Dharmshiksha Prakaranam

This document is a comprehensive Jain text titled Dharmashiksha Prakaranam (धर्मशिक्षा-प्रकरणम्), authored by Mahakavi Jinavallabha Suri (महाकवि-श्रीजिनवल्लभसूरि). It includes a commentary (vritti) by Mahopadhyaya Jinapala Gani (महोपाध्याय जिनपालगण). The work is presented as a joint publication by Prakrit Bharti Academy and supported by several Jain trusts.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

1. Title and Authorship:

• The book is officially titled "Dharmashiksha Prakaranam" (धर्मशिक्षा-प्रकरणम्).
• It is attributed to Mahakavi Jinavallabha Suri (महाकवि-श्रीजिनवल्लभसूरि), a significant Jain poet and scholar.
• It includes a commentary (vritti) by Mahopadhyaya Jinapala Gani (महोपाध्याय जिनपालगण), a renowned commentator.
• The current edition is compiled and edited by Sahitya Vachaspati Mahopadhyaya Vinaysagar (साहित्य वाचस्पति म० विनयसागर).
• It is part of the "Prakrit Bharti Pushpa" series, specifically number 181.
• A blessing is included from Muni Shree Jambuvijayaji Maharaj (मुनिराज श्री जम्बूविजयजी म०), an authority on Agamas.

2. Publisher and Publication Details:

• The publishers are Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur, and support is provided by Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar, and Shri Siddhi-Bhuvan-Manohar Jain Trust, Ahmedabad, and M.S.P.S.G. Charitable Trust, Jaipur.
• The first edition was published in 2005.

3. Purpose of the Text (As per Prakashakiya - Foreword):

• Definition of Dharma: Dharma is defined as that which benefits the soul, individual, and society. In the context of the soul, it refers to actions and qualities that lead to purity and ultimately to a good destination (Sadhgati).
• Dharmashiksha: This book, Dharmashiksha, aims to impart education that leads to the attainment of such meritorious qualities. It follows the guidance of enlightened beings (Aptapurush).
• Content Structure: The book selects eighteen topics that aid in the spiritual path. It highlights the flaws of certain practices and then elaborates on the duties of the righteous path.
• Rarity and Publication: The manuscript is rare, existing as a single copy in the Jaisalmer Bhandar. Mahopadhyaya Vinaysagar has made it publication-worthy. The publication is a joint effort, spurred by the inspiration of Muni Jambuvijayaji.

4. Dedication:

• The book is respectfully dedicated to Acharya Shree Vijaychandraudaya Suriji Maharaj.

5. Introduction (Aamukham - Foreword by Muni Jambuvijayji):

• Muni Jambuvijayji expresses his pleasure in writing the preface from the holy Girnar mountain.
• He was deeply impressed by Jinavallabh Suri's scholarship after reading the first volume of Vallabha Bharti and was eager to read the second.
• Due to financial constraints, the second volume was not published. Muni Jambuvijayji encouraged Dr. Vinaysagar to publish all available literature of Jinavallabh Suri, promising financial support.
• He mentions receiving the manuscript of Dharmashiksha Prakaran with Jinapala's commentary, which was full of errors due to the poor quality of the Jaisalmer manuscript copy.
• He highlights the immense effort involved in correcting and editing the text according to modern standards, though he couldn't cite all original sources due to his ongoing travels.
• He praises Jinapala's commentary, noting its references to various grammatical texts (Siddhahemachandra, Panini, Katantra) and literary works (Mammata's Kavyaprakasha, Rudrata's Kavyalankara).
• He acknowledges the assistance of his disciples and others in the proofreading and editing process.
• He dedicates the published work to the lotus feet of Lord Neminath.

