Avashyak Niryukti Part 07

This Jain text, "Avashyak Niryukti Part 07" by Aryarakshitvijay, published by Vijay Premsuri Sanskrit Pathshala, is a detailed commentary and translation of the essential Jain practices. This seventh part of the work focuses on the Kāyotsarga (कायोत्सर्ग) and Pratyākhyāna (प्रत्याख्यान) studies, covering chapters Niryukti 1419 to 1625.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, organized for clarity:

Overall Context and Structure:

• Authoritative Sources: The text is based on the foundational works of Shrimad Bhadrabahuswami (original author of Avashyak Niryukti) and commented upon by Shrimad Haribhadrasuri (author of the commentary 'Shiśyahitā'). The translation and commentary are attributed to Muni Āryarakṣitavijay.
• Publisher and Support: Published by Shrimad Vijay Premsuri Sanskrit Pathshala, Ahmedabad, with support from the Umra Shwetamber Murtipujak Jain Sangh, Umra-Surat.
• Previous Volumes: This is Part 7, indicating a series that has covered other essential Jain practices in previous volumes.
• Purpose: The text aims to provide a clear and understandable Gujarati translation and commentary of complex Jain philosophical and practical concepts, making them accessible to a wider audience.
• Translation Approach: The translator notes an attempt to provide an "as literal as possible" translation but prioritizes clarity and flow in Gujarati, sometimes deviating slightly from a word-for-word rendering to maintain linguistic naturalness. Complex terms or phrases are sometimes explained in parentheses.

Key Chapters and Concepts Covered in Part 7 (Niryuktis 1419-1625):

1. Introduction and General Notes (Pages 1-6): * Invocation: Begins with obeisance to Lord Shankheshwar Parshvanath and the lineage of revered gurus. * Dedication: The seventh part is dedicated to the parents of Muni Āryarakṣitavijay, acknowledging their spiritual upbringing. * Translation Philosophy: The translator emphasizes conveying the essence and meaning over strict literalness to ensure clarity for Gujarati readers. * Correction Noted: A specific correction is mentioned regarding the word "Sthimisebā" in an earlier part (Page 41, Original Gathā 222), replaced with "Chijñāmilegā" for accuracy, signifying that the first five Tirthankaras did not undergo a royal coronation before renunciation. * Acknowledgements: Thanks are extended to scholars who assisted in the Sanskrit reading and translation. * Pledge of Humility: The translator expresses humility and seeks forgiveness for any unintentional errors, attributing success to divine grace. * Index and Appendices: The text includes a detailed Table of Contents (Vishayānukramaṇikā) for the entire work (Parts 1-7) and references to appendices for further details.

2. Detailed Content - Following the Table of Contents (Pages 7-259):

The provided text offers a detailed breakdown of the verses (Gāthā numbers) and the subjects covered within this volume. Based on the Table of Contents, the key areas are:

