Balbodh Pathmala 3

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Balbodh Pathmala 3" by Hukamchand Bharilla:

Overview:

"Balbodh Pathmala 3" (Child's Understanding: Lesson Series, Part 3) is an educational text authored by Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla and published by Todarmal Granthamala, Jaipur. It is intended for children and young learners, aiming to introduce them to fundamental Jain principles and practices in a clear and engaging manner. The book is structured as a series of lessons, each focusing on a specific aspect of Jain philosophy and ethics.

Key Themes and Content:

The book covers a range of essential Jain teachings, presented through dialogues, verses, and explanations:

• The Goal of Becoming a "Bhagwan" (God/Enlightened Being): The opening "Sankalp" (Resolution) sets a profound goal for young Jains: to transcend their current state and become like the enlightened beings. This involves understanding the seven tattvas (realities), distinguishing between the soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva), experiencing self-knowledge, meditating on the Panch Parmeshthi, respecting elders, studying scriptures, abstaining from night meals, using filtered water, eradicating delusion, and abandoning attachment and aversion.

• Dev-Darshan (Vision of the Divine/Tirthankaras): The first lesson emphasizes the significance of seeing and understanding the Tirthankaras. It highlights the suffering caused by ignorance of the true self and the spiritual path, and the relief and awakening that come from beholding the divine. The lesson describes the aspiration to follow the path of renunciation and spiritual discipline, leading to liberation.

• Panch Parmeshthi (The Five Supreme Beings): This section explains the meaning and significance of the Namokar Mantra, the central prayer in Jainism. It details the characteristics of:

  • Arhantas: Fully enlightened beings who have conquered inner enemies (kashayas) and achieved infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.
  • Siddhas: Souls who have attained liberation from the cycle of birth and death, residing in eternal bliss at the apex of the universe.
  • Acharyas: Spiritual leaders and preceptors who guide the monastic order.
  • Upadhyayas: Teachers who impart scriptural knowledge.
  • Sadhu/Munis: Ascetics who practice the path of renunciation and self-discipline. The lesson clarifies that these beings embody "Vitraag-Vigyanmay" (knowledge of the detached self) and are worthy of worship.

• Shravak ke Asht Mulgun (The Eight Fundamental Virtues/Prohibitions for Laypeople): This lesson focuses on the ethical conduct of Jain householders. It explains the concept of abhakshya (things not to be eaten) and bhakshya (things to be eaten). The eight fundamental virtues are derived from abstaining from:

  • Mady (Alcohol): Due to its intoxicating nature and the harm caused to countless beings in its production.
  • Mans (Meat): As it involves the killing of living beings.
  • Madhu (Honey): Because it is produced from the waste of bees and involves harm to many creatures.
  • Five Udumbar Fruits: These are fruits (like banyan, peepal, fig) that contain numerous minute and gross living beings. The lesson stresses that even laypeople are expected to adhere to these principles to purify their souls and prepare for spiritual progress.

• Indriyaan (The Senses): This lesson delves into the five senses (touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing) and their role in acquiring knowledge. It clarifies that while senses are instruments for perceiving the external world, they are ultimately limited to the material (pudgal) and cannot lead to the knowledge of the soul (atma). The ultimate goal is atindriya (beyond the senses) bliss and knowledge, achieved through self-realization. The senses are depicted as potential pitfalls that can lead to attachment to worldly pleasures.

• Sadachar (Good Conduct - focusing on Food Practices): This lesson reiterates and expands upon the concept of bhakshya (edibles) and abhakshya (non-edibles) from an ethical and spiritual perspective. It categorizes abhakshya into five types:

  1. Trasa-ghat: Causing harm to beings with more than one sense.
  2. Bahu-ghat: Causing harm to a large number of one-sensed beings (e.g., root vegetables containing numerous nigod souls).
  3. Anupasevya: Things considered impure or detestable by noble people (e.g., saliva, excreta).
  4. Nashakar: Intoxicating substances.
  5. Anishta: Harmful substances. The lesson emphasizes that adhering to these dietary guidelines is crucial for spiritual purity and avoiding sin.

• Dravya, Guna, Paryay (Substance, Quality, Modification): This philosophical lesson introduces the core Jain concepts of dravya (substance), guna (quality), and paryay (modification). It explains that dravyas are eternal and cannot be created or destroyed, only their paryays (states or changes) are transient. Every dravya possesses infinite gunas (qualities) and undergoes continuous paryays. Key general gunas are discussed, including astitva (existence), vastutva (utility/functionality), dravyatva (inherent nature of change), prameyitva (knowability), agurulaghutva (maintaining identity), and pradeshatva (having spatial extension). Understanding these concepts helps in recognizing the eternal nature of the soul and its inherent qualities, leading to self-knowledge and fearlessness.

• Bhagwan Neminath (Lord Neminath): This lesson recounts the life story of the 22nd Tirthankara, Lord Neminath. It clarifies the common misconception that he abandoned his wife Rajul. The narrative explains that he renounced his princely life, including his engagement to Rajul, upon witnessing the suffering of animals destined for sacrifice at his wedding. Rajul, inspired by his renunciation, also adopted a life of spiritual discipline. The lesson highlights Neminath's spiritual prowess, his attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience) shortly after initiation, and his preaching that led many to liberation. Girnar, where he attained liberation, is presented as a significant holy site.

• Jinavani-Stuti (Praise of Jinavani): This section is a devotional hymn praising Jinavani, the teachings of the Tirthankaras. It describes Jinavani as a pure, life-giving river flowing from Lord Mahavir, illuminating the world with the light of knowledge and dispelling ignorance. The hymn emphasizes the transformative power of these teachings in understanding the true nature of reality and achieving liberation.

• Mahavir-Vandana (Salutation to Lord Mahavir): The concluding part of the book offers prayers and praises to Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara. It extols his qualities as the conqueror of passions, a steadfast practitioner of meditation, and the ferryman across the ocean of existence. It celebrates his teachings of detachment, self-reliance, equality, and the inherent divinity within every soul, leading to peace and universal well-being.

Overall Purpose and Approach:

"Balbodh Pathmala 3" serves as an introductory guide to Jainism for young minds. It employs a pedagogical approach using simple language, dialogues, and relatable examples to explain complex philosophical concepts. The book aims to instill foundational Jain values, promote ethical conduct, and cultivate a spiritual inclination from an early age, guiding children towards understanding the path of self-realization and liberation.