Dhammam Sarnam Pavajjami Part 3

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dhammam Sarnam Pavajjami Part 3" by Acharya Shri Vijaybhadraguptasuri, based on the provided pages:

Overview of the Text:

"Dhammam Sarnam Pavajjami Part 3" is presented as a series of discourses by Acharya Shri Vijaybhadraguptasuri Maharaj. These discourses are based on the first chapter of the esteemed Jain text "Dharmabindu," authored by Acharya Shri Haribhadrasuri. The book aims to provide comprehensive, insightful, and accessible guidance on the spiritual journey from the beginning of a seeker's path to its ultimate culmination.

Key Themes and Content (Based on provided pages):

The text is structured as a collection of "Pravachans" (discourses). Based on the provided pages, the following key themes and concepts are discussed:

• The Core Principle: The title itself, "Dhammam Sarnam Pavajjami," signifies "I take refuge in the Dharma (path of righteousness)." This highlights the central theme of seeking refuge and guidance in the Jain path.

• Foundation in Dharmabindu: The discourses are deeply rooted in the "Dharmabindu," a foundational Jain scripture that outlines the principles and practices for householders and ascetics alike.

• Acharya Shri Vijaybhadraguptasuri's Life and Work: Page 4 provides a biographical sketch of Acharya Shri Vijaybhadraguptasuri. It details his birth, his initiation into monastic life at a young age, his extensive study of 45 Agamas (Jain scriptures), and his prolific writing career spanning philosophy, literature, and spiritual guidance. His compassionate nature, focus on the well-being of the younger generation, and his dedication to promoting spiritual practices are highlighted. His passing in 1999 is also mentioned.

• Re-publication and Dedication: Pages 5 and 6 explain the context of this specific publication. The Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Koba, undertook the re-publication of the works of Acharya Shri Priyadarshan (Shri Vijaybhadraguptasuri's spiritual name) after the dissolution of the original publishing trust. This effort was supported by generous donations and made possible through the collaboration of various individuals and departments within the Kendra, including proofreaders, compositors, and designers. The aim is to make this valuable spiritual literature accessible to a wider audience.

• Focus on "Indriya-Vijay" (Conquest of the Senses): Pravachan 49 (pages 9-18) delves deeply into the concept of "Indriya-Vijay."

