Bhasya Trayam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhasya Trayam" by Devendrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Bhasya Trayam (ભાષ્યત્રયમ્) Author: Devendrasuri (શ્રીમદ્ દેવેન્દ્રસૂરિ) Publisher: Yashovijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala, Mahesana (શ્રીમદ્ યશોવિજયજી જૈન સંસ્કૃત પાઠશાળા, મહેસાણા) Edition: 8th Edition Price: Rs. 46.00

Overview:

"Bhasya Trayam" is a significant Jain text compiled by Acharya Devendrasuri. It is a commentary or elaboration on three key rituals or principles central to Jain practice, making it highly useful for those seeking to understand and practice the paths of Devatattva (Deva principle/Deity), Guruttva (Guru principle/Teacher), and Dharmatattva (Dharma principle/Righteousness). The text aims to provide a clear and accessible guide for diligent seekers.

Structure and Content:

The book is comprised of three "Bhashyas" (commentaries/elaborations), each dedicated to one of the core Jain principles:

1. Chaitya-Vandan Bhashya (ચૈત્ય-વન્દન ભાષ્ય): This section focuses on the Devatattva, specifically the ritual of worshipping the Arihant Dev (the perfected ones). It details the procedure of Chaitya-Vandan (veneration of Jain temples and images) through 24 main "doors" or aspects, with a total of 2074 specific points or sub-categories. It covers various aspects of worship, including:

   • Dasha-Trik (Ten Triads): Discusses ten groups of three elements related to the ritual, such as three types of Nishedhi (prohibitions), three Pradakshina (circumambulations), three Pranama (obeisances), three types of Puja (worship), and three stages of contemplation.
   • Abhigama (Approach): Outlines five ways of approaching the deity or the act of worship, including detachment from impure actions, purity of mind, correct posture, proper attire, and joining the hands in reverence upon seeing the deity.
   • Dwaras (Aspects/Categories): Details the 24 main aspects of Chaitya-Vandan, with specific sub-points. This includes elements like the number of letters, words, verses, and the purpose of the ritual. It also mentions the various objects of veneration (four types of Jinaguru, four types of Jinaguru, etc.) and the regulations regarding them.
   • Specific Rituals: Explains the proper procedures for various forms of salutation, prostration, and worship, including the use of specific hand gestures (Mudras) like Yoga Mudra, Jin Mudra, and Muktashukti Mudra.
   • The text also elaborates on the numerical significance of elements within the ritual, such as the number of letters (1647), words (181), and sections (97) involved in various prayers and verses.
   • The final section of this Bhashya discusses the benefits of proper devotion, stating that one who performs worship with purity and devotion attains the highest state of liberation.

2. Guru-Vandan Bhashya (ગુરુ-વંદન ભાષ્ય): This section addresses the Guruttva, the principle of the Guru or the spiritual guide. It emphasizes the importance of respecting and venerating the Guru. The text elaborates on:

   • Three types of Guru-Vandan: Fitta-Vandan (a simple salutation), Chhobh-Vandan (a more formal salutation with prostration), and Dwadashavarta-Vandan (a twelve-fold cyclical salutation).
   • The purpose of double prostration: Explained through the analogy of a messenger who bows twice to the king.
   • The essence of Vandan: Emphasizing Vinaya (humility and respect) as the root of proper conduct and devotion.
   • Who to Vandan to: Outlines the hierarchy and appropriateness of offering Vandan to different categories of spiritual practitioners within the four-fold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen), and specifically to Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Pravartakas, Sthaviras, and Ratnatrayee.
   • Proper and Improper Times for Vandan: Details when it is appropriate and inappropriate to offer Vandan to a Guru.
   • The twenty-five essential actions (Avashyakas) in Guru-Vandan: This is a detailed procedural guide.
   • Thirty-two defects (Doshas) to avoid during Vandan: The text lists and explains various mistakes and improper ways of performing the ritual to ensure its purity.
   • Six qualities of Vandan: Highlights the positive outcomes of proper Guru-Vandan, such as the development of humility, the shedding of ego, proper worship, adherence to divine commands, cultivation of right knowledge, and ultimately, liberation.
   • Guru-Sthapana: Discusses the practice of establishing a representation of the Guru in their absence.

3. Pratyakhyana Bhashya (પ્રત્યાખ્યાન ભાષ્ય): This section delves into Dharmatattva, specifically the practice of Pratyakhyana (renunciation or voluntary fasting). It is considered the most intricate of the three Bhashyas. Key aspects covered include:

   • Ten types of Pratyakhyana: Outlines ten distinct forms of voluntary fasting or renunciation.
   • Four types of Āhāra (Nourishment): Defines the categories of food (Ashana, Pana, Khadima, Swadima).
   • Twenty-two Āgāras (Exceptions/Loopholes): Details twenty-two specific allowances or exceptions within the framework of renunciation, providing flexibility and practicality.
   • Ten Vikrutis (Processed Foods): Lists ten types of processed foods that are subject to specific rules of renunciation.
   • Thirty Nivīyātā (Specific Preparations): Elaborates on thirty specific ways of preparing or processing certain foods that fall under the umbrella of Vikrutis.
   • Two Bhangas (Interpretations/Methods): Discusses two primary ways of understanding or implementing Pratyakhyana.
   • Six Shuddhis (Purifications): Explains six stages or types of purity that sanctify the act of Pratyakhyana.
   • Two types of Phala (Results): Describes the results of Pratyakhyana in this life and the next.
   • The text also provides detailed classifications and explanations of various food items, their preparation, and the specific rules and exceptions governing their consumption during different types of fasts.

Key Themes and Significance:

• Ritualistic Purity: A central theme is the meticulous adherence to ritualistic details to ensure the spiritual efficacy of acts of devotion and penance.
• Importance of Vinaya: The text strongly emphasizes the virtue of Vinaya, particularly towards Gurus, as the foundation of spiritual practice.
• Detailed Procedural Guidance: "Bhasya Trayam" serves as a practical manual, offering step-by-step instructions for complex rituals, catering to the needs of both learned scholars and those seeking simpler understanding.
• Author's Intent: Devendrasuri, recognizing that many might find larger scriptural commentaries difficult to comprehend, aimed to present this essential knowledge in a concise and understandable manner for the benefit of the lay community and younger generations.
• Tradition and Continuity: The author acknowledges the reliance on earlier works like the Avashyaka Sutra's Churni, Niryukti, and Bhashya, as well as commentaries by Acharya Shantisuri and Somasundarsuri, highlighting the lineage of knowledge transmission.
• Merit and Liberation: The text consistently points towards the ultimate goal of these practices – the purification of the soul, the accumulation of merit, and ultimately, attainment of liberation (Moksha).

In essence, "Bhasya Trayam" is a didactic and practical treatise that systematizes and clarifies complex Jain rituals and principles, ensuring their correct transmission and practice across generations.