Avashyak Kriyana Sutronu Rahasya Darshan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Avashyak Kriyana Sutronu Rahasya Darshan" by Narvahanvijay, based on the provided Gujarati text:

The book, "Avashyak Kriyana Sutronu Rahasya Darshan" by Narvahanvijay, delves into the profound meanings and significance of essential Jain practices and mantras, particularly focusing on the Navkar Mantra and the meaning behind the Avashyak Sutras.

The Genesis of Avashyak Sutras:

The text begins by explaining that in the era of every Tirthankara, upon attaining Kevalgyan (omniscience), they deliver sermons. Those souls destined to become Ganadharas (chief disciples) absorb these teachings. Upon completion of the sermon, these Ganadharas request initiation into the monastic order. After receiving initiation, a thirst for true knowledge arises. The Ganadharas then pose three crucial questions to the Tirthankara, who answers them sequentially. These answers grant a complete understanding of all substances in the fourteen realms. The Tirthankara validates this knowledge and grants permission. Consequently, the Ganadharas compile the Twelve Angas of Jain scripture.

Crucially, the Ganadharas first create the "Avashyak Sutras," which are the most essential daily practices. The text emphasizes that monasticism (sadhu-padha) is not attained by renouncing the body but by accepting it. Therefore, to purify the actions of the body, speech, and mind (which are driven by unhealthy inclinations or "ashubha yoga" due to the deluded state of a "kshudastha" soul), the Ganadharas composed these Avashyak Sutras. These sutras are designed to guide the soul towards "shubha yoga" (healthy inclinations) and attain steadfastness in spiritual purity.

The Sanctity of Sutras and Time:

The author states that the letters and words of these sutras are considered "mantraakshar" (sacred syllables) because they are divinely consecrated. Therefore, it is crucial to recite specific sutras only at the prescribed times. Reciting them outside of these designated periods can diminish their efficacy, prevent them from yielding spiritual results in the soul, and even invite obstacles from deities. However, an exception is made for rituals and observances, where these sutras can be recited at any time.

Specific Auspicious Times (Kaal-Velā):

The text defines specific auspicious times for contemplation and recitation:

The two periods of 48 minutes before sunrise and after sunset.
The time around midday, one hour before and one hour after the "purimathhu pachkhaan" (a specific ritual).
Similarly, around midnight, one hour before and one hour after. During these times, direct recitation or memorization is not recommended, but contemplation of their meaning is encouraged.

The Navkar Mantra - The Quintessence of Jainism:

The Navkar Mantra is presented as the supreme mantra, revered across various Jain scriptures and by prominent Acharyas. It is referred to by numerous names, including Panchamangal Mahashrutaskandh, Parameshti Panchak, Panch Parameshti Namaskar, Panch Namokar Sutra, Panch Namokkar Mahamantra, Siddh Mantra, and others. This highlights its paramount importance in Jainism, aiding in spiritual growth and virtue.

The Power of the Navkar Mantra:

The Navkar Mantra has nine syllables and sixty-eight letters. Meditating on each letter, chanting it, and internalizing its essence leads to the shedding of immense negative karma. It is believed that with purity of intention, reciting any single letter of the Navkar Mantra can help generate the "kshayo-pasham" state of "Darshan Mohaniya Karma" (karma related to false perception), leading to the attainment of "Samyaktva" (right faith). This Samyaktva, once established, can be sustained with the help of any letter of the mantra. The text argues that if the Navkar Mantra holds such power now, its ability in earlier auspicious times (when humans had stronger physical and mental capacities) to facilitate the complete destruction of "Darshan Mohaniya" and "Charitra Mohaniya" Karma, leading to Kevalgyan, is understandable. Consequently, it is hailed as the supreme knowledge, mantra, and tantra.

