Dharm Deshna - Book Summary | JainGPT

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dharm Deshna" by Vijaydharmasuri, based on the provided catalog link and text snippets.

Book Title: Dharm Deshna (धर्मदेशना) Author: Acharya Shrimad Vijaydharmasuri (स्व० श्रीविजयधर्मसूरि) Publisher: Yashovijay Jain Granthmala (श्रीयशोजय जैन ग्रंथमाला)

Overview:

"Dharm Deshna" is a profound collection of spiritual discourses (Deshna) delivered by the revered Jain Acharya Shrimad Vijaydharmasuri. The book aims to provide guidance and inspiration for all individuals, regardless of their faith, social standing, or path of life, to attain a higher spiritual state and lead a virtuous existence. The text emphasizes the principles of Jainism, focusing on ethical conduct, self-discipline, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation (Moksha).

Author's Legacy (Introduction - Pages 2-3):

Acharya Vijaydharmasuri was a highly influential and dedicated Jain scholar and reformer. His tireless efforts were instrumental in the upliftment of the Jain community and the propagation of Jain philosophy. His notable contributions include:

Educational Initiatives: Establishing a large school in Kashi, producing numerous scholars in Sanskrit and Prakrit.
Social Reform: Traveling extensively on foot through regions where meat consumption was prevalent (like Magadh and Bengal), converting thousands of meat-eaters to vegetarianism.
Global Propagation of Jain Literature: Introducing Jain literature and its principles to scholars in Europe and America by providing them with valuable books and answering their queries.
Royal Patronage: Engaging with rulers of various states like Kashi, Bengal, and Udaipur, explaining the superiority of Jainism and its doctrines.
Preservation of Jain Heritage: Taking action to stop the desecration of Jain temples, such as the practice of English officials wearing boots inside the temples on Mount Abu.
Temple Rebuilding and Renovation: Spearheading efforts to remove superstitions and outdated practices among Jains in Gujarat, Kathiawar, Marwar, Mewar, Malwa, and other regions.
Philanthropic Institutions: Founding numerous public welfare organizations like schools, boarding houses, orphanages, libraries, and volunteer groups.
Academic Recognition: His works were recognized by institutions like Calcutta University, which included Jain Nyaya (Jain Logic) and Grammar in its examinations. He received honorary memberships from prestigious societies like the Asiatic Society of Bengal and the Oriental Society of Germany.
Literary Contributions: Despite his active engagement in social and religious work, he authored around two dozen significant books, many of which have gone through multiple editions, highlighting their immense value and popularity.

The Book "Dharm Deshna":

Original Language: The book was originally written in Gujarati.
Hindi Translation: This Hindi translation was prepared by the renowned Hindi writer Krishnalalji Verma.
Unique Characteristic of the Discourses: Acharya Vijaydharmasuri's discourses possessed a unique quality of being universally appealing and beneficial. His teachings captivated not only Jains but also individuals from all backgrounds, including Brahmins, Muslims, Parsis, Europeans, and Jews. This book is a compilation of those universally relevant discourses.
Relevance to Contemporary Times: The Acharya meticulously considered the prevailing circumstances of his time when delivering these discourses and composing this book, ensuring their practicality and applicability.
Content and Utility: The book is highly praised for its clarity, depth, and practicality. It elucidates fundamental principles of ethics and morality. Each point is supported by scriptural evidence (Shruti), logical reasoning (Yukti), and practical experience (Anubhuti). The inclusion of apt quotes (Subhashita) and illustrative anecdotes (Drishtant) further enhances its value for both general readers and discourse deliverers.
Universal Applicability: The book is beneficial for all human beings, irrespective of their religion, society, or sect.
Publisher's Aspiration: The publishers express their sincere hope that readers will benefit from this work and cultivate virtues that lead to spiritual elevation.

