Swasthya Ke Mantradata Mahavir - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Swasthya ke Mantradata Mahavir" by Ganadhipati Tulsi, based on the provided pages:

The text, "Swasthya ke Mantradata Mahavir" (Lord Mahavir, the Giver of Health Mantras), authored by Ganadhipati Tulsi, explores Lord Mahavir's teachings as they relate to health and well-being. The central theme is the practice of Kayotsarg (also referred to as Kayotsarga or Viyutsarga), presented as a profound method for achieving physical, mental, and spiritual health, deeply rooted in Mahavir's philosophy.

Lord Mahavir as the Source of Health:

Mahavir is depicted as a revolutionary figure, embodying evolution, pure knowledge, boundless courage, a seeker of truth, a divine personality, and an enduring legacy. His discourses carried the resonance of eternity, and his presence was captivating and transformative.
His core belief was in a healthy life. He lived intrinsically and taught others to do the same. He himself was healthy and free from illness.
He offered numerous principles for health, with Kayotsarg being a cornerstone.

Understanding Kayotsarg:

Meaning: Kayotsarg literally translates to the "renunciation of the body." It involves the absence of excessive care for the body, the detachment from attachment to the body, and the development of consciousness for self-discovery (bhed vigyan).
Holistic Practice: Kayotsarg is presented as both the starting point and the ultimate conclusion of spiritual practice. It is the first lesson in understanding health and the final attainment. It is a technique for releasing stress and freeing oneself from all suffering.
Mahavir's Practice: Mahavir practiced Kayotsarg repeatedly during his 12.5 years of penance. It acted as a protective shield, diminishing the impact of adverse circumstances.
Benefits: When Gautam, a disciple, inquired about the benefits of Kayotsarg, Mahavir explained that it purifies actions that require atonement from the past and present. It liberates the practitioner from burdens, making them light-hearted and enabling them to engage in profound meditation and live harmoniously.
A Prescription for Health: Anyone aspiring to be and remain healthy must embrace the "medicine" of Kayotsarg. Mahavir possessed a scientific understanding of health, even for elements not recognized by modern medical science. He offered a potent yet simple mantra for health.

The Twelve Types of Penance and Viyutsarga:

Kayotsarg is considered a form of penance. Mahavir described twelve types of penance, with Viyutsarga (renunciation or letting go) being the twelfth.
Mahavir's philosophy was not based on likes or dislikes but on revealing reality. He advocated Viyutsarga, turning against the conventional preference for acceptance.
Two Types of Viyutsarga:
- Dravya Viyutsarga (Material Renunciation): This has four sub-types:
  1. Sharir-Viyutsarga: Renunciation of bodily restlessness.
  2. Gana-Viyutsarga: Renunciation of a group for a specific spiritual purpose.
  3. Upadhi-Viyutsarga: Renunciation of possessions like clothing.
  4. Bhaktapan-Viyutsarga: Renunciation of food and drink.
- Bhava Viyutsarga (Mental/Emotional Renunciation): This has three sub-types:
  1. Kashay-Viyutsarga: Renunciation of anger, etc.
  2. Sansar-Viyutsarga: Renunciation of worldly wandering.
  3. Karma-Viyutsarga: Renunciation of karmic particles.
While all forms of Viyutsarga are beneficial for health, the article specifically focuses on Sharir-Viyutsarga, which is also known as Kayotsarg.

The Difficulty of "Utarga" (Renunciation):

The mind is inherently restless. Controlling the mind is considered difficult, even more so than controlling bodily movements or speech. The mind is described as an untamed horse or a nomadic bird, unhindered by any barriers.
Mahavir addressed the control of Man-yog (mental activity), Vachan-yog (speech activity), and Kay-yog (bodily activity). He stated that renouncing the mind is difficult, but renouncing the body is even more challenging. A liberated soul first controls mental activity, then speech, then breath, and finally bodily activity to become "ayogi" (without attachment to activities), leading to complete detachment from the body.
The text acknowledges that the perception of difficulty can be subjective; for some, controlling the mind is harder, while for others, controlling the body is. The core challenge lies in the practice of yogic restraint itself. Kayotsarg is considered essential at the beginning and end of any such practice.

The True Nature of Kayotsarg:

"Kayotsarg" is a classical term. While modern terms like "relaxation" or "Shavasana" are used, the author believes they don't fully encompass the essence of Kayotsarg.
Kayotsarg involves not only physical relaxation but also experiencing the distinction between the body and consciousness with awareness and stability. While physical stillness is the initial stage, true Kayotsarg is achieved when the difference between the body and consciousness is realized.
It is a gateway to glimpsing the soul and experiencing an existence beyond the physical body.

Kayotsarg in Practice:

Universality: Anyone can practice Kayotsarg, but it is mandatory for monks. A monk is defined as one who frequently practices Kayotsarg. It is prescribed after every activity like begging, contemplation, examining possessions, and studying.
Misconceptions about Jainism: The text addresses the misconception that self-inflicted suffering is religion. Mahavir did not advocate for bodily discomfort; rather, he emphasized controlling the body (sharir ko sadhna) through practices like Kayotsarg, which is essential for controlling the mind.
Kayotsarg as Therapy:
- Spiritual Significance: Kayotsarg holds immense importance in spirituality.
- Medical Utility: Its utility in medical science is undeniable. Modern diagnostic procedures like ECG and X-rays require patients to relax their bodies. The author recounts a personal experience where a doctor advised him to relax and slow his breathing before an X-ray. Similarly, when getting teeth extracted, relaxation is advised.
- Blood Pressure Regulation: Kayotsarg can help balance high blood pressure. The author shares his own experience where performing Kayotsarg lowered his blood pressure.
- Stress Management: Stress is identified as a major problem of the current century, affecting everyone. Doctors often have no definitive cure for stress. Kayotsarg is presented as a permanent solution to stress. Regular practice prevents stress from developing. It keeps both the body and mind healthy.

Kayotsarg as a Mantra and a Pathway:

Kayotsarg is a mantra for spiritual as well as health practice. However, many people fail to grasp the concept of renunciation or rejection.
The power of rejection (or refusal) is immense. Those who utilize this power become examples.
An illustrative anecdote is shared about a wealthy merchant who offered a large donation of gold coins to a respected scholar. The scholar, in turn, offered two rupees back to the merchant, renouncing the large donation and asking if the merchant had ever encountered someone who could "dissolve" such a gift. This highlights the power of detachment and "visarjan" (renunciation).
Medicine and Accompaniment: Mahavir also discussed the achievements resulting from the purification of body, speech, and mind. Kayagupti (bodily control) leads to physical stability, Vachangupti (speech control) leads to thoughtlessness, and Manogupti (mental control) enhances concentration, all contributing to health.
The author personally practices silence and finds it restful and blissful. However, he emphasizes that silence combined with Kayotsarg is even more powerful, offering freedom from all suffering.
Conclusion: Whether it's silence, meditation, fasting, or any other ritual, Kayotsarg is crucial. For physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, embracing Mahavir's "great thread," Kayotsarg, is recommended. Kayotsarg is both the medicine and the accompanying agent for health, representing the "highway to health" for a healthy life.