Dharmaratnakar - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dharmaratnakara" by Jayasena, based on the provided information:

Title: Dharmaratnākara (धर्मरत्नाकर) Author: Jayasenācārya (जयसेनाचार्य) Publisher: LALCHAND HIRACHAND Jaina Samskriti Samrakṣaka Sangha, Sholapur Editor: Dr. A. N. Upadhye Publication Year: 1974 (Veer Nirvana Samvat 2500)

Overview: The Dharmaratnakara, meaning "Ocean of Jewels of Dharma," is an extensive Jain text composed by Jayasena, an influential Acharya. As the title suggests, it is a rich compilation of verses, both original compositions and quotations from earlier works, expounding various religious topics central to Jainism. The book serves as a veritable mine of wisdom, offering choice verses to illuminate the path of a pious householder and the principles of Jain conduct. It is particularly significant for its detailed exposition of the Sāgāradharma (householder's dharma).

Author and Lineage: Jayasena, the author, is identified as belonging to the Lāda Bāgada Sangha. His spiritual lineage traces back to Medārya, a disciple of Mahavira, and includes notable predecessors like Dharmasena, Śāntiṣeṇa, Gopasena, and Bhāvasena. Jayasena demonstrates a profound mastery of Sanskrit expression, drawing extensively from earlier Sanskrit and Prakrit works, making his exposition authoritative and exhaustive. His work is dated to 998 AD.

Structure and Content: The Dharmaratnakara is divided into twenty chapters (अवसर/अध्याय). The text is critically edited by Dr. A. N. Upadhye, based on available manuscripts, with critical introductions, appendices, and footnotes providing valuable synonyms and explanations. The book includes a Hindi translation by Pt. Jinadas Parshvanath Phadakule.

Key Themes and Analysis of Contents (as per Introduction):

The Dharmaratnakara delves into a wide spectrum of Jain ethical and religious teachings, covering:

Consequences of Punya (Merit) and Papa (Demerit): The text emphasizes that virtuous actions (dharma) lead to happiness, prosperity, and ultimately liberation, while sinful actions (adharma) result in misery. It illustrates this with numerous examples of the benefits of punya, such as a happy family life, good fortune, and spiritual attainment, contrasted with the suffering caused by papa.
Fruits of Abhaya-dāna (Gift of Security) and Ahimsā (Non-violence): The core essence of dharma is presented as dayā (compassion) and abhaya-dāna (giving security to life). The text stresses that any religious act devoid of this is superficial. Ahimsa is paramount, guiding all activities, food choices, and interactions.
Fruits of Ahāra-dāna (Gift of Food) etc.: Dana, especially the gift of food, is highly praised as essential for sustaining life, practicing austerities, cultivating knowledge, and attaining liberation. The text highlights exemplary donors and the merits of supporting temples, images, the Sangha, and scriptures.
Sadhu-pūjā (Reverence to Monks) and its Fruits: Jaina monks are considered the most worthy recipients of dana and the pillars of dharma. The text discusses the importance of recognizing worthy monks, their scholarly and ethical qualities, and the benefits of showing reverence to them, even if they have minor faults.
Dāna (Charity) and its Fruits: The text advocates for charity without expecting returns, fostering satisfaction. It identifies Jina temples, images, the fourfold Sangha, and Jaina scriptures as worthy recipients. The author discourages selfishness and those who hinder charity, while emphasizing that even a little himsa in worldly activities is negligible when directed towards religious duties.
Jñāna-dāna (Gift of Knowledge) and its Fruits: Imparting knowledge is deemed the most crucial of all gifts, leading to correct behavior and the attainment of ultimate goals. Studying scriptures is essential for spiritual progress and right understanding.
Jana-dāna (Gift to People) and its Fruits: The text reiterates the importance of scriptures as the true Agama, being free from bias. It expounds the principle of Anekanta (multi-faceted reality) as the true path to understanding. The importance of awareness of one's karma and its fruits is stressed.
Auṣadha-dāna (Gift of Medicine): Offering medicine is highlighted as vital for maintaining the health of the Sangha, enabling effective religious practice.
Rise of Samyaktva (Right Faith): Samyaktva is presented as the foundation for both monastic and householder life. It involves unwavering faith in Jina's teachings, free from blemishes like misdirected faith (mūdhita) in deities, doctrines, or people. The text outlines the eight limbs (angas) of Samyaktva.
Limbs of Samyaktva: It details the various types and characteristics of Samyag-darśana (Right Faith), including concepts like prasama (calmness), samvega (earnestness), anukampā (compassion), and āstikya (faith). It also discusses the qualities of a Samyag-dṛṣṭi (one with Right Faith), such as niḥśaṅkita (freedom from doubt) and nirvicikitsā (freedom from revulsion).
Pratimās (Vows/Stages of Observance for Householders): The text outlines the progressive stages of adherence to vows for householders, starting from the first Pratimā (Right Faith) and moving through the twelve Vratas (vows) and seven Śīlas (virtues), detailing their specific prohibitions and implications. It covers abstaining from wine, flesh, honey, night-eating, and other harmful practices.
Second Pratima: Focuses on the Anuvratas (minor vows) and the practice of Ahimsā with controlled temper, avoiding injury to living beings in all activities.
Asteya (Non-stealing) etc.: Discusses the vows of non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession (parigraha), emphasizing self-restraint and the avoidance of greed.
Second Pratima (Continued): Discusses the avoidance of eating at night and the importance of the seven Śīlas for strengthening the vows.
Third Pratima: Sāmāyika: Focuses on the practice of Sāmāyika (equanimity, meditation), detailing its internal and external aspects, rituals, and the benefits of such practices.
Proṣadha-pratimā: Explains penance and fasting, observed on specific days, as essential for spiritual purification.
Sacittādi-pratimā: Discusses the avoidance of sacitta (living) items and the importance of limiting enjoyment of bhoga (consumable) and upabhoga (usable) items.
Pratimās ending with Uddiṣṭa-tyāga: Covers the stages of giving dana appropriately, the virtues of the donor, and the implications of special preparations for monks.
Sallekhanā: Details the practice of voluntary fasting until death as a means of spiritual culmination, emphasizing its meticulous and detached observance. It distinguishes it from suicide.
Miscellaneous Topics: The final chapter touches upon various themes, including Angapraviṣṭa and prakīrṇaka scriptures, the duties of householders, gupti (control), kashaya (passions), and the importance of observing the Ratnatraya (three jewels: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct).

Literary and Pedagogical Style: Jayasena's writing is marked by a profound understanding of Sanskrit expression and a vast range of studies, evident in his numerous quotations from earlier works. He is an effective teacher and preacher, presenting his ideas with clarity and authority. His exposition is rich with illustrations, anecdotes, and poetic embellishments, making the text engaging and impactful. He seems to favor ethical exhortation over purely classificatory discussions.

Sociological and Historical Significance: The Dharmaratnakara offers insights into the Jaina Sangha and the societal norms of the 10th century AD. The author's references to contemporary conditions and his understanding of other religious systems also add to its value for students of sociology and comparative religion.

Overall: The Dharmaratnakara stands as a significant and comprehensive work in Jain literature, providing profound guidance on ethical conduct, religious duties, and the path to spiritual liberation for householders. Its critical edition and translation make it accessible for deeper study and understanding of Jain philosophy and practice.