Dash Lakshan Vidhan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dash Lakshan Vidhan" by Tekchand Kavi, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Dash Lakshan Vidhan (The Ritual of Ten Virtues) Author: Kavi Shri Tekchandji Publisher: Digambar Jain Pustakalay, Surat

Overall Purpose and Significance:

"Dash Lakshan Vidhan" is a Jain text that outlines the ritualistic worship and understanding of the Ten Supreme Virtues (Dash Lakshanas) in Jainism. These virtues are considered essential for spiritual progress, leading from human to superhuman and ultimately to the enlightened state of an Ahant (Arhat). The text serves as a guide for devotees to observe these virtues through specific rituals and devotion.

Core Principles and Virtues:

The text emphasizes the practice of ten key virtues, which are:

उत्तम क्षमा (Uttam Kshama): Supreme Forgiveness
उत्तम मार्दव (Uttam Mardav): Supreme Humility/Meekness
उत्तम आर्जव (Uttam Aarjav): Supreme Straightforwardness/Honesty
उत्तम सत्य (Uttam Satya): Supreme Truthfulness
उत्तम शौच (Uttam Shauch): Supreme Purity/Cleanliness
उत्तम संयम (Uttam Samyam): Supreme Restraint/Self-control
उत्तम तप (Uttam Tap): Supreme Austerity/Penance
उत्तम त्याग (Uttam Tyag): Supreme Renunciation/Detachment
उत्तम आकिंचन्य (Uttam Akinchanya): Supreme Non-possession/Detachment from possessions
उत्तम ब्रह्मचर्य (Uttam Brahmacharya): Supreme Chastity/Celibacy

Ritualistic Framework (Vidhan):

The core of the text is the Vidhan, which is a detailed procedure for worship. This typically involves:

Mandal Sthapana (Setting up the Mandala): The text mentions "Shri Dash Lakshan Vrat Mandal Vidhan ka Madna" (The design/drawing of the Dash Lakshan Vrat Mandala), indicating the use of a sacred diagram or arrangement.
Invocation (Avahan): Inviting the virtues to be present.
Installation (Sthapana): Placing the symbolic representation of the virtues.
Subjugation (Sannidhikaran): Ensuring their presence.
Offerings (Arghya Niramapan): Performing symbolic offerings to each virtue. The standard offerings include:
- Jal (Water): For purification and washing away sins.
- Chandan (Sandalwood): For fragrance and cooling, symbolizing inner peace.
- Akshat (Unbroken Rice): Symbolizing unbroken prosperity and perfection.
- Pushpa (Flowers): Representing beauty, fragrance, and purity.
- Naivedya (Sweets/Food Offering): Symbolizing nourishment and satisfaction of desires.
- Deep (Lamp): Representing the light of knowledge dispelling the darkness of ignorance.
- Dhoopa (Incense): Symbolizing the burning away of karma and attachment.
- Phal (Fruits): Representing the fruits of spiritual practice and liberation.
- Arghya (Full Offering): A complete set of offerings.
Mantras: The text provides a central mantra: "Om Hrih Uttam Kshama Mardav Aarjav Satya Shaucha Sanyam Tap Tyag Akinchan Brahmacharya Dharmangay Namah." (Ohm, Reverence to the components of the virtues of Supreme Forgiveness, Humility, Straightforwardness, Truth, Purity, Restraint, Austerity, Renunciation, Non-possession, and Chastity.)
Specific Pujas for Each Virtue: The text details a separate puja for each of the ten virtues (e.g., Uttam Kshama Dharma Puja, Uttam Mardav Dharma Puja). These pujas often involve unique verses and specific intentions (e.g., offering water to wash away birth-death cycle pains for Kshama, or sandalwood to destroy worldly suffering for Mardav).
"Pratyekaryaani" (Individual Actions/Offerings): These sections often delve into the philosophical meaning and practical application of each virtue, linking them to specific actions or intentions during the puja. For example, in the Kshama puja, offerings are made with the intention of protecting various types of beings (earth elements, water elements, etc.).
"Jayamala" (Victory Garland): Concluding verses celebrating the virtues and their benefits.
"Samuchchaya Puja" (Combined Puja): A puja that encompasses all ten virtues together.

Observance and Timing:

The text specifies that these vows and rituals should be observed three times a year:

From the 5th lunar day of Bhadrapada Shukla to the 14th lunar day of Bhadrapada Shukla.
From the 5th lunar day of Magha Shukla to the 14th lunar day of Magha Shukla.
From the 5th lunar day of Chaitra Shukla to the 14th lunar day of Chaitra Shukla.

The text also offers flexibility for those who cannot observe the full ten-day period, suggesting observance for shorter durations or even one day a month, based on individual capacity.

Poetic and Devotional Style:

The text is written in a poetic and devotional style, using various Marathi meters like Geeta, Paddhadi, Besari, Tribhangi, Chaupai, and Soratha. This makes the teachings accessible and engaging for the devotees. The verses praise the virtues and highlight their power to overcome suffering, achieve liberation, and bring happiness.

Key Themes and Underlying Philosophy:

Spiritual Ascent: The ten virtues are presented as the path to ultimate spiritual liberation (Moksha).
Overcoming Karma: The rituals and observance of virtues are aimed at purifying the soul and destroying karmic bonds.
Compassion and Non-violence (Ahimsa): The virtues are often linked to compassion for all living beings.
Control of the Senses and Mind: Many verses emphasize the need to control desires, anger, pride, and other negative emotions.
The Importance of Devotion: The entire process is framed as an act of devotion to the virtues and the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
Practical Application: While ritualistic, the text also implies a deeper meaning and practical application of these virtues in daily life.

Availability:

The book is available from "Digambar Jain Pustakalay" in Surat. It also mentions the availability of a painted "Madna" (design/mandala) for the ritual.

In essence, "Dash Lakshan Vidhan" is a profound guide for Jain devotees to understand, internalize, and worship the ten supreme virtues that form the bedrock of the Jain spiritual path, leading towards self-realization and liberation.