Swadhyaya

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Swadhyaya" by Ramanlal C. Shah, based on the provided pages:

The text "Swadhyaya" by Ramanlal C. Shah delves deeply into the concept of self-study or scripture-study within Jainism, highlighting its profound importance for spiritual progress and liberation. The author begins by emphasizing the unique capabilities of humans due to speech, language, and literature. While language is a powerful tool for expressing thoughts and experiences, it is acknowledged as imperfect for conveying transcendental experiences. Literature, through the medium of script, transcends limitations of time and space, allowing knowledge to be passed down through generations.

The text then distinguishes between literature that is ephemeral and that which holds lasting value. It argues that humanity preserves only that literature which proves useful for life and will benefit future generations. Examples like the Vedas, Upanishads, Agamas, Tripitakas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata are cited as examples of timeless literature that have been preserved. In contrast, much contemporary literature, especially from newspapers and magazines, quickly becomes obsolete. The author quotes a Chinese philosopher who found no need to read newspapers, as important information would eventually reach him through other means, and unimportant information was a waste of time. This sentiment is echoed for those seeking self-realization (atmarthi), for whom newspapers hold little value compared to spiritual texts.

The core of the text revolves around defining and explaining the practice of Swadhyaya. It asserts that with infinite scriptures and limited time filled with obstacles, individuals must exercise discernment, like a swan separating milk from water, to focus on the essential truths.

Key Definitions and Aspects of Swadhyaya:

• Core Meaning: Swadhyaya is defined as the study of oneself (the soul), the study of scriptures, teaching scriptures, and remembering scriptures. It is also described as the cultivation or worship of knowledge, diligently pursued.
• Distinction from Adhyayan: While "adhyayan" (study) generally refers to the careful reading and contemplation of any text, "swadhyaya" is specifically the study of texts beneficial to the self (atma). Reading newspapers, social, economic, or political pamphlets, or romantic literature is considered externalizing and not true swadhyaya.
• Purpose of Swadhyaya: True swadhyaya makes one introspective, removes impurities, and is a remedy for worries and despair. It leads to the realization of what is to be discarded and what is to be embraced, inspiring one to purify their soul.
• Benefits of Swadhyaya:
  • Enriches Knowledge and Speech: It enhances one's knowledge and articulation, enabling them to express ideas from various perspectives.
  • Develops Skills: It refines the skill of "vastrutva-kala" (the art of presentation), making speech influential, compassionate, sweet, honest, pure, affectionate, and simple.
  • Spiritual Progress: It is considered a type of internal penance (abhyantar tapa) in Jainism, crucial for controlling the restless mind, destroying accumulated karma, and stopping the inflow of worldly passions.
  • Karma Nirjara: Swadhyaya is highly effective in destroying karma, particularly knowledge-obscuring karma. It is said that accumulated karma from many lifetimes can be destroyed in a moment through swadhyaya.
  • Realization of the Self: Ultimately, swadhyaya leads to the realization of the self and the attainment of higher spiritual experiences. It can even lead to the direct perception of the desired deity.
  • Moral and Ethical Growth: It leads to the purification of conduct and the adherence to vows and restraints.
• Types of Swadhyaya (as per Bhagavati Sutra):
  1. Vachana: Receiving knowledge from a teacher.
  2. Prachchhana/Prichchhona: Asking questions to resolve doubts.
  3. Parivartana/Paravartana: Repeatedly reciting studied scriptures to prevent forgetting.
  4. Anupeksha: Contemplating the meaning of scriptures as deeply as the scriptures themselves.
  5. Dharmakatha: Imparting knowledge of scriptures to others (primarily for learned monks).
  • Vachana, Prachchhana, and Parivartana are considered dravya shruta (external scripture), while Anupeksha is bhava shruta (internal realization). Dharmakatha is for gitaartha (learned) monks.
• Types of Vachana: The text also mentions four types of Vachana: Bandha, Bhadra, Jaya, and Saumya, with a fifth type, Nanda, which involves refuting opposing views before presenting one's own.
• Importance for Monks: Swadhyaya is a daily routine for monks, alongside practices like reflection, confession, and meditation. They are advised to dedicate specific parts of the day and night to swadhyaya.
• Integration with Meditation and Chant: Swadhyaya is often integrated with meditation (dhyana) and chanting (japa) for enhanced spiritual benefit.
• True Swadhyaya: The text stresses that swadhyaya performed for mere scholarship or fame is meaningless. It must be done with faith, devotion, and genuine interest. It is only beneficial when it leads to discrimination between what should be accepted and what rejected, and culminates in right faith (samyak-darshana).
• Conditions for Swadhyaya: Specific times, places, and teacher's permission are mentioned as important for swadhyaya. Certain times and conditions are considered aswadhyaya (inauspicious for study), such as during eclipses, near dead bodies, or amidst lightning. However, Anupeksha can sometimes be practiced with certain rules even during these times.
• "Sajjhaya" in Prakrit: The word "Swadhyaya" gives rise to the Prakrit word "Sajjhaya," which is also used for specific Jain literary works, including devotional songs and reflections on the lives of saints and principles.

In conclusion, "Swadhyaya" is presented as a fundamental pillar of the Jain path to spiritual enlightenment. It is not just about reading but about diligent, faithful, and introspective study of scriptures that leads to self-understanding, ethical refinement, and ultimately, the liberation of the soul from the cycle of rebirth. The text underscores that true swadhyaya transforms an individual, making their words impactful and their spiritual journey purposeful.