Shraman Evam Shramani Ke Achar Me Bhed - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shraman evam Shramani ke Achar me Bhed" (Differences in the Conduct of Male and Female Ascetics) by Dr. Padamchand Munot, based on the provided pages:

The article, authored by Dr. Padamchand Munot, discusses the distinct differences in the conduct (achara) of male ascetics (Shraman) and female ascetics (Shramani) within Jainism. While both adhere to the Pancha Mahavratas (five great vows), five Samitis (vigilances), and three Guptis (restraints), and study scriptures, physical and societal factors necessitate variations in their practices. The text draws upon various Jain Agamas, primarily the Brihatkalpa Sutra, to detail these differences.

Core Concepts:

Shraman: Refers to one who exerts their full strength in penance and restraint, or one who harbors equanimity and good wishes towards all living beings (mobile and immobile).
Shramani: The female counterpart to a Shraman, also referred to as Mahasatiji.
Lord Mahavir's Teachings: The code of conduct prescribed by Lord Mahavir is essential for both Shramans and Shramanis to achieve their ultimate goal of Moksha (liberation).

Key Differences in Conduct (Based on Brihatkalpa Sutra and other Agamas):

Duration of Stay in Villages/Towns:
- General Rule: Jain ascetics generally remain mobile, as constant wandering is seen as purifying. However, permanent residence in one place can lead to attachment.
- Exception (Paryushana Kalpa): During the four months of the rainy season (Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashvina, Kartika), when the birth of many living beings (earth, water, plants, mobile beings) increases, ascetics observe a period of stationary living, known as Paryushana Kalpa or Chaturmasa.
- Difference in Permitted Stay:
  - Shraman: Permitted to stay in one village or town for a maximum of one month (29 days).
  - Shramani: Permitted to stay for two lunar months (58 days). This extended stay is considered necessary due to the Shramani's physical structure, inherent delicacy, and the need for enhanced safety of their spiritual life.
- Travel (Vihar): Shraman's travel is described as "9 kotis" and Shramani's as "5 kotis," implying differences in the nature or scope of their movement, though not explicitly defined in these excerpts.
Staying in Commercial Hubs:
- Shramani: Not permitted to reside in places like market centers (apanagriha), road junctions (rathyāmukha), crossroads (shringataka, chatushka, chatvara), or areas along market routes (antarapana).
- Shraman: Permitted to reside in such locations.
Staying in Unbarred/Open Spaces:
- Shramani: Not allowed to stay in open spaces without doors or with unlocked doors. If such a place must be used, they must arrange for curtains to be hung both inside and outside, creating a passage in between, with the curtains being perforated. This is for modesty and to prevent unwanted glances.
- Shraman: Permitted to stay in open spaces without doors.
Use of "Ghatimātraka" (Small Pot-like Vessel):
- Shramani: Permitted to wear a small pot-shaped vessel that is plastered/lined from the inside.
- Shraman: Not permitted to wear or use such a vessel that is lined from the inside.
Residence with Laypeople (Sagārika):
- Shramani: Must reside with the shelter of laypeople (sagārika nishra).
- Shraman: Residence with laypeople is not mandatory, but considered good if available.
Residential Dwellings with Laypeople:
- General Prohibition: Both Shraman and Shramani are generally not permitted to reside in dwellings that are also occupied by laypeople.
- Specific Restrictions:
  - Shraman: Not permitted to reside in dwellings exclusively occupied by women (stri sagārika).
  - Shramani: Not permitted to reside in dwellings exclusively occupied by men (purush sagārika).
- Permitted Residences:
  - Shraman: Permitted to reside in dwellings exclusively occupied by men.
  - Shramani: Permitted to reside in dwellings exclusively occupied by women.
Staying in Attached/Connected Dwellings (Pratibaddhashayyā):
- Shraman: Not permitted to reside in dwellings that are physically attached or connected to a layperson's residence.
- Shramani: Permitted to reside in such attached dwellings.
- Types of "Pratibaddha": The text further clarifies "pratibaddha" into "dravya pratibaddha" (physically attached) and "bhāva pratibaddha" (mentally disturbing). The latter includes situations where the ascetic shares facilities like excretion areas, sitting places, or where there's exposure to feminine beauty, sounds of ornaments, or suggestive speech, which can lead to mental disturbance.
Staying in Dwellings with Connected Pathways:
- Shraman: Not permitted to reside in a dwelling where the pathway to it passes through the middle of a lay family's house.
- Shramani: Permitted to reside in such dwellings.
Accommodation in Rest Houses, etc.:
