Ashtaprakari Devpoojan Pustika 5

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ashtaprakari Devpoojan Pustika 5" by Kushalchandravijay, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose:

This booklet, "Ashtaprakari Devpoojan Pustika 5" (Booklet 5 on the Eight Types of Deity Worship), is presented as a profound tool for human beings to overcome the sufferings of worldly existence – namely pain, heat, affliction, illness, and anxieties, as well as the cycles of birth, old age, and death. Its ultimate aim is to guide individuals from being ordinary humans to great humans and finally to the state of divinity (Paramatma). It emphasizes performing deity worship (Devpoojan) as a means to achieve this spiritual elevation.

Key Themes and Content:

• Purpose of Devpoojan: The text strongly advocates for Devpoojan, asserting that true and lasting happiness is not found in worldly possessions, power, or status, which are ultimately impermanent and sources of suffering. It highlights that even divine beings (Devas) experience dissatisfaction and face rebirth into lower forms of life. The true and eternal happiness lies in liberation (Moksha).

• The Path to Liberation: The booklet identifies the path shown by the Vitrag (those free from passions), Paramatma (Supreme Souls), and Jineshwar (Victors over the senses) as the way to achieve liberation. It draws a parallel to learning a profession: just as one needs knowledge and practice to become a doctor or lawyer, one needs to understand and follow the teachings of the Jineshwar to become like them and attain happiness.

• Devpoojan as a Means: Devpoojan is presented as a crucial step in this spiritual journey. It's explained that for beginners, idol worship (murti) and scripture (jinagam) serve as important supports or "crutches." Just as children learn the alphabet with pictures, new devotees need these aids to stabilize their minds and focus. This form of worship is called Sagun Upasana (worship with attributes/form).

• Sagun vs. Nirgun Upasana:

  • Sagun Upasana: This involves the eight-part worship of the deity's form (murti). It's essential for stabilizing the mind up to the seventh stage of spiritual progress (Gunsthana). The aim is to internalize the qualities of the deity.
  • Nirgun Upasana: This is contemplation and meditation on the formless Supreme Soul. It's for progress beyond the eighth Gunsthana. While Sagun Upasana is a foundation, Nirgun Upasana is the path to higher spiritual states.

• Importance of Proper Method (Vidhi): The text stresses that Devpoojan must be performed with the correct ritualistic procedure (vidhi). Improper worship will not yield the desired results. It encourages readers to study, understand, and strictly adhere to the prescribed methods.

• The Eight Types of Worship (Ashtaprakari Puja): The booklet details the eight types of worship, which are categorized into:

  • Ang Puja (Worship of the Body Parts): Three types: Water Puja, Sandalwood Puja, Flower Puja.
  • Agra Puja (Worship of Other Items): Five types: Incense Puja, Lamp Puja, Unbroken Rice (Akshat) Puja, Offering (Naivedya) Puja, Fruit Puja.
  • Bhav Puja (Worship with Internal Feelings): This is considered the higher form of worship, involving contemplation and internalizing the deity's teachings. It includes activities like Chaitra Vandana, Stavana, and Tuti (praise songs).

• Types of Devotion (Bhakti): The text outlines nine types of devotion, similar to "Navdha Bhakti" in other traditions, as expressions of love:

  1. Shravan (Listening): Hearing the deity's name.
  2. Kirtan (Singing/Praising): Singing devotional songs and praising the deity's virtues.
  3. Smaran (Remembering): Constant remembrance and contemplation of the deity.
  4. Vandan (Salutation): Bowing and paying respects, which reduces ego and fosters humility.
  5. Puja (Service/Worship): Performing rituals like the Ashtaprakari Puja.
  6. Archan (Honoring/Adornment): This involves internalizing the deity's teachings through one's actions and conduct.
  7. Dasya Bhav (Servitude): Feeling joy in serving the deity and following their path.
  8. Maitri Bhav (Friendship): Developing a feeling of equality and friendship with the divine.
  9. Atmanivedan (Self-Surrender): Complete surrender of oneself, including senses, possessions, and loved ones, to the divine.

• Seven Types of Purity (Shat Shuddhi): Before performing worship, seven kinds of purity are essential:

  1. Ang Shuddhi (Body Purity): Cleanliness of the body.
  2. Vastra Shuddhi (Clothing Purity): Wearing clean, appropriate, and dedicated clothes.
  3. Man Shuddhi (Mind Purity): Keeping the mind free from negative thoughts and focusing on the deity.
  4. Bhumi Shuddhi (Ground Purity): Ensuring the worship area is clean.
  5. Upakaran Shuddhi (Worship Material Purity): Using clean and good quality materials for worship.
  6. Dravya Shuddhi (Wealth Purity): Using wealth earned through righteous means for worship.
  7. Vidhi Shuddhi (Procedural Purity): Maintaining purity and focus from the moment of leaving home for worship.

• Ten Triples (Dash Trikas): The booklet emphasizes performing certain actions thrice during worship:

  • Nisidhi Triks (three times saying "Nisidhi" at entry points and inside the shrine).
  • Pradakshina Trik (circumambulations).
  • Pranam Trik (different ways of bowing).
  • Puja Trik (three types of worship: Ang, Agra, Bhav).
  • Avastha Trik (contemplating the three states: birth, kingship, asceticism).
  • Disha Trik (facing different directions).
  • Bhumi Pujan Trik (purifying the ground).
  • Avalamban Trik (reliance on words, meaning, and the idol).
  • Mudra Trik (various hand gestures).
  • Pranidhan Trik (concentration of mind, speech, and body).

• Symbolism in Worship Materials: The text explains the significance of using certain items in worship:

  • Rice (Akshat): Symbolizes freedom from the cycle of birth and death (unlike other grains that regrow). It also represents the soul's purity, like white rice.
  • Swastika: Represents the four states of existence and the path to liberation (Moksha) through Righteousness (Darshan), Knowledge (Gnan), and Conduct (Charitra).
  • Naivedya (Offerings): Symbolizes the desire for the state of being free from the need for food in Moksha.
  • Fruit: Represents the aspiration for the fruits of liberation.
  • Mirror (Darpan): For seeing the deity's form and contemplating attaining similar detachment.
  • Chamar (Fly-whisk): To express devotion, love, and respect.

• Illustrative Stories: The booklet includes stories to reinforce the principles of devotion and faith:

  • Pethad Shah: The minister's intense concentration and devotion during worship, even impressing the king.
  • Shripal and Mayana: The miraculous return of Shripal due to Mayana's unwavering devotion.
  • Devpal Rabari: His steadfast adherence to religious vows, leading to prosperity.
  • Parshvanath Bhagwan's Devotion: His worship of 500 Tirthankaras in past lives, resulting in his renown as "Purushadani" (giver of strength/boons).
  • Sadhu Pethad Shah's Faith: His commitment to repaying debts owed to the divine, even at personal cost.
  • Kumarpal Raja's devotion: His past life's simple act of offering flowers leading to becoming a great king.

• Timings of Worship: The text mentions three timings for worship: morning, noon, and evening.

Conclusion:

"Ashtaprakari Devpoojan Pustika 5" serves as a practical guide for Jain devotees, emphasizing that through sincere and methodical worship (Devpoojan), coupled with devotion and adherence to the principles of Jainism, one can overcome worldly suffering and progress towards spiritual liberation. It underscores the importance of internalizing the deity's virtues and living a life of purity and righteousness.