The Purpose of Reciting the Navkar Mantra:

The book details various scenarios and intentions for reciting the Navkar Mantra:

Traveling: To ensure one's journey is free from obstacles and that one does not have to travel again for the rest of their life (metaphorical for auspicious outcomes).
Daily Activities: To mitigate the negative impact of worldly activities (like going to the office, conducting business) and to foster the desire to abandon sinful actions.
Detachment: To reduce attachment to favorable worldly possessions obtained through good karma, cultivating dispassion.
Protection from Negative Dreams: To prevent disturbing dreams and maintain virtuous thoughts even during sleep.
Morning Routine: To remember the Panch Parameshti upon waking, fostering the resolve to renounce worldly attachments.
Resilience in Adversity: To maintain equanimity when facing obstacles or failures in endeavors, not to overcome the obstacles themselves.
Family Responsibilities: To gain the strength for virtuous living when children accept monasticism or to navigate the complexities of family life.
Coping with Grief: To manage sorrow during the loss of a loved one and to remember their virtues, aspiring to cultivate them.
At the Time of Death: To help the dying person focus on the mantra, forget physical pain, and potentially attain a favorable rebirth or maintain equanimity during suffering.
At Birth: To wish for the well-being and spiritual progress of a newborn, hoping they embrace the teachings of the Tirthankaras.

Reciting or hearing the Navkar Mantra helps develop potential, strengthen it, and weaken "Darshan Mohaniya" Karma, leading to its "kshayo-pasham" state.

The Glorification of the Navkar Mantra:

The text cites various sources that extol the Navkar Mantra as the source of all mantras, an unparalleled wish-fulfilling tree, a protector against evil influences, a means of universal influence, and a powerful mantra. It is described as the pinnacle of all sciences, mantras, and tantras, superior in all aspects. The author then lists numerous analogies comparing the Navkar Mantra's greatness to various supreme entities in nature, religion, and society, such as Mount Meru, Kalpavriksha, sandalwood, the sun, the moon, Ganga river, Indra, and Lord Rama, further emphasizing its unparalleled status.

The Five Sections of the Navkar Mantra:

Each of the five sections of the Navkar Mantra is explained in detail, highlighting the specific spiritual benefits derived from meditating on each:

Namo Arihantanam (Homage to the Arihants): Promotes self-welfare and illuminates the path to spiritual progress. It fosters a sense of gratitude towards benefactors and even encourages empathy towards those who may have caused harm. It strengthens inner stability and leads to the recognition of the Arihants as the originators of these virtues.
Namo Siddhanam (Homage to the Siddhas): Instills the understanding that worldly pleasures are transient. It leads to the realization of the existence of everlasting, internal happiness and provides partial experience and stability of this intrinsic bliss. This understanding prevents the influence of "Mithyatva Mohaniya Karma" (karma of false beliefs). Even in hell or animal realms, this partial experience can bring equanimity. For humans and celestial beings, it cultivates dispassion even amidst worldly pleasures.
Namo Aayariyanam (Homage to the Acharyas): Cultivates purity of conduct ("Achar Shuddhi"). This involves recognizing true principles as true and false as false, and acting accordingly. It encompasses the five aspects of conduct: knowledge, perception, behavior, austerity, and spiritual energy.
Namo Uvajjhayanam (Homage to the Upadhyayas): Bestows humility ("Vinay"). Knowledge acquired with humility becomes ingrained in the soul, whereas knowledge without humility only makes one learned but does not lead to spiritual transformation.
Namo Loe Savva-Saahunam (Homage to all the Saints in the world): Cultivates the quality of helpfulness. It inspires the desire to help others progress on the path to liberation, stabilize their progress, and establish spiritual qualities. This, in turn, aids the devotee in their own spiritual journey towards liberation.

The text asserts that meditating on any of these five sections with devotion can destroy immense karmic debts, freeing one from cyclical suffering and leading to the attainment of Samyaktva. In auspicious times and for less karmic souls, it can even lead to Kevalgyan and the destruction of all worldly bonds.

