Vinay

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vinay" by Ramanlal C. Shah, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

The book "Vinay" by Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah explores the profound significance of "Vinay" (humility, respect, modesty) within Jainism, presenting it as a fundamental virtue and the very root of spiritual progress.

Core Concepts of Vinay:

• Foundation of Jainism: The author asserts that if Jainism needs to be identified by a single characteristic, it would be "Vinay." It is considered the root of Dharma, essential for personal development in this life and crucial for achieving Moksha (liberation) in the spiritual realm.
• Etymology and Meaning: The word "Vinay" is derived from Sanskrit. "Naya" has various meanings including good conduct, proper etiquette, way of life, to lead, to protect, justice, policy, impartiality, principle, and philosophy. "Vi" signifies distinction. Therefore, "Vinay" means "distinctively good conduct" or "to lead or protect well." In everyday life, Vinay is synonymous with good conduct, making the humble person beloved by others.
• Associated Virtues: Vinay is closely linked with other positive qualities such as wisdom (Vivek), cheerfulness, goodness, gratitude, purity, absence of ego, and lack of arrogance. True Vinay possesses a captivating power.
• Multiple Definitions: The text provides several interpretations of "Vinay":
  • That which leads with distinction or towards distinction.
  • That by which karma is managed or diminished.
  • Respect towards elders or revered ones.
  • A disposition to bow down to those of superior qualities.
  • A bowing attitude towards those who possess the Three Jewels (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra).
  • That which controls afflictions and senses.
  • Distinctive and varied principles.
  • That which leads to the destruction (vinash) of obstacles.
  • That which subdues and controls the eight types of troublesome karmas.
  • Not causing disrespect and showing reverence.

The Importance of Namaskar:

• Namaskar as Vinay: The act of "Namaskar" (salutation/bowing) is a direct expression of Vinay. The true spirit of Namaskar cultivates an interest in Dharma.
• Navkar Mantra: The Navkar Mantra, central to Jainism, embodies the spirit of Namaskar. Each phrase begins with "Namo," emphasizing the repeated need for the aspirant to internalize the quality of Namaskar and Vinay. It signifies salutation to the spiritual qualities of the Panch Parmeshthi (the five supreme beings).
• Universality of Vinay in Navkar: The text highlights that even high-ranking figures like Acharyas and Upadhyayas recite "Namo Uvajjhayanam" (Namo Upadhyayan) and "Namo Yesam" (Namo Sarva Sadhu) in the Navkar Mantra. This demonstrates the profound depth of Vinay in Jainism, as it transcends hierarchical differences. Even during the initiation of a new Acharya, their guru descends from the seat to offer salutation, showcasing the high regard for Vinay.

Vinay in the Context of Life and Spirituality:

• Interdependence in the World: Life in the cycle of birth and death is characterized by mutual dependence. Infants, the elderly, the sick, and the disabled rely on others. To receive help, one must be humble and respectful. Arrogant and self-willed individuals are less likely to receive assistance. Therefore, the nature of worldly existence compels one to be humble.
• Innate vs. Acquired Vinay: Some individuals are naturally humble, while others become so out of necessity. Vinay is essential for the world to sustain itself. Even a young child displays a change in behavior when seeking something from elders, learning the essence of humility without explicit teaching.
• Spectrum of Vinay: The concept of Vinay spans from a common human trait in everyday life to an inherent quality of the soul in the spiritual realm.

Types of Vinay:

• Dravya Vinay vs. Bhava Vinay: Vinay is broadly categorized into external (Dravya) and internal (Bhava) Vinay.
  • Dravya Vinay: External actions like welcoming, joining hands, bowing the head, offering a seat, praising good deeds, showing gratitude to parents and benefactors, and accompanying others.
  • Bhava Vinay: Internal feelings of affection and reverence towards others, remembering their kindness.
• Laukik Vinay vs. Lokottar Vinay:
  • Laukik Vinay: Useful in social interactions.
  • Lokottar Vinay: Essential for spiritual practice.
• Four Combinations: The text outlines four combinations of external and internal Vinay:
  1. External Vinay without internal Vinay.
  2. Internal Vinay without external Vinay.
  3. Both external and internal Vinay.
  4. Neither external nor internal Vinay.
• Lokottar Vinay Examples: Caring for gurus, rising for them, offering seats, saluting, accompanying them, and inquiring about their well-being constitute Lokottar external Vinay. Reverently bowing to Tirthankaras and Siddhas, and remembering their contributions are examples of Lokottar internal Vinay.
• The Importance of Sincerity: Vinay is not always genuine. It can be displayed outwardly while lacking internal sincerity, indifference, or even contempt. Some show Vinay out of compulsion due to greed, desire, shame, selfishness, or fear. Hypocritical Vinay, marked by excessive gestures and exaggerated words, is easily detected.
• Vinay as Punyas and Tap: In Jainism, Vinay is considered a form of merit (Punya) and austerity (Tapas). Punya signifies auspicious karma. Among the nine types of Punya (food, clothing, shelter, equipment, medicine, mind, speech, body, and salutation), salutation (Namaskar) is closely related to Vinay. Vinay also falls under the six internal austerities. Whether Vinay leads to the accumulation of merit or the shedding of past karma depends on its internal manifestation.

