Shramankriya Sutra Sandarbh

This Jain text, "Shramankriya Sutra Sandarbh" by Prabhanjanashreeji and published by Shantilal Chunilal Shah, delves deeply into the importance and practice of spiritual discipline within Jainism. The book is a comprehensive guide for monks and nuns, and by extension, for householders seeking spiritual growth.

The core philosophy presented is that liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth, inherent in the Jain tradition, is achieved through a combination of knowledge (Gyan) and action (Kriya). The text emphasizes that neither knowledge alone nor action alone is sufficient for moksha.

Key themes and arguments presented in the text include:

• The Interdependence of Knowledge and Action: The book argues that knowledge provides the right understanding of duties, while action is the means to implement them. It uses analogies like legs and eyes working together for a journey, or a blind person with a lame person, to illustrate how knowledge and action are mutually reliant for spiritual progress.
• The Significance of Action (Kriya): While acknowledging the importance of knowledge, the text strongly advocates for the essential role of action. It states that knowledge helps in recognizing the right path and the true nature of reality, but it is action that leads to the actual attainment of those truths. Actions, especially those aligned with Jain principles, are seen as crucial for breaking the bonds of karma (which is described as "jada" or inert matter). The text argues that action is not just external but also internal through contemplation and right conduct.
• Action as the Means to Manifest the True Self: The book explains that while the soul (atma) is inherently pure and possesses knowledge and perception, these qualities are veiled by karma. Action, particularly the rigorous practices of ascetics (Shramanas), is the method to remove these veils and reveal the soul's true nature.
• Distinction and Importance of Outer and Inner Action: The text differentiates between external actions (jada samagri dwara) and internal actions (chintanya, atma guno dwara). Both are deemed necessary for spiritual progress.
• The Supremacy of Action in Certain Contexts: The book offers compelling arguments for why action holds equal, and sometimes even greater, importance than knowledge. For instance, it states that knowledge is like a crown on the head, but it cannot perform the function of footwear. Similarly, knowledge of the sun cannot dispel the darkness of a cave; a lamp is needed. Thus, knowledge, however profound, cannot destroy karma; only action can. Action is also presented as something that cannot be 'rent' or borrowed, unlike knowledge, and it directly aids the self and others.
• Action as the "Mother" of Knowledge: The text highlights action's role in nurturing, purifying, protecting, and augmenting knowledge, even likening it to a mother. Practices like Samiti (caution) and Gupti (restraint) are referred to as the "mother of instruction" (pravachan mata).
• The Dangers of Blind Imitation vs. Understanding: The book cautions against blindly following practices without understanding their underlying principles, comparing it to a flock of sheep. It stresses the importance of performing actions with full comprehension and faith.
• The Necessity of Adhering to Rituals and Procedures (Vidhi): The text underscores the critical importance of following the prescribed methods and guidelines for actions. Deviation from these procedures, even with good intentions, can lead to negative consequences, loss of faith, and distortion of the spiritual path. It emphasizes that actions are a well-laid path, not to be altered or misused arbitrarily.
• Flexibility within Principles: While stressing adherence to Vidhi, the text also acknowledges that modifications can be made based on circumstances like time, place, and individual disposition (dravya-kshetra-kala-bhava), but these changes must be considered for the welfare of the entire monastic order and the spiritual progress of souls, not driven by individual preferences.
• The Role of Faith (Shraddha): The text highlights that even with correct understanding and adherence to rituals, faith is essential for action to yield true spiritual benefit. It explains that faith can be cultivated through the practice of actions.
• The Book's Purpose and Audience: The "Shramankriya Sutra Sandarbh" aims to provide a comprehensive collection of the ordinances and practices of Shramanas (monks and nuns). It is intended to guide them in their spiritual development and to help householders understand the importance of such practices in relation to the monastic path.
• The Rishimandal Stotra: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the "Rishimandal Stotra," a sacred hymn. The book provides detailed explanations of the stotra, its underlying mantras, the symbolic representation of the deities, and the benefits of reciting it. The stotra is presented as a powerful tool for protection, spiritual advancement, and the attainment of auspicious outcomes. It describes the stotra as divine, difficult to obtain, and revealed by the Tirthankaras for the welfare of the world. The text also details how the stotra can be invoked for various purposes, including overcoming obstacles, gaining prosperity, and achieving liberation.
• Detailed Schedules of Daily Practices: The book outlines specific daily routines and practices for monks and nuns, including:
  • Pancha Parameshti Namaskar Mahamantra (the five supreme beings' mantra) and its significance.
  • Samayika Sutra (practices related to equanimity).
  • Ichchhami Thhami (a prayer for purification and seeking forgiveness).
  • Daily and nightly faults (aticharas) and their reflection.
  • Detailed procedures for Pratikraman (confession and atonement) covering daily, fortnightly, and monthly observances.
  • The importance of Chaplana (walking with utmost caution) and other physical disciplines.
  • Rituals for obtaining alms (Gochari) and the associated conduct and ethics (Esana Samiti).
  • Rules related to sleep, dwelling places, and the proper use of religious items.
  • The twenty-two specific hardships (Parishaha) that ascetics must endure with equanimity.
  • The importance of correct language (Bhasha) and its forty-two variations.
  • The twenty-five attitudes (Bhavana) to cultivate for the five great vows.
  • The significance of the twelve types of ascetics' conduct (Padiama).
  • The nine controls (Gupti) and the ten qualities of an ascetic (Yati Dharma).
  • The concept of tap (ascetic practices) and its various forms.
  • The need for controlling anger, pride, deceit, and greed (Kashaya Nighraha).
• Emphasis on Understanding and Intent: The text consistently returns to the idea that actions must be performed with understanding and devotion, not merely mechanically. The purity of intention behind an action is as crucial as the action itself.
• Dedication and Publisher's Note: The book is dedicated to the esteemed Acharyas and highlights the collaborative effort in its compilation. The publisher's note emphasizes the unique contribution of Jain scriptures to resolving inner conflicts and promoting universal well-being.
• Table of Contents (Vishayanukram): A detailed table of contents is provided, listing all the chapters and appendices, offering a roadmap to the book's structure and extensive coverage of Jain ascetic practices.

In essence, "Shramankriya Sutra Sandarbh" serves as an authoritative and practical manual for the rigorous path of Jain asceticism, advocating for a life lived in strict adherence to spiritual principles, driven by right knowledge, unwavering faith, and meticulous action.