Bruhat Samayik Pratikraman Path - Book Summary

The provided text is the "Bruhat Samayik Pratikraman Path," published by the Akhil Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Vidvat Parishad. This book is a detailed guide to two essential Jain rituals: Samayik (Ritual of Equanimity) and Pratikraman (Ritual of Confession and Repentance). The edition in question features English annotations and translations, making it accessible to a wider audience, particularly the younger generation and non-Hindi speakers.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key aspects covered in the text:

1. Purpose and Philosophy:

Liberation of the Soul: The ultimate goal of Jainism is to achieve liberation of the soul by eradicating impurities like anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
Purification: Samayik and Pratikraman are crucial rituals prescribed in Jain literature for the purification of the soul.
Confession and Repentance: Pratikraman is defined as a process of introspection, admitting wrongdoings (committed knowingly or unknowingly through mind, body, and speech), expressing remorse, and resolving not to repeat them. It emphasizes hating the sin, not the sinner.
Equanimity: Samayik is the practice of maintaining a state of mental and emotional equanimity, free from attachment and aversion, high or low feelings, and cultivating neutrality and peace. It also promotes mental and physical discipline.

2. The Ritual of Samayik (Equanimity):

Observance: It is to be observed three times a day (morning, noon, evening) by ascetics and at the convenience of householders for a minimum duration of 48 minutes (one Muhurta).
Ideal Setting: A secluded and peaceful place, preferably a Jain temple or Dharamshala, is recommended.
Preparation: Mental preparation is emphasized. This includes standing in a meditative posture, pledging to remain detached, reciting the 'Namo:ka:r' hymn, and performing symbolic gestures of reverence to holy places and ascetics.
Core Practice: Sitting in a meditative posture, reciting the 'Namo:ka:r' hymn (108 times), and contemplating on sixteen reflections, ten virtues, and the separation of the soul from the body.

3. The Ritual of Pratikraman (Confession and Repentance):

Meaning: "Pratikraman" signifies going back, reflecting, confessing, and seeking forgiveness for past faults, as well as forgiving others.
Importance: It's a vital process for soul purification and shedding karmas. It helps in conquering passions (Kashayas) through fear of wrong conduct, detachment from sensual activities, renunciation of affection, self-realization, and contemplation of self-virtues.
Method: It involves reflecting on all past activities, resolving to renounce sinful deeds, detaching from sensory pleasures, and controlling passions. It emphasizes external purity of body, words, and mind, which starts with pure food.
Types: Pratikraman can be performed daily, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, or annually. The number of 'Namo:ka:r' hymns recited varies with the frequency.
Key Principles: Detachment from worldly worries, controlling the mind, performing with willingness and whole-heartedness, maintaining proper posture, determining limits of possessions, renouncing attachment to the body, fixing vision, and understanding the meaning of the text.

4. Structure and Content of the Book: The book is structured with:

Front Matter: Dedication, messages from scholars and patrons (Shri Subhash Chand Jain, Dr. Mahendra Kumar Jain 'Manuj', Mrs. Dhanlaxmi P. Zaveri, Pt. Ratanlal Shastri, Prof. Bhagchandra Jain 'Bhaskar'), editor's note, preface, and a key to pronunciation.
Rituals and Prayers:
- Laghu Pratikramana: A shorter version of Pratikraman, focusing on specific repents for various sins and shortcomings.
- Bhavana Dwātrinshatika: A series of 32 verses by Shri Amitgati, focusing on virtuous reflections and aspirations.
- Brhat Sāma:yik Path: A detailed lesson on equanimity.
- Irya:patha-Bhakti: Devotion related to righteous movement and avoiding harm to living beings.
- Shanti Ashtak: Eight verses dedicated to seeking peace.
- Various Stotras and Bhaktis: Prayers and eulogies dedicated to different Tirthankaras (Chaturvinshati Stava), Jain temples (Shri Chaitya Bhakti), the Pancha Maha-gurus (Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus), and Lord Mahaveer (Veer Prabhu ka Stavan).
- Pratikraman Bhakti: Devotion related to the Pratikraman ritual.
- Sankalpa Sutra & Pashchatap Sutra: Verses for making resolutions and expressing repentance.
- Kṛtya Vignapana: Acknowledging and pledging to perform religious duties.
- Nature of Eleven Stages of Religious Householders: Detailed explanation of the progressive stages of spiritual development for lay Jains, starting from 'Darshan Pratima' to 'Uddist Tya:g Pratima', along with their respective Pratikraman verses for specific violations.
- Pratikraman Upasamhara: A concluding section on the Pratikraman ritual.
- Ishta-Prarthana: A prayer for benefactors and auspiciousness.
- Siddha Bhakti, Shrut Bhakti, Acharya Bhakti, Shanti Bhakti: Devotional prayers to the Siddhas, scriptures, Acharyas, and Lord Shantinath.

5. Key Terms and Concepts:

Panchparmeshthi: The five supreme souls (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu).
Namo:kar Mantra: The foundational Jain mantra, "Namo Arihantanam..."
Kashayas: Passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed).
Karmas: Actions that bind the soul.
Muhurta: A period of 48 minutes.
Ahimsa: Non-violence, the foremost Jain principle.
Vows (Vrata): Observances undertaken by Jain followers.
Samiti & Gupti: Disciplines and restraints essential for righteous conduct.
Darshan, Gyan, Charitra (Ratnatray): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct - the path to liberation.

6. Annotation and Translation: The book is commendable for providing English annotations and translations of the original Prakrit and Sanskrit verses, along with phonetic transliterations. This effort by Shri Subhash Chand Jain and edited by Dr. Mahendra Kumar Jain 'Manuj' makes the profound teachings of Jainism accessible to a global audience, fostering spiritual understanding and practice.

In essence, "Bruhat Samayik Pratikraman Path" serves as a comprehensive manual for Jains to engage in the vital practices of cultivating inner peace and seeking spiritual purification through sincere repentance and self-reflection.