Jain Philosophy (2) 11 – Swädhyäy (Study of Self)

Introduction

The simple meaning of Swädhyäy is “to study.” The word Swädhyäy consists of two words, Sva and Adhyäya. Sva means self, and (soul is the self).  Adhyäya means study. Therefore, Swädhyäy means a study of one’s own self.  Reading, listening to and reflecting on the life elevating teachings is useful in keeping the mind healthy. They inspire one to peep into the innermost recesses of the self. Study of self involves looking into one’s own nature to find out one’s weaknesses like anger, ego, greed, deceit, attachments, cravings, jealousy, hatred etc. He tries hard and gradually eliminates them from his nature.  He remains vigilant so that the weaknesses that he does not have, do not enter in his nature. He also notes his strengths like straight forwardness, compassion, nonviolence, detachment, contentment, forgiveness, equanimity etc. He tries to develop the qualities he does not have and strengthens the qualities he has.  The knowledge that brings these changes is Samyag Jnän (right knowledge).

As a result of it, man’s journey on the path of progress and enlightenment becomes easy. Swädhyäy is a form of austerity.  Looking from an absolute (soul) point of view, the fruit of engaging in self_study is self_realization.

To obtain the benefits of self_study, association with a self_realized soul or following his or her spiritual teachings is necessary.  Wherever possible, the guidance of a Guru should be obtained. Shrimad Räjchandra gives the characteristics of a guru in Ätmä Siddhi Shästra as follows:

Knowledge of Self, equanimity, activities as ordained, unparalleled words and mastery over the scriptures are the characteristics of a true guru.

The scriptures dealing with the existence of soul, etc. can be the recourse for the deserving beings wherever direct contct with a guru is not available.

Spiritual vigilance, i.e. awakening of the consciousness and its constant alertness, is an essential constituent of Swädhyäy. Only he who is alert can be vigilant.  Only he who is vigilant can concentrate and only he who is able to concentrate can practice Swädhyäy.  One who is not vigilant is prone to be assailed by fear from all directions.  On the other hand, one who is alert, and hence fully vigilant, is never perturbed by fear.

The great Jain saint Amitagati once said that one cannot get rid of the inner darkness of ignorance without the bright light of Swädhyäy.  Swädhyäy schools are recommended when monks are not always available.  Swädhyäy is one of the most important aspects of all the schools of thought. In Jainism, it is considered one of the daily necessities (one of six essentials, Ävashyaka). Swädhyäy, like humility and meditation, is one of the internal Tapa (austerities) that purify our emotions, consciousness and spiritual progress. Practicing Tapa is considered the most important process for purification of the consciousness (for shedding our Karmas). Swädhyäy is one of the least painful and the most rewarding Tapa. Swädhyäy is for all human beings regardless of their level of knowledge, spiritual progress, intelligence, grasping power or memory power. It is incomparable and indispensable.  It yields immediate rewards.

Obstacles

Ego, anger, ignorance, an unhealthy body, and laziness are the five obstacles in acquiring knowledge (Vidyä).

Essentials

Determination, making self_improvement a top priority, an open mind, a strong desire to know (learn), a strong desire to practice after knowledge is acquired, and finding time and firm faith in Tirthankar’s teachings can be considered essential elements to start Swädhyäy. As nutritious food is necessary to maintain a healthy body, Swädhyäy and meditation are necessary to keep our mind and emotions healthy.

How

Swädhyäy is traditionally divided into five parts:

• Vächanä: Studying and explaining the sacred texts and its meanings
• Pruchchhanä: Asking questions to clarify doubts
• Parävartanä: Repeating the texts and its meanings
• Anuprekshä: Contemplating and reflecting on the meaning of the sacred books. Here we try to find an answer to the questions like: “Who am I?” “Why I am Here?” “Why I am suffering?” “How can I end the suffering?” etc.
• Dharma_kathä: Listening and engaging in spiritual discussions, inquiries, teaching, etc. Every day, one should find some time for Swädhyäy or the study of the scriptures or religious matter. We must study, learn and reflect deeply upon those books, which can help us be virtuous.

The following are some important points to be considered for Swädhyäy when the guidance of a Guru is not available. These guidelines are helpful to Päthashälä teachers as well.

• Guidance from a learned person
• Setting up structure and frequency
• Selection of topics / books
• Setting up objectives & rules
• Avoid simply reading books
• First, develop fundamental concepts of Jainism.
• Have a clear message (what, why & how).
• No criticisms, keep an open mind, maintain active listening, keep confidence
• Make sure everyone  is enjoying and no one is getting bored  or losing concentration.
• Every participant should have the feeling of learning, involvement and contribution.
• Encourage everyone to read, write, think, memorize, ponder and discuss.
• Include current issues and topics like Jainism & ecology, comparative study with other religions, Jainism & modern times, etc.
• Encourage practicing what is learned

Purpose of Swädhyäy

• Acquire right faith or belief (Samyag Darshan), and Right knowledge (Samyag Jnän) leading to right conduct (Samyag Chäritra)
• Know what is right and wrong
• Resolve doubts, remove blind faith and eradicate false views
• Remove himself/herself from wasteful activities
• Depart from wrong companies and get involved with virtuous and knowledgeable people
• Learn the importance of practicing right knowledge
• Enhance concentration, intelligence and self_control
• Improve results of meditation
• Realize that body and soul are different substances
• Develop introspection
• Begin to develop forgiveness, modesty, candor, contentment, truthfulness, self_restraint
• Commence purification of the conscious mind by shedding Karma
• To modify, change, and improve conduct to develop equanimity.

Summary

Swädhyäy is one of the internal austerities (Tapa) that purify our conscious mind by shedding our Karma.  Swädhyäy is for getting rid of false views, acquiring the right knowledge about what is right and wrong, and understanding the art of living and getting inspiration to put it in practice.

Ächärya Umäsväti in ‘Prasham_rati’

“One should make a continuous and zealous effort with the mind, body and speech to study spiritual scriptures, ponder over them, contemplate on Soul and then discuss and teach others.”

Ächärya Amitagati:

“Without the light that comes from study it is impossible to rid oneself of the darkness of ignorance.”