Battrishina Sathware Kalyanni Pagthare Part 03

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Battrishina Sathware Kalyanni Pagthare Part 03," based on the provided pages:

This book, Battrishina Sathware Kalyanni Pagthare Part 03 (On the Path to Welfare with the Companion of the Thirty-Two), is the third installment in a series that offers a popular commentary on the Dvātrinśat Dvātrinśikā by Mahopadhyaya Shrimad Yashovijayji Maharaj. The commentary is presented by Acharya Vijay Abhayasekharsuri.

Purpose and Context:

The series aims to make the profound philosophical and ethical principles of Jainism accessible to the common people. This particular volume covers the fifth, sixth, and seventh sections (Battrishis) of the original work, specifically articles numbered 27 to 41, which were originally published in the monthly magazine Shanti Saurabh.

The book is dedicated to the memory of Acharya Shri Vijay Bhuvan Bhanu Surishwarji Maharaj on his birth centenary, recognizing his immense contributions and guidance.

Content Overview (Based on the provided pages):

The book delves into various aspects of Jain practice and philosophy, particularly focusing on devotional practices and righteous conduct.

• Fifth Battrishi (Article 27): Jin Mandir Nirmāṇ (Construction of Jain Temples):

  • This section emphasizes the importance of devotion (Bhakti) towards the Tirthankaras, building upon the previous discussion of their greatness.
  • It outlines the qualifications for a householder who wishes to build a Jain temple, stressing the need for righteous wealth, intelligence, good conduct, pure intentions, and the approval of elders and authorities.
  • It details the criteria for selecting land for a temple, emphasizing the absence of architectural flaws, adherence to religious injunctions, consideration for neighbors, and the potential for future auspiciousness.
  • The importance of not causing displeasure to neighbors through actions is highlighted, as this fosters positive karmic connections that lead to future well-being.
  • The text discusses the principles of construction, including the use of quality materials (bricks, stones, wood) sourced with proper consent and respect. It also stresses the ethical treatment of laborers, ensuring fair wages and respectful communication.
  • Internally, the creator of the temple must cultivate pure intentions, focusing on devotion to the Tirthankara and the spiritual benefit of others, rather than personal glory or material gain. It advises against worldly desires or expecting divine rewards.
  • The meticulous process of crafting Jin images (Bimb) is detailed, emphasizing the need for skilled and ethical artisans, proper respect and remuneration, and a pure mind during the creation process.
  • The text also touches upon the importance of the consecration (Pratishtha) ceremony and the ongoing care of the temple, including the establishment of permanent funds.

• Sixth Battrishi (Article 28): Sadhu Samay (The Conduct of Ascetics):

  • This section focuses on the ideal conduct of Jain ascetics (Sadhus and Sadhvis), highlighting the three essential pillars: knowledge (Gyan), alms-round (Bhiksha), and detachment (Vairagya).
  • Gyan (Knowledge): It categorizes knowledge into three types:
    1. Vishay-Pratibhās Gyan: Knowledge that merely perceives an object without understanding its ultimate nature (e.g., seeing something attractive without knowing its potential harm).
    2. Ātma-Pariṇāmatvat Gyan: Knowledge where the soul's perspective on the object's suitability or unsuitability is also present. This occurs after gaining Right Faith.
    3. Tattva-Sanvedan Gyan: The highest form of knowledge, where the true essence (Tattva) of reality is deeply realized, leading to the elimination of attachment and aversion. This is associated with perfect knowledge (Keval Gyan).
  • Bhiksha (Alms-Round): It discusses three types of alms-taking:
    1. Sarvasampat-kari Bhiksha: Alms-taking that supports a life of complete non-violence (Sadā Anārambhitā) and leads to ultimate spiritual wealth (liberation). This is characteristic of fully realized ascetics and householders who exhibit genuine virtuous conduct.
    2. Pauruṣh-bhi Bhiksha: Alms-taking that undermines personal effort and righteousness, often associated with individuals who engage in worldly activities alongside their spiritual pursuits, leading to a weakening of their spiritual potential.
    3. Vritti Bhiksha: Alms-taking undertaken out of necessity due to inability to support oneself through conventional means, often seen in the elderly, disabled, or those lacking skills. This is considered less problematic than Pauruṣh-bhi Bhiksha but not as pure as Sarvasampat-kari Bhiksha.
  • Vairagya (Detachment): It categorizes detachment into three types:
    1. Dukhānvita Vairagya: Detachment arising from personal suffering or the inability to obtain desired worldly pleasures. This is seen as a temporary state driven by dissatisfaction.
    2. Mohānvita Vairagya: Detachment arising from an incomplete or distorted understanding of reality (e.g., extreme views on permanence or impermanence), leading to a flawed pursuit of liberation.
    3. Gyanānvita Vairagya: True detachment stemming from a profound understanding of the soul's true nature and the impermanence of the material world, leading to a balanced and unwavering commitment to spiritual practice. This is the highest form of detachment.

