Aacharopadesh Granth

This Jain text, "Aacharopadesh Granth" by Shri Charitsunder Gani, edited by Muni Shri Tattvaprabhvijayji and published by Poojya Acharya Shri Jinprabhsuriji Jain Granthmala, is a comprehensive guide to the conduct and duties of a Shravak (lay Jain follower).

Here's a summary of its key teachings, based on the provided pages:

Core Purpose and Significance:

• The book aims to explain the Shravak dharma (way of life for lay followers) in Gujarati, making it accessible to those unfamiliar with Sanskrit and other classical languages.
• It emphasizes that the human birth is rare and precious, and should be dedicated to Dharma.
• Following Dharma, even in small ways, purifies seven generations.
• True happiness comes from Dharma, which is essential for achieving Artha (wealth) and Kama (desire).

Daily Routine and Conduct:

The text outlines a structured daily routine for a Shravak, focusing on spiritual and ethical practices:

• Waking and Morning Rituals:

  • Waking up in the early morning (Brahma Muhurta).
  • Paying homage to the Pancha-paramishthi (the five supreme beings in Jainism).
  • Performing essential daily religious duties (Avashyak Karma).
  • Taking a bath, with specific instructions on water usage and cleansing to avoid harming microscopic beings.
  • Wearing clean clothes.
  • Performing prayers and meditations.
  • Proper posture during prayers (Yoga Mudra, Jin Mudra, Muktashukti Mudra).

• Temple Visit and Worship:

  • Visiting the Jain temple with a pure mind and clean body.
  • Respecting temple etiquette, avoiding distractions and undesirable behaviors.
  • Performing Pradakshina (circumambulations) around the idol.
  • Offering prayers and worship (Ashta Prakari Puja - eight types of worship including sandalwood, flowers, incense, unbroken rice, fruits, sweets, lamps, and water).
  • Maintaining purity of mind, speech, and body during worship.
  • Offering prayers to the Tirthankaras and other revered figures.

• Daily Activities and Business:

  • Engaging in righteous conduct and business.
  • Seeking honest means of livelihood.
  • Avoiding professions that involve excessive harm to living beings (like blacksmithing, tanning, making alcohol, oil pressing, etc.).
  • Emphasis on truthful dealings in trade, avoiding deceit in weights, measures, and accounts.
  • Wise investment of wealth, prioritizing spiritual pursuits.
  • Avoiding usury and dealing with questionable people.
  • Being mindful of the direction of business activities and avoiding activities that incur sin.

• Social Conduct and Ethics:

  • Associating with virtuous people and avoiding the company of the wicked, ignorant, or irreligious.
  • Avoiding gossip, slander, and unnecessary talk about royalty, regions, or women.
  • Speaking truthfully and maintaining integrity.
  • Respecting elders, teachers, and those in authority.
  • Practicing compassion and helping others.
  • Maintaining equanimity and controlling desires.
  • Avoiding excessive indulgence in worldly pleasures.

• Dietary and Personal Habits:

  • Strict adherence to Jain dietary laws, avoiding forbidden foods and harmful practices.
  • Avoiding eating at night, and consuming food at appropriate times.
  • Practicing moderation in eating, sleeping, and other bodily functions.
  • Maintaining purity of speech and action.

• Observance of Festivals and Vows:

  • Celebrating Jain festivals with devotion and religious activities.
  • Observing vows (Vratas) and fasts (Upvas) to purify the soul.
  • The importance of observing specific days like Panchami, Ashtami, Ekadashi, and Chaturdashi for spiritual benefit.
  • Performing specific austerities during auspicious periods and festivals like Paryushana.

Spiritual Development:

• Importance of Knowledge and Action: The text stresses that true liberation comes from the combination of knowledge (Gyan) and conduct (Achar or Kriya). Mere knowledge without action is insufficient.
• Control of Senses and Desires: A significant portion of the text focuses on controlling the senses, passions (Kashayas), and worldly desires.
• Devotion and Reverence: Deep devotion to the Tirthankaras, Gurus, and the Jain faith is emphasized.
• Austerities (Tapas): The text highlights the power of austerities in overcoming karmic bondage and achieving spiritual goals.
• Charity (Daan): Giving in charity, especially to the worthy and to religious causes, is presented as a means of accumulating merit and purifying oneself.
• Meditation and Reflection: Regular meditation and contemplation on spiritual truths are encouraged.

Specific Teachings on Vows and Practices:

• Avashyak Karma: The mandatory daily duties of a Jain layperson.
• Pachakhhan (Renunciation): Taking vows of renunciation for specific periods or types of food.
• Paryushana Parva: The importance of observing the annual festival of Paryushana with increased devotion, fasting, and scriptural study.
• Dravya Puja and Bhava Puja: Distinction between material worship and internal devotion.
• Charitable Giving: The merits of donating to temples, scriptures, and the Sangha.

In essence, "Aacharopadesh Granth" serves as a practical manual for Jain householders, guiding them on how to live a righteous, ethical, and spiritually progressive life within the framework of Jain principles and practices. It provides detailed instructions on daily conduct, ethical behavior, business practices, and spiritual observances, all aimed at facilitating the Shravak's journey towards spiritual upliftment and eventual liberation.