Charitra Puja Athva Bramhacharya Vrat Puja

The text provided is a Jain devotional work titled "Charitra Puja athva Bramhacharya Vrat Puja" (Worship of Conduct or Worship of the Vow of Brahmacharya), authored by Acharya Shrimad Vijayavallabhsuriji. Published by Bhogilal Tarachand Zaveri in 1925, this book is a compilation of prayers, hymns, and teachings focused on the importance of brahmacharya (celibacy/continence) and charitra (conduct/righteous behavior) within the Jain tradition.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content presented in the provided pages:

Core Themes and Structure:

The central theme of the book is the profound significance of brahmacharya and charitra as foundational virtues for spiritual progress and liberation in Jainism. The text emphasizes that these are not merely ascetic practices but essential components for a virtuous and ultimately liberated life.

The book is structured as a puja (worship ritual), likely intended to be recited or sung. It includes:

• Introductory Hymns and Verses: The initial pages feature devotional songs and invocations, setting a spiritual tone and praising the divine.
• "Vaktavya" (Statement/Introduction): This section, starting on page 5, delves into the philosophical and practical importance of brahmacharya. It quotes scriptural verses (from Sutrakritanga and Prashna-vyakarana Sutra) highlighting that brahmacharya is the highest virtue, leading to prosperity, purity, protection from harm, and ultimately, spiritual liberation (heaven and moksha).
• Extensive Analogies (Upama): Pages 6-8 present a remarkable list of 32 analogies comparing brahmacharya to various superior entities in different categories (celestial bodies, gems, ornaments, natural elements, animals, deities, realms, etc.). This literary device aims to underscore the supreme importance and unparalleled nature of brahmacharya in the spiritual path.
• Elaboration on Brahmacharya: Page 9 begins a detailed explanation of brahmacharya, distinguishing between dravya brahmacharya (physical/external continence, abstaining from sexual intercourse) and bhava brahmacharya (mental/internal continence, abstaining from lustful thoughts and desires). It explains that true brahmacharya involves overcoming internal cravings and attachments, even towards one's own "species" if they lead to impure thoughts.
• Social Commentary: Pages 10-11 offer a commentary on the current state of society concerning adherence to virtues like brahmacharya. It laments the prevalence of indulgence in food, clothing, and sensory pleasures, which hinders spiritual progress. The author calls for self-reflection and a return to virtuous living, citing the need for conscious effort in following spiritual principles.
• The Role of Pujas: Pages 11-13 discuss the purpose and efficacy of pujas (worship rituals) in Jainism. It explains how different pujas (like Vimsati Sthanak, Navpad, Chausath Prakari, and Dwadash Vrat) are designed to impart specific spiritual knowledge and foster devotional sentiment. The text emphasizes that these rituals are a way to connect with the divine and learn about Jain philosophy, karma, and liberation.
• Origin and Inspiration: Page 14 reveals that the puja was inspired by Bhogilal Tarachand Zaveri, who desired a puja dedicated to brahmacharya to benefit many people. The author recounts his initial hesitation due to the depth of the subject but was eventually motivated by Bhogilal's persistent enthusiasm.
• Specific Pujas (Songs/Dohas): The subsequent pages (19-49) contain the actual puja compositions, divided into various sections, each likely representing a different aspect or "wada" (stage/aspect) of brahmacharya and charitra. These sections often use traditional poetic meters and melodies.
  • Each puja section typically begins with devotional couplets (dohas) and then moves into lyrical songs (lavani, tharari, barwa, etc.) that explain specific aspects of brahmacharya.
  • Key aspects discussed across the pujas include:
    • The nature of Charitra: Its importance as the essence of the Jain path, its five main types (Samayika, Chedopasthapani, Parihar Vishuddhi, Sukshma Samparaya, Yathakhyata), and the necessity of samyak darshan, samyak jnana, and samyak charitra for liberation.
    • The five Mahavratas: (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha) are presented as the foundation of conduct.
    • Obstacles to Brahmacharya: These are detailed, including lustful thoughts, inappropriate associations (with women, provocatively dressed individuals, suggestive conversations, stimulating environments), excessive indulgence in food, sensual pleasures, and adornment. The text strongly advises against situations that could weaken brahmacharya.
    • The superiority of Brahmacharya: It is repeatedly stated that brahmacharya is paramount among all vows and virtues.
    • Mental and Physical Aspects: The importance of controlling the senses, mind, speech, and body is stressed.
    • The "Wadas" (Stages/Aspects): The pujas seem to elaborate on different aspects of observing brahmacharya, from controlling the gaze and speech to avoiding stimulating environments and excessive food.
    • The concept of "Bhava Brahmacharya": The focus is not just on physical abstinence but on cultivating pure thoughts and attitudes.
    • Examples from Jain History: The text references spiritual figures and their adherence (or lapses) to vows to illustrate the principles.
• Concluding Remarks and Colophon: The final pages provide blessings, a summary of the work's purpose, and details about its creation and dedication.

Author's Intent and Tone:

Acharya Vijayavallabhsuriji's intention is to inspire and guide devotees towards the practice of brahmacharya and virtuous conduct. The tone is devotional, instructive, and at times, cautionary. The author uses poetic language and relatable analogies to make the spiritual teachings accessible and impactful. There is a clear emphasis on the transformative power of these virtues for achieving spiritual well-being and ultimate liberation.

Significance:

This work serves as a guide for adherents of Jainism, particularly those seeking to understand and cultivate the virtues of brahmacharya and charitra. It reinforces the Jain emphasis on self-discipline, mindful living, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge as pathways to a meaningful and liberated existence. The elaborate analogies and detailed explanations highlight the central role of brahmacharya in achieving the highest spiritual goals within the Jain tradition.