Dash Lakshan Dharm Athwa Dash Dharm Dipak - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dash Lakshan Dharm athwa Dash Dharm Dipak" by Deepchand Varni:

Book Title: Dash Lakshan Dharm athwa Dash Dharm Dipak (The Ten Virtues of Dash Lakshan or The Lamp of Ten Virtues) Author: Deepchand Varni (late) Publisher: Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia

Overall Purpose and Significance:

This book is a foundational text explaining the "Dash Lakshan Dharm" (Ten Virtues of Dash Lakshan) within Jainism. It highlights the immense importance of these ten virtues, which form the core of Jain spiritual practice and are celebrated annually through the major Jain festival of Dash Lakshan Parva. The author, Deepchand Varni, wrote this comprehensive work to make the essence of these virtues accessible to the general public, moving beyond brief mentions in traditional scriptures. The publisher, Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia, has reissued this work multiple times due to its popularity and usefulness.

Key Contents and Structure:

The book is a detailed exposition of the ten cardinal virtues of Jainism, explained with scriptural references, philosophical insights, and illustrative stories. It includes:

Introduction (Nivedan): The publisher explains the book's significance, the need for such a text for common understanding, and details the previous editions and enhancements made in the current (fourth) edition. This edition includes attractive illustrations, devotional hymns (bhajans), and the detailed procedure for the Dash Lakshan Vrat Udyapan (concluding ceremony of the ten-day observance). It also emphasizes the importance of scriptural study and propagation of the book.
Definition and Essence of Dharma:
- The book begins by quoting Swamikartikeyanupreksha, defining Dharma in multiple ways: as the inherent nature of a substance, as the ten virtues (Kshama, etc.), as the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya), and as the protection of living beings (Ahimsa).
- It clarifies that ultimately, all these definitions converge on the inherent nature of the soul. The soul's true nature is consciousness (chetanatva), but due to karmic bondage, it manifests as passions (kashayas) like anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
- By understanding and acting according to the true nature of reality (Ratnatraya), one can overcome these passions, leading to the manifestation of the ten virtues. The absence of violence (both external and internal) naturally leads to Ahimsa.
Detailed Explanation of Each of the Ten Virtues: The book then systematically elaborates on each of the ten virtues, often referencing the works of revered Jain acharyas like Bhagwan Umashwami and Kartikeya Swami.
- 1. Uttam Kshama (Supreme Forbearance/Forgiveness):
  - Defined as the ability to endure hardships, insults, or difficulties without getting angry.
  - Emphasizes that anger is a temporary, destructive passion that arises from external factors and leads to suffering.
  - Illustrates with the story of "Tukari," a woman whose anger led to immense suffering, misfortunes, and ultimately a profound change of heart.
  - Highlights that forbearance leads to inner peace and is a key to overcoming worldly afflictions.
- 2. Uttam Mardava (Supreme Humility/Gentleness):
  - Defined as the absence of pride and ego, and the cultivation of a humble disposition.
  - Contrasts true humility with feigned politeness arising from weakness or compulsion.
  - Explains that pride stems from attachment to qualities like knowledge, penance, wealth, family, or beauty, which are transient.
  - Uses the example of Ravana to illustrate the downfall caused by excessive pride.
  - Stresses that humility leads to respect from others and inner contentment.
- 3. Uttam Arjava (Supreme Straightforwardness/Honesty):
  - Defined as acting with sincerity and transparency in thought, word, and deed, without deceit or hypocrisy.
  - Compares the deceitful person to a crane, outwardly appearing pious but inwardly cunning.
  - Explains that hypocrisy (Maya) leads to karmic bondage and suffering in this life and the next, ultimately resulting in the animal realm (Tiryanch gati).
  - Advises abandoning deceit for a pure and peaceful existence.
- 4. Uttam Satya (Supreme Truthfulness):
  - Defined as speaking truthfully and adhering to one's word, even in difficult situations.
  - Highlights that truthfulness is essential for trust and societal functioning.
  - Explains that lying, even if seemingly beneficial in the short term, ultimately leads to loss of reputation, livelihood, and mental distress.
  - Uses the story of a servant who, by telling one lie, caused immense chaos and ruin, losing his livelihood and life.
  - Emphasizes that true wealth lies in unwavering adherence to truth.
- 5. Uttam Shaucha (Supreme Purity/Contentment):
  - Defined as inner purity and freedom from greed and excessive desire, especially for sensual pleasures and possessions.
