Shraman Sadhna

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Shraman Sadhna" by Shobhnath Pathak, in English:

The book "Shraman Sadhna" by Dr. Shobhnath Pathak emphasizes the critical role of spiritual discipline and practice (Sadhna) in achieving human excellence and spiritual liberation. The author begins by stating that to become spiritually superior, one must be accomplished in Sadhna. While the path of Sadhna may be difficult, the unwavering resolve, self-control, and rigorous penance of the practitioner naturally lead to the clearing of obstacles and ultimately to the attainment of their ultimate goal.

Core Principles and the Role of Sadhak:

• Mahavira's Teachings: The text highlights Lord Mahavira's teachings of truth, non-violence (ahimsa), non-stealing (asteya), non-possession (aparigraha), and celibacy (brahmacharya) as fundamental for every aspirant.
• Self-Reliance in Spiritual Attainment: It is stressed that all spiritual powers and ultimate liberation are achieved through one's own efforts and self-confidence. Jain scriptures proclaim that Arhants (Tirthankaras) attain Kevaljnana (omniscience) and liberation through their own vigorous practice, not through the help of others. The quote, "Arhants never sought assistance from others; they attain Kevaljnana through their own strength," underscores this point.
• Sadhna as the Highest Priority: Jainism places the highest importance on the practice of rigorous self-control and discipline, which enables the "Shramans" and "Shramanis" (monks and nuns) to achieve immense spiritual heights, uplift society, and finally attain liberation (Nirvana).

The Significance of the Shraman Tradition:

• Benefitting All Beings: The text asserts that the spiritual advancement provided by Shraman Sadhna is unparalleled in its benefit to all living beings.
• The Chaturvidh Sangh: Lord Mahavira, with a spirit of universal welfare, established the "Chaturvidh Sangh" (four-fold community), comprising monks (Shraman), nuns (Shramani), laymen (Shravak), and laywomen (Shravika). This community forms the backbone of Jainism.
• The Meaning of "Shraman": The word "Shraman" itself signifies practice and discipline. It is derived from the root "Shram," meaning effort or exertion. Scholars like Acharya Haribhadra Suri explain that a "Shraman" is one who practices penance. Acharya Raviṣeṇa notes that even kings found glory in renouncing their opulent lives to embrace penance, considering it the true "Shrama" (effort).
• Etymology and True Nature of a Shraman: The text delves into the etymology of "Shraman," tracing it to the Sanskrit root meaning one who controls their five senses and mind. It is also linked to being distressed by worldly affairs and practicing penance. The Prakrit form is "Saman," and its Sanskrit equivalents include Shraman, Saman, Shaman, and Shrama. The core principles of Shraman culture are "Shama" (equanimity) and "Sama" (equality). A Shraman strives for spiritual perfection through effort and liberates themselves from the bonds of worldly existence.
• Equanimity and Non-Violence: A true Shraman is one who holds an equal attitude towards all beings, harbors no malice, and loves all living beings equally. This is further elaborated by Acharya Hemachandra's interpretation of "Saman" as "Saman" (equal mind), indicating a balanced mental state towards everyone. A Shraman is pure-minded, never harbors evil thoughts, and remains balanced in the face of honor and dishonor, kin and strangers.
• Relevance in Modern Times: In today's violent world, the role of a Shraman is even more crucial in propagating the importance of non-violence. The text emphasizes that understanding that just as one dislikes suffering, all other beings also dislike it, and therefore, one who neither inflicts violence nor causes others to inflict it, and remains equanimous, is a true Shraman.
• Renunciation and Purity: The Shraman life involves detachment from possessions, abstaining from violence, speaking truth, and controlling desires, anger, greed, pride, delusion, attachment, aversion, and any actions that lead to the soul's downfall. They are masters of their senses, disciplined, and free from possessiveness.
• Buddha's Perspective: The text quotes Lord Buddha from the Dhammapada, stating that a shaved head or an uncontrolled mind does not make one a Shraman. One who is consumed by desire and greed cannot be a Shraman.

The Role of Shramanas and Shramanis in Society:

• Dedication to Social Upliftment: The rigorous, penance-filled life of Shramans and Shramanis is dedicated to the spiritual upliftment, ethical refinement, and overall equality of society.
• A Great Responsibility for Societal Transformation: This order bears the significant responsibility of societal transformation, especially when the modern world, filled with the pursuit of material comforts and the advent of atomic power, is searching for inner peace. The principles of spirituality and self-control are particularly essential for a generation caught in the dazzle of wealth and pleasure.
• Sacred Duty for Humanity's Welfare: Therefore, it is the responsible and sacred duty of Shramans and Shramanis to purify themselves through penance and to spread the nectar of righteous conduct for the welfare of humanity.
• Female Ascetics: The text clarifies the terms for female ascetics, with "Samani" being the Prakrit and "Shramani," "Shramana," and "Shravana" being the Sanskrit terms. "Shramana" refers to a maiden ascetic, and "Shramani" to a married ascetic. Those who embraced asceticism in their youth were called "Kumarshramana" and "Kumarshramana," respectively.
• Universality of the Term: The term "Shraman" has also been used in Vedic texts in the context of severe spiritual practice.

Conclusion:

The author concludes by stating that Shraman Sadhna is extremely rigorous and beneficial to humanity. Shramans and Shramanis, through their intense austerities, transform their bodies into a form that inspires and connects with the inner selves of people, leading to immense peace and happiness. In the current era of warfare, materialism, and escalating violence, the compassionate support of ascetics can be a boon to the world. Spreading the message of the five vows (Maha-vratas) and promoting the welfare of humanity is an essential need of the present time.