Arambh Siddhi Satik

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Arambh Siddhi Satik" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Arambh Siddhi Satik (आरम्भसिद्धिः सटि०) Author(s): Udayprabhdevsuri (उदयप्रभदेवसूरि), Jitendravijay (जितेन्द्रविजय) Publisher: Labdhisuri Jain Granthmala (लब्धिसूरीश्वर-जैन-ग्रन्थमाला)

Overview:

"Arambh Siddhi Satik," also known as "Vyavahar Charya" (व्यवहारचर्या), is a significant Jain text authored by Acharya Udayprabhdevsuri. This work, focused on Jain astrology and auspicious timing (Muhurta), provides detailed guidance for various activities, aiming to achieve auspicious beginnings and successful outcomes. The text is presented with a commentary (Vartika) by Hemhang Gani and compiled/edited by Muni Jitendravijay. It is a part of the Labdhisuri Jain Granthmala series.

Key Themes and Content:

The core purpose of "Arambh Siddhi" is to provide knowledge and methods for determining auspicious times for undertaking various activities, thereby ensuring success and avoiding inauspiciousness. The book is structured into several "Vimarsh" (विमर्श), which can be understood as chapters or sections, each dealing with different aspects of Jyotisha Shastra (the science of celestial influences) as interpreted within the Jain tradition.

The provided pages, primarily from the introductory sections and indexes, reveal a highly systematic and detailed approach to astrology within Jainism. The text covers a vast array of topics, including:

1. Praise of Shrutgyan: The initial pages (pages 1-10) highlight the importance of preserving and making accessible ancient Jain texts, with a particular emphasis on digitizing and creating DVDs of rare books. This initiative, supported by various Jain communities and individuals, aims to spread Jain knowledge.

2. Textual Origins and Lineage: Page 11 provides significant information about the text's background. It states that "Arambh Siddhi" was authored by the esteemed Udayprabhdevsuri, a disciple of Shri Vijaydharmasuri and grandson of Shri Vijaygambhir Suri. The commentary is by Shri Hemhang Gani, and the compilation and editing were done by Muni Jitendravijay under the guidance of Acharya Shri Vijaylabdhisurishwarji. The publication was supported by the Shri Madras Jain Sangh.

3. Introduction to Astrology (Jyotisha Shastra) in Jainism: Pages 13-16 offer a "Prastavik Nivedan" (Preliminary Statement) explaining the value of Jyotisha Shastra for Jain practitioners. It emphasizes that this knowledge, while rooted in karma, acts as an indicator of auspiciousness and helps in understanding the influences on human life, comparable to a lamp illuminating the path. It highlights that this knowledge is essential for monks to understand the principles of the universe and the consequences of actions, thus aiding their spiritual progress.

4. Methodology and Classification: The text meticulously classifies various astrological elements and their applications. The "Vimarsh" structure indicates a methodical exploration of the subject. The detailed table of contents ("Vishayanukramah" - विषयानुक्रमः on pages 17-20) lists numerous categories, including:

   • Time (Tithi, Var, Nakshatra, Yoga, Kalachakra): Detailed discussions on lunar days, weekdays, constellations, yogas (planetary combinations), and their auspiciousness.
   • Planetary Positions (Rashi, Gochar): Analysis of planetary positions in zodiac signs, their transits, and their effects.
   • Activities (Karya): Specific timings for various life events and activities, such as marriage, initiation (Diksha), consecration (Pratishtha), housewarming, travel, and business.
   • Architecture and Construction (Vastu): Principles of Vastu Shastra, including directional influences, auspicious times for laying foundations, and building construction.
   • Specific Time Calculation: Techniques for calculating auspicious times (Muhurta) for different events.
   • Remedial Measures: Indications of potential inauspicious influences and possibly their remedies.

5. Detailed Astrological Factors: The text delves into the specifics of astrological calculations, including:

   • Tithi Shuddhi (Auspiciousness of Lunar Days): Identifying auspicious and inauspicious days based on lunar phases, yogas, and their inherent nature (e.g., Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta, Purnima).
   • Var Shuddhi (Auspiciousness of Weekdays): Determining the suitability of weekdays for specific activities and the influence of planetary lords of the days.
   • Nakshatra Shuddhi (Auspiciousness of Constellations): Analyzing the characteristics of the 27 Nakshatras (constellations), their divisional aspects (Pada), their ruling deities (Isha), and their associated qualities (e.g., Char, Sthir, Tikshna, Mrudu).
   • Yoga Shuddhi (Auspiciousness of Planetary Combinations): Detailed explanations of various yogas formed by planetary combinations, such as Amrit Siddhi Yoga, Vajra Yoga, Yama Yoga, etc., and their effects.
   • Rashi Shuddhi (Auspiciousness of Zodiac Signs): Understanding the nature of each zodiac sign, their ruling planets, their directional influences, and their "Vashya" (attraction/influence) relationships.
   • Gochar (Transits): Analyzing the transits of planets and their impact on individuals and events.
   • Shadvarga (Six Divisions): The text meticulously details the calculation and significance of the six divisions of astrological charts: Grah, Hora, Drekkana, Navamsa, Dwadasamsa, and Trimsamsa. These divisions offer deeper insights into the specific effects of planets.
   • Murtisthan (Planetary positions): The text elaborates on the significance of planetary positions in relation to the native's birth chart (Janma Lagna, Janma Rashi) and the current time (Yatra Lagna) for determining auspiciousness and auspicious actions.
   • Nimitta (Omens): The importance of observing external signs and omens for further confirmation of auspiciousness or inauspiciousness in actions.

6. Ethical Considerations and Restrictions: The text, particularly on pages 14-15, strongly emphasizes that this astrological knowledge is not for those engaged in sinful (Savadya) actions. It is intended for the virtuous and wise, especially the monastic community, for their spiritual upliftment. The author advises that this knowledge should be taught privately to prevent misuse and that even when discussing faults in astrological calculations, the focus should be on purity and correct application rather than critique for its own sake. The text strongly discourages the use of this knowledge for activities that lead to harm or negativity.

7. Detailed Analysis of Specific Activities: The later sections of the text (Vimarsh 3 onwards) appear to focus on the practical application of these astrological principles for specific events:

   • Karya (Activities): Guidance on various activities like marriage, initiation, consecration, wearing new clothes, naming ceremonies, etc.
   • Yatra (Travel): Auspicious timings and directions for journeys.
   • Vastu (Architecture): Principles for building and constructing according to Vastu Shastra.
   • Vilagna (Specific Auspicious Lagna): Detailed analysis of specific auspicious time points for significant events.
   • Mishra (Miscellaneous): A compilation of various other astrological considerations and combinations.

Significance:

"Arambh Siddhi Satik" represents a valuable compilation of Jain astrological knowledge. It demonstrates the integration of Jyotisha Shastra within the Jain framework, emphasizing its role in guiding life's significant events towards auspiciousness and spiritual benefit. The detailed systemization and the inclusion of practical guidance make it a comprehensive resource for those seeking to understand and apply Jain astrological principles. The emphasis on ethical use and the author's intent to benefit the virtuous highlight its spiritual dimension.

In essence, the book serves as a guide for living a life aligned with auspicious timings, fostering positive outcomes and spiritual well-being, as understood and prescribed within the Jain tradition.