Asceticism – Transformation of Human Consciousness: In the context of Mahavir Swami

Abstract

Mahavir Swami has presented a scientific approach to penance. According to him, penance is a process of transformation of human life energy. The circle of energy, the aura that surrounds this body, inside and outside our body, is our real body; And that is also our asceticism. When a person dies, the aura of his body begins to weaken. Regarding penance, Mahavira says: Sachāmmī vasādi tavo, sācchammi sanjmo tahā vāse tesa vi gunā. That is, truth is asceticism, restraint, and in truth resides all virtues. Truth means to live such a life that there is no deprivation in life; Live in such a way that there is harmony between outside and within. He who has realized the truth, understand that all is done; Then there is no need to do anything separately. Violence, lies, anger and competition all disappear in his life. Mahavira has called being true as penance. Mahavira has presented penance in two forms – one is 'inner penance' and the other is 'outer penance'. He has presented inner asceticism and outer asceticism in six forms respectively. Which is as follows- external asceticism - (1) fasting (2) unodari (3) vritti-brief (4) abandonment of rasa (5) physique-affliction (6) complicity. Antar Tapa - (1) Atonement (2) Vinaya (3) Vaiyavrtya (4) Self-study (5) Meditation (6) Kayotsarga. Mahavira emphasizes that a state should arise within the person, where the person starts seeing his faults rather than others. The moment a person starts seeing his faults, humility appears in the heart of the person. This is possible only through penance. But in this modern age, man has become so insensitive while living with material things that he has broken the connection with his supersensuous powers. He is not aware of his body, his senses. In this age of science, the meditation of Mahavira is absolutely necessary. Because through penance any person can make his life simple and easy. It is only through penance that transformation of one's consciousness is possible.