic bondage.

6. The "Samm" Samayik:

   • This represents the perfect unification of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct (Ratnatrayi), akin to sugar dissolving in milk.
   • It leads to an uninterrupted flow of peace and equanimity, where equanimity becomes internalized like the fragrance of sandalwood.
   • It is the state of experiencing one's own pure soul, realizing its inherent infinite knowledge and other qualities.
   • This stage involves intense devotion, unwavering faith in principles, calmness, steadiness in meditation, detachment from worldly desires, and the absence of faults.

7. The Six Essential Practices (Avashyakas):

   • The book positions Samayik as the foundational and most important of the six daily essential practices (Avashyakas) in Jainism. The other five – Chaturvinshatistava (Praise of the 24 Tirthankaras), Guruvandana (Salutation to Gurus), Pratikraman (Confession/Repentance), Kayotsarga (Abandonment of the Body), and Pratyakhyana (Renunciation) – are considered integral to supporting and strengthening Samayik.
   • The "Samayik Sutra" itself ("Karemi Bhante Saamaayim...") is presented as the essence of all six Avashyakas.

8. The Samayik Sutra:

   • The core of the book involves a detailed analysis of the Samayik Sutra, breaking down its meaning, grammatical structure, and philosophical implications.
   • The sutra is explained as a vow or commitment to engage in Samayik, renounce all sinful activities (saavadh yoga), and uphold virtuous practices (niravadh yoga).
   • The importance of the "Bhante" (Revered One, referring to the Guru or Tirthankara) in the vow is highlighted, signifying the role of a guide and witness in spiritual practice.
   • The sutra encompasses renunciation of actions performed through mind, speech, and body, as well as non-approval of such actions in others.
   • The practices of Pratikraman (repentance), Ninda (self-criticism), Garha (seeking forgiveness), and Apavaahanam (self-purification/renunciation) are also integrated into this vow.

9. The "Samayik Sutra" and its Deeper Meaning:

   • The text elaborates on the thirteen points contained within the Samayik Sutra, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these practices.
   • The "Bhante" salutation is explained as a way to invoke the presence and guidance of the Tirthankaras and Gurus, fostering humility and devotion, which are crucial for spiritual progress.
   • The concept of "Upayoga" (focused attention/consciousness) is central, linking Samayik to meditation and concentration.
   • The text explores the subtle nuances of Samayik through the lens of different types of concentration (Saakaar and Niraakaar Upayoga), and states of consciousness.

10. The "Samayik" as a Foundation:

    • Samayik is presented as the bedrock of Jain practices and the entire Jain philosophy (Jin-Shasan).
    • It is described as a divine light that illuminates the path to liberation, dispels ignorance, and fulfills desires.
    • It is the source of all virtues and the foundation upon which other spiritual practices are built.

11. Qualifications and Practices for Attaining Samayik:

    • The book details the preparatory practices, including self-discipline, non-violence, control over senses and passions, study of scriptures, service to gurus, and detachment from worldly possessions.
    • It emphasizes the importance of developing qualities like friendliness, compassion, and forgiveness.
    • The text highlights that the ultimate goal is to overcome the dualities of pleasure and pain, friend and foe, and achieve a state of inner equilibrium.

12. The Vastness and Rarity of Samayik:

    • The book discusses the prevalence and rarity of Samayik across different realms, time periods, and states of existence, emphasizing the difficulty of attaining the higher forms of Samayik, particularly the "Sarva Virati" (complete renunciation) form.
    • It illustrates the rarity with various analogies and examples, underscoring the value of human birth and the opportunity it provides for spiritual advancement.

13. The Concept of "Nirukti" (Etymology):

    • The text explains the various synonyms and related terms for Samayik, such as Aavashyak (essential duty), Dhruv (eternal), Nigrah (control), Vishuddh (pure), Adhyayan Shathk (six studies), Varga (group), Nyaya (justice), Aaradhana (worship), and Marg (path), each highlighting a specific aspect of Samayik.

14. Samapatti and Kayotsarga:

    • The latter part of the provided text delves into the relationship between Samayik and other significant Jain practices like Samapatti (meditative absorption) and Kayotsarga (body-abandonment).
    • It explains how these practices contribute to purifying the mind, stabilizing consciousness, and ultimately leading to the realization of the soul's true nature.
    • The intricate connection between these practices and the attainment of different stages of spiritual development (Gunashreni) is elaborated upon.

Author's Perspective:

Acharya Vijay Kalapurnsuri is presented as a highly learned and accomplished spiritual practitioner. The book is a compilation of his insights, guided by traditional Jain scriptures and the teachings of his guru, Panyas Pravar Shri Bhadrakarvijayji Maharaj. The publishers express their joy in releasing this work as a valuable contribution to Jain literature, hoping it will inspire readers and seekers on the path of spiritual practice.

In essence, "Sarvagna Kathit Param Samayik Dharm" is an exhaustive guide to understanding and practicing Samayik Dharma, presented as the cornerstone of Jain spiritual life, leading ultimately to liberation.