Shraman Jivan Me Panchachar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shraman Jivan me Panchachar" by Jashkaran Daga:

The book "Shraman Jivan me Panchachar" (The Five Conducts in Ascetic Life) by Jashkaran Daga delves into the fundamental principles of Jain asceticism, focusing on the "Panchachar" (Five Conducts). The author emphasizes that these five conducts are the pillars of a virtuous Jain life and are particularly important for Acharyas (spiritual leaders) who guide the entire monastic order (Chaturvidh Sangh).

Core Principles:

Shraman Culture: The foundation of Shraman (ascetic) culture, which aims to impart eternal peace and happiness to the world, lies in the Pancha Parmeshthi (Five Supreme Beings). While Arihants and Siddhas are considered "Dev-Pad" (Divine status) and Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus are "Guru-Pad" (Guru status), considering the reverence, Arihants and Siddhas are also referred to as "Param Guru" (Supreme Guru), thus encompassing all five within the broader definition of "Guru." Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus are considered seekers in Shraman life.
The Role of the Acharya: Acharyas hold a crucial position as leaders of the Chaturvidh Sangh. They are defined by their adherence to and propagation of the Panchachar. The text quotes the Aavashyak Niryukti stating that those who follow the five conducts (Jnanaachar, Darshanachar, Charitraachar, Tapachar, and Viryachar) themselves and inspire others to do so are called Acharyas. Purity is the fundamental quality of an Acharya, and they must maintain their own and their Sangh's adherence to pure conduct.
Thirty-Six Virtues of an Acharya: The text outlines that according to scripture, an Acharya is endowed with thirty-six virtues. These include control over the five senses, adherence to nine types of celibacy (Brahmacharya Gupti), freedom from the four kashayas (anger, pride, deceit, greed), observance of five great vows (Mahavratas), mastery in following the five conducts, adherence to five samitis (careful practices), and three guptis (restraints).

The Five Conducts (Panchachar):

The book details each of the five conducts, their sub-categories, and their significance:

