Chaturmas Aatmullas Ka Parv - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chaturmas Aatmullas Ka Parv" by Upacharya Devendramuni:

The book "Chaturmas Aatmullas Ka Parv" (Chaturmas: The Festival of Self-Delight) by Upacharya Devendramuni, published by Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay, explores the significance and multifaceted aspects of Chaturmas from a Jain perspective. The author emphasizes that every moment of life is valuable and should be utilized productively. Recognizing the modern trend for concise literature, this book presents short, impactful essays designed to deliver meaningful messages efficiently.

The Essence of Chaturmas:

Literal Meaning: Chaturmas, a seemingly small word with four letters, holds deep inspiration and secrets. Literally, it means "four months." While there are three such four-month periods in a year, this book specifically refers to the four months of the monsoon season: Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin, and Kartik.
Importance of Monsoon: These four months are crucial for both the animate and inanimate world. The intense heat of Vaishakh and Jyeshth is relieved by the gentle monsoon rains, bringing solace to all living beings. The rains nourish the earth, enabling agriculture, and inspire joy, as reflected in the works of Kalidasa and the innocent delight of children.
Spiritual Significance: The monsoon season, while causing temporary disruptions in travel due to waterlogging, also reduces the summer heat, making the weather pleasant. This favorable climate fosters positive thoughts and reduces internal "fires" (kashayas), leading to a sense of forgiveness and peace. The soft earth awakens with fertility, mirroring the fertile ground for sowing the seeds of dharma (righteousness) through the teachings of saints.

Jain Traditions and Chaturmas:

The Vow of Stillness: Jain monks and nuns (Shramans and Shramanis) traditionally refrain from traveling (vihar) during Chaturmas. This practice, known as Varshavas or Chaturmas, is rooted in the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence).
Reason for Stillness: During the monsoon, there is an increased proliferation of minute life forms (jivs). To avoid harming these delicate beings through travel and to prevent any suffering to them, Jain ascetics remain in one place for the four months.
Comparison with Other Traditions: This practice of Varshavas is also found in Vedic and Buddhist traditions, though Jain ascetics have maintained its strict adherence more rigorously than others over time.
Abstinence from Auspicious Occasions: All three traditions historically avoid commencing major worldly auspicious events like marriages during Chaturmas. The Vedic tradition attributes this to the "sleep" of Lord Vishnu from Ashad Shukla Ekadashi to Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, known as Devotthan. While the reasons vary, the underlying aim is to dedicate this period to spiritual pursuits.

Key Objectives of Jain Chaturmas:

Jivdaya (Compassion for Living Beings): The primary objective is to protect and care for all life forms, from the smallest to the largest, by refraining from violence and causing suffering. It also emphasizes offering Abhay (fearlessness) to distressed beings.
Tapah Sadhana (Austerity and Spiritual Discipline): This involves various forms of penance, from fasting (upvas) to longer disciplines like Athai and Masakshaman. Jain austerity is not about self-inflicted pain or seeking supernatural powers, but rather about Karma Nirjara (shedding of karmas) and Atma Vishuddhi (purification of the soul).
Dharma Jagaran (Spiritual Awakening and Guidance): Monks and nuns engage in spiritual discourse and guide lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas) towards righteous living, fostering religious enthusiasm and transforming regions into spiritual centers.
Samaj Sangathan (Social Organization): Chaturmas provides an opportunity for the four pillars of Jainism (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen) to gather, strengthening the sense of community, fostering dialogue, and reinforcing unity. This is crucial in the current era, where organization is key to progress.
Samaj Seva (Social Service): It's a time to address the needs of the less fortunate, including those affected by illness, unemployment, poverty, orphans, and widows. The focus is on providing support that empowers individuals to become self-reliant and live with dignity.

The Rich Tapestry of Festivals within Chaturmas:

The book meticulously details the significant festivals and observances that fall within these four months, highlighting their Jain and broader Indian cultural contexts:

Shravan: Guru Purnima, Shravani Pratipada (marking Lord Mahavir's first sermon), and numerous Tirthankar Kalyanaks (births, initiations, and nirvana) and the birth anniversary of esteemed Acharyas like Anand Rishiji Maharaj. It also notes Mishrimallji Maharaj's birth anniversary, observed as Anti-Addiction Day.
Raksha Bandhan (Shravan Purnima): Discussed in both Jain and Vedic traditions, emphasizing the spirit of protection, universal brotherhood, and the importance of a broad heart.
Bhadrapad: Considered a "Dharma Mass" for Jains, akin to Ramadan for Muslims. It features intensive religious practices, including fasts and the significant Paryushan Parva and Samyatsari Parva, which promote self-discipline, detachment, forgiveness, equanimity, and the eradication of animosity. The Daslakshan Parva of the Digambar tradition is also mentioned.
Janmashtami: The birth of Lord Krishna, a great Karmayogi who brought new direction to social and political thought.
Ashwin: Features the birth and nirvana of Tirthankaras and the Navpad Oli festival, a period of worship dedicated to the nine components of the Navkar Mantra, often involving Ayambil tapas. Dussehra, symbolizing the victory of dharma over adharma and the internal conquest over senses and passions, is also discussed, along with the birth anniversaries of esteemed Acharyas.
Kartik: The concluding month of Chaturmas, marked by festivals like Gyan Panchami (celebrating the compilation of Jain Agamas), Deepavali (symbolizing inner purification and the Mahavir Nirvana Kalyanak), and Gautam Pratipada (celebrating Gautam Swami's omniscience). The book also touches upon broader cultural observances like Dhanteras and Narak Chaturdashi.
Kartiki Purnima: Marks the end of the Chaturmas period for ascetics, who then proceed to other regions for spiritual propagation. It is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of the great scholar Acharya Hemachandra and the pioneer of the Sthanakvasi tradition, Lonkashah.

Concluding Message:

The book emphasizes that Chaturmas is a period of immense spiritual significance, an opportunity for Jnana (knowledge), Darshana (perception), Charitra (conduct), and Tapa (austerity), all essential for Moksha (liberation). Upacharya Devendramuni's work is a comprehensive guide, encouraging readers to utilize this special time for self-improvement, spiritual growth, and communal harmony. The final pages also include a brief biographical note on the author and quotes on the importance of unity, sacrifice, and dedication to organizational goals.