Adhyatma Kalpadrum

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Adhyatma Kalpadrum" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Adhyatma Kalpadrum (Spiritual Wishing Tree) Author: Muni Sundar Suri Commentary (Adhirohini): Dhanvijay Gani Editor: Shivram Tanba Dobe Publisher: Nirnaysagar Press Publication Year: 1906 (Shaka 1827)

Overall Nature of the Work:

"Adhyatma Kalpadrum" is a significant Jain spiritual text that expounds the principles of Jain philosophy. It is presented as a spiritual "wishing tree" that fulfills the desires of those seeking spiritual upliftment. The text is rich in its philosophical content and is known for its profound teachings on detachment, equanimity, and the path to liberation (moksha). The provided material includes the original text by Muni Sundar Suri and a detailed commentary (Adhirohini) by Dhanvijay Gani, making it accessible and understandable.

Author and Commentator:

• Muni Sundar Suri: The main author, who lived during the Vikram era (around the 15th century, 1436-1503), was a prominent figure of the Tapagachchha lineage. He was known for his detachment and renunciation from a young age.
• Dhanvijay Gani: The commentator, who provided the "Adhirohini" commentary, is a disciple of Upadhyay Shri Kalyanvijay Gani. His commentary, particularly the "Vishampad Tippani" (a commentary on difficult words/phrases), is crucial for understanding the text's deeper meanings.
• Shivram Tanba Dobe: The editor who compiled and revised the text based on manuscripts and printed versions, making it available for readers.

Structure and Content:

The book is structured into a series of chapters or "adhikaras" (sections) that systematically guide the reader through various aspects of spiritual practice and understanding. The provided Table of Contents (Anukramanika) indicates the following key sections:

• Shri Veerastuti: An invocation and praise of Lord Mahavir.
• Mangalacharan: Auspicious beginnings and invocations.
• Shantarasa Mahatmya: The glory of the peaceful sentiment (Shantarasa), considered the primary sentiment in spiritual literature.
• Shastra Upadesh Sangraha: A compilation of scriptural teachings.
• Sixteen Sections (Shodasha Shakha): These are the core of the "Adhyatma Kalpadrum," offering detailed guidance on spiritual disciplines:
  1. Samata Adhikara (Chapter on Equanimity): Emphasizes maintaining mental balance and equanimity in all situations.
  2. Stri Mamattva Mochana Adhikara (Chapter on Detachment from Women): Discusses overcoming attachment to women, focusing on the impermanent and impure nature of the physical body.
  3. Apatya Mamattva Mochana Adhikara (Chapter on Detachment from Children): Addresses shedding attachment to children, highlighting the transient nature of relationships and the impermanence of life.
  4. Dhana Mamattva Mochana Adhikara (Chapter on Detachment from Wealth): Focuses on renouncing attachment to material possessions, emphasizing that wealth is a source of suffering and not a true source of happiness.
  5. Deha Mamattva Mochana Adhikara (Chapter on Detachment from the Body): Teaches the impermanence and impurity of the physical body and the need to detach from it.
  6. Vishaya Pramada Tyaga Adhikara (Chapter on Renouncing Sensory Indulgences and Negligence): Advises against indulgence in sensory pleasures and the pitfalls of negligence in spiritual practice.
  7. Kashaya Tyaga Adhikara (Chapter on Renouncing Passions): Discusses the destructive nature of passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed) and the necessity of their eradication.
  8. Shastra Guna Adhikara (Chapter on the Virtues of Scriptures): Highlights the importance and benefits of studying scriptures.
  9. Chitta Damana Adhikara (Chapter on Subduing the Mind): Offers techniques and guidance for controlling and disciplining the mind.
  10. Vairagya Upadesha Adhikara (Chapter on Counsel for Detachment): Provides teachings on cultivating dispassion and renunciation.
  11. Dharma Shuddhi Adhikara (Chapter on Purity of Dharma): Discusses the true nature of Dharma and how to practice it with purity.
  12. Guru Deva Tattva Adhikara (Chapter on the Principles of Guru and Deva): Explains the significance of the Guru and the divine (Jina) and their teachings.
  13. Yati Shiksha Upadesha Adhikara (Chapter on Counsel for Ascetics): Offers specific guidance and admonitions for ascetics (monks).
  14. Mithyatva Adina Nirodha Upadesha Adhikara (Chapter on Counsel for Preventing False Beliefs and Passions): Focuses on overcoming wrong beliefs and their associated negative traits.
  15. Shubha Vritti Shiksha Upadesha Adhikara (Chapter on Counsel for Virtuous Conduct): Guides on practicing virtuous activities and conduct.
  16. Samya Sarvasva Adhikara (Chapter on the Essence of Equanimity): Concludes with the supreme importance of equanimity as the essence of spiritual attainment.
• Parishishta: An appendix containing explanations of terms, concepts, illustrative stories (drushtantas), and scriptural references.

Key Themes and Teachings:

• Detachment (Vairagya & Nischinta): A central theme is the necessity of detaching from worldly possessions, relationships, the body, and sensory pleasures. The text repeatedly emphasizes the impermanent and ultimately unsatisfying nature of these worldly attachments.
• Equanimity (Samata): Maintaining mental balance and equanimity in the face of pleasure and pain, gain and loss, is stressed as crucial for spiritual progress. This is further elaborated in the "Samata Adhikara" and "Samya Sarvasva Adhikara."
• Renunciation of Passions (Kashaya Tyaga): The text strongly condemns the four passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed) as the root cause of suffering and bondage in the cycle of birth and death.
• Purity of Conduct (Dharma Shuddhi): The importance of practicing Dharma with sincerity and without any selfish motives or external show is highlighted.
• The Dangers of Negligence (Pramada): The text repeatedly warns against negligence in spiritual practices, highlighting how it leads to the downfall of even those who have embraced the spiritual path.
• The Importance of Scriptures and the Guru: The value of studying scriptures and following the guidance of a pure Guru is emphasized as essential for true spiritual understanding.
• The Nature of the Soul: The eternal and unchanging nature of the soul is implicitly or explicitly discussed, contrasting it with the transient nature of the body and worldly affairs.
• The Cycle of Birth and Death (Samsara): The text vividly describes the suffering inherent in the cycle of rebirths across different realms (hells, animal kingdom, human, and celestial) and points to spiritual practice as the only way to escape it.
• Illustrative Stories (Drushtantas): The text frequently employs allegorical stories and examples to illustrate its teachings, making them more relatable and impactful. The "Parishishta" section elaborates on many of these stories (e.g., Urabhra, Patang, Kakini, Vasuraja, etc.) and clarifies philosophical terms.

Significance:

"Adhyatma Kalpadrum" is a seminal work in Jain literature for its comprehensive approach to spiritual discipline. It serves as a guide for both ascetics and lay followers, offering practical advice and profound insights into the Jain path to liberation. The detailed commentary makes this text accessible for deeper study and contemplation.