Balbodh 1 2 3

This is a summary of the Jain text "Balbodh 1 2 3" by Hukamchand Bharilla, published by Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur. The text is designed for educational purposes, likely for children or beginners in Jainism, as indicated by the title "Balbodh" (meaning elementary knowledge). It covers fundamental concepts of Jainism through a series of lessons.

Here's a breakdown of the content by lesson:

Lesson 1: Namokar Mahamantra (The Five-Line Invocation)

• Introduction: The lesson begins with the recitation of the Namokar Mantra: "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Ayariyanam, Namo Uvvajjhayanam, Namo Loye Savva Sadhunam."
• Meaning: It translates to: "Salutations to all Arihantas, salutations to all Siddhas, salutations to all Acharyas, salutations to all Upadhyayas, and salutations to all Sadhus in the world."
• Significance: The mantra is described as a destroyer of all sins and the foremost of all auspicious beginnings. It removes delusion, attachment, and aversion, and leads to true knowledge.
• The Five Parmeshthis: The five revered beings (Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus) are introduced as the "Panch Parmeshthis." Following their path leads to true happiness.
• Questions: The lesson includes questions to reinforce understanding, such as reciting the mantra, identifying who is saluted, its benefits, naming the Panch Parmeshthis, and how to achieve true happiness.

Lesson 2: Four Auspicious Things (Char Mangal)

• Definition of Mangal: Anything that eradicates sins (delusion, attachment, aversion) and generates true happiness is called auspicious. The Arihantas and others are inherently auspicious, and devotion to them brings ultimate auspiciousness.
• The Four Auspiciousness/Utmost Beings: The text identifies four "utmost" or supreme entities in the world:
  1. Arihant Bhagwan
  2. Siddha Bhagwan
  3. Sadhus (including Acharyas and Upadhyayas)
  4. The Vitarag Dharma (non-attached religion) taught by Kevali Bhagwan (omniscient beings).
• Taking Refuge: The lesson emphasizes taking refuge in these four. It explains that taking refuge in the Panch Parmeshthis means following the path shown by them and taking refuge in one's own soul.
• Benefit of Refuge: Taking refuge in the Panch Parmeshthis leads to welfare and the eradication of suffering and worldly cycles.
• Recitation: The lesson includes the mantra: "Chattari Mangalam, Arihanta Mangalam, Siddha Mangalam, Sahu Mangalam, Kevalipannatto Dhammo Mangalam." followed by "Chattari Loguttamā, Arihanta Loguttamā, Siddha Loguttamā, Sahu Loguttamā, Kevalipannatto Dhammo Loguttamo." and "Chattari Saranampavvājāmi, Arhate Saranampavvājāmi, Siddhe Saranampavvājāmi, Sahu Saranampavvājāmi, Kevalipannattam Dhammam Saranaṁ Pavvājāmi." which translates to "Four auspicious things: Arihantas are auspicious, Siddhas are auspicious, Sadhus are auspicious, and the Vitarag Dharma taught by Kevalis is auspicious. Four utmost beings: Arihantas are utmost, Siddhas are utmost, Sadhus are utmost, and the Vitarag Dharma taught by Kevalis is utmost. I take refuge in four: I take refuge in Arihantas, I take refuge in Siddhas, I take refuge in Sadhus, and I take refuge in the Vitarag Dharma taught by Kevalis."
• Questions: Understanding the meaning of "Mangal," "Uttama," and "Sharan," who to take refuge in, and the meaning of refuge in Panch Parmeshthis.

Lesson 3: Tirthankara Bhagwan (The Tirthankaras)

• Clarification: A student asks if Bahubali is not a Bhagwan, as he is not among the 24 Tirthankaras. The teacher explains that Tirthankaras are a specific category of divine beings, but anyone who is Vitarag (non-attached) and Sarvag (omniscient) is considered a Bhagwan. Arihantas and Siddhas are Bhagwans.
• Definition of Tirthankara: Tirthankaras are those who preach the path of liberation (Dharmateerth), possess special powers and divine gatherings (Samavasharan), and are endowed with the great merit karma of Tirthankara Namakarma.
• Number of Tirthankaras: There are 24 Tirthankaras.
• Names of the 24 Tirthankaras: The lesson lists all 24 Tirthankaras, along with their alternative names where applicable. It also provides a mnemonic verse to help remember their names.
• Benefit of Knowing: Understanding them and following their teachings can lead one to become a Bhagwan as well.
• Questions: Defining Bhagwan and Tirthankara, the difference between them, the number of Tirthankaras, and specific Tirthankara names.

