Dharm Jain Updesh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dharm Jain Updesh" (Religious Jain Teachings) by Dwarkaprasad Jain, based on the provided pages:

Overview and Purpose:

The book "Dharm Jain Updesh" (Religious Jain Teachings) by Dwarkaprasad Jain, published by Mahavir Digambar Jain Mandir Aligarh, aims to spread Jain teachings and promote the understanding and practice of Jain dharma. The author expresses concern over the neglect of religious scriptures, the dilapidated state of temples, and the lack of proper study among some Jain community members. The book is intended to address these issues by providing guidance and encouragement for spiritual growth and the propagation of Jainism.

Author's Motivation and Concerns:

Dwarkaprasad Jain, also identified as the Postmaster of Bharatpur and Chairman of the Digambar Jain Dharm Prabhavani Sabha, highlights several concerns:

• Neglect of Temples and Scriptures: Some Jains, even those in positions of influence, are creating obstacles to the progress and maintenance of temples and neglecting the study of scriptures. This is seen as a grave offense that leads to the deterioration of valuable religious texts.
• Lack of Scriptural Knowledge: The author believes that ignorance of Jain scriptures is a primary reason for the decline in religious practice and understanding.
• Criticism from Outsiders: Many Jains face criticism for their religious practices from non-Jains due to a lack of proper explanation of Jainism's principles. This can sometimes lead to non-Jains obstructing Jain religious activities and festivals.
• Call for Inter-religious Harmony: The author appeals to the non-Jain community to foster friendship with Jains, visit Jain temples, and benefit from Jain dharma.

Key Objectives of the Book:

The book's publication is driven by the following objectives:

• Promoting Scriptural Study (Swadhyay): To encourage the study and understanding of Jain scriptures.
• Propagating Jain Dharma (Dharm Prabhavna): To spread the teachings of Jainism.
• Achieving Liberation (Moksha Sukha): Ultimately, to guide individuals towards achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Request for Respectful Handling and Distribution:

The author makes specific requests for handling the book:

• Respectful Preservation: It should be kept with humility and not discarded.
• Reading and Recitation: Reading the book daily and reciting its teachings will bring auspiciousness.
• Proper Disposal of Disrespect: If disrespectful handling or discarding is unavoidable, the book should be given to a Jain temple or another Jain person.
• Prominent Placement: The book should be displayed on a pedestal in every Jain temple across India for public viewing and reading.
• Widespread Availability: It should be made available in every library, reading room, institution, school, and Jain temple.

The Role of God/Paramatma:

The author emphasizes the omnipresence of God (Paramatma, Ishwar, Khuda) who is witness to all actions. This underscores the importance of acting with righteousness and avoiding wrongdoing.

Correspondence:

The author invites individuals to correspond with him regarding any subject at the provided address in Bharatpur, Rajputana.

Errata (Shuddh Suchna Patra):

A significant portion of the initial pages is dedicated to an errata list, correcting numerous errors in the printed text. This indicates a meticulous effort to ensure accuracy in the published work.

Table of Contents (Vishay Suchi):

The book features an extensive table of contents, covering a wide range of topics related to Jainism, including:

