Uttaradhyayan Sutra Me Vinay Ka Vivechan - Book Summary

This document, "Uttaradhyayan Sutra me Vinay ka Vivechan" by Heerachandra Maharaj, published by Z_Jinavani_003218.pdf and available through jainqq.org, is a discourse on the concept of 'Vinay' (humility, respect, etiquette) as expounded in the Uttaradhyayan Sutra. The work is compiled from the discourses of Acharya Heerachandra Ji M.S. and aims to elucidate the profound significance of Vinay within Jain philosophy.

The text begins by establishing the importance of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, highlighting its multifaceted coverage of metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology. It is presented as a popular scripture for both ascetics and lay followers, notable for its concise and accessible exposition of essential Jain teachings. The author notes that Acharya Heerachandra Ji M.S. frequently draws upon the Uttaradhyayan Sutra in his discourses, particularly focusing on its chapter dedicated to Vinay.

The discourse then delves into the meaning of the sutra's name, "Uttaradhyayan." The word "Uttar" is explained to have three primary meanings:

"Uttar" as "later" or "after": This refers to the Uttaradhyayan Sutra being studied after the Dashavaikalik Sutra, which itself is a summary of earlier teachings.
"Uttar" as "solution" or "answer": The sutra provides solutions to the problems of worldly existence, self-realization, awakening of the soul, and the relationship between the individual soul and the supreme soul.
"Uttar" as "principal," "supreme," or "best": This meaning emphasizes the Uttaradhyayan Sutra as the essence of Bhagavan Mahavir's final teachings, making it the most excellent and important scripture.

The text further elaborates on why the Uttaradhyayan Sutra is considered supreme. While all other Anga Sutras contain profound teachings, the Uttaradhyayan Sutra is described as the essence of Bhagavan Mahavir's lifetime of teachings, delivered at the end of his earthly existence. It is likened to the Bhagavad Gita in Hinduism, the Quran in Islam, the Bible in Christianity, and the Dhammapada in Buddhism, holding a similarly central place in Jainism. The sutra is praised for its simple style and its comprehensive coverage of life's journey, from the beginning to liberation. It is called a "Sanjivani Booti" (a life-giving herb) capable of eradicating all ailments (vices).

The first chapter of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, which is the focus of this discourse, is dedicated to Vinay. Bhagavan Mahavir, before discussing knowledge, perception, and conduct (jnana, darshana, charitra) as means to liberation, emphasizes the paramount importance of Vinay. The rationale presented is that Vinay is the foundation of all virtues. It is the key to acquiring knowledge, perception, and conduct.

The text contrasts Vinay with Ahankar (ego), identifying ego as the corrupting force that spoils virtues. Just as poison renders milk or sweets inedible, ego poisons the qualities of knowledge, perception, and conduct, making them ineffective on the path to liberation. Vinay is presented as the "doorway," the "ghat" (steps to a river), and the "footpath" that leads to the acquisition of these essential virtues.

The discourse then explores various meanings and classifications of Vinay:

General Meaning: "Vishisht Naya" or "Vividh Naya," meaning specific or diverse principles/policies.
Acarya Hastimal Ji M.S.'s Interpretation: Vinay is the art of life-building and self-development.
Types of Vinay:
- Fourfold classification: Jnana Vinay (respect for knowledge), Darshana Vinay (respect for right perception), Charitra Vinay (respect for right conduct), and Tapa Vinay (respect for asceticism).
- Fivefold classification: Anuvartan (following), Pravartan (initiating), Anushasan (discipline), Sushrusha (service), and Shishtachar (etiquette).
- Sevenfold classification: Jnana Vinay, Darshana Vinay, Charitra Vinay, Mana Vinay (mental respect), Vachan Vinay (verbal respect), Kaya Vinay (bodily respect), and Lokopachar Vinay (worldly etiquette).
Who should practice Vinay towards whom: Towards the knowledgeable, the faithful, and those with virtuous conduct.
Three Means of Vinay: Mind, speech, and body.
Self-Serving Vinay: The text distinguishes the discussed Vinay from self-serving forms driven by desire for wealth (artha vinay), lust (kama vinay), or fear (bhaya vinay). The Vinay discussed here is that which melts away ego.

Vinay as the Root of All Virtues:

The discourse emphasizes that Vinay is the origin of all merits and is the "bhushan" (ornament) of all virtues, comparable to the sun adorning the sky or truth adorning speech. A humble person earns love and trust effortlessly, while an arrogant person, even when offering gifts, breaks relationships. The Vinay discussed is the inherent quality of humility and respect shown with genuine affection, not superficial politeness.

The text quotes the Dashavaikalik Sutra (9.1.2) to illustrate that just as branches, flowers, and fruits grow from the roots of a tree, all virtues (knowledge, perception, conduct) stem from Vinay, and liberation (moksha) is its ultimate fruit.

Fourfold Manifestation of Vinay:

Acharya Hastimal Ji M.S. categorizes Vinay into four situations:

Vinay in the body, but not in the mind.
Vinay in the mind, but not in the body.
Vinay in both mind and body.
Vinay in neither mind nor body.

The highest form of Vinay involves the alignment of body, speech, and mind.

The Three Vices of the Un-Vinit (Disrespectful):

Drawing from the first chapter of Uttaradhyayan Sutra (Chapter 1, Verse 4), the discourse highlights three main vices of the disrespectful and ill-mannered person, comparing them to a "dog with rotten ears" who is cast out from everywhere:

Dushilta (Bad Conduct/Immorality): This refers to a person who, despite understanding the importance of virtues like non-violence, truthfulness, etc., chooses to indulge in vices. They willingly fall into immorality and are pleased with unrighteous conduct.
Kritaghnata (Ingratitude): This is the vice of being ungrateful and forgetting the favors done by others. Such people are not respected and are shunned by society. Numerous examples are cited, including children being ungrateful to their parents and disciples abandoning their gurus.
Mukhari Vachan (Talkativeness/Garrulousness): This refers to speaking without meaning, speaking rudely, or speaking in a contrary manner. Such individuals are incessant talkers, causing others to avoid them.

The discourse emphasizes that these vices lead to rejection and misfortune. The text quotes verses from the Uttaradhyayan Sutra (1.18, 1.19, 1.6) to illustrate proper conduct in the presence of elders and gurus, stressing the importance of respectful posture, speech, and attentiveness.

The Importance of Vinay in Modern Times:

The text argues that Vinay is more crucial today than ever before, given the increasing lack of discipline, peace, immorality, and character flaws in society. To overcome these issues, embracing Bhagavan Mahavir's teachings and the principles of Vinay is essential.

Vinay as Life-Building:

The essence of Vinay is seen as the ability to build a life, not just to sustain it. It is the path to self-improvement through knowledge and righteousness, leading to self-orientation. The teachings are not merely for living but for building a life.

Self-Control and the Eradication of Ego:

The discourse concludes by reiterating that the key to happiness and the dissolution of suffering lies in self-control and the subjugation of the ego. The "Aham-bhav" (sense of "I" and "mine") is identified as the root cause of all worldly problems. By seeing oneself as a part of society, nation, and humanity, and by practicing self-assessment and introspection, one can overcome these issues. Cultivating Vinay, discipline, and gratitude leads to peace, happiness, and the ability to illuminate the path for future generations. The text concludes with verses emphasizing self-control as the path to happiness in this world and the next.