व्रत और मेरा अनुभव
Summary
The author describes how adopting Jain vows and rules brought peace, intellectual growth, and spiritual development into his life. Born into a Jain family, he was naturally protected from many harmful tendencies, but he focuses on the vows he consciously took. A key influence was the arrival of Acharya Jinakripachandra Suriji in Bikaner in 1927, whose daily discourses and presence provided deep scriptural knowledge and inspiration. The author took a lifelong vow to abstain from gambling, visiting prostitutes, and adultery, which he credits with saving him from ruin and granting him peace and respect. He also limited his possessions, working only three months a year and dedicating the rest to literary pursuits, curbing the endless cycle of desire. Daily practice of Samayik (equanimity) and study transformed his life, shifting his focus from indulgence to renunciation and fostering a broad, inclusive perspective that transcended sectarian differences. He studied all Jain traditions, moving from a critical to an appreciative view and seeking unity. Regular fasting and abstaining from night meals improved his health, digestion, and discipline. He advises others to first eliminate unnecessary activities, noting that the eighth vow of anarthadanda (avoiding purposeless actions) is crucial. He recommends adopting a positive occupation to leave no time for bad habits. He stresses the importance of the seventh vow (parimana vrata) to limit consumption, checking needs twice daily. Finally, he criticizes modern ascetic practices that lack inner restraint, urging that fasting (upavasa) be combined with poshadha (a day of complete restraint and study) to truly curb desires and achieve spiritual progress.
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Conclusion
The author’s personal adherence to Jain vows—such as abstaining from gambling, illicit relationships, and limiting possessions—yielded profound peace, social respect, and intellectual growth. These practices curbed harmful desires, freed time for scholarly pursuits, and fostered a broad, non-sectarian spiritual outlook. Regular rituals like *sāmāyika* and fasting improved health, discipline, and self-reflection. The key implication is that disciplined, mindful living—not mere external austerity—leads to genuine well-being and spiritual progress. The author urges readers to critically examine unnecessary habits, embrace simplicity, and integrate restraint with inner cultivation, warning that tapas without *samyama* (self-control) remains incomplete. Ultimately, these vows served as protective fences against moral pitfalls, transforming life into a meaningful, peaceful, and productive journey.