Dharmopadesh Shloka - Book Summary

This Jain text, titled "Dharmopadesh Shloka" (धर्मोपदेश-श्लोकाः), is a collection of verses offering moral and spiritual guidance. It was compiled and translated into Sanskrit and Hindi by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Sushil Surishwar Ji Maharaj Sahib (आचार्य श्रीमद् विजय सुशील सूरीश्वर जी म. सा.), with the original verses attributed to a "Purva Munipati" (पूर्वमुनिपति), meaning a previous ascetic. The publication is credited to the Sushil Sahitya Prakashan Samiti (श्रीसुशील-साहित्य-प्रकाशन-समिति) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and this particular edition was published in Vikram Samvat 2046 (1989 AD).

The book is a part of the "Shri Nemi-Lavanya-Daksha-Sushil Granthamala" (श्री नेमि-लावण्य-दक्ष-सुशील ग्रन्थमाला), signifying its connection to the lineage and teachings of these respected Jain Acharyas.

Key Features and Content:

Structure: The book contains 126 verses, each focusing on a specific virtue, vice, or aspect of Jain philosophy and practice.
Comprehensive Commentary: For each verse, Acharya Vijay Sushil Surishwar Ji has provided:
- Padachchhed (पदच्छेद): Breaking down the verse into its individual words.
- Anvay (अन्वय): Rearranging the words into a grammatically correct sentence structure.
- Shabdarth (शब्दार्थ): Providing word-by-word meanings.
- Shlokarth (श्लोकार्थ): Explaining the overall meaning and message of the verse in Hindi.
- Sanskrita Anuvad (संस्कृतानुवाद): A Sanskrit prose translation of the verse, making the teachings accessible to a wider audience.
Themes Covered: The verses cover a wide range of ethical and spiritual topics, including:
- Virtues: Charity (दान), good conduct (शील), penance (तप), devotion (भक्ति), forgiveness (क्षमा), righteousness (धर्म), contentment (सन्तोष), non-greed (अलोभता), wisdom (मति), truthfulness (सत्यम्), generosity (सौजन्यम्), humility (विनयी), virtuous conduct (चरित्रधर्मम्), and spiritual practice (धर्माराधन).
- Vices: Greed (तृष्णा, लोभ), anger (क्रोध), ego/pride (अहङ्कार, स्मय), hypocrisy (कपटी), envy (मत्सर), falsehood (असत्यम्), attachment to worldly pleasures (विषय), and malice (परद्रोह).
- Spiritual Concepts: The importance of good company (साधुसंसर्गः), the nature of the body (देहफलम्), selfless service (वैयावृत्यम्), renunciation (प्रव्रज्या), the efficacy of Jain scriptures (आगम), the importance of right faith (सम्यक्त्वम्), and the path to liberation (मोक्ष).
- Illustrative Examples: Many verses cite examples from Jain scriptures and history, referencing prominent figures like Shali-bhadra, Muldev, Harikesh, Nandiṣena, Kunal, Shrīpāla, Shrenik, Bahubali, and many others to illustrate the points being made.
Purpose: The book aims to provide practical guidance for spiritual upliftment and to serve as a resource for spiritual speakers and educators. The preface by Dr. Chetan Prakash Patni highlights the value of this work for personal study and public discourse.
Dedication: The work is dedicated to Acharya Gurudev Shrimad Vijay Sushil Surishwar Ji Maharaj Sahib, acknowledging his immense contribution to Jain literature and spiritual dissemination.

In essence, "Dharmopadesh Shloka" is a profound collection of ethical teachings rooted in Jain philosophy, made accessible and understandable through the detailed commentary and translation of Acharya Vijay Sushil Surishwar Ji. It encourages the reader to cultivate virtues, renounce vices, and strive for spiritual liberation through diligent practice and adherence to Jain principles.