Scriptural Emphasis on Vinay:

• Agamas: Jain scriptures, particularly the Uttaradhyayana Sutra and Dashavaikalika Sutra, place immense importance on Vinay, especially the disciple's Vinay towards the guru.
• Uttaradhyayana Sutra: The first chapter of the Uttaradhyayana Sutra is dedicated to Vinay, detailing the disciple's respectful conduct towards their guru.
• Dashavaikalika Sutra: Chapter nine of the Dashavaikalika Sutra discusses Vinay and Samadhi, emphasizing the detrimental consequences of arrogance, anger, deceit, and negligence in learning from a guru. It highlights that the unhumble person meets ruin, while the humble person attains prosperity.

Consequences of Un-Vinay (Avinay):

• Suffering and Degradation: The text graphically describes the suffering of individuals who are disrespectful and arrogant, facing punishment, insults, helplessness, hunger, and thirst.
• Exclusion from Moksha: An individual lacking Vinay is not eligible for Moksha. The manifestation of Vinay within the soul is a prerequisite for spiritual liberation.
• Merit for Tirthankara Karma: Cultivating Vinay can even lead to the binding of Tirthankara Namakarma (the karma that leads to becoming a Tirthankara).

Detailed Classification of Vinay:

The text further elaborates on various classifications of Vinay:

• Fourfold Classification: Gyan Vinay (knowledge), Darshan Vinay (faith/perception), Charitra Vinay (conduct), and Upachar Vinay (ceremonial/formal).
• Fivefold Classification (Bhagavati Aradhana): Gyan Vinay, Darshan Vinay, Charitra Vinay, Tap Vinay (austerity), and Upachar Vinay.
• Fivefold Classification (Visheshavashyak Bhashya): Loka-upachar Vinay (social customs), Artha-nimitta Vinay (for material gain), Kama-hetu Vinay (for desire), Bhaya Vinay (out of fear), and Moksha Vinay (for liberation).
• Sevenfold Classification (Aupapatika Sutra): Gyan Vinay, Darshan Vinay, Charitra Vinay, Mana Vinay (mind), Vachan Vinay (speech), Kaya Vinay (body), and Loka-upachar Vinay.

Specific Types of Vinay Explained:

• Gyan Vinay: Reverence for knowledge and knowledgeable individuals. It involves respecting scriptures, not disrespecting knowledge-related items, not envying or criticizing scholars, and not obstructing the imparting of knowledge.
• Darshan Vinay: Closely linked to Samyak Darshan (right faith). It is essential for purification of perception and is part of the 67 qualities of Samyak Darshan. It includes Vinay towards the Panch Parmeshthi, Chaitya (temples/images), Shrut (scriptures), Dharma (righteousness), and Pravachan (sangha).
• Charitra Vinay: Respect for righteous conduct and those who observe it. This includes controlling senses, controlling passions, observing disciplines, performing religious duties diligently, and enduring hardships.
• Upachar Vinay (also Shushrusha Vinay): Formal and ritualistic respect, including welcoming, offering seats, saluting, and accompanying revered individuals. It also encompasses remembering their virtues, not speaking ill of them, and following their instructions.

Vinay as a Spiritual Discipline:

• Conquering Ego: Vinay is considered a form of inner austerity because it requires overcoming ego, pride, attachment, and prejudice, which are significant obstacles on the spiritual path. The struggle to eradicate the "I" and "mine" is a difficult mental discipline.
• Conquering Pride (Mada): The text details the eight types of pride (birth, lineage, beauty, wealth, power, strength, knowledge, and gain) and emphasizes that true Vinay cannot manifest until these are conquered. Conquering pride is challenging and leads to the shedding of karmas, particularly Mohaniya Karma (delusion-inducing karma).
• Differentiating Vinay and Bahu-man: While often intertwined, Vinay can be expressed externally (bowing, greeting), while Bahu-man (respect) is an internal feeling of love and admiration.
• Moksha Vinay: The highest form of Vinay is aimed at achieving liberation.

The Role of Gurus and Disciples:

• Guru's Responsibility: Gurus should also practice Vinay towards their disciples, avoiding partiality, unjust punishment, exploiting their service, anger, or public reprimands.
• Discipline of the Disciplined: The text notes that even realized souls (Kevalis) continue to show Vinay towards their gurus who were instrumental in their enlightenment, even if the guru remains in the unliberated state (Chhadmastha). This emphasizes the enduring nature of this virtue.
• Caution Against False Gurus: The book warns against manipulative gurus who exploit the Vinay of their disciples for personal gain, using religious rhetoric to enslave them mentally, financially, or even physically. Discerning aspirants must be cautious of such individuals.

Conclusion:

The book "Vinay" powerfully argues that Vinay is the bedrock of Jain spiritual practice, leading to personal growth, the accumulation of merit, the shedding of karmas, and ultimately, the attainment of Moksha. It is a multifaceted virtue that requires sincerity, self-control, and unwavering reverence towards the spiritual path and its exemplars.