Key Themes and Chapters (Table of Contents - Pages 6-10):

The book is structured into four main sections (Prakaran), covering a wide range of topics essential for spiritual and ethical development:

Chapter 1: (Pages 1-166)

This chapter delves into foundational Jain philosophical concepts and the control of negative emotions. It covers:

Epistemology and Logic:
- Upakram (Introduction)
- Swaroop of Nay (The nature of perspective/viewpoints)
- Swaroop of Nikshep (The nature of classification/categories)
- Swaroop of Praman (The nature of valid knowledge/means of knowledge)
- Swaroop of Saptabhangi (The nature of the sevenfold judgment)
- Swaroop of Syadvada (The doctrine of qualified predication)
Virtue and Conduct:
- Bhed of Deshna (Types of discourse)
- Brief Charitra of Tirthankaras (Brief life stories of Tirthankaras)
- Example of Bahubali (A narrative illustrating spiritual discipline)
- Kapil Kevi's example (Another narrative illustrating spiritual attainment)
Overcoming Negative Emotions:
- Swaroop of Krodh (The nature of anger)
- Ways to conquer anger
- Swaroop of Maan (The nature of pride)
- Ways to conquer pride
- Swaroop of Maya (The nature of deceit/illusion)
- Ways to conquer deceit
- Swaroop of Lobh (The nature of greed)
- Ways to conquer greed

Chapter 2: (Pages 167-356)

This chapter focuses on detachment, the importance of knowledge, discipline, and spiritual steadfastness. It includes:

Vairagya (Detachment): Discussing the importance of renunciation.
Knowledge and Understanding:
- Importance of Samyak Gyan (Right knowledge)
- The nature of a Pandit (Wise person)
- The glory of Munis (Jain monks)
Ethical Practices and Discipline:
- The significance of Tap (Austerities)
- Nandan Rishi's example (Illustrating steadfastness)
- Dealing with obstacles (Upasarga)
- Steadfastness in Dharma
- Renouncing vices like arrogance etc.
- The nature of true spiritual followers
- Guidance for specific disciples
- Renouncing attachment (Murcha)
- The importance of living in solitude
- Renouncing association with women etc.
- Purity of speech
- Practices arising from ignorance
- Adhering to the pure path
- Renouncing worldly desires
- The nature of sincerity (Nishkapatbhav)
- Experiences related to women (Agoshar Stri Charitra)
- The necessity of action (Kriya ki Jaroorat)
- Renouncing worldly desires (Vishay-ichha ka Tyag)
- Wisdom from atheistic statements (Naastik ke Vachan)
- Refutations of atheistic arguments (Naastik ke Vachano ka Nirakaran)
- The soul bearing karma alone (Jeev, Karma Akela hi Bhogta hai)
- Description of Dashavatara (Ten Incarnations)

Chapter 3: (Pages 357-494)

This chapter delves into the nature of the body, attachment, and the sorrows of existence, leading to the path of renunciation. It covers:

The Nature of Reality:
- Moh Prapanch (The intricacies of attachment/delusion)
- The nature of impurity
- The illusory nature of the body
- The instability of existence
- The feeling of oneness (Ekatva Bhavna)
- The sorrowful nature of the world (Dukhkamay Sansar)
The Sufferings of Different Realms:
- Dukhs of Naraka Gati (Sufferings in the hellish realm)
- Dukhs of Tiryanch Gati (Sufferings in the animal realm)
- Dukhs of Manushya Gati (Sufferings in the human realm)
- Dukhs of Deva Gati (Sufferings in the celestial realm)
The Rarity of Human Birth and the Path to Liberation:
- The rarity of human birth (Manav Janma ki Durlabhta)
- Ten examples illustrating the rarity of human birth (Das Drishtant)
- The superiority of vows (Vrat ki Shreshthata)
- Asrava Vichar (Reflection on influx of karma)
- Bandha-Hetu (Causes of bondage)

Chapter 4: (Pages 495-550)

This chapter focuses on the qualities of a "Marganusari" (one who follows the path) and provides practical guidance for spiritual progress. It details 35 virtues:

