Dashvaikalik Swadhyaya - Book Summary

This document is a devotional text in Gujarati, titled "Dashvaikalik Swadhyaya" (Study of Dashvaikalika), authored by Vruddhivijay. It appears to be a commentary or devotional interpretation of the Jain text Dashvaikalika Sutra, broken down chapter by chapter (adhyayana).

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Overall Theme: The text emphasizes the importance of righteous conduct, detachment from worldly desires, and adherence to Jain principles for achieving spiritual liberation. It uses devotional songs and verses, often in a regional dialect, to convey these teachings. The author, Vruddhivijay, frequently invokes his Guru, Lajvijay, in the concluding verses of each section, indicating a lineage of teaching.

Key Concepts and Themes Across Chapters:

The Importance of Jain Principles: The text consistently highlights the core tenets of Jainism, including compassion for all living beings (Jivdaya), self-control (Sanyam), austerity (Tapas), and the five great vows (Pancha Mahavratas).
Detachment and Renunciation (Virakti/Tyaga): A recurring theme is the necessity of renouncing attachment to material possessions (wealth, gold, women), sensory pleasures, and even one's own body. True renunciation is seen as letting go of desires, not just physical possessions.
Ethical Conduct for Monks (Sadhus/Munis): The text provides detailed guidance on the conduct expected of Jain monks. This includes:
- Accepting pure food (Shuddha Ahar) and avoiding begging at night or from specific households.
- Practicing non-violence (Ahimsa) in thought, word, and deed, especially concerning living beings.
- Maintaining purity in actions, speech, and mind.
- Practicing equanimity (Samata) and enduring hardships (Parishaha) without complaint.
- Maintaining mindfulness and awareness in all activities (Iryavahi).
The Five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavratas): Several sections elaborate on these vows, explaining how to practice them with purity and diligence:
1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): Avoiding harm to any living being (Jiv Virahana) in thought, word, and deed.
2. Satya (Truthfulness): Speaking truthful words, but with wisdom and without causing harm.
3. Asteya (Non-stealing): Not taking anything that is not freely given.
4. Brahmacharya (Chastity/Celibacy): Complete control over sensual desires.
5. Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): Renouncing excessive attachment to possessions.
The Role of the Guru: The text emphasizes the crucial role of a Guru in spiritual progress. Devotion and obedience to the Guru are considered essential for understanding and practicing the teachings correctly.
Karma and Liberation: The text alludes to the law of karma, stating that actions lead to consequences and that shedding karma through right conduct leads to liberation (Moksha) and omniscience (Keval Gyana).
Purity: Purity in food, actions, thoughts, and intentions is consistently stressed as a fundamental requirement for spiritual advancement.

Chapter-Specific Highlights (as inferred from the Gujarati text):

Adhyayana 1 (Page 1-2): Focuses on the virtuous conduct of monks, likening them to bees collecting nectar. It stresses contentment and purity of purpose. It also begins to touch upon the story of Rajul and Neminath, highlighting the importance of overcoming sensual desires.
Adhyayana 2 (Page 2-3): Continues the theme of detachment, using the example of abandoning worldly pleasures. It speaks against clinging to past enjoyments and emphasizes the need to abandon desires for true renunciation.
Adhyayana 3 (Page 3-4): Details specific guidelines for monks, such as avoiding certain types of food, not bathing unnecessarily, not using perfumes, and not engaging in activities that attract attention or worldly comforts. It also mentions practicing equanimity and enduring hardships.
Adhyayana 4 (Page 4-5): Focuses on the practice of the five great vows, emphasizing purity and avoidance of sinful actions. It highlights the importance of understanding the nature of living beings and practicing mindful action.
Adhyayana 5 (Page 5-7): Discusses pure conduct in obtaining food (Ahar Shuddhi), avoiding certain foods and situations that could lead to attachment or harm. It emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in every action, from eating to walking.
Adhyayana 6 (Page 7-8): Deals with speech and truthfulness. It discusses the nuances of truthful communication, emphasizing that even truth should be spoken with consideration and without causing harm or offense. It warns against gossip and harsh words.
Adhyayana 7 (Page 8-9): Continues the discussion on truthful speech, categorizing different types of untruthful speech and the importance of speaking with discretion, empathy, and consideration for others' feelings.
Adhyayana 8 (Page 9-10): Focuses on avoiding worldly distractions and maintaining mental purity. It advises against engaging in activities like singing, dancing, and superstition, and encourages detachment from sensory pleasures.
Adhyayana 9 (Page 10-13): Explores the importance of controlling the four types of passions (Kashayas - anger, pride, deceit, greed) and cultivating virtues like peace, contentment, and humility. It strongly emphasizes the role of a Guru and the disastrous consequences of disrespecting them.
Adhyayana 10 (Page 13-15): Continues to emphasize the importance of virtue, self-control, and detachment. It highlights the practice of equanimity, enduring hardships, and maintaining a pure mind, even in challenging circumstances.
Adhyayana 11 (Page 15-16): Concludes the text by reiterating the importance of following the teachings, upholding the vows, and avoiding attachment to worldly pleasures and possessions. It speaks of achieving spiritual bliss through the practice of Jain principles.

In essence, "Dashvaikalik Swadhyaya" by Vruddhivijay is a guide for spiritual aspirants, particularly monks, to live a life of purity, detachment, and unwavering adherence to Jain Dharma, leading ultimately to liberation.