Dashlakshan Dharm - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dashlakshan Dharm" by Satish Bhargav, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Dashlakshan Dharm (The Ten Virtues) Author: Satish Kumar Bhargav (Reviewer) Publisher: Z_Deshbhushanji_Maharaj_Abhinandan_Granth_012045.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/211154/1

This work is a compilation of the discourses delivered by the revered Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj during the Paryushan festival in Delhi in 1965. The book presents a detailed explanation of the Dashlakshan Dharm, the ten cardinal virtues central to Jainism, through engaging stories and narratives.

The reviewer, Dr. Satish Kumar Bhargav, highlights the active and dedicated nature of Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj, who is deeply committed to the preservation of Jain religious principles and institutions. An example cited is his readiness to undertake a fast in 1964 to protest an agreement that undermined the rights of the Digambar Jain community concerning the sacred pilgrimage site of Sammed Shikharji. This action sparked awareness and solidarity within the community.

Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj is described as a devoted follower of Goddess Saraswati, utilizing his spare time for literary creation, study, and contemplation.

The book then delves into each of the ten virtues:

Uttam Kshama Dharm (Supreme Forbearance): Forbearance is the ornament of the brave, leading to immortality. It involves moving from falsehood to truth and maintaining peace rather than succumbing to anger, which is likened to a demon. While anger can be used to counter injustice in practical life, one should remember their inherent nature is one of non-anger.
Uttam Mardav Dharm (Supreme Humility/Gentleness): This virtue signifies gentleness. Arrogance makes one's mind rigid, leading to the disregard of others. Ego and attachment (maya and lobha) are identified as the greatest enemies of the soul. To progress spiritually, one must shed pride and cultivate softness in their nature.
Uttam Arjav Dharm (Supreme Straightforwardness): The soul's nature is simplicity. Deceit traps one in the cycle of worldly existence, but the ultimate goal is liberation. The Dashlakshan Dharm guides the soul away from crookedness and deceit towards the straight path. This crookedness can be overcome by aligning one's mind, speech, and actions.
Uttam Satya Dharm (Supreme Truthfulness): "Satyameva Jayate" – truth alone triumphs. Truth is the inherent dharma of the soul and the essence of Jainism. The great Tirthankaras always resided in truth. Every human should strive to practice truthfulness as much as possible, as it leads to happiness related to the five senses.
Uttam Shauch Dharm (Supreme Purity): Purity is the soul's natural state – pure perception, knowledge, and consciousness. To achieve this, one must meditate by renouncing external objects with mind, speech, and body. In practical terms, it involves renouncing greed. Purity of the soul is attained through Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct. Householders should renounce greed and the associated passions that stain the soul.
Uttam Samyam Dharm (Supreme Restraint): Restraint is of two types: restraint of the senses and restraint of living beings. Controlling the five senses is sensory restraint. A restrained individual lives a happy life, leading to spiritual progress.
Uttam Tap Dharm (Supreme Austerity): Austerity can only be practiced after adhering to restraint. Through austerity, karmas are shed. One should awaken self-interest by detaching from external objects through proper austerity, which leads to their welfare.
Uttam Tyag Dharm (Supreme Renunciation): Since time immemorial, this soul has been grasping external objects, forgetting its true self. Hearing the teachings of the Jinas ignites the spirit of renunciation. Renunciation is of two types: partial (for householders) and complete (for ascetics). The renunciant is considered great in the world. Therefore, one should continuously practice the dharma of renunciation.
Uttam Akichinnya Dharm (Supreme Non-possession/Detachment): This means realizing "I am devoid of possessions." It is not the possession of objects but attachment to them that constitutes possession. Everyone must remember that they will eventually leave this world and therefore must continue to renounce. Daily visits to the temple, making donations, and devotion to the Guru help keep the mind away from desires and keep the flame of detachment perpetually burning.
Uttam Brahmacharya Dharm (Supreme Celibacy/Conjugal Restraint): Dwelling in one's own soul is Brahmacharya. It has two forms. Achieving liberation by shedding all karmas and merging with one's true nature leads to becoming "Brahma" or the liberated soul. In practice, it means renouncing one's own wife and other women and dedicating oneself to self-realization. The manifestation of divine light automatically suppresses other vices. Its observance leads to good health, radiance, knowledge, and improved memory.

The text concludes by emphasizing that individuals who follow these ten virtues will always have the divine dharma dwelling in their hearts. This inspiration will enable them to bring about their own welfare as well as the welfare of others. The practice of consuming pure food and water daily, similar to observing a festival, not only protects from diseases but also accrues merit.

Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj advocates for the adherence to the Dashlakshan Dharm by all individuals, aiming to foster a human society characterized by unity and universal happiness.