Qualities of a Marganusari: The chapter meticulously outlines 35 virtues, starting with:
- Nyayasampanna Vibhavah (Possessing righteous wealth)
- Shishtachar Pranshansak (Appreciating good conduct)
- Kulshilsamaih Sardh Kritodvahonyagotrajah (Marrying someone of similar character and conduct, though from a different lineage/Gotra)
- Papbhiru (Fearful of sin)
- Prasiddha Deshacharam Samacharan (Following established customs of the land)
- Avarnavadi Na Kwapi Rajadishu Visheshatah (Avoiding defamation, especially of royalty)
- Anatikta Guptesh Cha Sthana Suprativeshmakaha (Living in a well-situated, secure, and discreet place)
- Anek Nirgam Dwar Vivarjita Niketanah (Having a house without numerous entry/exit points to ensure security)
- Krut Sanga Sadachareh (Associating with virtuous people)
- Matapitrosh Cha Pujak (Worshipping parents)
- Tyajannupaplutsthanam Apravrittish Cha Garhite (Abandoning afflicted places and abstaining from censured actions)
- Vyayam Ayachitam Kurban (Spending within one's means)
- Vesham Vittanusarat (Dressing according to one's financial capacity)
- Ashtabhir Dhigunai Yuktah (Possessing eight virtues of intellect)
- Shrinvan Dharmamanvaham (Listening to Dharma diligently)
- Ajirne Bhojan Tyagi (Refraining from eating when digestion is weak)
- Kale Bhokta Cha Satmyatah (Eating wholesome food at the right time)
- Anyonyaprati Bandhena Trivargamapi Sadhayet (Achieving Dharma, Artha, and Kama harmoniously)
- Yathavad Atithau Sadhau Dane Cha Pratipat Krut (Honoring guests, saints, and the needy appropriately)
- Sadhanabhinvishtash Cha Pakshapati Gunsu Cha (Being unbiased, but supporting virtues)
- Adesh Kalayosh Charyo Tyajan Janan Balabalam (Avoiding wrong places and times, knowing one's strengths and weaknesses)
- Vrittastha Gnan Vriddhana Pujak (Honoring knowledgeable elders)
- Poshya Poshak (Responsibility for dependents)
- Dirghadarshi Vishseshagyah (Being foresighted and discerning)
- Krutagyo Lokvallabh (Being grateful and amiable to all)
- Salajja Sadayah Saumyhah Paropkarti Karmatah (Being modest, compassionate, gentle, and helpful)
- Antarang Shadvarg Parihar Parayanah (Renouncing the six internal enemies: Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Maan, Moha, Matsara - Passion, Anger, Greed, Pride, Delusion, Jealousy)
- Vashikrut Indriya Gramah (Having control over the senses)

Key Philosophical and Ethical Concepts:

The book delves into various philosophical concepts central to Jainism, including:

Nayas, Nikshepas, Pramanas, Saptabhangi, and Syadvada: These are fundamental to understanding Jain logic and epistemology, emphasizing that truth is multifaceted and can be understood from different perspectives.
Karmas: The text extensively discusses the concept of Karma, its bondage (Bandha), its influx (Asrava), and its eventual eradication (Nirjara) as the path to liberation. The detailed explanation of different types of Karma and their causes is a significant part of the book.
Virtues and Vices: A major focus is on the cultivation of virtues like non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy/chastity (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha), which are the five Mahavratas. It also details the dangers of vices like anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, and the impact of the senses.
Renunciation and Detachment: The book strongly advocates for detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and bodily pleasures as a means to spiritual progress.
The Nature of Existence: It provides a stark depiction of the sufferings in different realms (Naraka, Tiryanch, Manushya, Deva) to foster Vairagya (detachment).
The Importance of Human Life: The rarity of human birth is emphasized, highlighting it as a precious opportunity for spiritual advancement.
Discipline and Conduct: The text provides practical advice on ethical conduct, self-control, and adherence to vows, which are crucial for both householders and ascetics.
The Role of Knowledge: It underscores the importance of right knowledge (Samyak Gyan) as a guide on the spiritual path, distinguishing true wisdom from mere intellectualism.
The Legacy of Tirthankaras: The book includes brief accounts of the Tirthankaras, serving as exemplars of spiritual perfection.

In essence, "Dharm Deshna" serves as a comprehensive guide for spiritual seekers, offering profound insights into Jain philosophy, practical ethical guidance, and the means to overcome worldly attachments and attain liberation. Acharya Vijaydharmasuri's teachings, as presented in this book, continue to be a source of wisdom and inspiration for Jains and non-Jains alike.