Battrishina Sathware Kalyanni Pagthare Part 06

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Battrishina Sathware Kalyanni Pagthare Part 06" by Acharya Vijay AbhayShekhar Suri, based on the provided pages:

This book is the sixth part of a series titled "Battrishina Sathware Kalyanni Pagthare" (On the Path to Welfare, Alongside the Thirty-Two), offering a simplified explanation of profound Jain philosophical concepts. This volume specifically covers the 12th and 13th "Battreesi" (chapters or sections) of the original work by Mahopadhyay Shrimad Yashovijayji Maharaj, which is based on the "Dwadash Dwaradashika Granth."

Core Theme and Purpose:

The overarching goal of this series, and this volume in particular, is to make complex Jain teachings accessible to the common laity (Shravak-Shravika). The author, Acharya Vijay AbhayShekhar Suri, is recognized for his skill in presenting deep philosophical subjects in simple, understandable language. This particular volume focuses on the concept of "Purva Seva" (preliminary service or preparation) as essential for achieving Yoga, which ultimately leads to Moksha (liberation).

Key Concepts Discussed in This Volume (Battreesi 12 & 13):

The book begins by explaining the fundamental concept of "Purva Seva" in the context of Yoga and Moksha.

• Upadan Karan (Material Cause) and Sahakari Karan (Instrumental Cause): The text uses the analogy of a pot made from clay. Clay is the material cause, and the potter's wheel, tools, etc., are the instrumental causes. However, for the clay to become a pot, it needs to be prepared and made suitable to receive the effects of the instrumental causes. This preparation of the material cause is termed "Purva Seva."

• Soul as the Material Cause of Moksha: The soul itself is the material cause of Moksha. For the means of Yoga (which lead to Moksha) to be successful, the soul must attain a state of readiness or suitability. This readiness is achieved through "Purva Seva."

• Nature of Purva Seva: Purva Seva is identified as the process that builds this essential readiness in the soul. This readiness is achieved by removing inherent imperfections (which are not created but exist from beginningless time) and cultivating appropriate qualities. This involves:

  • Appropriate Conduct (Yogya Achar):
    • Puja (Worship): This is considered the primary form of conduct, fostering humility and creating suitability for other virtues. It emphasizes worshipping elders, parents, teachers, and religious preceptors.
    • Sadachar (Good Conduct): This includes adhering to ethical principles and maintaining good behavior.
    • Tapas (Austerity): This is crucial for breaking attachment to the body and overcoming obstacles or sins. It also cultivates tolerance, which is essential for staying on the path of Yoga.
  • Appropriate Attitude/Devotion (Yogya Bhav):
    • Mukti Adviesh (Non-aversion towards Moksha): This is the ultimate goal of this Purva Seva.

• Order of Practice: The text prioritizes conduct over attitude, stating that conduct (Achar) is the primary duty. Within conduct, the order is Guru Puja, followed by Dev Puja, then Sadachar, and finally Tapas.

• Guru Puja: This section delves into who is considered a "Guru" for the purpose of this service. It includes parents, teachers, elders, and religious preachers. It emphasizes showing respect to these individuals based on their position and, ideally, their qualities. Specific practices include:

  • Trisandhya Naman (Three-time daily salutations): Including mental salutations when physical presence is impossible, particularly for parents.
  • Proper Service: Attending to the needs of the Gurus appropriately.
  • Avoiding Slander: Not listening to criticism of Gurus.
  • Name Glorification: Mentioning the names of Gurus in auspicious settings.
  • Offering Seats: Rising and offering seats when they arrive.
  • Respecting their Wishes: Following their preferences, with the caveat of not harming one's own spiritual progress or violating dharma.
  • Offering Valuables: Giving one's best possessions to parents, especially after their demise, to avoid harboring negative sentiments.
  • Image Installation and Worship: Setting up and worshipping images of parents in their absence.

• Dev Puja (Worship of Deities): This involves:

  • Faith and Purity: Worship should be done with faith and purity of body, clothes, idol, and mind.
  • Benefits: This leads to the destruction of sins, increase of virtues, prevention of major calamities, and success in endeavors.
  • Forms of Worship: Includes Vilepan (applying paste), Pushpa (flowers), Dhoop (incense), Naivedya (offerings), and Stotra (hymns), encompassing the concept of Ashtaprakari Puja (eightfold worship) when other elements like water and light are considered.
  • Choosing Deities: Those unaware of the specific virtues of deities should worship all. Those with particular faith towards a deity can focus on them. The text emphasizes approaching deities with a sense of reverence and seeing them as beings whose grace brings about good outcomes.

• Dan (Charity): This is also considered a form of Puja.