Lesson 4: Devdarshan (Worship/Visiting the Temple)

• Dialogue: A conversation between Dinesh and Jinesh about visiting the temple.
• Temple Etiquette: Jinesh explains the proper way to visit a temple:
  • Remove leather items (belt).
  • Remove shoes and footwear.
  • Wash hands and feet with water at the entrance.
  • Enter with Jai-Jaikar (chants of victory).
  • Recite "Nih-sahi, Nih-sahi, Nih-sahi" (meaning abstaining from all worldly activities) three times.
  • Offer Ashtang Namaskar (eight-limbed prostration) to the deity.
  • Recite the Namokar Mantra and "Chattari Mangalam."
  • Perform three Pradakshinas (circumambulations).
  • Recite the Namokar Mantra nine times and perform Kayotsarg (standing in meditation).
  • Study scriptures or listen to discourses.
  • Contemplate the teachings and one's own nature (Who am I? How can I become like the Bhagwan?).
• Benefits of Devdarshan: It brings peace to the soul, purity of thoughts, and leads to self-realization and potentially becoming a Bhagwan.
• Questions: The process of Devdarshan, why and how to go to the temple, things not to take to the temple, what to speak during Devdarshan, and what to do in the temple.

Lesson 5: Jiv-Ajiv (Soul and Non-Soul)

• Distinction: Through a dialogue, the concept of Jiv (soul) and Ajiv (non-soul) is explained.
  • Jiv: The knower, the perceiver, that which has consciousness and experiences happiness and sorrow.
  • Ajiv: That which lacks consciousness and does not know or experience happiness and sorrow. Examples include inanimate objects like gold, silver, tables, and chairs.
• Body vs. Soul: The lesson clarifies that the body, along with its senses like eyes and ears, is Ajiv. The soul (Jiv) is separate from the body and is the true perceiver and experiencer.
• Benefit of Knowing: Understanding the difference between Jiv and Ajiv is essential for recognizing the soul, achieving true happiness, and ultimately becoming like a Bhagwan.
• Questions: Defining Jiv and Ajiv, identifying Jiv and Ajiv in various objects, and the benefit of understanding Jiv-Ajiv.

Lesson 6: Dinacharya (Daily Routine)

• Importance of Routine: The lesson emphasizes the need for a structured daily routine for cleanliness and spiritual development.
• Morning Routine:
  • Wake up before sunrise.
  • Recite the Namokar Mantra nine times.
  • Contemplate the nature of the soul and purify the mind.
• Purity: The mind (soul) can become impure due to negative emotions like attachment, aversion, and delusion, similar to how the body can become dirty. Bathing, brushing, and contemplation purify the mind.
• Daily Activities: The routine includes hygiene practices (showering, brushing), temple visits, eating meals at prescribed times, studying, and sleeping peacefully.
• Key Principles: Emphasizes both physical and mental/spiritual purity, timely completion of tasks, and avoiding night meals.
• Questions: Describing a good child's daily routine, what to do upon waking, understanding physical and mental purity, and practices for both.

