Das Parmita - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Das Parmita" by Bechardas Doshi, focusing on the core concepts and their explanations:

The text, "Das Parmita" (Ten Perfections), by Bechardas Doshi, explores ten virtues that, when cultivated to their highest degree, lead to eternal happiness. The author begins by stating that the ultimate goal of all humans is everlasting joy, which can only be achieved through pure means and refined qualities.

The text then elaborates on each of these ten virtues, explaining their importance and how they contribute to the attainment of pure happiness:

Pragna (Wisdom/Intelligence): This is the foremost requirement for pure happiness. It involves developing a sharp intellect that can discern right from wrong (good from bad). However, mere intelligence is not enough; one must also act according to this discernment.
Udarata (Generosity/Magnanimity): This virtue encompasses both detachment (tyag) and forbearance (sahanshakti). Generosity cultivates a spirit of giving without hesitation, whether it's wealth, resources, or even one's own well-being for the benefit of others. Forbearance enables one to maintain equanimity in the face of adversity and to deal with others harmoniously, regardless of differing opinions or actions.
Shil-Sadachar (Virtue/Good Conduct): Even with intelligence and generosity, without simple living and self-control, these qualities are rendered ineffective. Virtue and ethical conduct are essential to avoid obstacles in the pursuit of higher happiness.
Body and Mind Strength (Virya): The previous three qualities are useless if the body and mind are weak. One must cultivate physical and mental resilience to withstand hardships (heat, cold, difficulties) and remain steadfast in one's goals. This strength is crucial to avoid succumbing to despair during trials, such as those faced by King Harishchandra for his adherence to truth.
Kshama (Forgiveness/Patience): A wise, generous, virtuous, and strong individual who is easily angered or loses their temper cannot achieve pure happiness. Forgiveness shields one from external and internal shocks, keeping the mind and body undisturbed and fostering a perpetually pleasant disposition.
Satyagraha (Adherence to Truth): If one possesses the previous five qualities but lacks a deep commitment to truth, the goal of eternal happiness remains distant. This involves not just speaking truth but also the persistent pursuit and willingness to sacrifice for truth.
Maitri (Friendship/Benevolence): This is the attitude that all beings—humans of any nationality, race, color, language, or belief system—as well as animals, plants, and even elemental forces, are one's friends. It means having no enmity and being a friend to all creation. Without this universal benevolence, other virtues become meaningless, and the path to complete happiness is lost. This implies accepting suffering from a "friend" (even if unintentional) with a smile.
Anasakti (Non-attachment/Detachment): Attachment to any sentient or insentient object leads to greed, lust, hatred, and other vices. If attachment remains, even the previously cultivated virtues can become detrimental, turning the pursuit of happiness into a source of prolonged suffering. Therefore, one must cultivate awareness and detachment in all aspects of life—gain or loss, joy or sorrow, eating or fasting, with loved ones or strangers.
Upeksha (Equanimity/Indifference to worldly results): To further strengthen the detached mind, equanimity is essential. While performing duties with a sense of responsibility in personal, family, and social matters, one must also maintain equanimity to avoid falling into attachment or aversion. This means not becoming overly distressed or reproachful when others, even after receiving advice, fail to act accordingly due to their own unpreparedness. It is understanding that one can only be an instrument and that others' actions are their own. This quality helps to maintain one's commitment to truth without developing any scorn or ill will towards individuals, families, or society.
Adhishthan (Determination/Commitment): This is the firmness in one's vows and resolutions. All external rules and internal disciplines related to eating, speaking, sleeping, behavior, and entertainment, which are adopted for the attainment of pure happiness, must be adhered to with unwavering resolve, without any exceptions or breaches. This unwavering adherence, both to external practices and internal disciplines, leads to the effortless attainment of pure happiness, allowing one to share this bliss with others.

The author notes that some of these virtues may overlap but are listed separately for clarity and emphasis. He mentions that the order of these "Paramitas" is presented differently in Buddhist scriptures, where they are crucial for becoming a Buddha. The author prioritizes Pragna (Wisdom) first in his order, given the prevalence of hypocrisy and diverse ideologies in the current era, believing that wisdom is essential for maintaining integrity.

The text concludes by stating that in subsequent issues, the author intends to share stories of Mahamati Buddha's past lives (from the Jatakas) that illustrate the cultivation of these Paramitas, particularly Pragna Paramita, and how they led to his eventual enlightenment and happiness. The author expresses his hope that through this study, both he and the readers will attain the virtue of purity of mind.