Abhakshya Anantkay Vichar

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Abhakshya Anantkay Vichar" (On Forbidden Foods and Infinite-Bodied Substances) by Pranlal Mangalji:

Introduction and Purpose:

The book, published by Shri Jain Shreyaskar Mandal, Mahesana, is a guide for Jain followers (both householders and ascetics) to understand and abstain from forbidden foods (Abhakshya) and foods with infinite life-forms (Anantkay). The author, Pranlal Mangalji, later known as Muni Punyavijayji, aimed to protect his fellow Jains from unknowingly committing transgressions due to their attachment to taste or lack of knowledge. The book emphasizes that the core principles of Jainism – Ahimsa (non-violence), Samyam (restraint), and Tapas (penance) – are paramount in determining what is permissible to eat. While health and spiritual development are also considered, they are secondary to these core principles.

Key Concepts and Classification of Forbidden Foods:

The book primarily focuses on the detailed classification and explanation of:

• Twenty-two Forbidden Items (Bais Abhakshya): These are categorized and explained extensively.
• Thirty-two Infinite-Bodied Items (Battis Anantkay): These are substances that, by their very nature or due to specific circumstances, harbor countless life-forms and are therefore prohibited.

Detailed Summary of Major Sections:

1. Twenty-two Forbidden Items (Bais Abhakshya):

The book lists and explains the twenty-two forbidden items, which are broadly classified into:

• Five Pan-Udumber Fruits: Fruits of the fig family (Vat, Pipal, Palak, Umbar, Kakodumbar). These are prohibited due to the presence of numerous microscopic insects and seeds containing multiple life-forms.
• Four Great Vices (Maha Vigai):
  • Honey (Madhu): Prohibited due to the distress caused to bees during collection, the presence of countless continuously generated organisms within it, and its potential to cause rebirth in hellish realms. The text strongly discourages its consumption, even for medicinal purposes, and criticizes modern commercial beekeeping practices.
  • Alcohol (Madira): All forms of alcohol, including traditional and Western varieties, are strictly forbidden. The text also extends this prohibition to medicines containing alcohol, citing their potential for weakness and adverse health effects. It also includes fermented preparations like "Asav" and cautioned against the use of Ganja, Leela, Bhang, and Charas.
  • Meat (Mans): Prohibited due to the direct killing of animals. The text criticizes the use of animal products in various medicines and highlights the ethical inconsistency of consuming meat while claiming to uphold non-violence. It points out that even the logic of sacrificing one large animal to spare many small ones is flawed, as all killing is violence.
  • Butter/Ghee (Makhan): Similar to honey, its prohibition is linked to the potential for minute organisms and the difficulty in ensuring its purity.
• Other Forbidden Items:
  • Ice (Him): Prohibited due to the countless life-forms present in water.
  • Poison (Vish): All forms of poison, whether mineral, plant-based, or animal-based, are strictly forbidden, even for medicinal purposes if avoidable.
  • Earth (Bhumi): All types of soil, salt (unless properly purified), and chalk are forbidden due to the presence of numerous earth-bodied organisms.
  • Night Eating (Ratri Bhojan): Strictly prohibited due to the risk of consuming hidden insects, the environmental changes at night affecting digestion, and the potential for negative rebirths.
  • Multi-seeded Fruits (Bahu Beej): Fruits with numerous seeds packed closely together are forbidden.
  • Sandhan (Pickles): Pickles, especially those kept for more than a day or two, are considered forbidden due to the generation of organisms. The text provides detailed guidelines on the permissible timeframes for consuming pickles based on ingredients and preparation methods.
  • Gholwada (Di-dal or Dual-celled items mixed with milk products): Items made from split pulses or lentils when combined with milk or curd are considered forbidden due to the creation of two-sensed organisms.
  • Eggplant (Vaingan): Prohibited due to its numerous seeds and the presence of insects in its calyx.
  • Unidentified Fruits/Flowers (Ajanane Phal/Phul): Anything unknown or untested is forbidden due to potential hidden dangers or transgressions.
  • Trivial Fruits (Tucch Phal): Fruits that offer little sustenance but involve significant harm in their consumption are prohibited.
  • Chalit Ras (Stale or Altered Taste): Foods that have undergone changes in taste, smell, color, or texture after a certain period, especially after sunset, are considered stale and forbidden. This category includes a wide range of cooked foods, sweets, and preparations. The book provides specific timeframes for various foods.
  • Other specific items like: Khajur (dates), Kharek (dried dates), Kaju (cashews), grapes, dry figs, Kismis, pistachios, walnuts, almonds, cardamom, camphor, mint, betel leaves, certain vegetables, etc., are listed with specific prohibitions, often tied to seasons or preparation methods.

