Bujjijja Tiuttejja - Book Summary

This Jain text, titled "Bujjijja Tiuttejja" by Priyam, published by Ashapuran Parshwanath Jain Gyanbhandar, is a profound exploration of the eighteen Pap Sthanaks (sinful states or categories of sin) in Jainism. The book aims to educate and guide individuals on understanding these sinful tendencies and overcoming them to achieve spiritual liberation.

The text systematically presents each of the eighteen Pap Sthanaks, providing a definition, explanation, and illustrative examples, often in the form of short anecdotes or parables, to highlight the consequences of indulging in these states. The overarching message emphasizes the importance of introspection, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge as outlined in Jain teachings.

Here's a summary of each Pap Sthanak as presented in the text:

Himsa (Violence): This is presented as the root of all suffering. The text quotes Lord Mahavir Swami, stating that compassion (Jivdaya) is the heart of the Jain faith, and all sins are encompassed within violence. Violence is described as ignorance, death, and hell itself. It highlights how our daily actions, even seemingly minor ones like eating or using electricity, involve harm to countless living beings. The call is to renounce violence, especially that done for pleasure, show, or time-pass, and to see oneself in all beings.
Asatya (Untruth/Lying): This is defined as anything that deviates from our true nature. The text emphasizes that those who embrace truth have their sins destroyed. Lying leads to inner turmoil, guilt, hesitation in speech, and regret. It can also result in physical ailments and speech impediments. The true value of truth is highlighted, as it forms the basis of all spiritual knowledge and worldly prosperity. The example of Kalkacharya, who chose death over speaking a lie, serves as a powerful illustration of the importance of truthfulness.
Chori (Stealing): This encompasses taking anything that does not rightfully belong to you. The core principle of Jainism is presented as treating others as you wish to be treated. Stealing leads to misfortune, subservience, loss of body parts, and poverty. The text asserts that a thief ultimately robs themselves of their spiritual wealth, peace, and happiness. It stresses that purity of conduct, starting from finances to food and mind, is the foundation of Dharma.
Maithun (Lust/Sexual Indulgence): This is equated with "animal activity." The text argues that this indulgence is the root of worldly suffering and that it leads to the destruction of countless lives, including human and multi-sensed beings. It describes sexual desire as a delusion that causes suffering, rather than happiness. The text draws parallels to the story of a dog biting a bone and drawing blood, mistaking the pain for pleasure from the bone. It emphasizes the importance of Shil (chastity) and draws inspiration from figures like Sthulibhadra and Sudarshan Sheth.
Parigrah (Possession/Greed): This is identified as the "biggest sin" because it often goes unrecognized as a sin. While we seek penance for minor acts of violence, we rarely acknowledge the sin of accumulating wealth. The text likens Parigrah to a cruel planet, causing more suffering than Saturn or Mars. It warns that what we accumulate will not accompany us in death; instead, the sins of accumulation will. True happiness lies in contentment and detachment, not in possession.
Krodh (Anger): Anger is described as a fire that consumes a living being and can destroy merit accumulated over vast periods. It is considered foolish and leads to the loss of relationships, health, and peace. The text advises letting go of ego and insistence to overcome anger. It highlights Lord Mahavir's equanimity in the face of adversity as an example of perfect control over anger. Anger is seen as punishing oneself for another's mistake.
Maan (Pride/Ego): Pride is identified as the root of suffering. It's not external circumstances that cause pain, but our internal sense of ego and entitlement. The text states that all sins involve a form of violence, including violence to one's own self and soul. Pride is the "slaughter" of our true self. Overcoming pride requires recognizing our own imperfections and acknowledging that we have nothing truly our own to be proud of.
Maya (Deceit/Deception): Deceit is characterized by having one thing in the mind, saying another, and doing a third. It destroys friendships and peace of mind. The text warns that deceit leads to rebirth in lower realms, like that of animals. It emphasizes that simplicity and transparency are true wealth, and those who practice deceit ultimately deceive themselves. True happiness comes from within, not from external gains achieved through trickery.
