Danchandrika - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Danchandrika" by Divakar, Gajanand Shastri, based on the provided catalog link and the text excerpts:

Danchandrika: A Guide to Generosity and Charity in Jainism

Author: Divakar, Gajanand Shastri Publisher: Hariprasad Sharma

Overview:

"Danchandrika" (दानचन्द्रिका), meaning "Moonlight of Charity," is a comprehensive treatise on the principles and practices of dana (charity/generosity) within the Jain tradition. Authored by Divakar and Gajanand Shastri, and published by Hariprasad Sharma, this text serves as a detailed guide, drawing heavily from various scriptural sources, to illuminate the multifaceted aspects of giving. The book is a foundational text for understanding the ethical and spiritual significance of charity in Jainism, offering practical instructions and philosophical underpinnings.

Key Themes and Contents:

The "Danchandrika" systematically elaborates on various facets of charity, as evidenced by its detailed index and the textual excerpts. The core themes include:

The Nature and Types of Dana:
- The text begins by defining dana as the selfless relinquishment of one's possessions with faith to a deserving recipient, emphasizing the ethical principles guiding such acts.
- It categorizes dana into three types: Sattvic (pure, selfless), Rajasic (done for reward or recognition), and Tamasic (done disrespectfully or to the unworthy).
The Worthy Recipient (Patra):
- A significant portion is dedicated to identifying the ideal recipient of charity. This includes individuals who are spiritually inclined, possess knowledge of scriptures, and practice austerity, even if they lack material wealth. The text contrasts these with those who are mere pretenders or unworthy.
- Specific guidance is provided on who qualifies as a good recipient and who should be avoided.
The Act of Giving (Dan Krityam):
- Detailed procedures for performing charity are outlined, emphasizing the importance of purity of mind, adherence to rituals, and the correct manner of offering.
- This includes instructions on the posture of the donor, the use of sacred grass and water, and the utterance of specific mantras and intentions.
The Recipient's Duty (Pratigrihitru Kartavyam):
- The text also outlines the responsibilities of the recipient upon receiving a donation, including the proper way to accept, express gratitude, and utilize the gifted item.
The Means of Donation (Dravya):
- Various types of wealth and materials that can be offered as charity are discussed, including gold, silver, grains, clothes, cows, land, houses, and even abstract things like knowledge.
- Detailed procedures for the measurement and valuation of these items are provided.
The Deities Associated with Different Gifts (Dravya Devata):
- The text identifies specific deities associated with different types of donated items, indicating the cosmic and spiritual connections in the act of giving. For example, land is associated with Vishnu, horses with Yama, and metals with specific deities depending on their nature.
The Time and Place for Donation (Dana Kala and Punyam Desha):
- The auspicious times and places for performing charity are discussed extensively. This includes specific days, lunar phases, conjunctions of planets, and sacred geographical locations like pilgrimage sites, which enhance the merit of the donation.
- It also details times that are considered inauspicious or where certain donations are forbidden.
Specific Types of Grand Donations (Dasha Mahadana and other donations):
- The book provides detailed descriptions and methodologies for significant charitable acts, including:
  - Tulapurusha Dana (तुलापुरुषदान): A grand ritual involving weighing oneself against gold or other precious materials. The text elaborates on the construction of the weighing apparatus, the accompanying rituals, and the spiritual benefits.
  - Gosahasra Maha Dana (गोसहस्रमहादान): The donation of a thousand cows, a highly meritorious act described with meticulous detail regarding the preparation, offerings, and the cows themselves.
  - Vrishabha Goshata Dana (वृषभगोशतदान): Donation of a hundred cows with bulls.
  - Vrishabha Dasha Go Dana (वृषदशगोदान): Donation of ten cows with a bull.
- It further details numerous other specific donations such as:
  - Donations of different types of cows (e.g., Gudhadhenu, Ghritadhenu, Tiladhenu, Jaladhenu, Ksheeradhenu, Madhudhenu, Sharkaraadhenu, Dadidhenu, Rasadhenu, Swarnadhenu, Kapila, Mahakapila) each with specific rituals and benefits.
  - Donations of animals like elephants, horses, camels, and goats.
  - Donations of grains, salt, sugar, ghee, oil, honey, milk, curd, and fruits.
  - Donations of essential items like clothes, vessels, beds, and houses.
  - Rituals for warding off diseases through specific material donations.
  - Donations of precious items like gold, silver, and jewels.
  - Donations related to religious and spiritual practices, such as lamps, sacred threads, and religious texts.
  - The elaborate process of "Vastu Shanti" (वास्तुशांति), rituals to ensure peace and prosperity in a dwelling.
  - Donations of wealth and resources for public welfare like Dharmashalas (धर्मशाला) and Tirthas (तीर्थ).
  - The significant act of Kanyadan (कन्यादान) – the ritualistic giving of a daughter in marriage.
  - Donations of household items and personal belongings.
  - The concept of "Sarvasva Dana" (सर्वस्वदान) – the donation of everything.
Mantras and Prayers:
- The text incorporates numerous mantras and prayers to be recited during the acts of donation, invoking deities, seeking blessings, and ensuring the efficacy of the charity.
Prayschit (Panchakarma/Expiation):
- A crucial part of the text deals with atonement and purification rituals (prayschit) for cases where donations are made incorrectly, to unworthy recipients, or when there are defects in the act of giving or receiving. This highlights the importance of perfection in charity.
- It also addresses the ethical implications of accepting donations from kings or under specific circumstances, and the expiations required.

Significance:

"Danchandrika" is more than just a procedural manual; it is a spiritual and ethical guide that integrates the practice of charity with the Jain pursuit of liberation (moksha). By providing a systematic framework for understanding and performing dana, it aims to cultivate virtues like compassion, detachment, purity of intention, and selfless service in its adherents. The text emphasizes that true charity is an act of spiritual discipline that purifies the donor, benefits the recipient, and contributes to the overall well-being of society and the cosmos.

The book's detailed nature, covering everything from the spiritual intent behind a donation to the precise ritualistic steps and their associated benefits, makes it an invaluable resource for scholars, practitioners, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Jain ethics and philanthropy.