Sayam Kab Hi Mile

This Jain text, "Sayam Kab Hi Mile" (When Will Renunciation Be Attained?), written by Priyam and published by Ashapuran Parshwanath Jain Gyanbhandar, is presented as a heartfelt dialogue from a son to his parents. The core message is a fervent plea for the family to embrace sanyam (renunciation/asceticism) and embark on the path to liberation (moksha).

The book begins with the author offering congratulations to the parents, stating that their son's decision to present this dialogue is a momentous occasion for their entire lineage. It emphasizes that while the son may be young, his understanding is profound, and his parents should cherish his newfound wisdom.

The son expresses his gratitude to his parents for his birth, his human form, his Jain heritage, and their upbringing which protected him from negative influences. He credits his guru for imparting true spiritual knowledge, revealing the transient nature of the material world and the ultimate purpose of life. He acknowledges his parents as devout Jains who understand both worldly and spiritual pursuits, and suggests they too may have postponed their spiritual aspirations due to family responsibilities.

The central argument of the book is a powerful exposition of the inherent suffering in the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and the unparalleled peace and liberation offered by the path of renunciation.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and arguments presented:

Critique of the Worldly Life:

• The "Five Slaughterhouses" at Home: The son vividly describes how even a seemingly pure home environment is rife with violence (himsa). The kitchen (stove, grinding stones, water pot) and even the bathroom/sink are depicted as places where numerous microscopic beings (ekindriya jivas) are inadvertently harmed or killed to sustain life. He extends this to modern conveniences like gas stoves, ovens, mixers, and refrigerators, arguing that they amplify the violence.
• Violence in Livelihood: The book then addresses the inherent violence in all professions and occupations. No job or business is free from harming living beings or engaging in unethical practices. Compromising one's principles for worldly gain is portrayed as a path leading to suffering and negative karmic repercussions, illustrated by the story of the butcher and the goat.
• The Futility of Worldly Pursuits: The son emphasizes that worldly comforts and possessions are temporary and ultimately lead to more attachment and suffering. He likens the world to a dream that eventually ends, leaving one with nothing.
• The Illusion of Happiness in Samsara: The book argues that worldly happiness is an illusion, a mere fleeting sensation that often leads to more suffering. The pursuit of desires only breeds dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

The Promise of Renunciation (Sanyam) and Spiritual Life:

• True Happiness Lies in Liberation: The ultimate goal is presented as moksha, a state of eternal bliss and freedom from suffering. This is achieved through sanyam (renunciation).
• The Superiority of the Ascetic Life (Shraman Jeevan): The life of a monk or nun (shraman) is depicted as pure, non-violent, peaceful, and free from worldly worries, anxieties, and the burden of sins. It offers both worldly well-being and eternal spiritual benefit.
• The True Meaning of Motherhood: The son elaborates on different types of mothers, contrasting the "selfish mother" (who prioritizes her own desires), the "passionate mother" (whose blind affection causes harm), and the ideal "loving mother" (who prioritizes her child's spiritual welfare). He implores his mother to be the latter, supporting his path to renunciation.
• The Rarity and Value of Human Life: The book repeatedly stresses the extreme rarity and preciousness of human life, especially in this era, as it's the only opportunity to attain liberation. It compares losing this opportunity to losing a priceless gem in the ocean.
• The Impermanence of Life and the Certainty of Death: The text serves as a stark reminder of death's inevitability and the suddenness with which it can strike, urging the readers not to delay their spiritual journey.
• The Cycle of Relationships: It highlights the ever-changing nature of relationships in samsara, where loved ones in one life can be enemies or even animals in another, rendering worldly attachments ultimately meaningless and a source of pain.
• The Power of the Guru: The son expresses immense faith in his guru as a guide who will help him navigate the path of renunciation and attain his spiritual goals, emphasizing the importance of a true spiritual teacher.
• The Attainable Bliss of Renunciation: The book argues that the happiness and peace experienced by ascetics are far superior to any worldly pleasure, even that of celestial beings. It describes the freedom from desires, the equanimity in the face of adversity, and the profound inner joy that comes from self-realization.
• The Current Era as an Opportunity: The text suggests that the current era, though considered a difficult time for spiritual practice, is also an opportune moment. The efforts made in this era yield greater results than similar efforts in past eras, making it the best time to strive for liberation.
• The Importance of Action and Overcoming Doubt: The son implores his parents not to be swayed by doubts or fears, but to act decisively. He stresses that inaction will lead to regret and continued suffering.

The Son's Personal Plea:

The son's plea to his parents is deeply emotional and logical. He appeals to their love and wisdom, urging them to see the suffering inherent in the world and the ultimate liberation offered by sanyam. He expresses his own disinterest in worldly affairs and his strong inner calling towards renunciation. He also highlights the potential of his mother to become a "jewel-bearer mother" by supporting his spiritual path, emphasizing the significant spiritual merit this would bring to her.

In essence, "Sayam Kab Hi Mile" is a powerful and persuasive argument for embracing the Jain path of renunciation, presented with heartfelt sincerity, logical reasoning, and scriptural backing, all aimed at awakening the parents to the profound spiritual calling of their son and the eternal well-being of their souls.