Dash Lakshan Parva Dashlakshan Dharm

This document, "Dash lakshan Parva Dashlakshan Dharm" by Sagarmal Jain, details the significance and philosophical underpinnings of the Dashlakshan Parva (Festival of Ten Auspicious Virtues) in Jainism.

Key Points from the Text:

• Origin and Name: The festival is known as Paryushan in the Shvetambar tradition and Dashlakshan Parva in the Digambar tradition. The exact origin of the festival in the Digambar tradition is a subject of research, with mentions becoming more prominent after the 17th century.

• The Ten Virtues (Dashlakshan Dharm): The core of the festival is the observance of ten virtues or good qualities. While the specific names and order may vary slightly across different Jain scriptures (like Acharangasutra, Mulachara, Barrasanuvekha, Sthanangasutra, Samavayangasutra, and Tattvarthasutra), the underlying sentiment remains the same. The text uses the Tattvarthasutra's list as a basis:

  1. Kshama (Forgiveness): Considered the primary virtue, it's the antidote to anger. It involves both forgiving others and seeking forgiveness for one's own transgressions. It's a cornerstone of Jain practice, with annual "Kshama Vani" (Day of Forgiveness) celebrations.
  2. Mardava (Humility/Gentleness): This virtue counteracts ego and pride. Humility is seen as the foundation of virtue and is essential for moral progress.
  3. Arjava (Honesty/Straightforwardness): It involves overcoming deceit and hypocrisy. Living without pretense makes one trustworthy and fosters harmonious social relationships.
  4. Shaucha (Purity): While often associated with physical cleanliness, in Jainism, it primarily refers to mental purity, cleansing the mind from desires and impurities.
  5. Satya (Truthfulness): This means adhering to one's vows and principles with integrity. It encompasses honesty in thought, word, and deed.
  6. Samyama (Control/Restraint): This involves regulating one's thoughts, desires, and sensory activities. It's not about suppression but about directing these faculties towards positive actions.
  7. Tapa (Austerity/Penance): Considered the "lifeblood" of Jain practice, tapas is essential for purifying the soul and shedding karmic baggage. It's categorized into external (like fasting, physical endurance) and internal (like repentance, humility, study, meditation) forms.
  8. Tyaga (Renunciation/Giving): This involves detachment from worldly possessions and desires, and contributing to the welfare of others through charity. It's crucial for both ascetics and householders.
  9. Akinchana (Non-possession/Detachment): This is the practice of renouncing all possessions, including mental attachments and desires. It leads to lightness and freedom from burdens.
  10. Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): For ascetics, this means complete renunciation of sexual activity. For householders, it means fidelity to one's spouse. It's considered vital for mental peace and spiritual progress.

• Comparisons with Other Traditions: The text draws parallels between the Jain virtues and similar concepts found in Buddhist and Vedic (Hindu) traditions, highlighting the universal nature of these ethical principles. It discusses how pride (mad) in various forms (caste, wealth, knowledge, beauty, power, asceticism) is condemned in all these traditions.

• Significance of Virtues: The text emphasizes that the practice of these virtues is beneficial for both ascetics and householders, contributing to spiritual development, inner peace, and a harmonious society. They are seen as qualities that elevate one's moral standing and lead to liberation.

In essence, the book "Dash lakshan Parva Dashlakshan Dharm" serves as a guide to understanding and practicing the ten core virtues that are central to the Dashlakshan Parva, a significant observance in the Jain spiritual calendar.