Shraman Auchitya Shiksha - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shraman Auchitya Shiksha" (Education on Propriety for Ascetics), authored by Panyas Muktivallabhvijay and published by Divya Darshan Trust. The book, released in Veer Samvat 2532 (2006 CE), serves as a guide for Jain ascetics (Shramans) on maintaining propriety and ethical conduct in their spiritual lives.

The text emphasizes that propriety (auchitya) is the lifeblood of religion. It aims to provide knowledge and experience on how ascetics should conduct themselves in various aspects of their lives to uphold their spiritual path and adhere to Jain principles.

Key Themes and Concepts:

The Nature of Shiksha (Education): The book defines "Shiksha" not just as acquiring knowledge but also as the exchange of knowledge and experience. It categorizes Shiksha into:
- Guru-gam Shiksha: Knowledge imparted systematically by parents, elders, or spiritual teachers.
- Grahan Shiksha: Acquiring knowledge through listening or reading.
- Asevan Shiksha: Learning through practice and direct experience. The book is primarily considered "Grahan Shiksha" but can also serve as "Asevan Shiksha" for advanced ascetics. Guidance from a spiritual teacher is recommended for beginners.
Two Types of Shiksha:
- Grahan Shiksha (Knowledge Acquisition): This further divides into:
  - Sheya Vishayak Grahan Shiksha (Knowledge about what to know): Its fruits include strengthening right faith, liberation from misconceptions, right speech, and right contemplation.
  - Heyopadeya Vishayak Grahan Shiksha (Knowledge about what to abandon and what to adopt): This involves understanding distinctions based on general, specific, situational, favorable/unfavorable, and circumstantial factors.
- Asevan Shiksha (Practice-based Learning): This involves developing skill in conduct through practice, reflection, and proximity to experienced individuals. It can be acquired through inherent wisdom or practical experience.
The Importance of Auchitya (Propriety/Decorum): Auchitya is highlighted as a vital virtue that guides all actions. It regulates:
- The quantity and quality of resources used.
- The appropriate time and occasion for actions.
- Discretion regarding the secrecy or openness of actions.
- Adaptability in rituals and practices based on circumstances.
Scope and Application: While Auchitya applies to all religious activities and interactions, the book focuses on specific areas relevant to ascetics. The principles presented are guidelines and may need contextual adaptation. Adhering to these principles benefits both the ascetic and others. Some guidelines are specific to certain situations and should only be followed in those contexts.
Causes of Auchitya Violation: Violations of Auchitya stem from:
- Ignorance: Lack of understanding of proper conduct.
- Intense Attachment or Aversion: Strong emotions overriding proper judgment.
The Goal of the Book: The primary aim is to address and rectify Auchitya violations caused by ignorance, making righteous conduct natural and effortless through diligent study of the text.
Relevance to the Current Era: The book acknowledges the challenging times characterized by a decline in spiritual rigor, external influences from consumerism and technology, and the need for ascetics to maintain their distinctiveness and adhere strictly to their vows.

Detailed Breakdown of Auchitya (Propriety) as Covered in Chapters:

The book is structured into various categories of propriety, each with numerous points of guidance:

