Swarshastra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Swarshastra" by Vadilal Motilal Shah, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Swarshastra (स्वरशास्त्र) Author: Vadilal Motilal Shah (written by 'a Graduate') Publisher: Vadilal Motilal Shah Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 1966 / 1910 CE Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034084/1

Overall Theme: The book "Swarshastra" is presented as a treatise on the science of breath (Swara) that explains the knowledge for achieving physical, financial, and spiritual well-being. It emphasizes the profound connection between breath, the five elements, the body's subtle channels (nadis), and the ability to gain knowledge of the past, present, and future. The text is rooted in Upanishadic principles and aims to be a practical guide for spiritual and worldly advancement.

Key Concepts and Sections:

1. Introduction (Page 2):

   • The book is presented in a dialogue format between a Guru and a disciple.
   • It clarifies that the text is not directly extracted from Jain scriptures but is based on Upanishadic knowledge, compiled by a scholar.
   • The author, V.M. Shah, believes the knowledge of Swara is highly beneficial for physical comfort, overcoming difficulties, and meditation.
   • He encourages readers to accept what is useful for them, regardless of their religious beliefs, to encourage the spread of such beneficial knowledge.

2. The Five Elements and the Body (Page 3):

   • The universe originates from, is sustained by, and dissolves into five elements: Akasha (Ether/Space), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jala (Water), and Prithvi (Earth).
   • The human body is also composed of these five elements, which reside in a subtle form within. Understanding these elements allows one to grasp the universe's workings.

3. The Significance of Swara (Breath/Breath Science) (Page 4):

   • The text emphasizes that knowledge of breath (Swara) leads to Trikalajnana (knowledge of past, present, and future).
   • Swara is described as a highly guarded secret, a source of welfare, and a gem in the hands of the wise.
   • It is accessible to the pure, virtuous, faithful, grateful, and devoted.
   • Those who are corrupt, impure, angry, untruthful, unchaste, or lethargic due to sensual attachment should not receive this knowledge.
   • The knowledge of Swara is considered all-encompassing, containing the Vedas, scriptures, Gandharvas, and even the three worlds. It is a reflection of the Supreme Brahman (Parabrahma).
   • Without Swara knowledge, other branches of knowledge are like a house without a landlord, speech without knowledge, or a body without a head.
   • Mastery over the nadis (channels), prana (life force), tattvas (elements), and Sushumna is essential for attaining liberation (Moksha).
   • Complete control over Swara brings auspiciousness and gives power over creation and destruction.

4. The Network of Nadis and Vayus (Pages 6-7):

   • The body contains 72,000 nadis originating from the navel.
   • Kundalini Shakti is coiled like a serpent at the navel.
   • Ten major nadis are highlighted, with Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna being the most important.
     • Ida Nadi: Located on the left side, associated with the Moon (Chandra), cooling energy, and represents Shakti.
     • Pingala Nadi: Located on the right side, associated with the Sun (Surya), heating energy, and represents Shiva.
     • Sushumna Nadi: Located in the center, considered very rare and associated with spiritual progress and liberation.
   • Other nadis are mentioned: Gandhari, Hastijihva, Pusa, Yasasvini, Alambusa, Kuhu, Shankhini, and Damini.
   • The text describes the location of these nadis in relation to different parts of the body (eyes, ears, mouth, genitals, anus).
   • Ten Vayus (Prana energies) are detailed: Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, Vyana, Naga, Kurma, Krikila, Devadatta, and Dhananjaya. Their locations and functions are explained (e.g., Prana in the chest, Apana in the anus, Samana in the navel, Udana in the throat, Vyana pervading the body). Naga causes hiccups, Kurma controls blinking, Krikila causes hunger, Devadatta aids in eating, and Dhananjaya remains in the body even after death.

5. Interplay of Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna (Page 8):

   • Ida (Moon) is cool, Pingala (Sun) is hot. Ida is feminine, Pingala is masculine.
   • When Ida is active, perform peaceful activities. When Pingala is active, perform intense or dynamic activities. When Sushumna is active, focus on achieving spiritual powers and liberation.
   • The waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) favors the left nostril (Ida), and the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) favors the right nostril (Pingala).
   • Predicting the auspiciousness of activities is based on which nostril is active at specific times and during different moon phases.
   • Reversing the active nostril is possible with practice, leading to mastery over the three worlds.

6. Elements and Directional Influence (Page 9):

   • Specific zodiac signs are linked to solar or lunar breath (e.g., Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces are associated with Lunar; Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius with Solar).
   • Surya (Sun) is associated with East and North, while Chandra (Moon) is associated with West and South. Travel should align with the active breath and corresponding direction for positive outcomes.

7. Auspicious and Inauspicious Swara States (Pages 9-10):

   • Adverse Swara: If the breath flow is reversed from the expected pattern (e.g., Sun breath in the morning when Moon is expected), it can lead to mental distress, financial loss, forced travel, loss of reputation, destruction of possessions, illness, sorrow, and even death within eight days if the reversal is consistent.
   • Favorable Swara: If Moon breath is active in the morning and Sun breath in the evening, it brings victory and profit.
   • Moon breath destroys poison, Sun breath grants control over the body, and Sushumna breath leads to liberation.
   • The text provides practical advice on how to switch the breath to the desired nostril to perform specific tasks.