Lobh (Greed/Attachment): Greed is likened to a pit that only gets deeper the more you try to fill it. It's described as a mental illness that drives individuals to endless pursuit. Greed is called the "father of all sins" and is the last obstacle to overcome even on the path to liberation. The example of Mamman Seth, who went to the seventh hell despite living a simple life, is cited as a testament to the destructive power of greed. Contentment is presented as the solution.
Raag (Attachment/Fondness): Attachment is presented as the cause of all worldly suffering and rebirths. It's highlighted that what we love the most can become our greatest enemy. Attachment stems from not truly understanding the nature of worldly objects. The text advises seeing things with clarity and understanding their impermanence to overcome attachment. True happiness lies in detachment, not in fleeting worldly pleasures.
Dvesh (Aversion/Hatred): Hatred is presented as a significant barrier to spiritual progress. The Jain path requires eradicating any ill will towards any living being. Dwelling on the faults of others and harboring hatred is seen as binding negative karma. The text encourages cultivating compassion, friendliness, and equanimity towards all beings. Overcoming hatred, along with attachment, is considered the direct path to liberation.
Kalah (Quarrelsomeness/Conflict): This refers to engaging in fights, arguments, or any form of conflict. The text states that quarrels have caused immense suffering and bloodshed throughout history. Engaging in conflict is equated to consuming poison for the sake of living. The true battle should be against one's own inner faults and weaknesses. The ultimate victory is over oneself.
Abhyakhyan (False Accusation/Slander): This involves falsely blaming or accusing someone. The text emphasizes that even calling a blind person "blind" or a thief "thief" is considered an offense. It highlights the devastating consequences of slander, citing a story where false accusation leads to suicide. Words are described as more potent than weapons, and their wounds are often irreparable. The solution lies in seeing the good in others and speaking kindly.
Paishunya (Backbiting/Gossip): This refers to speaking ill of others, finding fault, and spreading rumors. It stems from envy and seeing oneself in others. The text uses the analogy of Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana to illustrate how our inner state influences our perception of the world. It encourages seeing the divine essence in every being and freeing oneself from the sin of backbiting.
Rati-Arati (Like and Dislike/Attachment and Aversion): These are presented as two states that disturb the soul's equanimity. True peace (Samadhi) lies in a state of equanimity, beyond both liking and disliking. Attachment to worldly pleasures and aversion to unpleasant experiences are both seen as deviations from the soul's true nature. The text advises transcending both states to achieve ultimate happiness.
Paraparivada (Criticism of Others): This is the act of finding fault and criticizing others. The text illustrates its destructive power through the story of a devout Jain woman who fell from grace due to backbiting. Criticizing others yields no benefit but creates enmity and binds severe karma. The text stresses the importance of refraining from slander, even for those who undertake severe penance, as it leads to hellish states.
Mayamrshavada (Deceitful Untruth): This is a combination of deceit (Maya) and lying (Mrshavada). When deceit is mixed with falsehood, it becomes a distinct and particularly dangerous sin. The example of Goshala, who falsely claimed to be a Tirthankara, is used to demonstrate the severe consequences of this sin, leading to an increase in one's cycle of rebirth and significant harm to others. The text warns that even apparent short-term gains from such practices lead to greater long-term losses.
Mithyatvashalya (False Belief/Ignorance): This is identified as the "king of all sins" and a "thorn" that causes suffering since time immemorial. Ignorance is the root cause of all other sins. It's a state of darkness that prevents one from discerning right from wrong, beneficial from detrimental. The text describes the soul's journey through countless lifetimes of suffering due to this fundamental ignorance. Overcoming ignorance through right knowledge is presented as the ultimate key to liberation.

In essence, "Bujjijja Tiuttejja" serves as a guide for self-improvement and spiritual growth within the Jain tradition, systematically dismantling the roots of suffering and offering a path towards purity and ultimate freedom.