Jnanaachar (Conduct of Knowledge): This refers to the pure and faultless study of scriptural knowledge that leads to the understanding of true principles. It is characterized by eight aspects:
- Kaal (Time): Studying scriptures at the prescribed times, avoiding times of asajjhyay (unsuitable for study).
- Vinay (Respect/Humility): Receiving knowledge with humility, respecting the knowledge giver through offerings and attentive listening, and treating scriptures with care and reverence.
- Bahuman (High Esteem): Showing great respect to the teacher and knowledge, and avoiding 33 types of disrespect.
- Upadhan (Vow Observance): Performing observances like Ayambil before and after study.
- Anihnav (Non-concealment): Not hiding the name of the teacher and acknowledging their contribution.
- Vyanjan (Word/Grammar): Speaking the scriptural words accurately, understanding pronunciation, grammar, and nuances.
- Artha (Meaning): Not misinterpreting or hiding the true meaning of scriptures.
- Tadubhaya (Both Word and Meaning): Ensuring consistency between the written text and its meaning, reading, teaching, and listening with full purity and accuracy.
Darshanachar (Conduct of Faith/Perception): This involves the pure worship and adherence to right faith (Samyak Darshan) with its eight qualities:
- Nishankit (Undoubted): Unwavering faith in the scriptures and the teachings of the omniscient Tirthankaras, even if some points are difficult to understand.
- Nishkankshit (Uncovetous): Not desiring the worldly wonders or superficial practices of other faiths.
- Nirvichikitsa (Without Disgust): Not harboring doubt about the results of religious practices and not feeling aversion towards ascetics due to their worn or unkempt attire.
- Amudha Drishti (Unwavering Vision): Recognizing Jainism as the supreme path and not giving undue importance to other doctrines.
- Upabrumhan (Strengthening): Praising the virtues of fellow practitioners and encouraging them.
- Sthirikaran (Stabilization): Helping those who have strayed from the path to regain their faith through guidance and support.
- Vatsalya (Affection): Maintaining affection for fellow community members and assisting them with their needs.
- Prabhavana (Dissemination/Glorification): Spreading the glory of Jainism through one's virtues and dispelling ignorance about the faith. This can be achieved through learning, debate, discourse, scriptural knowledge, foresight, asceticism, poetry, and public adherence to vows.
Charitraachar (Conduct of Character/Behavior): This involves protecting the soul from the four kashayas and the cycle of rebirths to attain liberation. It emphasizes avoiding faults in conduct and cultivating virtues, comprising eight aspects:
- Irya Samiti (Careful Movement): Moving with caution, avoiding night travel, choosing suitable paths, and observing the four types of care (in terms of substance, area, time, and mental state).
- Bhasha Samiti (Careful Speech): Speaking cautiously, avoiding harsh, hurtful, or idle talk, and speaking truthfulness, appropriateness, and with pure intent.
- Eshana Samiti (Careful Alms-Seeking): Accepting food, clothing, and utensils without faults, being mindful of the source, time, and mental state during acceptance.
- Adan Bhanda Matra Nikshepana Samiti (Careful Handling of Belongings): Handling and placing monastic requisites with care, including everyday items like brooms and mouth-cloths, and occasional items.
- Parishthapanika Samiti (Careful Disposal of Waste): Disposing of bodily waste and other unusable items with utmost care and in designated areas, with proper pronouncements and rituals.
- Manogupti (Mental Restraint): Diverting the mind from harmful thoughts and directing it towards meditation and pure contemplation.
- Vachangupti (Verbal Restraint): Abstaining from harmful speech and speaking only when necessary, with truthfulness and benefit.
- Kayagupti (Bodily Restraint): Directing physical actions towards austerity, self-control, and knowledge acquisition, rather than harmful activities.
Tapachar (Conduct of Austerity): This is the practice of austerities to burn away karmic impurities. Just as impure gold becomes pure when heated, the impure soul becomes divine through austerity. It comprises twelve types:
- Six External Austerities (Bahya Tap): Fasting (Anashan), reducing consumption (Unodari), begging for alms (Bhikshacharya), abstaining from certain tastes (Rasparityag), enduring physical hardship (Kayaklesh), and self-discipline to prevent influx of karma (Pratisamlinta).
- Six Internal Austerities (Abhyantar Tap): Penance (Prayashchit), humility (Vinay), service (Vaiyaavritya), self-study (Svadhyaya), meditation (Dhyana), and contemplation of the non-self (Kayotsarga).
Viryachar (Conduct of Energy/Vigor): This is the application of one's strength and vigor in spiritual pursuits without concealment. It involves five aspects:
- Uththan (Exertion/Effort): Actively engaging in spiritual practices.
- Bal (Strength): Possessing the inner strength to overcome obstacles.
- Virya (Energy): Sustained effort and potency in spiritual endeavors.
- Purushkar (Mankind's Effort/Courage): Demonstrating human effort and courage in the spiritual path.
- Parakram (Valour/Prowess): Displaying prowess and courage in spiritual pursuits.

Exemplary Life of Acharya Hastimal Ji Maharaj:

The book highlights Acharya Shri Hastimal Ji Maharaj as a contemporary example of an ideal Acharya who impeccably followed the Panchachar. The author presents five anecdotes illustrating his adherence to each of the five conducts:

Jnanaachar: His prompt and accurate answer to a complex scriptural question about Krishna Leshya while he was unwell.
Darshanachar: His fearless approach to a venomous snake, persuading it to enter his alms-bowl and then releasing it safely in a forest, demonstrating his unwavering faith and compassion.
Charitraachar: His strict stance on conduct, being both sweet to those who followed rules and firm in punishing those who erred, even expelling a senior monk who repeatedly faltered in his conduct.
Tapachar: His deep meditative practices, often seen in deep contemplation even late at night and early in the morning, inspiring a prominent idol-worshipper to become his devoted follower. His dedication to Svadhyaya (self-study) led to the establishment of an All-India Svadhyaya Sangh, promoting scriptural knowledge globally.
Viryachar: Despite his small stature, he possessed immense spiritual vigor and power. He established many spiritual milestones, including the comprehensive history of Jainism and the formation of the Samayik and Svadhyaya Sanghs. He attained a conscious and peaceful death through fasting and meditation (Pandit Maran).

Conclusion:

The book concludes by stating that while the Panchachar are primarily associated with the thirty-six virtues of an Acharya, their observance is essential for all ascetics, including Upadhyayas and ordinary monks and nuns. Without adherence to these five conducts, it is impossible to maintain a pure ascetic life. Just as knowledge without practice, words without action, and dharma without mindful vigilance are meaningless, an ascetic life devoid of the Panchachar is not meaningful. Therefore, all striving ascetics are urged to constantly be diligent in their observance.