Basic Knowledge Of Jainism

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Basic Knowledge of Jainism" by Prakashchandramuni, based on the provided pages:

I. Introduction and Dedication:

The book, titled "Basic Knowledge of Jainism" (જૈનધર્મની બાળપોથી), is presented as a foundational text for understanding Jain principles. It is dedicated to the spiritual lineage of Acharya Dev Shri Rupchandji Swami and his devoted disciple Maharaj Shri Ramchandrji Swami. The editor is Muni Shri Prakashchandrji Swami. The publisher is Panchalal Shivji Karia from Bhachau, Kutch.

The book is a Gujarati text, with some English translations of key terms provided. The initial pages also include acknowledgments and tributes, notably a biography of Smt. Nirmalaben Panchalal Shivji Karia, highlighting her virtuous life, devotion to Jain principles, charitable works, and peaceful passing. This section emphasizes the importance of good deeds and lasting memories.

II. Core Jain Principles (The Six Essentials - Avasyak):

The book then delves into the six essential duties or practices in Jainism, known as the Avasyak. For each, it presents a question from the disciple to Lord Mahavir and Lord Mahavir's answer, explaining the benefit of each practice:

1. Samayik (સામાયિક):

   • Meaning: Ceasing from sinful occupations. It leads to mental peace, concentration, purification of the soul, mastery over thought, word, and deed, and ultimately guides towards Moksha (liberation).
   • Types: Two types exist: a 48-minute Samayik for householders and a lifelong Samayik for monks and nuns.
   • Benefit: The merit gained from one Samayik is greater than donating millions of gold coins.

2. Chaturvinshatistava (ચતુર્વિશતિસ્તવ):

   • Meaning: Offering worship and praise to the 24 Tirthankaras.
   • Benefit: It leads to purity of faith. Constant chanting of Tirthankara names destroys evils, purifies the mind, and makes it receptive to virtues.

3. Vandana (વંદના):

   • Meaning: Offering salutations (bowing with head, hands, and feet) to the Lord, Arihants, Siddhas, and Sadhus.
   • Benefit: It destroys karma leading to lower births and creates karma for noble births. It earns affection, authority, and goodwill.

4. Pratikraman (પ્રતિક્રમણ):

   • Meaning: To turn back from committed sins and remain vigilant to prevent future ones.
   • Benefit: It helps in rectifying transgressions in vows, stops the influx of karma, preserves pure conduct, and leads to disciplined living.

5. Kayotsarga (કાયોત્સર્ગ):

   • Meaning: Engrossing in the soul's observation by forgetting the body; detaching oneself from the physical.
   • Benefit: It helps in atoning for past and present transgressions, bringing mental peace like a relieved porter. It leads to contemplation and happiness.

6. Pratyakhyan (પ્રત્યાખ્યાન):

   • Meaning: Renunciation and taking vows to stop future sins.
   • Benefit: It shuts the doors to incoming karmas and prevents the rise of desires, leading to indifference and peace towards all objects.

III. Daily Duties and Conduct:

The book outlines several daily duties and ethical principles:

• "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
• Reverence and obedience towards parents and gurus, considered living gods.
• Honesty as the best policy.
• Core Jain tenets: non-violence (non-killing), truthfulness, non-stealing, control of passions, avoiding excessive accumulation, and abstaining from night meals.

IV. Prayers and Sutras:

Several key Jain prayers and sutras are detailed:

• Namaskar Mahamantra (નમસ્કાર મહામંત્ર): The five salutations (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Sidhdhanam, Namo Ayariyanam, Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loe Savva Sahoonam) are explained as the destroyer of all sins and the foremost auspicious chant.
• Guru Vandan Sootra (ગુરુવંદન સૂત્ર): Explains the procedure of showing respect to gurus.
• Iriyavahiam Sootra (ઈરિયાવહિયં સૂત્ર): A prayer seeking atonement for any unintentional harm caused to living beings while walking, going, coming, or through various natural elements (dust, water, plants, etc.). It enumerates different categories of souls (one-sensed, two-sensed, etc.) and various ways harm might occur.
• Tassa Uttari Sootra (તસ્સ ઉત્તરી સૂત્ર): A prayer seeking purification from sins and faults, seeking peace and auspicious contemplation. It lists thirteen specific exceptions to this practice (like coughing, sneezing, yawning).
• Logassa or Jin Prayer (લોગસ્સ અથવા ચઉવીસ): A prayer praising the 24 Tirthankaras and other omniscient beings, seeking their blessings. It lists the names of all 24 Tirthankaras.
• Samayik Pratigna Sootra (સામાયિક પ્રતિજ્ઞા સૂત્ર): Details the procedure for accepting the vow of Samayik, including the necessary preparations and the vows taken. It mentions the five blemishes (Atikram, Vyatikram, Atichar, Anachar, Janta, Ajanta) and various faults of mind, speech, and body to be avoided during Samayik.
• Namotthunam (નમોથુણં): This prayer is presented in three parts. The first is offered to Arihants, the second to Siddhas, and the third to one's current Guru or Guruṇī. The text provides extensive praise for the qualities of Arihants and Siddhas.
• Procedure to complete Samayik: Outlines the steps to conclude the Samayik vow, including reciting specific lessons and mantras.

V. Lists of Important Jain Figures and Texts:

The book also includes lists of important figures and texts within Jainism:

• Names of the 24 Tirthankaras.
• Names of the eleven Gandharas (chief disciples) of Lord Mahavir.
• Names of the 20 Tirthankaras currently residing in Mahavideh Kshetra.
• Names of 16 prominent Satis (virtuous women).
• Names of 32 important Jain scriptures categorized into:
  • 11 Angas (primary scriptures)
  • 12 Upangas (secondary scriptures)
  • 4 Mool Sootras (root scriptures)
  • 4 Chhed Sootras (scriptures on monastic conduct)

VI. Auspicious Declarations and Bhavnas:

The concluding sections emphasize:

• Chattari Mangalam: The four auspicious entities: Arihantas, Siddhas, Sadhus, and the Dharma expounded by omniscient beings.
• Chattari Loguttama: The four supremely divine beings in the universe.
• Chattari Sharan: Taking refuge in the four auspicious entities.
• Four Bhavnas (Four Sentiments):
  1. Maitri Bhavna (Friendliness towards all beings).
  2. Appreciation of virtue and service to saints.
  3. Compassion for the suffering and those without Dharma.
  4. Equanimity (Samta) even when ignored.
• Kshamapana: A prayer for forgiveness and seeking forgiveness from all beings, fostering universal friendship.
• Universal Well-being: A prayer for the welfare of the entire world and the destruction of vices.

In essence, "Basic Knowledge of Jainism" serves as a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental practices, prayers, ethical guidelines, and important figures within the Jain tradition, aimed at providing a foundational understanding for the reader.