Lesson 7: Bhagwan Adinath (Lord Adinath)

• Introduction: A dialogue about Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara.
• Adinath's Life:
  • He was born in Ayodhya to King Nabhiraya and Queen Marudevi.
  • He ruled as King Rishabhdev, married twice, and had sons and daughters, including Bharat Chakravarti and Bahubali.
  • He renounced worldly life after witnessing the death of a dancer, attained detachment, and became a Digambara ascetic.
  • He achieved Kevalgyan (omniscience) after a year of deep meditation and a further year of sustenance.
  • His first meal as a muni was on Akshay Tritiya, which is celebrated as a festival.
• Becoming Adinath: He became Adinath (the first Tirthankara) due to his role as the first spiritual guide.
• Liberation: He attained liberation (Moksha) and became a Siddha. His teachings on the path to liberation are still available.
• Questions: The subject of the Bhaktamar Stotra, a brief introduction to Lord Adinath, knowledge about Akshay Tritiya, how Rishabhdev became Lord Adinath, the cause of his detachment, and how to access his path to liberation.

Lesson 8: Mera Dham (My Abode)

• The True Abode: This lesson is a poetic description of the soul's true abode – the pure soul itself.
• Characteristics of the Abode: It is described as a place of eternal peace, free from hunger, thirst, illness, and suffering. It is Sat (truth), Shiv (auspicious), and Sundar (beautiful).
• Path to the Abode: Achieving this abode involves understanding the difference between oneself and others (self-other discernment), meditating on the soul, renouncing attachment and aversion, and experiencing the bliss of pure consciousness.
• Questions: Not explicitly listed in this snippet, but likely related to the meaning of the verses.

Lesson 1 (Repeat): Dev-Stuti (Praise of the Divine)

• The Vow/Resolve: A pledge to become a Bhagwan, attain Right Faith (Samyagdarshan), overcome fears, gain knowledge of the seven principles, distinguish between soul and non-soul, experience self-bliss, meditate on the Panch Parmeshthis, respect elders, listen to and contemplate Jin-Vani (Jain scriptures), avoid night meals, drink filtered water, realize one's true nature, destroy delusion, and renounce attachment and aversion.
• Praise: The verses express a desire to attain the divine state, overcome ignorance, practice compassion, speak truthfully, refrain from stealing, maintain celibacy, cultivate contentment, serve Jainism, promote good customs, maintain equanimity, and overcome karma.
• Summary of Praise: The praise is for a true God who is Vitarag (non-attached), Sarvag (omniscient), and Hitopadeshi (one who preaches for the ultimate welfare of beings). It emphasizes the destruction of wrong faith (Mithyatva) and the attainment of right knowledge.
• Questions: Reciting the praise, explaining its essence, defining a true God, and explaining specific lines.

Lesson 2 (Repeat): Panch Parmeshthi (The Five Supreme Beings)

• Recitation: Repeats the Namokar Mantra.
• Explanation: Defines the Panch Parmeshthis (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu) as those residing in the ultimate state (Paramapada).
• Arihant: Explained as those who have shed the four destroying karmas (Ghatiya Karma) through spiritual practice, attained the four infinite qualities (Ananta Chatushtaya - infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite bliss, infinite strength), and are honored with 46 qualities (though the soul's infinite qualities are the true ones).
• Siddha: Explained as those who, after shedding all karmas (Ghatiya and Aghatiya), are fully liberated, reside in the uppermost part of the universe, and manifest all their inherent spiritual qualities. Their eight primary qualities are listed.
• Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu: These are all types of Sadhus.
  • Acharya: Leaders of the monastic order, who possess great knowledge and conduct, and guide others.
  • Upadhyaya: Scholars who teach Jain scriptures.
  • Sadhu: Those who have renounced worldly possessions and engaged in pure contemplation.
• Purity and Reverence: The essence of the Panch Parmeshthis is Vitarag-Vignan (non-attached knowledge), making them worthy of reverence.
• Questions: Defining Panch Parmeshthi, and explaining the nature and differences of Arihant and Siddha Parmeshthis.

