Dharmratna Prakaran Part 02 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Dharmaratna Prakaran Part 02," based on the provided text:

Title: Dharmaratna Prakaran (Jewel of Dharma), Part 02 Author: Shantisuri (original work), Labhsagar (compiler/editor) Publisher: Agamoddharak Granthmala Commentary: Tikarth (meaning of commentary) by Acharya Devendrasuri Language: Hindi Translation (of the original Prakrit/Sanskrit text and its commentary)

Overall Purpose:

This volume, the second part of the Dharmaratna Prakaran, is dedicated to elucidating the qualities and conduct of a Bhava Shravaka (true, internal devotee/lay follower) according to Jain principles. It goes into detail about the characteristics that define such a follower, using narratives and explanations to illustrate these concepts.

Key Content and Structure:

The book is structured around defining the path of a sincere Jain lay follower through two main categories of qualities:

Kriyagat Linga (Six Behavioral Qualities/Marks of Action): These are the observable actions and behaviors that characterize a true lay follower.
Bhavagat Linga (Seventeen Internal Qualities/Marks of Inner State): These relate to the inner disposition, intentions, and mental attitudes.

Summary of the Six Kriyagat Linga (Behavioral Qualities):

The text details six key behavioral qualities that mark a Bhava Shravaka:

Kruta Vrat Karma (One Who Observes Vows Properly): This involves actively engaging with vows through hearing, understanding, accepting, and properly practicing them. The text emphasizes the importance of listening with humility and respect. It also discusses types of listeners who are suitable or unsuitable for receiving religious teachings.
Sheelvan (One Possessing Good Conduct): This quality is broken down into six aspects:
- Aayatan Sevan: Devotedly visiting religious places and associating with virtuous individuals.
- Paragriha Pravesh Varjan: Avoiding unnecessary visits to others' homes, especially when alone.
- Anudbhat Vesh: Maintaining modest and simple attire, avoiding ostentation.
- Savikar Vachan Varjan: Refraining from speech that incites passion or offense.
- Balakrida Parihar: Giving up childish or frivolous activities like gambling.
- Madhur Niti se Karya Sadhan: Achieving objectives through pleasant and skillful means.
Gunvan (One Possessing Virtues): This emphasizes possessing five specific virtues:
- Swadhyaya: Diligent study of scriptures.
- Karan: Proper performance of religious duties and actions.
- Vinay: Respectful conduct towards elders and spiritual guides.
- Anabhinivesh: Open-mindedness, avoiding stubborn adherence to one's own views.
- Jinavachan Ruchi: Deep faith and interest in the teachings of the Jinas.
Riju Vyavahar (Honest and Straightforward Conduct): This encompasses four elements:
- Yatharth Bhashan: Speaking truthfully and without exaggeration.
- Avanchak Kriya: Engaging in honest and non-deceptive actions.
- Bhavi Apaya Prakashan: Informing others about potential future misfortunes or consequences of wrong actions.
- Sadbhav se Maitri: Cultivating genuine and sincere friendship.
Guru Shushrusha (Service to Spiritual Guides): This involves serving the preceptors in four ways:
- Guru Seva Karna: Personal service.
- Guru Seva Karana: Arranging for service to be done.
- Aushadh Bheshaj Sampradan: Providing medicine and other necessities.
- Bhav Bahuman: Showing deep respect and honor from the heart.
Pravachan Kushal (Skilled in Religious Discourse): This involves proficiency in understanding and discussing Jain teachings in six areas:
- Sutra Kushal: Knowledge of the scriptural texts.
- Artha Kushal: Understanding the meaning and purport of the scriptures.
- Utsarg-Apvad Kushal: Understanding the principles of general and specific injunctions.
- Bhav Kushal: Practicing Dharma with right intention and practice.
- Vyavahar Kushal: Understanding and applying Jain principles in daily life contextually.
- Agam Purassar Kriya: Performing all actions in accordance with scriptural guidelines.

Summary of the Seventeen Bhavagat Linga (Internal Qualities):

The text then lists seventeen internal qualities that define a Bhava Shravaka. These are:

