Dr. Samani Mangal Pragya
Ācārāṅga is an important text for the study of Jain Metaphysics. Jain philosophy, especially metaphysics is based upon the concept of soul. Ācārāṅga commences with the description of soul.[1] Theory of soul, universe, karma and action are the four cardinal dimensions of Jain philosophy. These principles have been discussed in this text.[2] The concept of ātmakartṛtva (self i.e. soul is the doer of good and bad actions) has been widely discussed in the philosophical arena. Jain philosophy has attested due importance to this theory. In Ācārāṅga, this theory covers a good number of pages. This fact is echoed in aphorisms like
'purisā! tumameva tumaṃ mittaṃ’[3]'tumaṃ ceva taṃ
sallamāhaṭṭu’[4]
[It means 'Oh Self-being! You are the only friend of yours, all the miseries are created by you alone etc]. These aphorisms echo the principle of self responsibility of both the good and bad things that happen to anyone.
Souls are infinite. All have independent existence. They are neither part of any īśvara nor of Brahma. Happiness and misery of the self are caused by the self.[5] This proclamation of Ācārāṅga asserts the independence of soul.
'Whom you wish to kill or hurt is none other than your own self.’[6] The principle of feeling oneness with all the beings encompasses the concept of non-violence at par excellence.
'je egaṃ jāvṇai se savvaṃ jāṇai, je savvaṃ jāṇaī se egaṃ jāṇai’[7]
Those who know one in entirety know all and those who know all, know the one in entirety. This aphorism is the basis of the principle of Anekānt. It expresses the relativity in collective and particularistic view point. This aphorism is even pertinent in the field of spiritual development.
Ācārāṅga not only accepts the existence of rebirth but it also connects the spiritual practioners to the process of self-realization.
Existence of life in six categories of beings is another original idea of Jain religion and philosophy. This idea is found in the first chapter of Ācārāṅga i.e. Sastra parijñā.
Although, Ācārāṅga explains the maxims of spiritual upliftment frequently, the chapter by the name of 'dhutādhyayana' is particularly very important to the study in this respect. It can be compared with the tradition of 'Avadhūta'.
The ninth chapter depicts the actual life and philosophy of Lord Mahavira. It never resorted to superfluous or boastful explanations. The entire description is based on the actual life of Lord Mahavira who is presented as a normal human being.
