Bhagwan Mahavir Ke Chune Huye Updesh - Book Summary

This document is a collection of sermons and teachings attributed to Bhagwan Mahavir, compiled and published by Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain. It is titled "Bhagwan Mahavir ke Chune huye Updesh" (Selected Teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir). The teachings are organized thematically, with each section focusing on a specific principle or virtue. The primary source of these teachings is cited as Jain scriptures like Acharyaanga, Sutrakritaanga, Dasavaikalika, Uttaradhyayana, and Prashna Vyaakarana.

Here's a summary of the key themes and teachings presented in the document:

Core Principles of Jainism:

Dharma (Religion/Righteousness): Dharma is considered the highest auspiciousness. Its forms are Ahinsa (non-violence), Samyam (self-control), and Tapa (austerity). Following Dharma earns the respect of even deities. Dharma purifies the soul and acts as a destroyer of ignorance, like a lamp. Its root is Vinaya (humility), and its fruit is Moksha (liberation).
Ahinsa (Non-violence): This is the paramount principle. It's emphasized that just as one dislikes suffering, all living beings do. Therefore, one should not cause violence, nor instigate it, nor approve of it. Ahinsa extends to all beings, mobile and immobile, and is the source of well-being and prosperity. It's the highest form of welfare and a refuge for the fearful. Practicing Ahinsa brings happiness, glory, peace, beauty, health, and good fortune.
Satya (Truth): Truth is the essence of life, deeper than the ocean. It's essential to speak beneficial and truthful words. Lying, whether for oneself or others, out of anger or fear, is strictly forbidden. Truth is considered God.
Asteya (Non-stealing): One should not take anything without permission. This applies even to a blade of grass. Sharing what one possesses is necessary for liberation.
Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): This is the greatest austerity, the root of many virtues like knowledge, perception, conduct, and humility. It's difficult to practice but earns respect from all beings. Overcoming desires and sensual pleasures is key to escaping suffering, as these are the root cause of all worldly pain.
Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): Attachment to possessions is a great chain binding beings. Renouncing attachment to external objects, even to one's own body, is crucial. The desire for possessions is endless, and ending desires is the end of suffering.

Practices and Virtues for Spiritual Growth:

Gyan (Knowledge): Knowledge should precede conduct. Knowledge is essential for self-realization and understanding the true nature of things. Ignorance without knowledge leads to wandering in the cycle of birth and death.
Shraddha (Faith): Faith in the principles of Dharma is rare and invaluable. Faith helps overcome attachment and aversion.
Tapa (Austerity): Austerity is the means to destroy karmic impurities and achieve liberation. It involves restraining desires and disciplining the body for spiritual practice.
Bhav (Inner State/Attitude): Inner purity is achieved through a sincere inner state. This leads to the worship of Dharma as taught by the Tirthankaras.
Sadhana (Spiritual Practice): Practicing self-control and discipline is difficult but essential. Detachment from the body and focusing on the divine are key.
Samabhav (Equanimity): Maintaining mental balance during times of joy and sorrow is crucial. Equanimity leads to impartiality, free from liking or disliking.
Samyak Darshan (Right Perception): This is the foundation for knowledge and the attainment of other virtues.
Viragta (Dispassion/Detachment): Remaining equal in the face of pleasant and unpleasant experiences is the sign of dispassion. Overcoming desires leads to liberation.
Jeev Atma (Soul): The soul is the essence of consciousness. It is eternal and distinct from the body. The soul is the doer of its own karma and experiences its own happiness and sorrow. Controlling the self and conquering the soul is the greatest victory.
Moksha (Liberation/Nirvana): Liberation is attained through knowledge and action. It involves stopping the influx of new karma and destroying past karma. Faith, knowledge, conduct, and austerity are presented as the path to Moksha.

Ethical Conduct and Warnings:

Vinaya (Humility): Humility is a form of austerity and the highest Dharma. It leads to good conduct and is the root of Dharma.
Sanyam (Self-control): Living a life of self-control purifies the soul.
Guru-Chela Vyavahar (Guru-Disciple Relationship): The teachings emphasize respect for the Guru and the importance of a disciple's humility and control over senses.
Vairagya (Renunciation/Detachment): The transient nature of life and worldly pleasures is highlighted. Warnings are given against attachment to worldly possessions and sensual pleasures.
Shraman (Ascetic/Monk): The text defines a true ascetic as one who sees all beings equally, is detached even from the body, does not indulge in idleness, and maintains equanimity.
Jeevan Kala (Art of Living): This section covers aspects of righteous living, including earning honestly, practicing religious rituals, studying scriptures, and maintaining purity of conduct.
Krodh (Anger): Anger destroys love and should be conquered by peace and forgiveness. Forgiveness brings inner happiness.
Maan (Pride/Ego): Ego is a sign of ignorance and leads to downfall. Humility is gained by conquering pride.
Maya (Deceit/Illusion): Deceit and carelessness lead to repeated rebirths. It destroys friendship and is associated with wrong perceptions.
Lobh (Greed): Greed destroys all good qualities and is an obstacle to liberation. It leads to falsehood.
Moh (Attachment/Delusion): Moh is a major cause of suffering and karmic bondage. Attachment leads to the creation of more karmic seeds.
Karma (Action/Deeds): Actions have consequences. Good actions yield good results, and bad actions yield bad results. Karma is the root of birth and death and the cycle of suffering. The consequences of karma must be faced.
Gyan Bodh (Practical Wisdom): This section offers practical advice on various aspects of life, such as the importance of understanding scriptures, the consequences of bad conduct, the benefits of moderation in eating, speaking, and sleeping, the avoidance of lying, the ill effects of ego, anger, and negligence, the importance of caution, the pursuit of knowledge, and the avoidance of harmful speech.

In essence, "Bhagwan Mahavir ke Chune huye Updesh" serves as a guide to the fundamental principles and practices of Jainism, offering profound insights into achieving spiritual liberation through self-discipline, ethical conduct, and the eradication of inner impurities.