8. Activities and Corresponding Nadi/Swara (Pages 11-12):

   • Ida (Moon/Left Nostril): Best for long-term activities, wearing ornaments, long journeys, entering ashrams, accumulating wealth, digging wells, establishing pillars, buying property, marriages, preparing jewelry, making calming medicines, meeting superiors, business, storing grain, entering new homes, taking charge of new places, sowing seeds, auspicious and peaceful activities, and traveling outwards. Even yoga and meditation can be done during Moon breath.
   • Pingala (Sun/Right Nostril): Best for learning or teaching difficult scriptures, traveling on water, performing difficult or fierce activities, drinking alcohol, chanting mantras of fierce deities, studying scriptures, gambling, trading, collecting stones, learning music, performing rituals, climbing heights, theft, taming animals, riding new animals, jumping, writing, wrestling, fighting, performing sixfold actions, rituals involving Yakshinis, Yakshas, Vetala, ghosts, etc., and dealing with enemies. It's also beneficial for eating and bathing.
   • Sushumna: Considered inauspicious for most worldly activities as it leads to destruction. It's associated with gaining Siddhis and Moksha when active. When both Ida and Pingala are active simultaneously (Vishuvat state), it signifies inauspiciousness and the futility of actions. In this state, spiritual remembrance is advised.

9. The Eightfold Knowledge of Elements (Pages 14-16):

   • The text details eight types of knowledge related to the elements and Swara:
     1. Knowledge of the number of elements.
     2. Combination of elements with Swara.
     3. Signs of elements.
     4. Location of elements.
     5. Color of elements.
     6. Knowledge of Prana.
     7. Taste of elements.
     8. Movement of elements.
   • Identification of Elements: By closing the ears, nostrils, and eyes, one can perceive the elements through the breath's subtle qualities (color, smell, etc.). The text describes how to perform this (closing specific senses with fingers) and observe the subtle colors of the breath (yellow for Earth, white for Water, red for Fire, blue for Air, and colorless/reflective for Ether).
   • Properties of Elements:
     • Earth: Yellow, square, sweet taste, slow movement, beneficial for long-lasting activities, associated with profit but delayed.
     • Water: White, semi-circular, bitter taste, downward movement, beneficial for auspicious activities, profit obtained quickly.
     • Fire: Red, triangular, pungent taste, upward movement, beneficial for intense/dynamic activities, can lead to death.
     • Air: Blue/smoky, circular, sour taste, angular movement, beneficial for actions related to travel and warfare, can lead to loss.
     • Ether: Formless, reflective of all colors, associated with achieving spiritual knowledge and Siddhis, useless for worldly tasks.
   • The text also details which elements are associated with which planets and what types of gains or losses they indicate.

10. Applications of Swara and Elements:

    • Predicting Weather and Harvest: The dominant element during specific times can predict the prosperity of crops and the arrival of rain.
    • Health and Disease: Imbalance in elements leads to diseases specific to those elements.
    • Predicting Time of Death: The text outlines various signs and methods to determine the approaching time of death based on breath patterns, bodily changes, and specific visualizations.
    • Distant Help: It's possible to help others, even from afar, through focused thoughts and visualizations during sleep or meditation. The book provides examples of such interventions by "invisible helpers" (Devas/Forastars).

11. Invisible Helpers (Devas/Forastars) (Pages 32-47):

    • This extensive section discusses the existence and role of divine helpers, referred to as Devas, Forastars, or Angels across different cultures.
    • It acknowledges the skepticism of modern materialism but asserts their continued benevolent activity.
    • Helpers work subtly, often through human agents or by taking on forms when necessary.
    • Qualities of a Helper: The text details the qualities required to become a helper:
      1. Pure Mind: Concentration, devotion to one's deity or chosen path, and dedication to noble deeds.
      2. Complete Self-Control: Mastery over senses, emotions, and thoughts. The ability to remain calm amidst disturbances.
      3. Peacefulness: The ability to remain tranquil and unaffected by worldly worries.
      4. Knowledge: Understanding of the subtle realms and spiritual principles.
      5. Love/Compassion: Unconditional love and a desire to serve others, even in the subtle realms.
    • The text emphasizes that one can even extend help to others through focused thoughts and intentions, especially during sleep.
    • Examples of Divine Intervention: Several anecdotal examples are provided, showcasing how deceased individuals or divine beings have helped the living through dreams or subtle guidance, such as locating lost children or reuniting families.

Conclusion: "Swarshastra" presents breath control (Swara) as a powerful tool for not only understanding the universe and the human body but also for gaining foresight, influencing worldly events, and achieving spiritual liberation. It encourages readers to cultivate virtuous qualities and believe in the existence of divine helpers, emphasizing that through dedication and purity, one can contribute to the welfare of humanity. The book aims to guide individuals towards a life of balance, prosperity, and spiritual realization.