Upadhyay Ka Swarup Evam Mahima - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Upadhyay ka Swarup evam Mahima" by Prof. Chandmal Karnavat:

This article, published in "Jinavani" on January 10, 2011, discusses the nature and glory of the Upadhyay (a highly respected spiritual teacher in Jainism). It clarifies that the Upadhyay is the fourth of the five supreme beings (Panch Parmeshthi) mentioned in the Navkar mantra. The Jain religion emphasizes the worship of qualities rather than individuals, and the Navkar mantra reveres the qualities of the Upadhyay.

Who is an Upadhyay?

An Upadhyay is a monk who possesses all the virtues of a monk, is profoundly knowledgeable in all Jain scriptures (Agamas), and diligently teaches and guides other monks, nuns, and householders. Their primary role is teaching and imparting knowledge.

The Role of Upadhyay in Scripture Preservation:

The article highlights that the Upadhyay is crucial for preserving the purity and integrity of Jain scriptures. The Bhagavati Sutra (1.1.1) defines Upadhyayas as those who teach the twelve Angas (parts of the scripture) composed by Jinas. While Acharyas provide interpretive meanings of the Agamas, Upadhyayas focus on the instruction of scripture reading (Vachana). This involves ensuring the correct pronunciation, clarity, purity, immutability, and stability of the scriptural texts. They meticulously impart the original text to their disciples, considering traditional and linguistic aspects. The Anuyogadvara Sutra (8) lists 16 special attributes for scripture readers, emphasizing the Upadhyay's diligent and dedicated efforts to maintain the unaltered form of the scriptures.

The 25 Virtues of an Upadhyay:

The text outlines that an Upadhyay is endowed with 25 virtues, derived from their mastery of:

11 Angas and 12 Upangas: The core Jain scriptures.
Charan Satkari (Seventy Virtues of Conduct): This includes the 5 Mahavratas (great vows), 10 types of patience, 17 types of restraint, 10 types of service, 9 types of chastity with guards, 3 jewels of right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct, 12 types of penance, and control over the four passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed).
Karan Satkari (Seventy Virtues of Action/Occasion): This comprises 4 types of purity (food, clothing, vessel, and dwelling), 12 contemplation practices, 5 samitis (careful conduct), 12 padimas (vows of spiritual discipline), 5 senses control, 25 types of inspection, 3 guptis (restraint of mind, speech, and body), and 4 abhigrahas (vows related to substance, place, time, and state).

The Eightfold Influence (Prabhavana) of an Upadhyay:

Upadhyayas influence the Jain dharma through eight avenues:

Pravachani: Deep knowledge of both Jain and non-Jain scriptures.
Dharmakatha: Skill in delivering religious discourses.
Vadi: Expertise in defending one's own doctrines and refuting others'.
Naimittika: Knowledge of future gains and losses.
Tapasvi: Proficiency in various forms of asceticism.
Vidyavan: Mastery of 14 branches of knowledge like Rohini Prajnapti.
Siddha: Knowledge of various supernatural powers (siddhis).
Kavi: Ability to compose poetry in prose and verse, and in both spoken and sung forms.

This multifaceted influence demonstrates their extensive scholarship and significantly promotes the Jain faith.

Seventeen Similes for a Learned Upadhyay:

The text compares a learned Upadhyay to seventeen entities, highlighting their eminence: conch shell, superior horse, warrior on horseback, elephant, bull, lion, Vasudeva Chakravarti, Indra, Sun, Moon, treasury, Jambu tree, Sita river, Mandar mountain, and Swayambhuraman ocean. The article explains a few of these, such as the conch shell (representing the incorruptibility of their knowledge and fame) and the superior horse (signifying their preeminence among monks).

The Glory of the Upadhyay:

The glory of the Upadhyay is evident in their placement in the hierarchy of spiritual leaders. They are ranked after the Acharya and before the Gana-vachhedak (leader of a spiritual assembly). The presence of an Upadhyay is considered essential in a Sangha with multiple leaders or a mix of new and experienced monks, underscoring their importance alongside the Acharya.

The article uses analogies like the two eyes (one for conduct, one for thought) or two wheels of a chariot to illustrate the complementary roles of Acharya and Upadhyay. The Acharya guides in conduct (Achara), while the Upadhyay illuminates thought and knowledge (Vichara), imparting the profound wisdom of the scriptures, the distinction between the soul and non-soul, and teaching. Their relationship is described as inseparable.

Upadhyayas are described as "like Jinas" and "like Kevalis" (omniscient beings), emphasizing their profound spiritual attainment. They are the custodians of traditional language and the purity of scriptural texts.

The Ideal Upadhyay as a Teacher:

The article emphasizes that an Upadhyay, as a teacher, should be gentle and amiable with disciples to foster an interest in learning. The focus should be on the learner rather than just the curriculum. Ideal teaching practices include:

Beginning each lesson with questions on the previous day's material.
Asking questions periodically during the lesson to maintain student engagement.
Concluding with a review to reinforce learning.
Continuously pursuing their own studies, including new commentaries and philosophical texts.

Harmony Between Knowledge and Conduct:

The article concludes by stressing the vital interconnectedness of knowledge (Vichara) and conduct (Achara). Without conduct, knowledge lacks purpose, and without knowledge, conduct is incomplete. Similarly, the Acharya (advocate of conduct) and the Upadhyay (advocate of knowledge) must work in harmony. Their combined efforts, embodying the principle of "Moksha through Knowledge and Action" (Gyanakriyaabhyam Mokshaḥ) and "First Knowledge, then Compassion" (Paḍamaṁ Nāṇaṁ Tao Dayā), lead to liberation.

The auspicious wish is expressed for all followers (lay disciples) to gain knowledge from the Upadhyay and embrace conduct from the Acharya, thereby achieving their ultimate goal of liberation.