  • Types: Patra Dan (giving to worthy recipients) and Anukampa Dan (charity out of compassion to the needy).
  • Principles: Charity should not be harmful to the recipient (e.g., giving unsuitable food) or conflict with the well-being of one's dependents. Giving to worthy recipients (Patra) is emphasized.
  • Recipients: Patra includes ascetics who follow strict vows, especially those who do not cook or approve of others cooking for them ("Apachya Tyagi"). Anukampa Dan is for the poor, blind, crippled, diseased, and incapacitated.
  • Prioritization: While giving to the needy is important, the responsibility to one's dependents (parents) takes precedence to prevent them from suffering hardship.

• Sadachar (Good Conduct): The text enumerates eighteen such practices, including:

  • Sudakshinya (Kindness/Favorable Disposition): Being naturally inclined to help others, even if it means setting aside one's own preferences.
  • Dayalutva (Compassion): Wishing to alleviate the suffering of others without selfish motive.
  • Dino-uddhar (Upliftment of the Poor): Actively working to remove the suffering of others.
  • Krutagnata (Gratitude): Remembering and reciprocating favors.
  • Janapavada-bhirutva (Fear of Public Disgrace): Being mindful of societal disapproval.
  • Guni-par-raag (Affection for Virtuous): Developing respect and inclination towards the virtuous.
  • Sarvatra Ninda-tyag (Abandoning Slander Everywhere): Not speaking ill of anyone.
  • Apat-mati-dinata (Not being discouraged in adversity): Maintaining composure during difficulties.
  • Satprajna-gyatva (Commitment to Vows/Promises): Fulfilling promises, even with hardship.
  • Namrata (Humility): Becoming humble with increased possessions or status.
  • Aviruddha Kulaachar-paalan (Following non-contradictory family traditions): Adhering to traditions that do not conflict with dharma.
  • Mitabhashita (Speaking limitedly): Speaking only what is necessary and beneficial.
  • Loknindit-apravritti (Not engaging in socially condemned acts): Avoiding actions that lead to public criticism.
  • Sarvavyay and Asadvay-tyag (Appropriate spending and avoidance of misuse): Practicing financial prudence.
  • Loka-anuvritti (Following societal norms): Adhering to societal customs that are not against dharma.
  • Pramad Tyag (Abandoning negligence): Staying vigilant and avoiding heedlessness.

• Tapas (Austerity): This section discusses various forms of austerity, both worldly (Laukik) and transcendent (Lokottar).

  • Laukik Tapas: Chandrayana (a lunar cycle of fasting and eating), Krichchha (difficult austerities with various types like Santapan, Padakrichchha, Sampurna Krichchha).
  • Lokottar Tapas: Mrityunjay Tap (month-long fasting with chanting of Mrityunjay mantra) and Pap-sudhan Tap (penance to destroy sins).
  • Significance: These austerities, even the worldly ones, foster good attitudes and prepare the individual. They are considered ways to overcome the consequences of past negative karma, likening the suffering in hell to a major catastrophe that can be mitigated by these practices.
  • Jain Context: The Lokottar tapas are specifically beneficial for those following the Jain path. Those not following Jainism can still benefit from Laukik tapas.

• Mukti Adviesh (Non-aversion to Moksha): This is the final and most crucial aspect of Purva Seva.

  • Moksha: Defined as the destruction of karma, free from the suffering of worldly attachments.
  • Moksha Dwesh (Aversion to Moksha): This aversion arises from deep-seated ignorance and an overwhelming desire for worldly existence (Bhavabhilasha). The misconception that Moksha is undesirable or unpleasant is the root cause.
  • Overcoming Aversion: This is achieved through a gradual process of reducing mental "malam" (impurities), which is a slow, natural process over vast periods of time. However, conscious spiritual effort (Purusharth) accelerates this, especially when guided by a true Guru. The text suggests that a person in their final cycle of birth (Charamavarti) naturally possesses this reduced impurity and inherent readiness for Moksha.
  • Distinction: The text clarifies that the "Purva Seva" discussed here is particularly relevant for those whose inner readiness (Malam) is being cultivated over time, leading to a natural progression towards Moksha.

Structure and Publication:

• The book is the sixth in a series, publishing articles numbered 66 to 80 from the monthly magazine "Shanti Saurabh."
• It is published by Divyadarshan Trust and is dedicated to the teachings of Lord Mahavir.
• The publication is supported by the Shri Matunga Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Tapagachh Sangh.
• It is priced at ₹50.00.

Overall Message:

The book emphasizes that true spiritual progress and the attainment of Yoga and Moksha are not solely dependent on outward practices but require a profound inner preparation and attitude. This "Purva Seva" involves cultivating devotion, ethical conduct, and austerity, all underpinned by a genuine non-aversion and eventually a deep yearning for Moksha. The text guides the reader on how to engage in these preparatory steps to pave the way for spiritual liberation.