Sheel Jivan Ki Sundar Upasna Hai - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sheel Jivan ki Sundar Upasna Hai" by Alka Prachandiya, in English:

Book Title: Sheel Jivan ki Sundar Upasna Hai (Chastity is the Beautiful Worship of Life) Author: Alka Prachandiya Publisher: Z_Umravkunvarji_Diksha_Swarna_Jayanti_Smruti_Granth_012035.pdf

This text is a profound exploration of "Sheel" (chastity, virtue, good conduct) within the context of Jain philosophy and Indian culture, presenting it as the most beautiful and essential aspect of life.

Core Arguments and Themes:

Sheel as the Pinnacle of Life and Culture: The author emphasizes that Sheel is the invaluable ornament of human life and the backbone of Indian culture. It holds paramount importance across all four stages of life (Ashramas) and all social classes (Varnas). It is essential for ascetics (Sadhus and Sadhvis), householders (Shravaks and Shravaks), servants, and everyone else.
Holistic Development through Sheel: Practicing Sheel leads to all-round development – physical, mental, and spiritual. It strengthens the body, mind, and soul. The text asserts that a weak person cannot perceive the soul; this perception requires the strength derived from Sheel, akin to the "Vajra-rishabha-naracha" type of physical build described in Jain texts, which is attained through Sheel. Sheel brings forth "Shivatva" (auspiciousness/divinity) and beauty into life, making it truthful.
Sheel as True Worship: While the body is considered a temple of the soul, there is a growing tendency towards worshipping the body rather than the soul. True soul worship, or "Bhav Puja" (worship of inner feelings/essence), is achieved through the practice of Sheel, which is contrasted with "Dravya Puja" (worship of material things), such as adornment of the body.
Sheel as the Ornament of Ornaments: The text lists various virtues and describes them as ornaments: politeness is the ornament of wealth, control over speech is the ornament of valor, calmness is the ornament of knowledge, humility is the ornament of scriptures, non-anger is the ornament of penance, and forgiveness is the ornament of the capable. However, Sheel is described as the super-ornament that adorns all these other ornaments.
Sheel's Impact on Society: Sheel is the animating force for individuals, families, society, cities, regions, nations, and the world. Where Sheel prevails, love flourishes, trust endures, morale is boosted, and an atmosphere of happiness and peace is created.
Sheel's Unparalleled Nature: Sheel is described as life's upward journey, possessing boundless vision. The ocean of Sheel is unfathomable, and immersing oneself in it brings ever-increasing joy. Its fragrance is unique, unlike other scents that are carried by the wind's direction; Sheel's fragrance remains constant, flowing equally against or with the wind, as quoted from Visuddhimagga.
Sheel as a Means to Higher Realms: Sheel is presented as the ladder to the higher realms of heaven and a beautiful vehicle to reach the city of Nirvana (liberation).
Historical Significance of Sheel: The brilliant history of Indian culture is filled with stories of men and women adorned with Sheel, such as Damayanti, Chandanbala, Brahmhi, Sundari, Hanuman, and Seth Sudarshan. Their remembrance today is due to their practice of Sheel.
Power and Influence of Sheel: Those who possess Sheel find gods becoming their servants, supernatural powers their companions, and prosperity following their gaze. Their desires are easily fulfilled. Even the most unattractive or ungraceful person becomes revered due to Sheel. The text quotes Bhartrihari's profound verses to illustrate the transformative power of Sheel, where fire becomes water, the ocean a stream, mountains pebbles, lions tame animals, snakes garlands, and poison nectar for someone imbued with Sheel.
Broad Definition of Sheel: "Sheel" is a vast term encompassing a stable mental disposition, nature, and neutral behavior. It also means good nature, conduct, and righteous action. At its core, Sheel includes the five vows of Jainism: non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy/chastity (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha). In Buddhism, these are known as the Panchsheela. The text references Jain scriptures like "Prashna-vyakarana Sutra" and "Tattvartha Sutra" to highlight the expansive nature of Sheel, which includes the five vows, three derivative vows (Gunavratas), and four training vows (Shikshavratas), each having specific minor transgressions. In essence, Sheel means living within boundaries, possessing good habits, or excellent conduct.
