Abhayratnasara

"Abhayratnasara" is a Jain text compiled by Pandit Kashinath Jain and published by Danmal Shankardas Nahta. The book aims to provide a comprehensive collection of Jain religious and ethical practices, scriptures, and devotional literature.

The compilation includes various important texts and prayers within Jainism, such as:

• Morning and Evening Prayers: Recitations like Namaskara Sutra, Iriravahiyam Sutra, Loggassa Sutra, and others are included for daily devotion.
• Pratikramana Sutras: Detailed texts for the ritual of repentance and self-purification, essential for both ascetics and lay followers.
• Devotional Stotras and Mantras: A vast collection of hymns and prayers dedicated to various Tirthankaras, Jain deities (like Vidyadevis, Yakshas), and spiritual concepts. These include stotras for specific Tirthankaras like Parshvanatha, Shantinatha, and Mahavir Swami, as well as general devotional hymns.
• Sajjhayas: Narrative religious stories and teachings in verse form, often highlighting the lives and teachings of saints and important figures in Jainism, meant for reflection and edification.
• Pujas: Ritualistic worship practices like Snana Puja, Ashtaprakari Puja, Navapada Puja, and others, along with their prescribed methodologies.
• Tapasya (Ascetic Practices): Stotras and methods related to various austerities and penances prescribed in Jainism, such as Panchavasa Tap, Dashpachchakhan Tap, Vinsthanak Tap, Rohini Tap, Chhammaasi Tap, and Dwadashmashi Tap.
• Discussions on Dharma and Ethics: The text includes detailed explanations on topics like Bhakshyabhakshya Vichar (what is edible and what is not), doshas (faults) in various practices, and the correct conduct for Jain followers. It emphasizes the importance of Ahimsa (non-violence) and adherence to Jain principles.
• Lives of Great Souls: A significant portion is dedicated to biographical sketches and praises of important figures, including spiritual guides (Acharyas), ascetics, and virtuous laypeople like Abhayraj Nahata, whose memory the book is partly dedicated to.
• Ritualistic Procedures: The book outlines various ritualistic procedures such as performing Saamaayika (meditation and equanimity), Poushadha (fasting), and the proper etiquette and respect to be shown towards scriptures and religious symbols.
• Genealogies and Lists: It contains lists of past, present, and future Tirthankaras, and descriptions of significant Jain sites and events.

The compiler, Pandit Kashinath Jain, acknowledges the guidance and inspiration from esteemed Jain Acharyas, Shri Jinacharitrasurishwarji and Shri Jinkrupanandsurishwarji, for the publication of this extensive work. The publisher, Danmal Shankardas Nahta, expresses a commitment to making this knowledge accessible, initially intending to distribute it freely but later settling on a nominal cost to ensure its judicious use and to fund future publications. The book's name, "Abhayratnasara," is a tribute to the compiler's late son, Abhayraj.

The text also stresses the importance of respecting knowledge and scriptures, providing guidelines on how to handle religious texts with reverence and avoid any form of disrespect that could lead to the binding of negative karma. It further elaborates on the specific dietary restrictions and the reasoning behind them, particularly focusing on avoiding harmful or impure substances.

"Abhayratnasara" serves as a valuable resource for Jain adherents seeking to understand and practice their faith, covering a wide spectrum of spiritual, ethical, and ritualistic aspects of Jainism.