• Seventh Battrishi (Article 35 onwards): Dharma Vyavasthā (Establishment of Dharma):

  • This section focuses on the practical aspects of living a dharmic life, addressing common misconceptions and deviations from true Jain principles.
  • It begins by refuting the Buddhist argument that eating meat is permissible because plants are also living beings, and the flesh of an animal is simply its "body." The Jain perspective emphasizes the distinction between one-sensed beings (like plants) and multi-sensed beings, highlighting the higher degree of violence involved in consuming the latter.
  • It addresses the Brahminical view that certain types of meat consumption, particularly meat consecrated in rituals (Prokṣhit Māns), are permissible. The text argues against this, quoting scriptures that condemn meat-eating and emphasizing the inherent flaws in such practices.
  • The book then critically examines the consumption of alcohol (Madyapāna), detailing its detrimental effects on physical health, mental clarity, wealth, and spiritual progress, using a cautionary tale of a sage led astray by intoxication.
  • It tackles the topic of sexual conduct (Maithun), strongly condemning it as universally forbidden, even in its most seemingly "natural" or ritualistic forms. It debunks the idea that it is permissible for procreation or as a bodily "necessity," emphasizing the inherent passion (Rāga) involved and its contradiction with true spiritual detachment.
  • The text refutes the Mandel-tantric view that all women should be treated equally regarding sensual indulgence, arguing that a clear distinction between permissible and impermissible relationships is essential for controlling desires and maintaining spiritual focus.
  • Finally, it addresses the Buddhist criticism of ascetic practices like fasting (Tapa), deeming them unnecessarily painful and conducive to negative emotional states (Ārta Dhyāna). The Jain response highlights that true tapas is practiced with understanding, focusing on controlling desires and the mind without causing undue harm or self-inflicted suffering that disrupts spiritual progress. The text distinguishes between the necessary suffering that may accompany spiritual discipline and the avoidable suffering that hinders it.

Overall Themes:

• Importance of Pure Intentions: Throughout the book, a recurring theme is the significance of pure intentions and motivations behind actions, whether it's building a temple, practicing devotion, or observing asceticism.
• Balance between Practice and Understanding: The text stresses the need for both outward actions and inner understanding. Superficial adherence without true comprehension is deemed insufficient.
• Critique of Misguided Practices: The book actively engages with and refutes the erroneous beliefs and practices of other religious traditions or sects that deviate from core Jain principles.
• Role of Gurus: The importance of following the guidance of learned and virtuous gurus is repeatedly emphasized as crucial for correct understanding and spiritual progress.
• The Path to Liberation: Ultimately, the text guides the reader towards the path of liberation by advocating for righteous conduct, deep devotion, and the purification of one's inner state.

The book, published by Divya Darshan Trust, serves as a valuable resource for understanding and practicing Jainism, offering clear explanations and refutations of various philosophical points.