The Sutras Explained:

The book then proceeds to explain other essential sutras:

Panchindriya Sutra (Sutra of the Five Senses): This sutra focuses on the thirty-six virtues of the Acharyas. It is divided into seven categories, with the first being the control of the five senses. The text elaborates on how the senses, when uncontrolled, lead to suffering. Controlling them, even for the purpose of obtaining worldly benefits, can lead to heavenly pleasures but also breeds jealousy. True control of the senses, however, is achieved through understanding their impermanence and the eternal bliss within the soul. This practice, when undertaken with sincere effort, leads to the weakening of "Mithyatva Mohaniya Karma" and fosters the experience of self-control. The text differentiates between "audayika bhava" (karma-induced states) and genuine spiritual practice, highlighting how the former, like uncontrolled sense activity, can increase the cycle of birth and death, while the latter leads to liberation. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing inner "granthi" (deep-seated attachments and aversions) as the root of suffering and the need for spiritual effort to overcome them.
Vandan Sutra or Pranipat Sutra (Sutra of Salutation or Prostration): This section discusses the eternal nature of both the cycle of existence (samsara) and liberation (moksha). It highlights the immense joy experienced by those who attain Samyaktva, a joy beyond description. The text traces the spiritual journey of Tirthankaras, emphasizing their path of self-effort, attainment of Samyaktva, adherence to strict vows, tolerance of hardships, and eventual attainment of Kevalgyan and establishment of the path to liberation. It explains how this path is re-illuminated by subsequent Tirthankaras and how the cycle of Tirthankara births occurs within specific time cycles. The profound joy of Samyaktva is described, leading to the understanding that even the Tirthankaras, despite their divine status, achieve Samyaktva through self-effort. The concept of "varchobodhhi" (inherent perfect knowledge) is also mentioned in relation to Tirthankaras. The text then details the rigorous spiritual discipline undertaken by Tirthankaras, including their detachment from the body, their ability to remain undisturbed by external afflictions, and their unwavering focus on knowledge. The text explains how Tirthankaras attain the "Tirthankara Namakarma" and their eventual rebirths, culminating in their Tirthankara avatara. The sermon delivery by Tirthankaras, the subsequent questions by Ganadharas, and the compilation of scriptures are described. The importance of the "Kshama Shramana" (ascetic who practices forgiveness) and the act of bowing to Tirthankaras and their followers are also discussed, explaining that this reverence signifies the effort to emulate their path. The eight virtues of forgiveness, gentleness, contentment, purity, simplicity, renunciation, austerity, and self-control are elaborated upon, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from a Guru and the difficulty of internalizing virtues like forgiveness.
Ichchhakara Sutra (Sutra of Seeking Permission): This sutra is specifically meant for interacting with living Gurus. It highlights the deep reverence and concern lay followers (Shravakas) have for the monastic discipline of their Gurus, especially considering their own inability to fully embrace such a path. The sutra reflects the Shravakas' care for their Gurus' well-being and their spiritual endeavors. It is also known as "Suguru Sakshata Pruchha Sutra" and "Guru Nimantran Sutra." The text explains that the acceptance of monasticism involves a complete renunciation of twelve types of "avirati" (non-restraint) and a commitment to follow the dictates of the divine and the Guru in thought, word, and deed. This commitment leads to the practice of seventeen types of self-control, including control over the five senses, freedom from four passions, adherence to five great vows, and the practice of five disciplines and three guards. The text emphasizes that the true essence of this practice lies in the internal transformation, leading to the weakening of delusive karma and the cultivation of righteous understanding and behavior. The significance of the "Deshoji" phrase, often used in connection with offering food, is explained as a plea for allowing the continuation of the monastic journey without interruption. The importance of knowledge, austerity, and conduct as the path to liberation is reiterated.
Iriyavahiya Sutra (Sutra of Movement and Conduct): This sutra focuses on purifying one's actions and speech to prevent harm to living beings. It is particularly important for maintaining mindfulness during movement and speech to avoid incurring karmic impurities. The text explains that this sutra helps in detaching the mind from sinful inclinations and channeling it towards positive thoughts and actions, a process known as "swadhyaya" (self-study). It also provides guidelines for conduct during rituals like Samayika and Paushadh, emphasizing the need for purity and mindfulness in all activities. The sutra's direct impact is the destruction of sins, while its indirect benefit is achieving a state of mental equanimity, free from the disturbances of desire and aversion. The text stresses the importance of internalizing the principles of this sutra, as even subtle transgressions can have karmic consequences. The profound understanding of the sutra reveals that the ultimate goal is to live a life of non-violence and detachment. The text details the vast number of potential karmic transgressions (over 36 lakh different variations) that can occur throughout a day and the importance of seeking forgiveness for them through this sutra. It asserts that a sincere and focused recitation of this sutra can lead to the attainment of Kevalgyan.