- Shramani: Not permitted to stay in rest houses (āgamana-griha), open houses, houses with bamboo/reed lattice walls, under trees, in open sky, or in houses with only four walls.
- Shraman: Permitted to stay in all such places.
Activities in Each Other's Residences:
- Shraman in Shramani's Residence: Not permitted to stand, sit, lie down, change posture, sleep, doze, eat, drink, lick, chew, expel bodily waste (urine, feces, phlegm, nasal mucus), study, meditate, or perform Kayotsarga (standing in meditative posture).
- Shramani in Shraman's Residence: Not permitted to stand or perform Kayotsarga.
Wearing of "Avagrahanantaka" and "Avagrahapattaka":
- These terms refer to undergarments (like a loincloth or supporter for the private parts).
- Shraman: Not permitted to wear or possess these.
- Shramani: Permitted to wear and possess these.
Prohibition of Solitary Travel for Shramani:
- General Rule: A Shramani must not be alone (ekakini).
- Specific Prohibitions: A solitary Shramani is not permitted to enter or exit a layperson's house for alms. She is also not permitted to go alone to places for bodily excretion or for study.
- Group Travel: Shramanis must travel or stay in groups of at least three. For alms collection (gochari), at least two Shramanis are required. A Shramani cannot undertake solitary travel from one village to another or observe solitary Chaturmasa.
Prohibition of Being Without Clothes or Utensils for Shramani:
- A Shramani is not permitted to be without clothes or utensils. This is why a Shramani cannot attain the status of Jinakalpi (an ascetic who practices the highest form of austerity and minimal possessions, shedding all but the most essential items).
Prohibitions Regarding Postures and Practices for Shramani:
- Total Surrender of Body: Shramani is not permitted to completely abandon her body (vyutsarjana).
- Ātāpanā (Sun Bath):
  - Not permitted to perform Ātāpanā outside villages facing the sun, standing on one leg with arms raised.
  - Permitted to perform Ātāpanā inside the residence, covered by clothes, with arms hanging down, and feet together.
- Specific Postures Prohibited for Shramani:
  - Kayotsarga (standing meditation)
  - Specific sitting postures for vows (pratimā āsan)
  - Sitting postures (nishadyā)
  - Utkutukāsana (squatting posture)
  - Vīrāsana, Daṇḍāsana, Lakuṭāsana
  - Adhomukhi (facing downwards)
  - Sleeping with head raised
  - Āmra Kubjāsana
  - Sleeping on one side
Prohibition of "Ākuñcana Paṭṭaka" for Shramani:
- Shramani is not permitted to wear or use "Ākuñcana Paṭṭaka" (likely a type of binding or covering).
- Shraman is permitted to keep and use it.
Prohibition of Sitting/Sleeping with Support for Shramani:
- Shramani: Not permitted to sit or sleep using any kind of support or prop.
- Shraman: Permitted to sit or sleep using support.
Prohibition of Using Furniture with Protrusions for Shramani:
- Shramani: Not permitted to sit or turn over on platforms or seats with decorative protrusions or knobs.
- Shraman: Permitted to do so.
Prohibition of Using a Gourd Pot with a Stem for Shramani:
- Shramani: Not permitted to keep or use a gourd pot with a stem.
- Shraman: Permitted to keep and use it.
Prohibition of Using a Bristled Cleaning Stick with a Stem for Shramani:
- Shramani: Not permitted to keep or use a bristled cleaning stick (prachamānika) with a stem.
- Shraman: Permitted to keep and use it.
Prohibition of Using a Stick for Wiping Feet for Shramani:
- Shramani: Not permitted to keep or use a foot-wiping cloth (pādāprochana) that has a stick attached.
- Shraman: Permitted to keep and use it.
Prohibition of Exchanging Urine:
- Neither Shraman nor Shramani are permitted to take, drink, or apply each other's urine, except in cases of grave illness.
Granting of Acharya (Head) Status:
- A Shramani cannot be appointed as an Acharya.
- Reasons:
  - It is not the command of the Tirthankara.
  - Men are considered senior (jyestha).
  - Men are considered to possess greater gravitas, making them suitable for administrative roles.
  - In many situations like travel or alms collection, Shramanis cannot go alone, whereas Shramans like Gautam Swami can.
Vandana (Salutation) Behavior:
- Even a Shraman who has been ordained for only one day is considered senior to all Shramanis. Therefore, all Shramanis, regardless of their seniority in terms of years of ascetic life (even 60-70 years or more), must bow down to such a Shraman.

In conclusion, the article meticulously outlines the nuanced differences in the daily practices and restrictions faced by male and female Jain ascetics, stemming from their physical attributes, societal perceptions, and the overarching goal of spiritual liberation as guided by the Agamas. These differences are rooted in ensuring modesty, safety, and the appropriate observance of vows for each gender within the monastic order.