Shadavashyak Ke Kram Ka Auchitya

This document, titled "Shadavashyak ke Kram ka Auchitya" (The Rationale of the Order of the Six Essentials) by Parasmal Chandaliya, published by Jinavani, delves into the scientific and logical sequencing of the six essential observances (Shadavashyak) in Jainism. The author argues that this order is based on the principle of cause and effect, and that each step naturally leads to the next, forming a holistic process for spiritual purification and advancement.

Core Argument:

The central thesis is that the order of the Shadavashyak is not arbitrary but is scientifically structured, with each practice serving as a necessary precursor and foundation for the subsequent one. This structured approach aims at self-introspection, self-examination, and self-improvement, ultimately leading to the purification of the soul from karmic impurities.

Detailed Breakdown of the Six Essentials and Their Order:

1. Samayika (Equanimity/Meditation):

   • Placement: First essential.
   • Rationale: This is the foundational step. Achieving equanimity (samabhava), free from attachment and aversion (rag-dvesh), is crucial. Without this inner peace, one cannot cultivate virtues or shed vices. Samayika is described as the primary practice for self-upliftment and the means to attain liberation (moksha). It involves dwelling in one's true self, engaging in right knowledge, perception, conduct, and penance.
   • Benefit: Cessation of sinful activities (savadh yoga), leading to soul purification.

2. Chaturvimsati-stava (Praise of the Twenty-Four Tirthankaras):

   • Placement: Second essential, following Samayika.
   • Rationale: After achieving equanimity, the aspirant needs inspiration from the qualities of perfected beings. The 24 Tirthankaras, being free from attachment and aversion and omniscient, are ideal role models. Praising them and contemplating their virtues helps in overcoming ego, fostering love for virtues, and paving the way for further spiritual practice.
   • Benefit: Purity of perception (darshan vishuddhi), leading to soul purification and becoming like the Tirthankaras.

3. Vandana (Salutation/Reverence):

   • Placement: Third essential, following Chaturvimsati-stava.
   • Rationale: After praising the divine Tirthankaras, the next step is to show reverence to their true representatives – the enlightened spiritual preceptors (gurus) who propagate the Jain teachings. Vandana is an expression of devotion and respect through mind, speech, and body.
   • Benefit: Cultivates humility (vinaya), destroys ego, fosters respect for virtues, and leads to the eradication of lower-status karmas (nich gotra karma) and the acquisition of higher-status karmas (uchch gotra karma), leading to good fortune and general well-being.

4. Pratikraman (Confession/Repentance):

   • Placement: Fourth essential, following Vandana.
   • Rationale: After showing respect to the guru, the aspirant, under their guidance (or with a pure mind, implied from the previous steps), can confess their faults and mistakes. Pratikraman is the process of acknowledging and repenting for sins committed through mind, speech, and body, directly or indirectly. The text suggests that "Pratikraman" has become a common term for all "Avashyaks" due to its prominence and comprehensive nature.
   • Benefit: Closes the loopholes in vows (vrat), purifies the soul, leads to introspection, and prevents future transgressions. It is likened to medicine that cures existing ailments and enhances well-being.

5. Kayotsarga (Abandonment of the Body/Self-Mortification):

   • Placement: Fifth essential, following Pratikraman.
   • Rationale: After confessing and repenting for past faults, Kayotsarga involves a detachment from the body and its preoccupations. This practice, akin to a therapeutic poultice, helps to cleanse impurities and stabilize the mind for deeper spiritual absorption. It is a form of penance that purifies the soul from past and present faults.
   • Benefit: Cleanses past and present faults through penance, leading to a peaceful state of mind and engagement in auspicious meditation.

6. Pratyakhyana (Renunciation/Abstinence):

   • Placement: Sixth and final essential, following Kayotsarga.
   • Rationale: With the purified mind and strengthened resolve achieved through the previous steps, the aspirant is ready to renounce certain activities or desires. Pratyakhyana signifies making a vow or undertaking to abstain from specific actions or indulgences, thereby controlling desires and increasing spiritual strength. This step represents the acquisition of new spiritual merit through penance.
   • Benefit: Arrests influx of new karmas (asrava dwaro ka nirodh), controls desires (ichcha ka nirodh), leading to freedom from craving and attainment of supreme peace.

Conclusion:

The article concludes by emphasizing that the Shadavashyak is a compulsory practice for any Jain practitioner, whether a layman (shravak) or a monk (shraman). These six essentials not only lead to spiritual purification but also foster virtues like equanimity, humility, and forgiveness in worldly life, bringing about inner peace and happiness. The process of Pratikraman, in particular, is highlighted as crucial for soul purification, the adherence to the five Acharas (conducts), and the cessation of karmic bondage. It is presented as a continuous cycle of self-correction and spiritual growth.