  - Distinguishes between external purity (cleanliness of body, home, etc.) and internal purity (freedom from attachment and desire).
  - Argues that external cleanliness of the body, which is inherently impure, is secondary to inner purity.
  - Emphasizes that contentment (Samosh) is the ultimate form of purity and the source of happiness.
  - Greed is described as the root of all sins.
- 6. Uttam Sanyam (Supreme Restraint/Self-Control):
  - Defined as controlling the senses and preventing harm to living beings, even the smallest ones.
  - Explains that the senses, if unrestrained, lead to worldly attachments and suffering, causing entanglement in the cycle of birth and death.
  - Highlights the need to restrain the five senses and practice restraint in actions to achieve true happiness.
  - The practice of controlling the senses is essential for spiritual progress.
- 7. Uttam Tapa (Supreme Penance/Austerity):
  - Defined as voluntarily undergoing hardships without attachment or desire for worldly results, focusing on purifying the soul.
  - Distinguishes between true penance that purifies the soul and external austerities done for show or specific desires (like acquiring powers or worldly gains).
  - Emphasizes that true penance is about controlling desires and the mind, leading to the shedding of karmas.
  - The austerities are meant to purify the soul, not to gain external benefits.
- 8. Uttam Tyaga (Supreme Renunciation/Charity):
  - Defined as giving away possessions and attachments with a pure heart, free from ego or expectation of reward.
  - Explains that true charity benefits both the giver and the receiver, leading to spiritual growth.
  - Differentiates between giving to worthy recipients (like monks, ascetics, or the suffering) versus giving to the wealthy or for fame.
  - The act of giving, especially to the needy or the virtuous, is essential for reducing attachment and progressing spiritually.
- 9. Uttam Akinchan (Supreme Detachment/Non-possession):
  - Defined as complete detachment from all forms of possession, both material and mental (attachments).
  - Explains that the true state of the soul is non-possession, as it is inherently formless and detached.
  - Mahavera, the fifth virtue, is described as the absence of attachment (mamata), not just material possessions.
  - The book delves into the nuances of inner and outer possessions and why even a small attachment hinders spiritual progress.
  - The Digambara practice of nudity is presented as the ultimate expression of detachment.
- 10. Uttam Brahmacharya (Supreme Chastity/Celibacy):
  - Defined as complete control over sexual desires and actions, extending to restraining thoughts, words, and deeds related to them.
  - Highlights the overwhelming power of lust, which can even derail ascetics from their penance.
  - Stresses that controlling the senses, especially the sense of touch (related to sexual desire), is paramount for Brahmacharya.
  - Emphasizes that true chastity is about maintaining equanimity and detachment from all sensual pleasures.
  - The book laments the decline of Brahmacharya in modern times due to societal practices like child marriage and the influence of flawed interpretations.
Dash Lakshan Vrat Katha (Story of the Ten-Day Vow): This section narrates the story of four princesses who, upon hearing from a monk about the Dash Lakshan Dharm, undertake a ten-day vow and dedication ceremony (Udyapan). Their adherence to the vows leads them to celestial births and eventual liberation. The story serves as an inspiring example for the reader to follow these virtues.
Dash Lakshan Bhajan (Devotional Hymns): Includes devotional songs that praise and summarize the ten virtues, fostering a spirit of devotion and remembrance.
Vrat Udyapan (Concluding Ceremony): Provides the ritualistic procedures and prayers for completing the Dash Lakshan observance, including specific pujas (worship) for each of the ten virtues with their associated deities and rituals.
Concluding Remarks and Blessings: The book concludes with blessings for the readers who engage with these virtues and the text, wishing them spiritual progress and liberation.

Key Takeaways:

Holistic Spiritual Path: The Dash Lakshan Dharm represents a comprehensive path to spiritual purification and liberation.
Inner Transformation: The emphasis is consistently on inner transformation—controlling passions, overcoming ego, and cultivating purity of mind.
Ethical Living: These virtues are not just abstract principles but guide ethical conduct in daily life.
Path to Liberation: By diligently practicing these ten virtues, individuals can shed karmic impurities and attain Moksha (liberation).
Accessibility: The book aims to make these profound teachings understandable and actionable for everyone.

This book serves as a vital guide for Jains worldwide to understand, practice, and celebrate the core tenets of their faith during the Dash Lakshan Parva and throughout the year.