Vardhman Tapni Oli

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vardhman Tapni Oli" in English, based on the provided pages:

The text "Vardhman Tapni Oli" by Ramanlal C Shah, published by Jain Education International, highlights the profound significance of tapascharya (asceticism or spiritual discipline) in Jainism, emphasizing its unique position compared to other world religions.

The Essence of Tapascharya:

• Superiority in Jainism: The text asserts that Jainism places unparalleled importance on tapascharya. While other religions, like Buddhism, explored asceticism but eventually retreated to a middle path, Lord Mahavir is presented as the ultimate deergh tapasvi (one who undertakes long and severe penance), reaching the zenith of this practice.
• Control of the Senses and Mind: The core purpose of tapascharya is to gain control over the restless human mind and the five senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing). Excessive indulgence through these senses leads to negative consequences. Tapascharya is the practice of restraining the senses and mind, which requires consistent effort and practice.
• Beyond Physical Austerities: It's not just about physical hardship. Controlling the mind, which can be plagued by persistent negative thoughts, is also a crucial aspect of tapascharya.

Diversity and Accessibility of Tapascharya:

• Individualized Practice: The text acknowledges that not everyone can perform the same type of tapascharya. Factors like age, physical condition, time availability, family environment, professional concerns, and mental strength influence one's capacity for asceticism.
• Various Forms: Tapascharya can manifest in diverse ways, including fasting (upvas), eating a single meal (ekasanu), the ayambil practice, ritualistic observances, self-study (swadhyay), chanting (jap), and meditation (dhyan). Individuals can combine multiple forms and gradually increase their intensity.
• Universal Invitation: Jainism does not discriminate or deem anyone unfit for aradhana (worship or spiritual practice). Anyone can begin their spiritual journey at any time and from any place, progressing from simple practices like Navkarshi to extended fasts. For those who find fasting difficult, reducing food intake is also a form of tapascharya.

The Goal of Tapascharya:

• Moksha (Liberation) and Karma Kshay: The ultimate goal of Jainism is moksha, which can only be achieved through the complete annihilation of karmas (karma kshay). Jainism teaches that attachment to worldly pleasures, including food, arises from habit and ignorance. True nature of the soul is anahari (without food).
• Reducing Karmic Accumulation: Food intake leads to the binding of karmas, while tapascharya helps in their shedding. By controlling the senses through tapascharya, the accumulation of new karmas is reduced. The text criticizes the notion that God has provided ample food for indulgence, stating that consumption is a compulsion of the soul due to its inherent nature and habits.

External and Internal Tapascharya:

• Twelve Types: The scriptures classify tapascharya into twelve types: six external (bahya) forms (like fasting) and six internal (abhyantar) forms (like repentance).

Ayambil and Ayambil Ni Oli:

• Rasatyag (Renunciation of Taste): A significant external practice is rasatyag, the renunciation of taste, which requires strict control over the sense of taste.
• Ayambil: Ayambil is a specific form of rasatyag. It involves eating only once a day, in one sitting, a simple, uncooked meal without ghee, oil, sugar, jaggery, or taste-stimulating spices.
• Ayambil Ni Oli: This is a festival of ayambil observed for nine consecutive days, usually in the months of Chaitra and Ashwin. It is considered a supreme and eternal festival. Each of the nine days is dedicated to one of the nine spiritual entities (navapad): Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu, Darshan, Gyan, Charitra, and Tap. Specific rituals, prayers, and recitations are performed for each entity.

Vardhman Tap Ni Oli:

• Progressive Asceticism: This is a more rigorous and demanding form of tapascharya that involves a gradual increase (vardhman) in the intensity of penance over time.
• Combination of Ayambil and Upvas: The core of this practice is a combination of ayambil and upvas.
• The Progression: The practitioner begins with five Olis (cycles) of ayambil and upvas consecutively. This involves performing one ayambil and one upvas, then two ayambils and one upvas, and so on, up to five ayambils and one upvas. This initial phase spans 20 days and includes 15 ayambils and 5 upvas.
• The Ultimate Goal: From this starting point, the practitioner progresses, according to their strength, interest, and convenience, to reach a total of 100 ayambils and 100 upvas.
• Duration and Dedication: Completing this tapascharya can take a significant amount of time. If performed consecutively without breaks between Olis, it can take over 14 years (5150 days). Including breaks, it can extend to 20-25 years or even more. The text notes that only a rare few individuals possess the perseverance for such long-term dedication. However, it also expresses joy that such practitioners still exist, with some completing multiple Vardhman Tap Ni Oli cycles in their lifetime.
• Ancillary Practices: While undertaking Vardhman Tap Ni Oli, practitioners are expected to perform their daily religious duties such as Jinpujan, Devvandan, Padilehan, Guruvandan, and Pratikraman. They also continue to worship one of the Navapad with prescribed rituals.

Benefits and Spiritual Growth:

• Overcoming Obstacles: Performing Vardhman Tap Ni Oli with pure and auspicious intentions removes obstacles and impediments in worldly endeavors.
• Bonding of Tirthankar Karma: The most significant benefit is the potential to bind Tirthankar Nam Karma, which leads to becoming a Tirthankar in a future life.
• Inner Transformation: The text emphasizes that tapascharya, both external and internal, is essential for controlling senses and the mind. However, it cautions against performing tapascharya mechanically or solely for worldly gains. The true purpose is spiritual growth.
• Reduction of Passions: With sustained tapascharya, negative emotions (kashayas) like anger, pride, greed, and ego should gradually diminish. Worldly desires should recede, and the quality of forgiveness should increase. This ultimately leads to the shedding of karmas and progress on the path to moksha.

In conclusion, "Vardhman Tapni Oli" is a detailed exposition on the profound importance, diverse forms, and ultimate spiritual goals of tapascharya in Jainism, with a specific focus on the challenging yet highly rewarding practice of Vardhman Tap Ni Oli. It underscores the Jain emphasis on self-discipline, control over senses and mind, and the relentless pursuit of liberation through the annihilation of karmas.