  • The Importance of Sense Control: It emphasizes that liberation (moksha) is unattainable without conquering the senses.
  • Identifying Inner Enemies: The discourse stresses the need to identify and overcome "inner enemies" such as lust, anger, greed, pride, and attachment. Overcoming these internal foes is presented as the key to controlling the senses.
  • The Dangers of Greed (Lobha): Greed is identified as a primary inner enemy that clouds judgment, leading to mistaking friends for foes and vice-versa.
  • Three Areas of Intense Greed to Avoid: The Acharya specifically warns against intense greed for:
    • Power/Position (Pad): The discourse critiques the pervasive desire for political and social power, detailing how it corrupts individuals and leads to unethical practices.
    • Wealth (Paisa): The relentless pursuit of wealth is shown to distract from spiritual introspection, leading to moral compromise and familial discord.
    • Prestige/Fame (Pratishtha): The obsession with maintaining social standing can lead to dishonesty, debt, and even despair.
  • The Nature of Pride (Mad): Pride, in its various forms (pride of birth, strength, intellect, knowledge, etc.), is depicted as a blinding force that prevents one from seeing what is truly beneficial for both this life and the next. The story of Bahubali is used to illustrate how even after renouncing a kingdom, pride in one's status could obstruct spiritual realization.
  • The Consequences of Pride: The discourse warns that the object of one's pride in this life will be obtained in a degraded form, or not at all, in the next life.
  • The Six Inner Enemies: The discourse mentions six inner enemies: lust (kama), anger (krodha), greed (lobha), pride (mada), ego/conceit (mana), and joy/exuberance (harsha). Control over these is essential for Indriya-Vijay.
  • The Role of "Harsha" (Joy) as an Enemy: Pravachan 50 (pages 21-27) explains how even joy can become an enemy when it arises from sinful actions. True happiness is found in righteous pursuits and virtuous conduct.
  • Practical Guidance for Sense Control: The latter part of Pravachan 50 provides practical advice for controlling specific senses:
    • Hearing (Shravana): Avoid slander, self-praise, vulgar songs, and sensational news. Listen to virtuous teachings, spiritual discussions, and the lives of great souls.
    • Sight (Chakshu): Avoid inappropriate films, dramas, and TV. Be mindful of what you read, avoiding sensational or immoral literature.
    • Smell (Ghrana): Be moderate in enjoying fragrances and avoid dwelling on foul odors.
    • Taste (Rasana): Avoid forbidden foods (abhakshya), excessive sweetness, and eating at odd hours or in restaurants. Speak less and choose words carefully.
    • Touch (Sparsha): Avoid luxurious comforts, be mindful of physical contact, especially with the opposite sex, and dress modestly.
  • The Importance of Place and Environment: Pravachan 51 (pages 32-42) discusses the significance of choosing a place of residence that is free from disturbances and conducive to spiritual practice. It advises avoiding areas prone to conflict, crime, or negative influences.
  • The Importance of Association: Pravachan 53 (pages 55-64) emphasizes the crucial role of associating with virtuous individuals ("gunavan purush"). Such association fosters good qualities and leads to respect and positive influence. The stories of Mahakavi Nirala and Samrat Samprati illustrate the virtues of generosity, kindness, and gratitude.
  • The Importance of a Suitable Home: Pravachan 54 (pages 67-76) discusses the need to choose a home in a safe and secure location, away from crime and negative influences. It cautions against isolated dwellings and highlights the importance of a supportive neighborhood.
  • The Importance of Auspicious Land and Home: Pravachan 55 (pages 77-88) delves into the significance of choosing auspicious land and constructing a home according to traditional principles, considering factors like soil, water sources, and potential omens.
  • The Importance of Appropriate Attire: Pravachan 56 (pages 89-100) addresses the concept of appropriate dress, emphasizing that attire should be in accordance with one's status, age, occasion, and societal norms, rather than solely dictated by fleeting fashion trends.
  • The Importance of Balanced Spending: Pravachan 57 (pages 101-111) focuses on the principle of spending within one's means, advocating for saving and allocating funds for Dharma, family, business, and essential needs, rather than succumbing to excessive expenditure and debt.
  • The Importance of Following Local Customs and Ethical Conduct: Pravachan 58 (pages 112-122) highlights the importance of adhering to societal norms and ethical practices, warning against the consumption of meat, alcohol, and gambling, and emphasizing the negative impact of such vices on health and spiritual progress.
  • The Importance of Avoiding Blameworthy Actions: Pravachan 59 (pages 123-132) stresses the need to abstain from all sinful and blameworthy actions, including those that are widely prevalent in society due to governmental promotion or cultural acceptance.
  • The Importance of Avoiding Slander and Criticizing Others: Pravachan 60 (pages 133-141) strongly condemns slander (avarnavaad), highlighting its roots in envy and malice, and its detrimental effects on one's own character and relationships.
  • The Importance of Associating with the Virtuous: Pravachan 61 (pages 142-152) reiterates the significance of associating with righteous individuals and avoiding the company of the unrighteous, emphasizing that association shapes one's character and destiny.
  • The Importance of Honoring Parents: Pravachan 62-66 (pages 153-206) extensively discusses the duty of honoring parents, emphasizing the virtues of tolerance, affection, generosity, and seriousness that parents should embody. It underscores that true honor comes from fulfilling one's responsibilities towards parents, not just through outward gestures.
  • The Importance of Avoiding Agitation and Maintaining Peace: Pravachan 67 (pages 207-216) stresses the need to avoid causing mental distress or agitation to others through thoughts, words, or actions, highlighting that one's own peace is linked to the peace of others.
  • The Importance of Supporting Dependents: Pravachan 68 (pages 217-228) emphasizes the responsibility of supporting family members, including parents, spouses, children, and even employees, and the dire consequences of neglecting these duties.
  • The Importance of Devotional Practices and Service: Pravachan 69 (pages 229-240) focuses on the acts of worshipping deities, honoring guests, and serving the needy, explaining the significance of these practices and the proper way to perform them with the right mindset.
  • The Importance of Timely and Appropriate Eating: Pravachan 71 & 72 (pages 252-274) detail the principles of eating according to one's constitution (prakriti), at the right time, and in moderation, warning against the dangers of overindulgence, unwholesome foods, and the negative impact on physical and mental well-being.

Overall Message:

The text conveys a profound message of living a life guided by Dharma, emphasizing self-control, ethical conduct, mindful behavior, and devotion. It provides practical advice for navigating the challenges of worldly life while staying on the path of spiritual progress. The discourses serve as a spiritual guide, urging readers to cultivate virtues, overcome vices, and ultimately strive for liberation.