Spiritual Code And Restraints

This book, "Spiritual Code and Restraints" by Manu Doshi, delves into the practical aspects of Jainism, aiming to guide readers in their spiritual journey. It is dedicated to the memory of the author's grandmother, described as a symbol of sacrifice, simplicity, and selfless service.

The book is structured into two main parts: The Spiritual Code and The Restraints.

Part 1: The Spiritual Code

This section outlines the "Panchächär" or the fivefold code of Jain practice:

• Jnänächär (The Code for Acquiring Knowledge): This chapter emphasizes the importance of knowledge and outlines an eight-fold code for its acquisition, focusing on aspects like timing, reverence for teachers, careful reading, and grasping the underlying sense. It also details the five categories of Jain knowledge (Matijnän, Shrutjnän, Avadhijnän, Manahparyäyjnän, and Kevaljnän) and stresses that true knowledge is gained by eradicating obscuring karma through personal effort (Purushärtha).
• Darshanächär (The Code of Gaining Right Perception): This chapter focuses on developing right faith, conviction, and perception (Samyagdarshan). It outlines an eight-fold code that includes doubtlessness, absence of expectation, unflinching faith, not being swayed by outward shows, adoration, stabilizing others' faith, affection for co-religionists, and enhancing the esteem for true faith. The text highlights that right perception is crucial for true insight.
• Chariträchär (The Code of Conduct): This chapter discusses the practical application of spiritual principles in daily life, covering both monastic and lay conduct. It details the monastic code through the "Panch Samities" (five meticulous observances: Irya, Bhäshä, Eshana, Ädän Nikshep, and Utsarga) and "Trigupti" (three controls: Manogupti, Vachan Gupti, and Käygupti). For laypeople, it introduces the concept of "Shrävakächär" and the twelve restraints, which are further elaborated in Part 2.
• Tapächär (The Code of Austerities): This chapter highlights the significance of "Tap" (austerities) in eradicating karma and achieving liberation. It divides austerities into twelve types: six external (Anashan, Unodari, Vrittisankshep, Rastyäg, Käyaklesh, Sanlinatä) and six internal (Präyashchit, Vinay, Vaiyavrutya, Swadhyay, Dhyan, Käyotsarga). The author clarifies that austerities are a means to an end, and internal austerities are more crucial for spiritual development.
• Viryächär (The Code of Exercising Vigor): This chapter emphasizes the importance of applying effort and energy (vigor) to spiritual practices. It discusses how indolence, arising from sensuous indulgence, defilements, and attachment, hinders spiritual growth. Viryächär encourages overcoming these obstacles through self-motivation and consistent effort, reconciling it with the concept of karma by explaining it as present endeavor (Vartamän Karma) influencing past karma.

Part 2: The Restraints

This section details the various restraints prescribed for Jains, primarily focusing on the "Anuvrats" (minor restraints) for lay followers:

• Ahinsä (The Non-Violence): This chapter defines Ahinsä not just as refraining from physical harm but also as developing compassion and sensitivity towards all living beings. It explains that while absolute non-violence is impossible, avoiding avoidable violence is the goal. It emphasizes mental purity by discarding negative emotions like anger and animosity.
• Satya (The Truth): This chapter discusses the importance of speaking truth, not just verbally but also ensuring it is beneficial and pleasant. It explores the dilemma of speaking truth when it might cause harm and emphasizes the need for clarity and sincerity in communication. It also touches upon the deeper spiritual meaning of "Satya" as understanding the true nature of the soul.
• Asteya / Adattädän (Non-stealing): This restraint extends beyond physical stealing to include not taking anything without proper authorization, even if it's discarded. It emphasizes avoiding illicit gains and encourages possessionlessness or minimal possessions, linking it to controlling desire and cultivating detachment.
• Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): This chapter explores Brahmacharya both spiritually (dwelling within the soul) and physically (averting sensual activities). It discusses the traditional four stages of life in ancient India and the importance of celibacy during the student stage. It critically examines restrictive approaches to celibacy and suggests that understanding the true source of pleasure within the soul is key to overcoming sensual urges. It also addresses the modified observance for householders ("Swadäräsantosh" - contentment with one's spouse).
• Aparigrah (Non-Possession): This restraint focuses on limiting desires and possessions, emphasizing that true possessiveness lies in attachment rather than ownership. It advocates for contentment and a detached attitude towards material belongings, suggesting voluntary limitations on possessions as a way to manage desires.
• Digparimän Vrat (The Restraint of Geographical Limitations): This auxiliary restraint involves setting limits on one's movements and dealings in all directions to reduce worldly activities and potential violence. It has practical implications for daily life, encouraging local sourcing and limiting travel.
• Bhogopabhog Virman (Restraints on availing durable and consumable objects): This restraint deals with limiting the consumption of food and avoiding trades or occupations that cause significant violence. It emphasizes vegetarianism, caution regarding certain plant-based foods like roots and berries, and avoiding occupations with high levels of violence.
• Anarthadand Virman Vrat (The Avoidance Of Purposeless Violence): This restraint focuses on refraining from actions that are purposeless and cause harm. It includes avoiding vile contemplation, indolent behavior, lending violent tools, and advocating sinful activities. It also addresses the negative mental states of "Ärtdhyän" and "Raudradhyän" and the vanity associated with excessive concern for physical appearance.
• Samayik (Practicing Equanimity): This is presented as the first and foremost daily discipline. It involves dedicating a specific period (48 minutes) to practicing equanimity, detachment from worldly affairs, meditation, and contemplation of the soul. The book details the traditional rituals and the underlying significance of Samayik.
• Deshäväkashik (Second Discipline): This discipline involves further restricting one's activities and the use of articles within specific areas and times, as an enhancement of earlier restraints. It also includes avoiding places or articles that might lead to the breach of other vows.
• Paushadh (Practicing the Life of Monk): This restraint involves observing a day-long (or longer) fast and adopting aspects of monastic life, such as avoiding beautification of the body and engaging in worldly activities. It's seen as a practice to train for adopting a more spiritual lifestyle.
• Atithisamvibhäg Vrat (The Discipline Of Share And Care): This discipline emphasizes sharing and caring for those in need, particularly monks, nuns, and the less fortunate. It highlights the virtues of charity (Dän) in various forms (food, medicine, knowledge, fearlessness) and discusses the importance of the giver, receiver, object, time, and place in the act of giving.

Overall, "Spiritual Code and Restraints" provides a detailed exposition of Jain ethical principles and practices, offering a structured approach for individuals seeking to live a more spiritual and disciplined life, grounded in the core Jain values of non-violence, truth, and detachment.