Agam Deep 27 BhattaParinna Gujarati Anuvaad

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This document is a Gujarati translation and commentary (Gurjar Chhaya) of the Jain Agam text "BhattaParinna," which is the fourth Prakirnak. The work is part of the larger "Agam Deep" series, specifically volume 27. The translation and commentary have been done by Muni Dipratnasagar.

Key Aspects and Content of the Text:

• Purpose and Significance: The work is presented as a means to remember oneself and others, offering guidance for spiritual attainment. It highlights the preciousness of human birth and the importance of following the teachings of the Jina (Tirthankaras) to achieve eternal happiness (Moksha).
• Core Jain Philosophy:
  • Ephemeral Nature of Worldly Happiness: The text emphasizes that the pleasures of the world, including those of humans and deities, are temporary and ultimately lead to suffering. True happiness lies in the eternal, pure bliss of Moksha.
  • Importance of Jina's Teachings: The core of the spiritual path is presented as the adoration of the Jina's commands, which encompass right knowledge (Gyana), right faith (Darshan), right conduct (Charitra), and austerity (Tapa).
  • Austerity and Self-Discipline: The text stresses the importance of self-discipline, perseverance, and adherence to vows, especially during the critical time of death.
• Focus on Death and Spiritual Preparation (BhattaParinna):
  • BhattaParinna itself refers to the specific type of death (or preparation for death) that is conducive to spiritual progress. It's about accepting death with equanimity and actively engaging in spiritual practice to achieve a good rebirth or liberation.
  • Types of Death: The text mentions three types of death for those who are virtuous and engaged in effort: BhattaParinna Maran (death by voluntary fasting/austerity), Igini Maran (death of a meditating ascetic), and Padpogama Maran (death where the ascetic remains rooted to the spot like a plant).
  • BhattaParinna Maran: This is further divided into two types: Savichar (with contemplation) and Avichar (without contemplation). The text focuses on explaining the Avichar BhattaParinna Maran.
• The Process of BhattaParinna:
  • Eligibility: The text outlines who is suitable for BhattaParinna Maran: those who are patient, free from suffering, not hurried in death, not prone to committing transgressions (atichar), those who desire peace, are free from grief and laughter, have no hope in life, are free from worldly desires, and are motivated by spiritual fervor.
  • Guru's Role: The Guru plays a crucial role in guiding the disciple through the process. This includes providing spiritual advice, performing necessary rituals like Aalochna (confession of sins), accepting vows, and forgiving all transgressions.
  • Rituals and Practices: The process involves confession, accepting new vows (or reinforcing existing ones), seeking forgiveness from all, and initiating the practice of voluntary fasting (Anashan).
  • Acceptance of Fasting (Anashan): The Guru carefully assesses the right time and circumstances for initiating the fast. The act of accepting the fast is a significant commitment, involving a solemn vow in the presence of the fourfold Sangh (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen).
  • Renunciation of Food and Drink: The text details the process of renouncing different types of food and drink (ashan, khadim, svadim) and discusses the use of specific medicinal preparations (samadhi pani) to ease the process and purify the body.
  • Importance of Right Intention (Niyana): A crucial aspect discussed is the avoidance of "Niyana," which are vows or desires made for future worldly benefits tied to spiritual practices. The text emphasizes seeking only liberation, cessation of suffering, and spiritual awakening.
  • The "Shalya" (Thorns): The text identifies "shalya" or thorns that can hinder spiritual progress, particularly the "niyana shalya" (vows for worldly gain), which can be rooted in attachment (raag), aversion (dwesh), or delusion (moh). Examples of individuals who were affected by these thorns are given.
• Ethical Conduct and Virtues: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to elaborating on the importance of adhering to the Jain ethical principles:
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is presented as the paramount dharma. The text illustrates how even a small act of compassion can lead to divine proximity and how violence is the root of all suffering. Conversely, non-violence leads to all forms of happiness and spiritual progress.
  • Satya (Truthfulness): The text emphasizes the importance of speaking truth, the consequences of lying, and the qualities of a truthful person. It highlights how even a single lie can have dire repercussions.
  • Asteya (Non-stealing): The text strongly condemns taking anything that is not freely given, even a small item. It explains the severe consequences of theft in this life and the next.
  • Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): The text discusses the detrimental effects of lust and attachment to women, portraying them as a source of immense suffering and a major obstacle to spiritual progress. It uses vivid imagery to describe the allure and danger of worldly desires.
  • Aparigraha (Non-possession): The text stresses the need to renounce all possessions, both internal and external, to achieve true happiness and contentment, which surpasses even the joy of a universal emperor.
• The Power of Bhakti (Devotion) and Namaskar: The text highlights the immense power of devotion to the Jina, Jinabimbas, scriptures, and the virtuous (monks and nuns). It states that even a single Namaskar (salutation to the Panch Parmeshthi) can avert downfall and lead to immense happiness and spiritual realization.
• The Importance of Samyakva (Right Faith): Samyakva is presented as the foundation upon which knowledge, austerity, strength, and conduct are built. Losing Samyakva is considered a complete downfall, with no possibility of liberation, unlike losing conduct, where redemption is still possible if Samyakva is maintained.
• The Journey to Moksha: The text concludes by reiterating that by following the teachings, practicing the vows, abandoning harmful inclinations (like attachment and aversion), and dedicating oneself to the path of liberation, one can attain the eternal bliss of Moksha. The merit gained from following the prescribed practices of BhattaParinna is described as leading to favorable rebirths and ultimately to liberation.

Publisher and Sponsorship:

• The publication is by Agam Shrut Prakashan.
• The "Agam Deep" series appears to be a comprehensive effort to present Jain Agam texts with commentaries.
• The project is supported by numerous financial contributors, with Smt. Nayana Ben Rameshchandra Shah and her family from Vadodara being acknowledged as the main financial supporters for the "Agam Deep" series.

In essence, "Agam Deep 27 BhattaParinna Gujarati Anuvaad" is a detailed exposition on the Jain practice of preparing for and undertaking voluntary fasting unto death (BhattaParinna), emphasizing the underlying ethical principles and the ultimate goal of liberation, with a strong focus on detachment, right faith, and devotion.