Dev Shastra Aur Guru - Book Summary

The book "Dev, Shastra Aur Guru" (God, Scripture, and Teacher) by Sudarshanlal Jain, published by Akhil Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Vidwat Parishad, is a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental pillars of Jainism: the true Dev (God), true Shastra (Scripture), and true Guru (Spiritual Guide).

The author, Dr. Sudarshan Lal Jain, holds significant academic and administrative positions, including being a professor and head of the Sanskrit department at Banaras Hindu University, and the minister of the All India Digambar Jain Vidwat Parishad. This background allows him to approach the subject with deep knowledge of classical texts and scholarly rigor.

The book, presented as a research paper, aims to clarify the true essence of Dev, Shastra, and Guru according to Jain philosophy, addressing existing confusions and deviations in practice. It emphasizes that understanding these three is the first step towards samyakdarshan (right faith), without which spiritual progress is impossible.

Here's a summary of the key themes and content:

Chapter 1: Dev (God) - The Nature of Arhant and Siddha

Defining "Dev": The book distinguishes between various interpretations of "Dev." In Jainism, the term refers to the Jivanmukta (Arhants) and Videhmukta (Siddhas), who have achieved liberation. Other celestial beings (Devaagati) are considered different from these true deities.
True Deities: Arhants and Siddhas are identified as the true, adorable deities (Devadhidev). Arhants are those who have attained kevalgyan (omniscience) and are still embodied, while Siddhas are liberated beings without bodies.
Misconceptions: The text refutes the idea of a creator God in Jainism. Jain deities are not creators, preservers, or destroyers of the universe. They are pathfinders and perfect souls who have eradicated karmic impurities.
Veneration: The purpose of worshipping Arhants and Siddhas is not for worldly favors but to contemplate their virtues and aspire to attain a similar state. Their worship purifies the devotee's inner disposition.
Purity of Intention: The book criticizes the practice of worshipping guardian deities like Padmavati and Kshetrapal alongside Jinendra Dev in temples. These are considered servants of Jinendra Dev, and attributing divine status to them, or worshipping them for worldly gains, is deemed a form of mithyatva (delusion). The veneration of Vitaragi (passion-free) beings is central.
Qualities of Arhants and Siddhas: The text details the numerous auspicious qualities, pratiharyas (miraculous attributes), and atishayas (extraordinary characteristics) of Arhants and Siddhas. It explains the concept of the 46 divine qualities found in Tirthankaras and the fundamental 8 perfections that all Siddhas possess due to the absence of karma.

Chapter 2: Shastra (Scripture) - The Agama Granths

Defining "Shastra": A "Shastra" is a scripture that is authentic, free from contradictions, beneficial to all, and expounds the truth. In Jainism, the ultimate authority is the Agama, the teachings of the omniscient Tirthankaras as transmitted through the Ganadharas (chief disciples).
Authenticity: The authenticity of scriptures is based on their origin from omniscient beings (Kevalis), their coherence with Vitaragi principles, their adherence to Syadvada (non-absolutist view), and their transmission through a pure lineage of Acharyas.
The Agama Tradition: The book traces the history of the Jain scriptural tradition, from the original teachings of Mahavir Swami, through the Ganadharas, the Shrutakevalis, and down to the various Sanghas and Acharyas.
Loss of Original Scriptures: It acknowledges that due to the passage of time and calamities, much of the original Anga and Angabahya literature is lost. However, the essence and core teachings are preserved in later authentic works.
The Importance of Nayas: The correct understanding of scriptures requires the application of different nayes (viewpoints) such as Nishchaya (ultimate truth) and Vyavahara (conventional truth), as well as Utsarga (general principle) and Apavada (exception).
Adhering to the Spirit: The book stresses that the true meaning of scriptures lies in their core principles (भावार्थ) rather than just the literal words (शब्दार्थ), and that interpretation must be consistent with the overall Jain philosophy of Vitaragata (passionlessness) and Ahimsa (non-violence).

Chapter 3: Guru (Teacher) - The Sadhus

Defining "Guru": The ultimate Guru is the pure soul within, but in a practical sense, those who guide others towards liberation are considered Gurus. This includes the Arhants and Siddhas (Paramguru), and Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus (Muni).
Qualities of a True Guru: A true Guru must be virtuous, knowledgeable in scriptures, possess right faith, and be free from worldly attachments and passions. They must embody the principles they teach and guide disciples through their own conduct and teachings.
Types of Gurus: The book differentiates between Acharyas (leaders and preceptors), Upadhyayas (teachers of scriptures), and Sadhu (monks). While they have specific roles, they are fundamentally united by their adherence to the path of liberation.
The Sadhus' Conduct: The text delves into the rigorous conduct expected of Jain monks, detailing their mulgunas (fundamental vows and observances) and uttargunas (higher observances), covering aspects like diet, dress (or lack thereof), living arrangements, and daily routines. It emphasizes the importance of Yatnachaar (careful conduct) to minimize harm to all forms of life.
Prohibited Actions: Various actions are deemed forbidden for Sadhus, including beautifying the body, harboring enmity, indulging in anger or other passions, not purifying food and belongings, engaging in deceit, practicing forbidden arts like astrology or tantra, associating with undesirable people, and using impure dwelling places or food.
The Ideal Sadhaka: The book describes the characteristics of a true Sadhaka as being strong, patient, pure, knowledge-driven, detached, and constantly striving for self-realization, following the path of Vitaragata and Ahimsa.
Distinguishing True from False Sadhus: The text provides criteria to discern genuine Sadhus from those who are merely in the guise of monks (like pashustha or kushila Sadhus), emphasizing the importance of pure conduct and adherence to the core principles of Jainism.

Chapter 4: Conclusion

Modern Relevance: The book concludes by reflecting on the relevance of these principles in the modern materialistic world, where mental stress and suffering are prevalent. It suggests that the path of true Sadhus and righteous householders (Sravakas) offers the solution.
Synthesizing the Concepts: The author reiterates that true Dev, Shastra, and Guru are interconnected and essential for spiritual upliftment. The teachings of the true Dev (Arhants and Siddhas) are preserved in the true Shastras, and these scriptures are illuminated by the true Gurus (Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus).
The Ultimate Goal: The ultimate aim of following the path of Dev, Shastra, and Guru is to attain liberation (Moksha) by eradicating karma and realizing the pure, soul-form of God within.

Appendices:

Appendix 1: Lists prominent Digambar Jain scholars and their works, providing historical context and the lineage of Jain philosophical and literary traditions.
Appendix 2: Provides an index of abbreviations and a bibliography of key Jain texts consulted, showcasing the depth of research.

Author's Profile:

The book includes a detailed profile of Dr. Sudarshan Lal Jain, highlighting his academic achievements, publications, and contributions to Jain studies, underscoring his authority on the subject.

In essence, "Dev, Shastra Aur Guru" is a foundational text for understanding the core tenets of Jainism, presented in a clear, scholarly, and well-researched manner, aiming to guide readers towards a correct and authentic practice of the Jain faith.