*   **Anantī Āśātanā (अनन्ती आशातना - Infinite Offenses):** Discusses offenses from Gāthā 1419 onwards, detailing various types of violations.
*   **Qualities of Nirgranth Pravachan (नैरर्थ्य प्रवचननां गुणा - Qualities of the Unclinging Doctrine):** Explores the virtues and characteristics of Jain teachings, emphasizing its truthfulness, uniqueness, completeness, and role as a path to liberation.
*   **Repentance (Pratikramaṇa - प्रतिक्रमण):**
    *   Explains the meaning of "Michchhāmi Dukkaḍaṁ" (मिच्छामि दुक्कडं).
    *   Details the procedure for repentance, including seeking forgiveness from all beings.
    *   Discusses the meaning of various mantras and formulas used in Pratikramaṇa, such as "Namo Caūvīsāye" (नमो चउवीसाए - Obeisance to the 24 Tirthankaras).
    *   Explains the purpose of introspection, including reflecting on the day's (and night's) transgressions.
    *   Covers the classification of various offenses and their atonement.
*   **Kāyotsarga (कायोत्सर्ग - Standing Still/Self-Absorption):**
    *   **Definition and Purpose:** Explains Kāyotsarga as a practice to overcome spiritual inertia, achieve self-absorption, and heal the "wounds" of offenses through penance.
    *   **Types of Kāyotsarga:** Discusses various classifications, including 'Cheṣṭā' (चेष्टा - action-oriented) and 'Abhibhava' (अभिभव - overcoming obstacles).
    *   **Methodology:** Details how to perform Kāyotsarga, including posture, mind control, and the types of meditation (Dhyāna - ध्यान) involved (e.g., Dharma and Shukla Dhyāna).
    *   **Defects in Kāyotsarga:** Critically examines common mistakes and defects to avoid during the practice, such as improper posture, distracting thoughts, and improper speech.
    *   **Time Measurement:** Explains the duration of Kāyotsarga based on breath counts (ucchvāsa - उच्छ्वास) and the types of offenses committed.
    *   **Benefits:** Highlights the spiritual benefits of Kāyotsarga, including purification of the body and mind, endurance of hardships, and the path to liberation.
*   **Pratyākhyāna (प्रत्याख्यान - Renunciation/Giving Up):**
    *   **Definition:** Explains Pratyākhyāna as the act of giving up or abstaining from specific actions, tastes, or activities, often for a defined period.
    *   **Types of Pratyākhyāna:** Discusses various classifications, including 'Śrutavat' (श्रुतवत् - based on scripture) and 'Nōśrutavat' (नोश्रुतवत् - not based on scripture).
    *   **Śrāvaka Pratyākhyāna (श्रावक प्रत्याख्यान - Layperson's Renunciation):** Focuses on the practices and vows undertaken by lay Jains, including the detailed explanation of the five main vows (Aṇuvratas - अणुव्रत).
    *   **Anuvaratas (अणुव्रत - Minor Vows):** Elaborates on the five minor vows:
        *   **Prāṇātipāta Viramaṇa (प्राणातिपात विरमण - Non-violence):** Discusses the offenses related to violence towards living beings.
        *   **Mṛṣāvāda Viramaṇa (मृषावाद विरमण - Truthfulness):** Details offenses related to false speech.
        *   **Adattādāna Viramaṇa (अदत्तादान विरमण - Non-stealing):** Explains offenses related to taking what is not given.
        *   **Maithuna Viramaṇa (मैथुन विरमण - Celibacy/Chastity):** Covers offenses related to sexual misconduct.
        *   **Parigraha Viramaṇa (परिग्रह विरमण - Non-possession/Non-attachment):** Explains offenses related to excessive attachment and possession.
    *   **Vows of Laypersons (Śrāvaka Vrata - श्रावकव्रत):** Details the specific observances for lay followers, including the classifications of śrāvakas (e.g., sābhigrahika - with vows, nirabhigrahika - without vows) and their progression through various stages.
    *   **Guṇavratas (गुणव्रत - Auxiliary Vows):** Explains the three auxiliary vows:
        *   **Digvrata (दिग्व्रत - Vow of Directional Limitation):** Restricting movement and activities within defined geographical boundaries.
        *   **Upabhoga-Paribhoga Parimāṇa (उपभोग-परिभोग परिमाण - Limitation of Use and Consumption):** Restricting the use of objects and the consumption of things.
        *   **Anarthadaṇḍa Viramaṇa (अनर्थदण्ड विरमण - Renunciation of Useless/Harmful Activities):** Avoiding actions that cause harm without any beneficial purpose.
    *   **Śikṣā Vratas (शिक्षाव्रत - Training Vows):** Discusses the four training vows:
        *   **Sāmāyika (सामायिक - Equanimity/Meditation):** Practices for mental equanimity and meditation.
        *   **Deśāvakāśika (देशावकाशिक - Temporal and Spatial Limitation):** Limiting activities to specific times and places.
        *   **Pauṣadhopavāsa (पौषधोपवास - Fasting/Observance):** Religious fasting and observances, particularly on auspicious days.
        *   **Atiṭhisamvibhāga (अतिथिसंविभाग - Hospitality/Charity):** Offering food and essentials to visiting ascetics.
    *   **Pratyākhyāna Vidhi (प्रत्याख्यान विधि - Method of Renunciation):** Details the process of taking vows, including the specific procedures, intentions, and the role of the Guru.
    *   **Types of Pratyākhyāna:** Explains different types like 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, and 10-fold pratyākhyānas, specifying the items renounced and the conditions.
    *   **Importance of Sincere Intention (Bhāva - भाव):** Emphasizes that the inner feeling and sincerity behind the vow are crucial for its spiritual efficacy.
*   **Nayas (नय - Standpoints/Approaches):** Discusses different philosophical standpoints (Jñāna-naya - knowledge-oriented, Kriyā-naya - action-oriented) and their role in understanding Jain principles.
*   **Dṛṣṭānta (दृष्टान्त - Examples/Illustrations):** Throughout the text, numerous illustrative stories and examples are used to explain the concepts, such as the stories of Subhadra, Sūryabhanu, Vimal-Shravak, and Damannak.
*   **Structure of the Text:** The text follows a systematic approach, often explaining the meaning of sutras, detailing the commentary, and providing illustrative examples.

Key Themes and Messages:

• Spiritual Discipline: The text provides a comprehensive guide to essential Jain practices, emphasizing the importance of discipline, mindfulness, and adherence to vows.
• Ethical Conduct: It delves into the nuances of ethical conduct, defining specific offenses and their renunciation for spiritual progress.
• Inner vs. Outer Practice: The text subtly highlights the importance of inner state (Bhāva - भाव) alongside outer observance (Dravya - द्रव्य).
• The Role of the Guru: The text underscores the guidance of the Guru in understanding and practicing the teachings correctly.
• Path to Liberation: Ultimately, these practices are presented as essential steps on the path to achieving liberation (Moksha - मोक्ष) and eternal bliss.

In essence, "Avashyak Niryukti Part 07" is a scholarly yet practical exploration of core Jain practices, offering detailed explanations and guidance for spiritual aspirants.