Shad Avashyak Ek Vaigyanik Vishleshan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Shad Avashyak Ek Vaigyanik Vishleshan" by Nandighoshvijay:

The book "Shad Avashyak Ek Vaigyanik Vishleshan" (The Six Essential Practices: A Scientific Analysis) by Nandighoshvijay explores the profound scientific and spiritual significance of the six essential practices in Jainism, referred to as "Shad Avashyak."

Core Argument: The Scientific and Yogic Nature of Shad Avashyak

The central thesis of the book is that the Shad Avashyak are not merely religious rituals but scientifically designed practices aimed at liberating the soul from karmic bondage and leading it towards moksha (liberation). The author emphasizes that Jain philosophy is characterized by its purposeful, logical, and scientific approach to every practice.

The Shad Avashyak as Yoga

Quoting Acharya Haribhadrasuri, the text defines "Yoga" as any process that connects the soul with moksha. Lord Mahavir Swami, it states, prescribed various yogic practices for the welfare of all beings, with the Six Essentials being highly significant. These practices are presented as a form of yoga that purifies the soul and detaches it from karma.

Historical Context and Evolution of Practices

Universality of the Six Essentials: The Shad Avashyak are considered important for all Jains – ascetics (sadhu-sadhvi) and lay followers (shravak-shravika).
Connection to Pratikraman: The Six Essentials are integral to "Pratikraman" (a ritual of repentance and confession), which has been a continuous practice since the time of Lord Mahavir Swami.
Evolution of Pratikraman Types: While Lord Adinath and Lord Mahavir's times saw five types of Pratikraman (Devasi, Ratri, Pakshi, Chaumasi, Sanvatsarik), the intervening twenty-two Tirthankaras had only two (Devasi and Ratri). However, the Six Essentials themselves remained consistently present.
Pratikraman as the Apex: Pratikraman is highlighted as the most crucial of the Six Essentials because it encompasses all of them.

The Scientific Basis of the Ardhamagadhi Language

A significant portion of the analysis delves into the choice of Ardhamagadhi as the language for the foundational Jain scriptures (Dwadashangi) and the core teachings.

Ardhamagadhi's Suitability: The author refutes the simplistic explanation that Ardhamagadhi was chosen simply because it was a popular language. Instead, it is argued that the language's scientific suitability for spiritual practices is the primary reason.
Subtlety of Sounds: The book posits that Ardhamagadhi's softer and gentler vowels and consonants (contrasting with harsher sounds in Sanskrit and other Indian languages) have a profound effect on the practitioner's and listener's mental state (adhyavasaya).
Impact on Aura and Well-being: This subtle influence purifies the mental state, which in turn purifies the aura (abhamandal), leading to physical, mental, and spiritual advancement.
Mantra-like Power: The authors of the scriptures, being masters of Sanskrit and fourteen Vidyas, chose Ardhamagadhi for its inherent mantra-like power. Reciting these words, even without fully grasping their meaning, can lead to beneficial outcomes, similar to chanting a mantra. This is exemplified by the ritualistic chanting of the Kalpa Sutra, particularly on the final day of Paryushana.

The Power of Sound and Intention

The text emphasizes the scientific impact of sound:

Auditory Influence: The very pronunciation of mantras like "Namo Arihantanam" can evoke different spiritual states compared to translating it into a prayer like "Salutations to the Arhat."
Modern Scientific Support: Reference is made to the experiment where the sound of the "Shri Sukta" (a Vedic hymn) generated the "Shri Yantra" (a sacred geometric design) on a screen, suggesting the material manifestation of sonic vibrations. This is used to argue that the scientifically composed scriptures of the Ganadharas (principal disciples of Tirthankaras) possess similar potent effects.

Preservation of Original Forms

The book stresses the importance of adhering to the original scriptural forms:

Consequences of Alteration: It highlights the incident where Acharya Siddhasen Divakar was excommunicated for proposing to translate Jain scriptures into Sanskrit, underscoring that altering the original script or language diminishes their efficacy.
Respect for Originality: Even Tirthankaras themselves recite the original "Karemi Bhante" mantra at their initiation without altering it, demonstrating reverence for the scriptural form.
Importance of Meaning and Form: While the power of the original words is significant, the meaning (artha) is also crucial for achieving mental purification. Hence, the study of both form (vyanjan) and meaning (artha) is included in the "Jnanaachara" (conduct related to knowledge).

The Significance of the Order of the Six Essentials

The sequence of the Six Essentials is presented as scientifically determined for spiritual progress:

Samayika (Equanimity): This is placed first to calm the effects of passion (raga-dvesha) and cultivate equanimity, which is equated with right faith (samyaktva).
Chaturvinshtistava (Praise of 24 Tirthankaras): Following equanimity, this practice fosters reverence and devotion towards the Tirthankaras and their teachings.
Vandanaka (Salutation to Gurus): This comes next to express respect and devotion to the spiritual preceptors who transmit the teachings. It is performed before Pratikraman as a prerequisite.
Pratikraman (Repentance): This is done in the presence of the Guru to confess past sins and seek atonement through various practices.
Kayotsarga (Abandonment of the Body): This is considered a superior form of internal austerity (tapas), involving detachment from the body, which helps in the complete annihilation of past karma. It follows the acknowledgment of sins in Pratikraman.
Pratyakhyana (Renunciation/Resolution): This is the final practice, aimed at preventing future transgressions and resolving not to repeat past mistakes.

Conclusion

The book concludes by reiterating that the Shad Avashyak, when performed with concentration, purity of mind, speech, and body, and with pure intentions, are indeed the "Yoga" that connects the soul to liberation, as stated by Acharya Haribhadrasuri. All devotees are encouraged to perform these practices with utmost devotion, respect, and faith. The author concludes with an apology (Michchhami Dukkadam) for any statements that might deviate from the scriptural intent or Jain tenets.