Sheel and Brahmacharya: In Jainism, "Sheel" is often equated with "Brahmacharya" (celibacy or chastity). Brahmacharya encompasses the qualities necessary for good conduct. Just as Meru is the greatest mountain and Indra the greatest among gods, Brahmacharya is considered the greatest of vows. Its observance leads to the observance of all other vows, and the practice of penance, humility, self-control, forgiveness, detachment, and guardedness. It is truly the crown of vows.
Brahmacharya Defined: Brahmacharya involves controlling the five senses and dwelling within the soul. It's described as the conduct of a person free from attachment to the body. The term "Brahma" can mean semen, soul, or knowledge, and "charya" can mean protection, dwelling, or study. Thus, Brahmacharya means semen protection, dwelling in the soul, and the study of knowledge. For semen protection, a Brahmachari must exercise prudent restraint over visible, audible, edible, and drinkable substances, and avoid aphrodisiacs. Brahmacharya is a superior fertilizer from which the crops of virtues flourish.
Practices Associated with Brahmacharya: The "Manusmriti" outlines several practices to be avoided by a Brahmachari or a person of Sheel, including intoxicants, meat, perfumes, garlands, excessive sweet juices, sexual contact, oil massages, applying powders or pastes, kajal, wearing shoes, carrying umbrellas, witnessing obscene sights, listening to obscene songs or music, dancing, indulging in lust, anger, greed, violence, gambling, slander, gossip, falsehood, and physical contact or aggressive movements towards women.
Types of Sheel-Vratis: Acharyas divide Sheel practitioners into two categories: (i) those who observe complete Sheel (Brahmachari) and (ii) those who observe limited Sheel (Brahmacharya-anu-vrati). Sadhus and Sadhvis are complete Sheel-vratis, practicing full Brahmacharya in thought, word, and deed and inspiring others to do so. Among householders, there are those who, after their spouse's death or upon reaching an advanced age, vow to observe complete Sheel within their household life. Some unmarried individuals also take lifelong vows of Brahmacharya and dedicate their lives to service. However, such individuals are rare today. For those in household life, Sheel involves contentment with one's own spouse and abstaining from intimacy with others' spouses, observed through word and deed or just deed. Sheel brings glory to a family.
Sheel in the Modern Era: The author addresses the current challenges to practicing Sheel due to the influence of Western civilization and the devaluation of Indian culture. She calls for parents, elders, gurus, and social reformers to be vigilant, refine behavior, conduct, and values so that the flame of Sheel remains inextinguishable, unaffected by fear or temptation. She believes that if Sheel-related values are fostered in every home, it will create a "heaven on earth." The aphorism "Sheelam mokkhasya sovānam" (Sheel is the ladder to liberation) from "Dohapahuda" will be validated.
Benefits of Brahmacharya: Quoting Acharya Hemachandra, the text states that practicing Brahmacharya leads to longevity, radiance, and great strength, with well-formed and strong bodies. Brahmacharya is like fire hidden under ashes, with an inner light. This is echoed in the words of the Hindi poet Kabir: "Outside nothing is visible, but inside the flame burns."
Sheel's Impact on Individual and Society: Through the influence of Sheel, a person can become powerful, well-read, and possess a strong memory. Through the offering of good conduct and the worship of Sheel, not only individuals but also society, regions, nations, and the world can achieve prosperity. Ultimately, Sheel is the crowning jewel of life and its most beautiful worship.

In essence, the text argues that Sheel is not merely a personal virtue but a foundational principle that governs individual well-being, societal harmony, and spiritual progress, making it the most sublime form of worship and practice in life.