2. Thirty-two Infinite-Bodied Items (Battis Anantkay):

The book emphasizes that any vegetable or substance that has infinite life-forms is forbidden. This category includes:

• Root Vegetables (Kand) and Underground parts: Many root vegetables like ginger, turmeric, potatoes, sweet potatoes, garlic, onions, carrots, radishes, and elephant foot yam are prohibited because their entire plant body is underground, containing countless life-forms.
• Young Shoots and Sprouts (Kislay Patra, Virudhan): Tender new leaves and sprouts, and germinated pulses are considered infinite-bodied.
• Certain Vegetables and Leaves: Specific leaves like fenugreek, spinach, and others are listed with detailed instructions on how to prepare them to minimize transgression, such as removing specific leaves or parts.
• Certain Fruits and Seeds: Some fruits and seeds, even when ripe, are considered infinite-bodied due to their structure or the presence of numerous seeds.
• Parts of Certain Plants: Bark, roots, and even specific parts of some plants are classified as Anantkay.

3. Other Important Chapters and Guidelines:

The book also includes chapters on:

• Permissible Times for Consumption: Specific timeframes are given for various foods, indicating when they are permissible and when they become forbidden due to staleness or the generation of life-forms.
• Foods to Avoid Due to Excessive Violence: Certain items are prohibited because their preparation or consumption causes significant violence to many life-forms.
• Seasonal Prohibitions: Specific foods are forbidden during particular seasons like the monsoon (Chaturmas) or specific months.
• Regularly Forbidden Items: A list of items that should always be avoided.
• Items to Avoid Due to General Disapproval or Contradiction with Jain Philosophy: This includes items considered locally taboo or against Jain principles, even if not explicitly listed in the primary categories.
• Guidelines for Householders (Shravaks and Shravikas): Practical advice is given for maintaining Jain dietary practices in daily life, including rules for cooking, cleaning, using utensils, and teaching children.
• Cautionary Advice: The book repeatedly stresses the importance of checking, washing, and purifying food items to avoid transgressing Jain principles. It warns against eating stale food, using unclean utensils, and consuming food prepared by non-Jains without proper precautions.
• The Importance of Vows and Restraint: The book highlights the significance of taking vows and practicing restraint to gradually progress on the spiritual path. It draws examples from the lives of great Jain figures like King Kumarpal and Prince Vankchul to inspire readers.
• The Significance of King Kumarpal's Vows: A detailed account of King Kumarpal's strict adherence to Jain vows, including his commitment to Ahimsa, his dietary restrictions, and his charitable activities, is provided as an example of devout Jain practice.
• Praise of Virtuous Conduct: The book concludes with the recitation of verses and hymns, emphasizing the importance of righteous conduct, knowledge, and adherence to Jain principles for achieving liberation.

Overall Message:

"Abhakshya Anantkay Vichar" is a detailed and authoritative guide that aims to equip Jains with the knowledge and conviction to strictly adhere to their religious dietary laws. It emphasizes that the ultimate goal is not merely the avoidance of specific foods but the cultivation of compassion, restraint, and spiritual purity through conscious dietary choices. The book serves as a practical manual for living a life aligned with the core tenets of Jainism.