Bhrugukutcch Vastavya Rani Shravika Gruhit Dwadash Vrat Varnan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhrugukutcch Vastavya Rani Shravika Gruhit Dwadash Vrat Varnan" by Vimalkirtivijay, based on the provided text:

This text, authored by Muni Vimalkiriti Vijay, is a description of the "Twelve Vows" (Dwadash Vrat) undertaken by a laywoman named 'Rani' in the city of Bhrugukucch (present-day Bharuch). It was composed on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Sud 7, in the year V.S. 1165, on a Tuesday, under the guidance of the esteemed Acharya Shri Dharmaghoshsuriji.

The work itself is composed of 70 verses written in Prakrit, though the language is largely accessible. The text is derived from a palm-leaf manuscript (Catalog No. 35) housed in the Shri Atmaramji Jain Gyan Mandir in Vadodara. The manuscript itself, from which page 9 of the palm-leaf collection is taken, is believed to have been written in V.S. 1165, suggesting it's a contemporary record of Rani Shravika's vows. Such personal records of vow-taking by householders are rare and difficult to find copies of.

The text begins with an invocation to the 'Devadi-dev' (God of Gods), Lord Veer, and then expresses the intention to take the twelve vows, the foundation of lay life, as taught by the Jinas (Jain Tirthankaras). It praises the omniscient, liberated beings (Siddhas) and the virtuous ascetics.

The Twelve Vows Undertaken by Rani Shravika:

The core of the text details the twelve vows, which are categorized into:

• The Five Great Vows (Panch Anu-vratas): These are the fundamental vows for lay followers.

  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Not to kill living beings with mind, speech, or action, and not to cause others to kill. Specifically mentions not harming any living being intentionally.
  • Satya (Truthfulness): Not to speak falsehoods in five ways (as detailed in verse 10), including avoiding harsh words.
  • Asteya (Non-stealing): Not to steal anything belonging to others, including what is not freely given by the king or owner.
  • Brahmacharya (Chastity/Celibacy): Not to engage in sexual misconduct. For women, this means not serving other men and remaining devoted to one's husband. It also emphasizes avoiding actions that could lead to immoral thoughts.
  • Aparigraha (Non-possession/Limited Possession): This vow is further elaborated through the concept of Ichha Pariman Vrat (Vow of Limited Desire/Possession).

• The Three Great Vows (Trini Guna-vratas): These are vows that strengthen the Anu-vratas.

  • Dasa Vratas (Ten Virtues): The text doesn't explicitly list ten separate vows here, but the subsequent verses detailing limitations on possessions and actions can be seen as embodying these virtues.
  • **The text then elaborates on the Ichha Pariman Vrat, specifying quantities and limits for various possessions:
    • Wealth: Fixed amounts for currency, precious metals, and other valuables.
    • Grain: Quantities for different types of grains like rice, wheat, etc.
    • Land: Limits on fields and property.
    • Cattle and Domestic Animals: Specified numbers for cows, buffaloes, horses, donkeys, camels, elephants, dogs, peacocks, monkeys, etc.
    • Servants: A limit on the number of servants.
    • Resources: Limits on household items and tools.
  • The vow emphasizes not exceeding these limits and not being greedy. It highlights that increasing attachment and worldly possessions leads to suffering and hinders spiritual progress.

• The Four Vows of Practice (Chatvaro Shiksha-vratas): These are vows that help in the gradual practice and refinement of the Anu-vratas and Guna-vratas.

  • Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): (Though mentioned at the beginning as the foundation, it's reiterated as a practice).
  • Bhoga Upabhoga Pariman Vrat (Vow of Limited Enjoyment and Consumption): This vow is extensively detailed with specific restrictions on:
    • Food: Limits on consumption of meat, alcohol, honey, and other prohibited items. Restrictions on certain types of vegetables, fruits, and mixed foods. Specific quantities for various edible items like dates, coconuts, and betel nuts.
    • Daily Use Items: Limits on consumption of oils, ghee, and other cooking ingredients. Restrictions on bathing, applying perfumes, wearing flowers, and using cosmetics. Limits on ornaments and precious stones.
    • Occupations: The vow of Vritti Pariman Vrat (Vow of Limited Livelihood) is also a significant aspect. Rani Shravika renounces livelihoods that are considered sinful or involve violence. This includes professions like:
      • Dealing in coal, bricks, iron, gold, and related trades.
      • Woodcutting and selling.
      • Selling betel leaves, flowers, and similar items.
      • Selling ivory, horns, and tusks.
      • Trading in medicines, poisons, and oils extracted from animals.
      • Exploitative professions like crushing oil seeds, branding animals, and causing distress to living beings.
      • Selling human beings or animals.
      • Engaging in unethical lending practices.
      • Professions involving heavy labor like carrying water, grinding, and pounding.
    • Conduct: Renouncing professions that involve teaching wrongdoings, violence, or creating discord.
    • Specific Restrictions:
      • Avoiding playing dice, gambling, and sports like swinging.
      • Observing fasts and vows during specific lunar days (e.g., Ashtami, Chaturdashi, Chaturmas).
      • Avoiding digging the earth, cutting trees, grinding, and various forms of manual labor.
      • Being mindful of guests and offering hospitality.
      • Giving charity and supporting those in need.
      • Performing worship of the Jinas.
      • Not using fire unnecessarily.
      • Avoiding harmful practices like using weapons, bows, and arrows in a harmful way.
      • Practicing Samayika (meditation/equanimity) and other devotional acts.
      • Avoiding harmful activities like theft, slander, and bad company.
      • Avoiding excessive attachment to children, brothers, or relatives.
      • Not engaging in activities that lead to anger, ego, or greed.
      • Renouncing excessive attachment to wealth, land, and possessions.
      • Avoiding intoxicants, lust, anger, sleep, and idleness.
      • Not singing, dancing, or indulging in frivolous entertainment.
      • Avoiding worldly attachments and the accumulation of wealth.

The text concludes with a plea for purification of faults through the recitation of "Michha Dukkadam" (an expression of regret for any transgressions). It also mentions specific expiations for breaking vows, such as reciting scriptures and observing a one-day fast.

The final verses confirm that these vows were taken by Rani Shravika with great humility and devotion, with the ultimate goal of attaining liberation (moksha). The text expresses a wish for these vows, rooted in right faith and expansive virtues, to lead to auspiciousness and happiness.