Aryaved Jain Ved

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Aryaved Jain Ved" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the text you've supplied:

The text discusses the concept of "Aryaved Jain Ved", which posits that the foundational Vedic scriptures were originally composed by the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, and were later adapted and propagated by Jain tradition.

Key Arguments and Concepts:

• Ancient Origins of Rishabhadeva: The text asserts that Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, is mentioned multiple times in the Rigveda and other Vedas, as well as in the Puranas. This is presented as evidence of his existence and antiquity.
• Bharat and the "Aryavedas": Rishabhadeva's eldest son, Bharat (after whom Bharatavarsha is named), after receiving the secrets and teachings from his father, obtained his consent to create four Vedic texts. These texts, known as "Aryavedas" or "Jain Vedas," were intended for the practice of worldly dharma and the upbringing of Jain householders.
• The Four Aryavedas: These four Vedas are named as:
  1. Sanskaradarshanam (The vision of rituals/sanskaras)
  2. Sansthanaparamarshanam (Consideration of structure/organization)
  3. Tattvavabodhaḥ (Knowledge of principles)
  4. Vidyaprabodhaḥ (Awakening of knowledge) These Vedas were used by Jain Brahmins to impart sanskaras, conduct, and knowledge to Jain householders for generations.
• Jain Brahmins and Jinopavita: These Jain Brahmins wore the jinopavita (Jain sacred thread), which had nine strands representing the three components of Ratnatrayi (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct) and their three aspects (doing, causing, approving).
• Influence on Jain Rituals: The text highlights that the "Acharadinakar," a renowned Jain ritualistic text by Acharya Shri Vardhamanasuri from the 12th century Vikram, includes sixteen sanskaras (rites of passage), among which the jinopavita-sanskar is also present. Mantras from the "Aryavedas" were used in the performance of these sixteen sanskaras.
• Preservation and Corruption of Aryavedas: The text explains that even though the Aryavedas were disrupted, some of their parts remained with certain Jain Brahmins and householders until the 12th century. Some sections of these "Aryavedas" are still preserved as mantras in texts like the "Acharadinakar."
  • However, the text also notes that during the interruption of the tradition, these Brahmins, due to greed for patronage, corrupted the Aryavedas. They introduced elements of violence and criticism of ascetics, aligning them with the four known Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva) and thus deeming them as mithyadrishṭita (held false views).
  • Ascetics then abandoned these corrupted Vedas and considered only the Jain Agamas (scriptures) as authoritative.
  • Yet, those Brahmins who retained samyaktva (right faith) continued to use fragments of Bharat's teachings in their daily practices.
• Modern Relevance and Study: The author mentions personally observing householders (particularly from the Bhojak community) wearing the jinopavita as recently as twenty to thirty years ago. The preservation of "Aryaveda" mantras in texts like "Acharadinakar" is considered significant. The text suggests that further historical scrutiny is needed. It also points to the existence of "Upaniṣat" or "Nigamaśāstras" related to a medieval Jain sect called the Nigamgachchha, suggesting that their study might shed more light on the "Aryaveda" issue.
• Examples of Aryaveda Mantras: The latter part of the text provides specific examples of mantras attributed to the "Aryavedas" for various sanskaras and rituals, including:
  • Garbhadhana Sanskar Mantra (for conception)
  • Pumsavana Sanskar Mantra (for fetal development)
  • Surya Darshan Mantra (for viewing the sun)
  • Chandra Darshan Mantra (for viewing the moon)
  • Kshirashana Mantra (for eating milk)
  • Sashtha Sanskar Mantra (a general ritualistic mantra)
  • Annaprashana Sanskar Mantra (for first solid food)
  • Karnavedha Sanskar Mantra (for ear piercing)
  • Chudakarana Mantra (for tonsure)
  • Upanayana Arambha Mantra (for initiation)
  • Mantras related to vows, sacred threads, and rituals.
  • Vivaha Mantra (for marriage)
  • Graha Shanti Mantra (for planetary appeasement)
  • Mantras related to karma, desires, and various aspects of spiritual practice.

In essence, "Aryaved Jain Ved" argues for a Jain origin and historical connection to the Vedic tradition, proposing that key Vedic texts and practices were initially established within Jainism and later evolved or were corrupted, with remnants preserved within Jain rituals and scriptures.