Vinay-Vaiyavrutya Auchitya (Propriety in Humility and Service): This section details conduct towards senior monks, guests, and fellow ascetics, emphasizing respect, proper etiquette during greetings, seating arrangements, sharing resources, and assisting those in need. It covers actions like rising for elders, not occupying superior seats, accepting invitations with grace, and serving the sick and elderly with dedication.
Vyavahar Auchitya (Propriety in Daily Conduct): This focuses on interactions with lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas). It stresses maintaining distance, avoiding gossip or inappropriate conversations, dressing modestly (covering knees), refraining from public scratching or loud talking, and showing discretion when interacting with guests or offering advice. It emphasizes not being influenced by worldly trends and maintaining a dignified demeanor.
Aahar Auchitya (Propriety in Food Consumption): This chapter provides meticulous guidance on accepting alms (gochari). It covers avoiding specific prohibited items, being mindful of impurities, understanding household routines, memorizing house locations, avoiding repetitive visits to the same houses, being cautious with overly devoted households, using senses correctly to identify impurities, and the importance of bringing back and distributing gochari correctly. It also stresses bringing back only what is necessary and avoiding excessive collection.
Vihar Auchitya (Propriety in Movement and Travel): This section covers rules for traveling. It includes carrying essential items, checking living spaces for insects before entering, tying bundles properly, drying clothes, walking with awareness, observing road safety, and taking necessary precautions during travel, especially in the dark or in unfamiliar terrain.
Nihar Auchitya (Propriety in Excretion and Personal Hygiene): This chapter deals with maintaining cleanliness during and after excretion. It provides detailed instructions on collecting water, cleaning oneself, disposing of waste, and handling personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, cloths, and nails with utmost care and following prescribed rituals. It emphasizes avoiding contamination and respecting the environment.
Upakaran Auchitya (Propriety in Use of Utensils and Belongings): This section details the proper handling and care of all ascetic possessions. It covers the cleanliness of utensils, cloths, water pots, robes, books, and even small items like pens. It stresses meticulous cleaning, proper storage, avoiding unnecessary items, and borrowing items with permission and returning them promptly.
Pratilekhana-Pramarjana Auchitya (Propriety in Cleaning and Inspection): This is a detailed guide on the meticulous cleaning of all items and spaces used by an ascetic. It covers cleaning floors, walls, utensils, clothes, and even books, emphasizing the removal of all living beings and impurities. Specific instructions are given for cleaning during monsoons.
Pratikraman Auchitya (Propriety during Confession and Repentance): This section focuses on the correct way to perform the Pratikraman ritual. It covers proper pronunciation of scriptures, maintaining the correct body posture, attentiveness, punctuality, and the importance of humility and repentance during this spiritual practice.
Swadhyaya Auchitya (Propriety in Self-Study): This chapter highlights the importance of acquiring knowledge through scripture study. It recommends memorizing scriptures, verses, and hymns, understanding their meanings, diligently attending lectures and readings, and maintaining a conducive environment for study. It also advises on the proper way to maintain notes and books.
Samanya Gyan Auchitya (General Knowledge Propriety): This section covers essential general knowledge expected of an ascetic, including understanding dates, times (sunrise, sunset), calculations, basic geometry, geography of India, and the lineage of Jain Tirthankaras and spiritual leaders. It also touches upon basic medical knowledge and hygiene practices.
Tap-Tyag Auchitya (Propriety in Austerities and Renunciation): This chapter guides ascetics on the appropriate way to observe fasts, vows, and renunciations. It stresses moderation, avoiding excessive indulgence, and observing vows with sincerity and awareness.
Bhasha Auchitya (Propriety in Speech): This chapter emphasizes the importance of speaking with restraint, politeness, and truthfulness. It advises against gossip, idle talk, harsh words, and boasting. It promotes mindful and beneficial speech.
Prabhubhaktyadi Aradhana Auchitya (Propriety in Devotion to the Lord and Worship): This section focuses on the correct way to worship the Lord, perform rituals, and maintain devotion. It highlights the importance of sincere prayer, chanting, and reverential conduct in temples.
Sharirasamyam Auchitya (Propriety in Bodily Discipline): This chapter addresses the discipline of the body, including maintaining good health through regulated diet and avoiding unhealthy habits. It emphasizes self-control and preventing physical ailments through mindful living.
Sanyam Maryada Auchitya (Propriety in Restraining Senses): This section delves into the control of the senses, warning against excessive attachment to worldly pleasures and encouraging restraint in thought, word, and deed.
Upayog Auchitya (Propriety in Mindfulness and Awareness): This chapter stresses the importance of being constantly aware and mindful of one's actions, thoughts, and speech, ensuring that all activities are conducted with spiritual intention and without causing harm.
Parinati-Lakshi Auchitya (Propriety Focused on Inner Transformation): This final section emphasizes the ultimate goal of asceticism: inner transformation and spiritual purification. It encourages cultivating virtues like humility, forgiveness, compassion, and equanimity, leading to the attainment of liberation.

The book is presented as a compilation of essential guidelines derived from Jain scriptures and the teachings of revered spiritual masters, aimed at fostering a disciplined, ethical, and spiritually progressive life for Jain ascetics. It serves as a practical manual for upholding the highest standards of conduct in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.