• Letters of recognition and support from dignitaries like the Viceroy.
• The antiquity and nature of Jain Dharma, particularly its connection with Kshatriyas.
• Discussions on the eras and calendars, including the Rishabh Nirvan Samvat and its calculations.
• The nature of deities (Dev Swaroop).
• The six cardinal sins (Ashradana Dosh).
• The suffering in the world (Samsari Dukh).
• Worship practices (Pooja Adhikar) and Jain castes.
• The history of some Jain communities.
• The characteristics of a Guru.
• Opinions of non-Jain scholars on Jainism.
• Jain philosophy and principles.
• The significance of Diwali (Deep Malika).
• A test of Dharma (Dharma Pariksha).
• The nature of vows (Vrat Ka Swaroop).
• The Fourfold Path (Char Aradhana).
• Teachings from scriptures like the Padma Purana.
• The teachings of the Sapt Rishis.
• The importance of Swadhyay (Self-study).
• The protection of Jin Vani (Jain scriptures).
• The question of whether Jains are "Nigun" (without qualities).
• Discussions on Samyam (restraint), Tap (austerities), and Dan (charity).
• Appeals to women and the importance of women's role in dharma.
• Discussions on women's education and Mahavratas.
• A section on Dharma Charcha (religious discussions).
• Notes on various topics like Swadhyay, qualities of Jain Panchs, and health.
• The meaning of "Juhar" (respectful greeting).
• The importance of establishing Jain libraries.
• The benefits of Jain Dharma.
• The subject matter of religious scriptures.
• The concept of debate and its limitations.
• Appeals to Digamber Jain institutions.
• The veneration of Tirthankaras.
• The meaning of Sutaka (impurity/mourning).
• The nature of different types of happiness.
• The duties of a householder.
• The meaning of "Jin."
• Ethical principles and the identification of a true believer.
• The importance of Updesh (teachings).
• The teachings of Muni Shanti Sagar Ji on women's education.
• The Moolgunas (fundamental virtues) of Arhant and Siddha Bhagwan.
• A long warning.
• Prayers and blessings.
• The significance of the soul and the path to liberation.
• The nature of God and the rejection of anthropomorphic or flawed divine concepts.
• The importance of the six daily duties (Pad Karyas) for Jains.
• The concept of different stages of the soul (Bahiratm, Antaratm, Paramatm).
• The significance of Jin Darshan (seeing the idol of a Tirthankara).
• The importance of proper conduct in Jain temples and the avoidance of 84 types of sins (Asadhana Dosh) within them.
• An illustrative story of the 'Samsara Van' to explain the nature of suffering and pleasure in the world.
• The significance of worship and the acceptance of women's participation in it.
• A comprehensive list of Jain castes.
• A brief history of some Jain castes, particularly the Jaiswal community.
• The concept of Guru and the importance of respecting them.
• The antiquity and superiority of Jain Dharma, supported by quotes from prominent non-Jain scholars like Dr. Sachchidananda Vidyabhushan, Swami Ramamishra, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Dr. A. Guirnat, Dr. Johannes Hertel, Mr. Kanhulal, and others.
• The author also includes excerpts from various Jain scriptures and historical texts to support his claims about the antiquity and principles of Jainism.
• Discussions on the concept of 'Nay' (standpoint) in Jain philosophy.
• The importance of practicing 'Dharma' as the inherent nature of the soul and living a virtuous life.
• The significance of 'Vinaya' (humility and respect) in spiritual practice.
• The importance of the 'Deep Malika' (Diwali) festival and its Jain connection.
• The book concludes with prayers, bhajans, and a reaffirmation of Jain principles.

Key Jain Concepts Discussed:

• Tirthankaras: The 24 Tirthankaras are presented as the founders and propagators of Jain dharma.
• Karma: The concept of karma and its influence on the soul's journey through different realms of existence is central.
• Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal is liberation from the cycle of rebirth through right belief, knowledge, and conduct.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa is emphasized as the supreme dharma.
• Swadhyay (Self-study): The importance of studying scriptures for spiritual progress is repeatedly stressed.
• Samvat (Era): The book delves into the calculation and significance of Jain eras, particularly the Rishabh Nirvan Samvat.
• Four Aradhana (Fourfold Path): Right Belief, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct, and Austerities are presented as the means to liberation.
• Vinaya (Humility): Humility is highlighted as the root of spiritual progress.
• Gurus: The importance of venerating and following the teachings of omniscient Tirthankaras and enlightened monks is emphasized.

In essence, "Dharm Jain Updesh" is a comprehensive guide to Jain dharma, aiming to educate, inspire, and guide Jains towards a more devout and knowledgeable practice of their faith, while also advocating for inter-religious harmony and respect.