Stree Vashvarti na hona (Not being under the sway of women): Maintaining control over oneself, not being dominated by feminine allure.
Indriya Samyam (Control of Senses): Mastering the senses.
Artha ki Anarthta (Understanding the futility of wealth): Recognizing that material possessions are transient and ultimately offer no lasting solace.
Sansar ki Asarta (Understanding the transience of the world): Recognizing the impermanent nature of worldly existence.
Vishayon ka Vipak (Understanding the consequences of worldly indulgences): Realizing the negative outcomes of excessive attachment to pleasures.
Aarambh Varjan (Avoiding beginnings/initiating harmful activities): Minimizing the initiation of activities that cause harm.
Grihvas ki Pasata (Viewing household life as a snare): Perceiving domestic life as a potential entanglement, requiring constant vigilance.
Darshan-Aastikya Bhash (Expressing faith and belief in the Right Faith): Demonstrating firm conviction in the Jain path.
Gadhrika Parihar (Avoiding following the herd blindly): Not blindly following popular trends or opinions without proper discernment.
Yathashakti Dana-adik Dharma Siddhakumar: Performing charity and other religious duties to the best of one's ability, as exemplified by Siddhkumar.
Vidhi Arraktadrisht (Unattached and impartial): Remaining unbiased and detached in dealings.
Madhyasthata (Equanimity): Maintaining a balanced and neutral attitude.
Asambaddha (Detached): Being unattached to worldly possessions and relationships.
Pararth-kamobhogi (Indulging in desires for the welfare of others): Experiencing pleasures with the intention of benefiting others.
Veshya nirashans (Living like a courtesan - detached household life): Maintaining a detached attitude towards domestic life, understanding its impermanence.
Nirashans Grihvas Palan (Living a detached household life): (This seems to be a restatement or elaboration of the previous point.)
Agam Purassar Kriya: Performing all actions according to scriptural injunctions.

Illustrative Stories (Drishtants):

The text extensively uses stories from Jain scriptures and traditions to explain these qualities. Prominent examples include:

Sudarshan Sheth: Illustrates the importance of listening to Dharma even in perilous situations.
Arjun Mali: A narrative highlighting the consequences of negative actions and the eventual path to righteousness.
Kamal Seth: Emphasizes the virtue of truthfulness in speech and dealings.
Harindri: Highlights the importance of honesty in trade and avoiding deceit.
Bhadra Seth: Demonstrates the consequences of unrighteous wealth and the importance of guiding one's children.
Sumitra: Exemplifies true friendship and integrity.
Shyen Seth: Illustrates the significance of careful observation and study in religious practice.
Nanda Seth: Shows the importance of faith, perseverance in Dharma despite adversity, and the right way to perform rituals.
Pushpasal Sut: Demonstrates the profound impact of respecting and serving elders and gurus.
Amaradatta: Highlights the virtue of purity of faith (Samyaktva) and steadfastness against temptations.
Kuruchandra Raja: Shows the importance of discernment and avoiding blind adherence to traditions.
Varun: Emphasizes the need to follow scriptural injunctions meticulously.
Chandrodar Raja: Illustrates the merits of knowledge, charity, and righteous conduct.
Datta: Shows the importance of perseverance in one's actions, even when faced with ridicule.
Tarachandra Raja: Exemplifies detachment from worldly pleasures and steadfastness in Dharma.
Pradeshi Raja: A critical dialogue illustrating the Jain understanding of the soul, karma, and rebirth, emphasizing the need for equanimity.
Nar Sundar Raja: Highlights the impermanence of worldly affairs and the importance of detachment.
Prithvichandra Raja: Shows how even enjoying worldly pleasures can be done with detachment and eventually lead to renunciation.
Siddhkumar: Illustrates how a sincere aspiration for Dharma can lead to spiritual merit even within household life.
Jainpalita: A cautionary tale about the dangers of worldly desires and the importance of following the guru's guidance.
Swyambhudatta: Demonstrates the importance of minimizing harm (Arambh) and practicing compassion.
Shikumar: Highlights the potential for renunciation even when bound by familial duties.
Vijaykumar: Shows the victory of self-control over senses and temptations.
Charudatta: A complex narrative illustrating the consequences of attachment, greed, and the ultimate path to liberation through righteous conduct.
Shreedatta: Emphasizes the suffering in the cycle of birth and death and the importance of seeking refuge in Dharma.
Jaindatt (Jaindas): A story of gambling and its ruinous effects, leading to repentance and liberation.
Abhaykumar: Exemplifies wisdom, understanding of the populace, and skillful application of knowledge.

Key Themes:

Samyaktva (Right Faith): The foundational principle of Jainism, encompassing faith in the Tirthankaras, their teachings, and the spiritual path.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): A central tenet, emphasizing the minimization of harm to all living beings, including subtle ones.
Detachment (Vairagya): The understanding that worldly possessions, relationships, and pleasures are impermanent and ultimately lead to suffering.
Discipline and Austerity (Tapas): The practice of self-control and penance to purify the soul.
Service and Respect (Guru Seva, Vinay): The importance of honoring and serving spiritual guides and elders.
Honesty and Integrity (Riju Vyavahar): Upholding truthfulness in thought, word, and deed.
Spiritual Study (Swadhyaya): Continuous learning and reflection on the scriptures.
Compassion (Daya): Extending kindness and empathy to all beings.

This volume serves as a guide for lay followers aiming to cultivate a deeper, more meaningful spiritual life within the Jain tradition by detailing the practical and internal aspects of devout living.