Tass Uttari Sutra (Sutra of "After That"): This sutra serves as an extension to the Iriyavahiya Sutra, offering purification for any remaining sins that might have been overlooked. It is chanted with joy and mindfulness, acknowledging the purification achieved and seeking further cleansing. The text explains the concept of "prayashchit" (penance) and the crucial role of "Kaussarga" (a posture of stillness) in the process. It clarifies the nuances of practicing Kaussarga, highlighting the importance of proper posture and adherence to guidelines to avoid additional transgressions. The text stresses the need for an unwavering intention to purify oneself from sins and emphasizes that true penance comes from genuine repentance and the desire to avoid future transgressions. The significance of the Navkar Mantra in this process is also highlighted. The text then elaborates on the twenty-one types of faults to be avoided during Kaussarga and the importance of performing this practice with reverence and dedication to accelerate spiritual progress. The ultimate aim is to achieve a state of purity and detachment from the cycle of birth and death. The text also discusses the difference between "sakama nirjara" (karma shedding with conscious effort) and "akama nirjara" (unintentional karma shedding) and the role of various karmic states and intentions in this process. It highlights that only with a pure intention can one truly benefit from spiritual practices.
Logassa Sutra (Sutra of "The World"): This sutra, which has existed since time immemorial, is primarily a hymn of praise to the twenty-four Tirthankaras. The text explains that while the first five and the last two verses are eternal, the middle verses (second, third, and fourth) specifically mention the names of the Tirthankaras of the current epoch. The author explains the significance of praising the Tirthankaras by name, stating that it can lead to the attainment of Kevalgyan. The book delves into the meanings of the names of the first few Tirthankaras, such as Rishabh, Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, and Abhinandan Swami, explaining their symbolic significance and the stories behind their naming. The deep contemplation of these names and the virtues they represent is crucial for spiritual progress. The sutra is thus a guide to understanding the path to liberation and emulating the exemplary lives of the Tirthankaras. The text also discusses the "Nikshetra" (four categories of description: name, establishment, substance, and mode) in Jainism and how contemplating these aspects of the Tirthankaras can aid in spiritual advancement. The profound meanings of the Tirthankaras' names are explored, along with the spiritual implications of their lives and teachings. The importance of sincere devotion and righteous living to attain the Tirthankaras' blessings is emphasized.
Evan Mae Abhishrutā (Thus I have heard): This section of the sutra focuses on the three primary requests for spiritual advancement: health, the attainment of enlightenment (Bodhi-labha), and a peaceful death (Samadhi-maran). The text explains that true health is not just physical but also spiritual, referring to the soul's pure state. Bodhi-labha is described as the path to liberation, requiring the shedding of worldly attachments and the cultivation of detachment. Samadhi-maran is presented as a death achieved with equanimity and spiritual awareness, a state attainable by those who have systematically worked towards spiritual liberation throughout their lives. The text elaborates on the seventeen types of death, differentiating between those that lead to spiritual progress and those that perpetuate the cycle of rebirth. The importance of cultivating a virtuous life, practicing self-control, and engaging in righteous activities is highlighted as essential for achieving a favorable death. The text also emphasizes the significance of the Navkar Mantra and the need for sincere repentance and seeking refuge in the Panch Parameshti for spiritual progress. The ultimate aim is to live a life of detachment and equanimity, thereby attaining a peaceful and spiritually significant end. The book concludes by reiterating the importance of these practices for attaining liberation and transcending the cycle of birth and death.

In essence, "Avashyak Kriyana Sutronu Rahasya Darshan" is a profound exploration of the foundational principles of Jain practice, offering a deep understanding of the sacred mantras and rituals that guide the soul towards spiritual purification and ultimate liberation. It underscores the importance of mindful living, sincere devotion, and the relentless pursuit of self-realization through the prescribed path laid out by the Tirthankaras.