Tumha Vinaymessejja

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Tumha Vinaymessejja" by D.S. Baya:

The book "Tumha Vinaymessejja" by D.S. Baya, published by Z_Ashtdashi_012049.pdf, emphasizes the paramount importance of vinaya (humility, respectful conduct, and discipline) in Jainism, particularly within the guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) relationship. Drawing heavily from the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, the text argues that vinaya is the cornerstone of spiritual progress and the key to receiving true knowledge from a spiritual guide.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• Vinaya as the Supreme Quality: The book highlights that Bhagwan Mahavir himself placed vinaya above all other qualities in a disciple. The very first chapter of the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, "Vinay-Shrut," is dedicated to establishing the significance of vinaya, suggesting that for a spiritual seeker, vinaya is more crucial than any other virtue. Although the text doesn't explicitly define vinaya, it elucidates it through the practical qualities of a vinayi (humble) disciple, implying that the absence of avinaya (disrespect, arrogance) is also essential.

• Characteristics of a Vinayi Disciple: A vinayi disciple is characterized by:

  • Inner Humility and Lack of Ego: Vinaya is an internal quality that manifests externally. It is described as a subtle emotional state that is difficult to capture in words, hence its description through observable behaviors.
  • Respectful Demeanor: Such a disciple is polite, humble, speaks minimally, and is devoted to their gurus. They can understand the guru's unspoken thoughts and intentions and readily obey their commands.
  • Attentiveness and Obedience: A vinayi disciple stays near the guru, respects them, follows their instructions, and avoids any behavior that contradicts them.
  • Calmness and Receptivity: They remain calm in the guru's presence, avoid excessive talkativeness, absorb meaningful knowledge, and do not waste time on trivial matters. They practice patience, forgiveness, and avoid becoming agitated.
  • Discipline in Learning: A vinayi disciple refrains from speaking without being asked, speaks truthfully when questioned, and accepts both pleasant and unpleasant teachings from the guru equally. They diligently study and then reflect on what they have learned in solitude.
  • Physical Respect: The text specifies physical manifestations of vinaya, such as not sitting at the same level as the guru, not sitting too close, not speaking from their seat when the guru is present, approaching the guru to ask questions, and responding with humility and a bowed head.

• The Interconnectedness of Knowledge and Vinaya: The saying "Vidya dadati vinayam" (Knowledge bestows humility) is cited to underscore the intrinsic link between knowledge and vinaya. It is asserted that knowledge without the development of vinaya in one's personality is ultimately futile.

• The Purpose of Vinaya:

  • Pleasing the Guru: The primary aim of vinaya is to please the guru, which is the first condition for receiving knowledge and blessings.
  • Receiving True Knowledge: A guru, pleased by a disciple's vinaya and convinced of their suitability, can impart profound and meaningful knowledge that dispels all doubts.
  • Spiritual Liberation: The text emphasizes that vinaya is fundamental to achieving liberation (moksha). Jainism considers vinaya as the root of dharma (vinay-mulao dhammo). It is further explained that vinaya in Jainism refers to conduct and character rather than mere politeness. The concept of vinaya is divided into two types: aagar vinay (householder's vinaya) and anaagar vinay (ascetic's vinaya). True liberation is only possible through right conduct (samyak charitra), which is unattainable without vinaya.

• Benefits of Vinaya and Consequences of Avinaya:

  • Benefits: A vinayi disciple, by pleasing the guru, receives vast, profound knowledge, becomes respected, honored by gods, celestial beings, and humans, and ultimately attains liberation. They are loved by the learned guru like a son and are respected everywhere.
  • Consequences: An avinii (disrespectful) disciple, even if the guru is mild-natured, can provoke anger. They are compared to a pig that chooses to eat excrement over the husk of grain. Such disciples are disgraced and cast out from everywhere, akin to a dog with a diseased ear being driven away. They remain ignorant and suffer the cycle of birth and death due to the influx of karma (asrava and bandha).

• Vinaya is Not Servitude: The text clarifies that vinaya is not about servitude, slavery, self-serving cunning, social formality, or imposed etiquette. Instead, it is a natural expression of joy and respect towards worthy individuals, acting as a bridge for the transfer of knowledge between guru and disciple.

In essence, "Tumha Vinaymessejja" is a powerful advocacy for cultivating deep humility and respect within the student-teacher dynamic, positing it as the essential pathway to spiritual enlightenment and true understanding in the Jain tradition.