Asthanhika Vyakhyanam - Book Summary

This document, titled "Shri Ashtahnikavyakhyanam" (Explanation of Ashtahnikas), authored by Shri Kshamakalyanakji and published by Vitthalji Hiralal Hansraj (Jamnagar), is a detailed exposition on the significance and practices associated with the Ashtahnikas, an important eight-day festival in Jainism.

The text begins by invoking Lord Jin. It explains that during the Ashtahnikas, coinciding with festivals like Paryushana, deities and celestial beings gather at Nandiishwar Island to celebrate the glory of Dharma. The island is described as having four Anjan mountains in the center, surrounded by four Vapis (tanks) each, with Dadhimukh mountains in their centers and Ratikar mountains in between pairs of Vapis. This arrangement results in a total of 52 mountains and 52 Jin temples, each housing 124 Jin idols, totaling 6448 Jin idols. The celestial beings worship these idols with various substances, sing hymns, and perform dramas for eight days before returning to their abodes.

The text then elaborates on the duties of lay Jains (shravakas) during this auspicious period. It emphasizes the cessation of the influx of karma (ashrava nirodh) by:

Abstaining from violence (pranati-paata): This is highlighted as the most important virtue, with the story of a thief being saved by the queen demonstrating the supreme value of abhaya-daana (giving fearlessness/saving a life). The text stresses that giving life is superior to any material donation.
Abstaining from false speech (mṛṣā-vacana): This includes avoiding harsh or abusive language and maintaining purity of speech.
Abstaining from stealing (adatta-daana): It's crucial to avoid taking what is not freely given, as wealth is considered external life and its theft leads to immense suffering.
Abstaining from sexual misconduct (maithuna): This specifically calls for observing celibacy and avoiding relations with others' wives.
Abstaining from excessive possession (parigraha): Limiting one's possessions and controlling desires is essential.

Furthermore, the text advises controlling the four passions (kashaya):

Anger (krodha): Leads to quarrels and breaks friendships.
Pride (māna): Destroys humility and can even hinder the spiritual progress of monks.
Deceit (maya): Leads to the destruction of friendships.
Greed (lobha): Leads to the destruction of everything.

The text then outlines specific religious practices for lay Jains during the Ashtahnikas:

Sāmayika: Practicing equanimity towards all beings and cultivating good thoughts.
Pauṣadha: Observing a day of fasting and religious austerity.
Jina-pūjā: Performing worship of the Jinas, both with external offerings (dravya-pūjā) and internal devotion (bhāva-pūjā). The fruits of worship are described as immense.
Tapa (asceticism): Engaging in fasting and other forms of austerities as per one's capacity, even if there is resistance from loved ones.

The text includes two illustrative stories to emphasize the importance of Jain practices:

The story of Ārdra Kumāra: This narrative details how Ārdra Kumāra, initially a prince influenced by Jain teachings through his friend Abhay Kumāra, renounces his kingdom and embraces asceticism. It highlights his journey of spiritual realization, his overcoming obstacles, and his eventual attainment of liberation. The story emphasizes the power of Jina-darshana (seeing the Jina idols) and the importance of past karma and present efforts in spiritual progress. It also showcases his unwavering adherence to his vows and his ability to inspire others, even his former guards and ascetics who were practicing wrong paths. His debate with Goshala demonstrates the importance of purusha (effort) alongside niyati (destiny). His compassion is shown in his ability to release a bound elephant, which then leads to the conversion of the ascetics. The story culminates with Ārdra Kumāra meeting Lord Mahavir and achieving salvation.
The story of Sūryayaśā: This tale focuses on King Sūryayaśā, a devout follower of Lord Rishabha Deva. Despite the temptations and challenges posed by the celestial nymph Urvashi, the king steadfastly upholds his religious vows, particularly his commitment to observing the Ashtahnikas and other holy days. Urvashi attempts to dissuade him from his austerities by showcasing worldly pleasures and even resorting to threats and manipulations. However, King Sūryayaśā's unwavering resolve and devotion to the Jin dharma are evident throughout. He resists the allure of divine power and the temptations of Urvashi, even when she threatens his life and his son's. His steadfastness is ultimately recognized by Indra, the king of gods. The story emphasizes the superiority of spiritual merit over worldly enjoyments and the strength derived from upholding religious principles. It concludes with King Sūryayaśā continuing to rule justly, venerating the Jinas, and ultimately attaining Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and liberation.

The text concludes by encouraging virtuous Jains to perform religious duties during the Ashtahnikas to achieve their desires in this world and the next. It also includes verses detailing the auspicious time and lineage of the author and commentators, marking the completion of the work.