Anitya Panchashat - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary details the Jain text "Anitya Panchashat" by Padmanandi Acharya, as published by Motilal Trikamdas Malvi, drawing information from the provided Jainqq.org catalog link and the scanned pages of the book.

Title: Anitya Panchashat (अनित्यपंचाशत्) Author: Padmanandi Acharya (श्री पद्मनंदि आचार्य) Publisher: Motilal Trikamdas Malvi (शाह. मोतीलाल त्रीकमदास मालवी), published by Shri Digambar Jain Granthaprasarak Mandal (श्री दिगम्बर जैन ग्रंथप्रसारक मंडळ). First Edition: Published in Vikram Samvat 1966 (corresponding to 1910 CE), with 750 copies printed. Purpose of Publication: Published in memory of the late Sh. Amardas Kushaldas Malvi (स्वर्गवासी शा. श्रीकमदास खुशालदास. मालवीना स्मरणार्थे). Language: The book is presented in original Sanskrit with Gujarati translation and commentary (मुळसंस्कृत अने गुजराती भावार्थ सहित).

Dedication (Page 4-5): The book is dedicated to Shri Manekchand Hirachand Zaveri (रा.रा.शेठ.माणेकचंद हीराचंद झवेरी.जे.पी.) of Mumbai. He is praised for his virtuous nature, promotion of knowledge, eagerness for the progress of Jains, his charitable activities for the welfare of society, and his philanthropic endeavors such as supporting schools, boarding houses, and charitable dispensaries. The publisher expresses his gratitude for being able to dedicate this work to such a noble personality.

Author's Blessings to Subscribers (Page 6-7): The author, through the publisher, offers blessings to the subscribers, wishing them divine favor, contentment, peace, lasting fame, freedom from fear, abundant blessings, unwavering devotion, good fortune, and guidance towards the right path.

Introduction (Page 8-15): The introduction highlights the significance of the "Anitya Panchashat" in Jain tradition. It draws parallels with the Garuda Purana in Hinduism, which is read after death to guide people. The text emphasizes that reading even five verses daily can help people overcome grief and lead them towards righteousness.

The introduction criticizes excessive mourning and grief, citing the Jain principle of "Excess in everything should be avoided" (अति सर्वत्र वर्जयेत). It points out that no religious scripture, whether Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or Parsi, advocates for loud lamentation. The Bhagavad Gita is quoted to illustrate the concept of the soul transmigrating to new bodies like worn-out clothes (Verse 1: "Vasaansi jeernani yatha vihaya...") and the inevitability of birth and death (Verse 2: "Jatasya hi dhruvo mrityuh...").

The introduction further emphasizes the impermanence of life and worldly possessions using various examples and sayings:

Lord Rama's experience of unexpected fortune followed by exile.
Life being like a wave in the ocean of time, with constant creation, sustenance, and dissolution.
The inevitability of aging and death for everyone, from common people to great heroes like Krishna, Yudhishthira, and Rama.
The story of Alexander the Great, who died with his hands exposed to show that despite immense wealth, he had to leave everything behind.
A Chinese proverb describing life as full of enemies like greed, attachment, pride, and envy, with death being a messenger from God.
A Greek philosopher's view that death is merely a transition to another world.
An English scholar's quote: "The Paths of Glory Lead But To The Grave."

The introduction concludes by stating that the text itself is a form of introduction and that the printing was expedited due to demand.

Core Teachings of "Anitya Panchashat" (Stanzas 1-55): The core of the "Anitya Panchashat" consists of 55 verses (Panchashat means fifty, implying around fifty verses with some introductory and concluding stanzas). The central theme is the impermanence (Anitya) of all worldly things and the futility of excessive attachment and grief. Key themes and messages conveyed through the verses include:

Impermanence of the Body: The body is described as temporary, susceptible to disease, weapons, drowning, and is ultimately perishable, made of impure substances and prone to decay. (Stanza 2, 3)
Impermanence of Wealth and Relationships: Wealth is compared to an illusion (Indrajala), and relationships like wife, sons, and possessions are likened to clouds swept away by the wind. (Stanza 4)
Suffering and Attachment: Attachment to the impermanent leads to suffering. Wise people should not grieve over loss or rejoice excessively over gain. (Stanza 5, 8, 9)
The Nature of Life and Death: Birth is followed by death, and death by birth. This cycle is inevitable and should not be a cause for sorrow. (Stanza 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
The Folly of Excessive Grief: The text strongly condemns lamentation as a sign of ignorance and folly, stating that it does not achieve anything beneficial and can even lead to negative karma and lower births. (Stanza 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
The Path of Dharma: The only true path to lasting happiness and liberation is through Dharma (righteousness). The verses urge readers to abandon attachments and focus on spiritual pursuits. (Stanza 9, 10, 12, 17, 20, 21, 27, 36, 40, 45, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55)
Universal Law of Karma: Actions (karma) determine one's destiny and the cycle of birth and death. (Stanza 14, 18, 20, 23, 25, 35, 40, 45)
Power of Time (Kala/Yama): Time is an insurmountable force that affects everyone, from the smallest creature to the mightiest gods and kings. (Stanza 30, 33, 41)
Detachment and Equanimity: Wise individuals remain detached from worldly gains and losses, understanding the transient nature of all phenomena. (Stanza 8, 15, 16, 19, 21, 23, 30, 51, 52, 53)
Guidance from Gurus: The path to understanding these truths and achieving liberation is illuminated by the guidance of a Guru. (Stanza 17)

Concluding Verses (Stanza 55): The concluding verses reiterate the purpose of the "Anitya Panchashat" as a means to soothe the grief caused by separation from loved ones and to cultivate wisdom. The work is attributed to Padmanandi Acharya and is described as a "rain of nectar" for those with elevated intellect.

Final Message (Page 51): A final couplet emphasizes that bodies are impermanent, wealth is not eternal, death is always present, and therefore, one should engage in Dharma.

List of Donors/Subscribers (Page 52-70): The book includes a extensive list of individuals who contributed to its publication or purchased copies, indicating a wide readership and support for the work.

Corrections (Shuddhipatra) (Page 70-73): A list of corrections and errata is provided to ensure accuracy in the text.

Books Offered as Gifts (Page 74): A list of books that are to be donated to schools and other institutions is provided, including titles like "Jain Stavnavali," "Mithyatva Nishedh ne Sutak Nirnay," "Vidyalaxmi Samvad," "Ravivrat Katha," "Dharmaprabodhini," and "Alochana Path."

Books for Sale and Distribution Points (Page 75-78): Information is given about where to purchase other books such as "Akalank Stotra" and advertisements for traditional Ayurvedic medicines and books on health and well-being.

Notice (Page 78): A note states that the entire profit from this book will be donated to the Ahmedabad Shravikashram (a Jain women's hostel/institution), urging Jain brothers to support the cause by purchasing the book.

In essence, "Anitya Panchashat" is a profound Jain text that aims to instill detachment from the transient material world and encourage the pursuit of spiritual liberation through righteousness, emphasizing the impermanence of life and the futility of worldly attachments and excessive grief.