Lesson 3 (Repeat): Shravak ke Asht Mulgun (The Eight Fundamental Vows of a Householder)

• Dialogue: A discussion about consuming honey.
• Prohibited Items: Honey is considered impure and produced through the harm of creatures (bees and insects). It is therefore prohibited.
• Eight Fundamental Vows (Asht Mulgun): These are essential practices for lay followers (Shravaks).
  • Nischay Mulgun (Essential Vows): Faith, knowledge, and conduct pertaining to the soul.
  • Vyavahar Mulgun (Practical Vows): Renunciation of alcohol (Madyatyag), meat (Mansatyag), honey (Madhu-tyag), and the five Udumbar fruits.
• Explanation of Vows:
  • Madyatyag: Renouncing intoxicating substances like alcohol, which cause harm to life and impair intellect.
  • Mansatyag: Renouncing meat, which involves killing sentient beings (Trasa Jiv) and leads to cruel tendencies. Eggs are also considered meat.
  • Madhu-tyag: Renouncing honey, due to the harm to bees and other insects.
  • Five Udumbar Fruits: These are fig, pipal, gular, pakar, and rejhan. They are prohibited because they contain numerous subtle and gross sentient beings within them.
• Importance of Soul-Knowledge: While soul-knowledge is the ultimate path, adopting these vows is necessary for those aspiring to it, as they help purify the mind and prevent harmful actions.
• Questions: Clarifying Madyatyag, Mansatyag, and Madhu-tyag, identifying the five Udumbar fruits and why they are prohibited.

Lesson 4 (Repeat): Indriyaan (The Senses)

• Jain Identity: Being a Jain means being a follower of Jina (one who has conquered attachment, aversion, delusion, and the senses).
• The Role of Senses: Senses (Indriyas) are tools for knowledge in worldly life, but they also can lead to entanglement in sensory pleasures. Conquering them is essential for spiritual progress.
• The Five Senses: Touch (Sparshan), Taste (Rasana), Smell (Ghrana), Sight (Chakshu), and Hearing (Karna/Shrota).
• How Senses Work: The senses interact with external objects (touch, taste, smell, color, sound) and provide information to the soul. The soul is the actual knower.
• Limitation of Sensory Knowledge: Senses can only perceive external, material (Pudgal) qualities. They cannot directly perceive the soul (Jiv), which is formless and conscious.
• Value of Sensory Knowledge: Sensory knowledge is considered "tuccch" (insignificant or trivial) because it is limited to the material world and does not lead to the ultimate well-being of the soul. True knowledge is self-knowledge (Atma-gyan) and supra-sensory (Ati-indriya) knowledge, which lead to eternal bliss.
• Questions: Defining a Jain, explaining the senses, their function, and their limitations, and why sensory knowledge is considered trivial.

Lesson 5 (Repeat): Sadachar Bhakshyabhakshya Vichar (Ethical Conduct: Food Considerations)

• Concept of Abhakshya: Abhakshya refers to food items that are forbidden due to their negative impact on the soul and life.
• Categories of Abhakshya:
  1. Trasa-ghata (Harm to Sentient Beings): Foods that cause harm to beings with more than one sense, such as the five Udumbar fruits.
  2. Bahu-ghata (Harm to Many Life-Forms): Foods that contain a large number of life-forms, especially root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, radishes, sweet potatoes, garlic, and onions, which harbor infinite subtle beings (Nigodiyas).
  3. Anusevya (Unsuitable for the Worthy): Things considered impure or inappropriate by noble individuals, such as saliva, feces, and urine.
  4. Nashakarak (Intoxicating): Items that cause intoxication.
  5. Anishta (Harmful): Anything that is detrimental to health or well-being.
• Reasons for Prohibition: The prohibition is not just about physical harm but also about the subtle impact on the soul, the intensity of attachment, and the ethical implications of causing harm.
• Commitment: The lesson concludes with a resolution to abstain from consuming Abhakshya.
• Questions: Defining Abhakshya, its types, understanding Anusevya and its connection to violence, naming examples of Bahughata, and understanding Nashakarak Abhakshya.

