Bhagavati Aradhana

Based on the provided text, here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhagavati Aradhana" by Shivarya Acharya, focusing on the details available from the provided pages:

Book Title: Bhagavati Aradhana (also referred to as Mularaadhana) Author: Acharya Shivarya Publisher: Jain Sanskruti Sanrakshak Sangh, Solapur Commentary (Tika): Vijayo-daya by Acharya Aparajit Suri Editor and Translator: Siddhantacharya Pt. Kailashchandra Siddhantashastri Publication Year: Veera Samvat 2530 (2004 AD)

Overview and Significance:

The Bhagavati Aradhana is a significant ancient Jain text, primarily concerned with the conduct and practices of Jain monks. Its commentary, Vijayo-daya by Aparajit Suri, is also highly valued. The text is noted for its exploration of "aradhana" (worship, devotion, or adherence to principles), particularly in the context of death (samadhi-maran or sallekhana).

Key Themes and Content:

1. Auspicious Beginning and Core Principles:

   • The text begins with auspicious salutations to Siddhas and Arhantas, acknowledging the fruit of "fourfold aradhana."
   • It defines "aradhana" as the process of uddyotan (illumination), udyavan (upliftment), nirvahan (maintenance), sadhan (practice), and nistaran (transfer to another life) of right faith, right knowledge, right conduct, and penance.
   • It emphasizes that adhering to these principles is the true essence of life and death.

2. Aradhana: Two Types, Four Aspects:

   • The text presents a classification of aradhana into two primary types: Darshan Aradhana (Adherence to Right Faith) and Charitra Aradhana (Adherence to Right Conduct).
   • Within these, the four essential components are Darshan (Right Faith), Jnana (Right Knowledge), Charitra (Right Conduct), and Tapas (Penance).
   • It highlights the primacy of Darshan Aradhana, stating that adherence to right faith leads to right knowledge, while adherence to right knowledge doesn't necessarily guarantee right faith.
   • Right conduct (Charitra) is considered the essence of all these, and adhering to right conduct ultimately leads to liberation (Moksha).

3. Importance of Mating (Death Aradhana/Sallekhana):

   • A central theme of the Bhagavati Aradhana is the description of various types of death, particularly Sallekhana (regulated fasting and practice for peaceful death) and Samadhi-maran (death with equanimity).
   • The text outlines five main types of death:
     • Pandit Pandit Maran: Death of a Kevali (omniscient being) and Kshina-kashaya (one who has destroyed passions).
     • Pandit Maran: Death of a Muni (ascetic) who follows the scriptures. This is further divided into three types: Bhakta-pratyakhyana, Prayopagamana, and Ingini.
     • Bal Pandit Maran: Death of a householder who observes partial vows (Shravak).
     • Bal Maran: Death of an Avirata Samyagdrushti (one with right faith but without full restraint).
     • Bal Bal Maran: Death of a Mithyadrishti (one with wrong faith).
   • The text details Bhakta-pratyakhyana extensively, discussing the conditions for undertaking it, the necessary preparations, the proper conduct, and the associated virtues.

4. Conduct of a Muni (Ascetic):

   • The text discusses the characteristics and practices of a Muni, including:
     • Lingas (Attributes/Signs): Discusses the distinction between "Atsargik Ling" (natural, pure attributes like nudity, hair-pulling) and "Apavadic Ling" (attributes for specific reasons, like partial clothing in certain circumstances, though the text seems to emphasize the former).
     • Discipline and Conduct: Covers aspects like Vinaya (humility and respectful conduct towards gurus, scriptures, etc.) in its various forms (Kayik, Vachik, Manasik, Upacharik, Tapa Vinaya).
     • Commitment to Principles: Emphasizes the difficulty in overcoming internal states like attachment (Parigraha) and the importance of their eradication.
     • Sallekhana: Details the practices of body and mind austerity, including fasting, reducing diet, and the final act of renouncing food.
     • Mourning and Post-Death Rituals: The text touches upon some unusual post-death practices, possibly reflecting ancient customs related to the disposition of the body, suggesting the timing of death was believed to influence future prosperity.

5. Critique of Other Jain Sects/Schools:

   • The commentary and text, particularly in the editorial sections, hint at debates and distinctions between Jain traditions (Digambara, Shvetambara) and potentially a third sect like Yapaniya.
   • The text seems to argue against the acceptance of clothes and vessels (Vastra-Patra) by monks, aligning with the Digambara tradition, while also discussing scriptural interpretations that might have supported special conditions for wearing clothes, which the commentary addresses by citing specific scriptural references and reinterpreting them.
   • The commentary suggests that the authors (Shivarya and Aparajit Suri) held views that were neither strictly Digambara nor Shvetambara, possibly aligning with the Yapaniya sect, as they acknowledge Āgamic texts and oppose Vastra-Patra Vada.

6. Virtues and Practices:

   • The text emphasizes the importance of faithfulness (Shraddha), humility (Vinaya), patience (Kshama), contentment (Santosha), and discipline in adhering to vows.
   • It highlights the difficulty of overcoming Kashayas (passions like anger, pride, deceit, greed) and the consequences of falling prey to them.
   • Self-reflection and introspection are stressed as crucial for spiritual progress.

7. Narrative Examples:

   • The text includes numerous stories and examples (as compiled in various katha-koshas like Harisena's) to illustrate the principles of aradhana, the consequences of actions, and the path to liberation. These stories often involve past lives, karmic effects, and the exemplary lives of saints.

8. Authorship and Tradition:

   • The text refers to Acharya Shivarya as the author and Acharya Aparajit Suri as the commentator.
   • The editorial note suggests that the author and commentator might belong to the Yapaniya tradition, citing evidence such as their critical engagement with scriptural passages and their unique interpretation of certain practices.
   • The presence of various commentaries and traditions in Jain literature is noted, with references to figures like Pandit Sadhasukhdasji, Amitagati, and Ashadhar.

Summary of Editorial Observations (from the preface/editorial):

• The author and commentator are identified as possibly belonging to the Yapaniya tradition, which was a distinct Jain sect existing until the 15th century.
• The text's approach to Āgamas and the concept of Achallakya (nudity) are discussed in relation to the Digambara and Shvetambara traditions, suggesting a unique interpretation.
• The commentary by Aparajit Suri is noted for its extensive use of quotations, some of which are not readily found in current Āgamas, possibly indicating a different tradition of scripture recension.
• The importance of manuscript research and the preservation of ancient Jain literature is emphasized.

In essence, the Bhagavati Aradhana is a profound treatise on Jain spiritual practice, offering guidance on virtuous living, the attainment of right faith, knowledge, and conduct, and most importantly, the attainment of a peaceful and purposeful death through the practice of Sallekhana, all grounded in the principles of non-violence, detachment, and self-control.