Lesson 6 (Repeat): Dravya-Gun-Paryay (Substance, Attributes, Modes)

• Worldly Destruction vs. Substance: The lesson clarifies that the universe, composed of six eternal substances (Dravya), cannot be destroyed. Only its modes (Paryay) change.
• Dravya (Substance): A collection of attributes (Gun).
• Dravyas: There are six types of Dravyas:
  • Jiv (Soul)
  • Pudgal (Matter)
  • Dharma (Medium of motion)
  • Adharma (Medium of rest)
  • Akash (Space)
  • Kaal (Time)
  • Of these, Jiv is the only conscious substance; the rest are Ajiv (non-soul). Pudgal is the only material substance; the rest are formless (Aroopi).
• Functions of Dharma, Adharma, Akash, Kaal:
  • Dharma: Helps in movement.
  • Adharma: Helps in rest.
  • Akash: Provides space for all substances.
  • Kaal: Facilitates change and transformation.
• Attributes (Gun): Qualities that reside in all parts and modes of a substance. There are infinite attributes, divided into general and specific.
  • General Attributes: Exist in all Dravyas (e.g., existence, knowability). Six main ones are listed: Existence (Astitva), Objectness (Vastutva), Substance-ness (Dravyutva), Knowability (Prameyutva), Indivisibility/Unshrinkability (Agurulaghutva), and Spaciality (Pradeshatva).
  • Specific Attributes: Unique to a particular Dravya (e.g., knowledge and perception in Jiv; color, taste, smell, touch in Pudgal).
• Modes (Paryay): The ever-changing states or manifestations of a substance.
• Self-Identity: Understanding that the soul is an infinite collection of attributes leads to the realization of one's own inherent potential and fearlessness.
• God: God is defined as one who knows the universe, not one who created it.
• Questions: Defining Dravya and its types, the universe and its creator, counting Dravyas, defining the four non-soul Dravyas, the perceived Dravya, the soul's nature, Ajiv and Aroopi Dravyas.

Lesson 7 (Repeat): Bhagwan Neminath (Lord Neminath)

• Lord Neminath's Life:
  • He was the 22nd Tirthankara, the cousin of Lord Krishna.
  • He was born to King Samudravijaya and Queen Shivadevi.
  • He was a Brahmachari (celibate) and did not get married, contrary to popular misconceptions.
  • His betrothal was to Rajulmati (Rajul), daughter of King Ugrasen.
  • During his wedding procession, he witnessed animals destined for the feast, which led to his renunciation of worldly life and attachment.
  • He became a Digambara ascetic and attained Kevalgyan shortly after initiation.
  • He preached for about 700 years and attained liberation (Moksha) from Girnar Mountain.
• Girnar: Girnar is considered a sacred pilgrimage site (Siddhakṣetra) because it is the place of Lord Neminath's penance and liberation.
• Questions: A brief introduction to Lord Neminath, information about his place of penance and liberation.

Lesson 8 (Repeat): Jinavani Stuti (Praise of Jinavani)

• Praise: This lesson contains two devotional verses praising Jinavani (the teachings of the Jinas).
• Meaning of Jinavani: It refers to the sacred scriptures and the path of liberation taught by the omniscient beings.
• Qualities of Jinavani: It is compared to the river Ganga and a lamp that dispels the darkness of ignorance. It reveals the true nature of reality, the bondage of karma, and the difference between oneself and others. It guides beings to liberation and true happiness.
• Devotion: The verses express deep devotion and the desire to follow the path taught by Jinavani to achieve eternal bliss and become like the Jinas.
• Questions: Reciting the praise, explaining its meaning, defining Jinavani, and its benefits.

Overall Theme:

The "Balbodh 1 2 3" text systematically introduces fundamental Jain principles, starting with the core Namokar Mantra, moving to the concept of auspiciousness and refuge, then detailing the nature of Tirthankaras and Devdarshan (temple visits), and delving into essential philosophical concepts like soul and non-soul, daily conduct, the nature of karma, the classification of sins, the senses, dietary rules (Bhakshyabhakshya), the structure of reality (Dravya, Gun, Paryay), the lives of prominent Tirthankaras, and the reverence for Jain scriptures. The language is simple and pedagogical, often using dialogues to explain complex ideas, making it accessible for young learners or those new to Jainism. The recurring emphasis is on self-realization, detachment from worldly pleasures, ethical conduct, and the ultimate goal of liberation.