6. Preface (Prastavana - by Mahopadhyaya Vinaysagar):

• The preface begins by referencing Lord Mahavir's teachings in Ardhamagadhi, which were for the benefit of all. His teachings included scientific topics and ethical practices like vows and charity.
• It traces the lineage of Jain teachings, mentioning authors like Shrimad Dharmadas Gani (Upadeshmala) and Acharya Haribhadra Suri (Upadeshpad).
• Mahakavi Jinavallabha Suri: He is described as a pure follower of the conduct prescribed by Lord Mahavir. He was a resident of Asika (modern Hissar) and a disciple of the highly talented Jinishvara Suri.
• Education: Jinishvara Suri sent Jinavallabha to Acharya Abhayadeva Suri, a famous commentator on Navanga, for further study. Abhayadeva Suri was pleased with his talent and dedication.
• Contribution to Chaitanya Vas: Jinavallabha Suri played a role in establishing new temples in Chittorgarh and performing their consecrations. He strongly advocated for the "Vidhi Marg" (path of action/doing) while also supporting the "Nishedhatmak Pravritti" (prohibitive practices). This emphasis on the "Vidhi Marg" led to the "Suvihita Paksha" being known as the "Vidhi Paksha," which eventually evolved into the Kharatara Gachchha.
• Royal Patronage: King Naravarma of Malwa and Medapata became his follower.
• Ascendancy to Acharya: He was declared the successor to Acharya Abhayadeva Suri.
• Lifespan: His birth is estimated around 1090 CE, and his passing occurred in 1167 CE.
• Literary Contributions: He is considered a prolific scholar of the 12th century, with expertise in various fields including rhetoric, prosody, grammar, philosophy, astrology, dramaturgy, and theological subjects. He was proficient in Prakrit and Sanskrit. Approximately 45 of his works are currently available. He is recognized as a theorist, jurist, ethicist, dream interpreter, orator, poet, and hymn composer.
• A table is provided listing his works and their commentaries. Dharmashiksha Prakaran is listed as item 10.
• Legacy: The preface highlights the remarkable phenomenon of 73 commentaries written on 14 of Jinavallabha Suri's works by various scholars from the 12th to the 18th centuries, underscoring his profound influence.
• Dharmashiksha Prakaran Content: The text is described as a short devotional poem (laghu kavya) of 40 verses. It covers eighteen topics that guide towards the righteous path by outlining their negative aspects and then presenting the duties.
  • The eighteen topics are listed, covering aspects like temple worship, asceticism (tapa), association with the virtuous, detachment from wealth, faith in principles, trust in gurus, fear of the cycle of existence, cultivation of virtues, forgiveness, control of senses, control of inner enemies (anger, etc.), understanding the illusory nature of worldly pleasures, renunciation of sensuality, faith in the words of the enlightened, pursuit of knowledge, charity, and etiquette.
  • The final verse concludes by stating that those who follow this teaching will destroy the tree of worldly existence and attain the supreme Jinendra state.
• Jinapala's Commentary: The preface also provides details about Jinapala, his lineage as a disciple of Jinavallabha Suri's successors, his life events (initiation, receiving titles like Vachanaacharya and Upadhyaya, his role in the Gachchha), and his own significant literary works, particularly the Sanatkumarachakri Charita Mahakavya.
• Manuscript of Dharmashiksha: A detailed description of the sole manuscript of the Dharmashiksha Vritti is given, its physical characteristics, and the colophon of its copying in 1600 VS.
• Publication History: The editor, M. Vinaysagar, recounts his long association with the text, starting from 1952, and expresses gratitude to Muni Jambuvijayji for his inspiration and support in bringing this work to publication after 53 years.

7. Main Text (Dharmashiksha Prakaran with Vritti):

• The text begins with mangalacharan (auspicious invocation) by the commentator Jinapala Gani.
• The first verse is a Namaskara (salutation) by Jinavallabha Suri himself, composed in a chakra (circular) pattern, with his name embedded within.
• The second verse highlights the rarity of human birth and the importance of engaging in Dharma.
• The third verse lists the eighteen topics covered in the book:
  1. Chaitra Bhakti (Devotion to temples/images)
  2. Shakti in Tapa (Asceticism)
  3. Sakti in Gunijana (Association with the virtuous)
  4. Virakti in Artha (Detachment from wealth)
  5. Preeti in Tattva (Love/faith in reality/principles)
  6. Pratiti in Shubhaguru (Faith in worthy gurus)
  7. Bhavabheeti (Fear of the cycle of existence)
  8. Atmani Niti (Self-conduct/morality)
  9. Kshanti (Forgiveness)
  10. Danti (Self-control)
  11. Swashanti (Inner peace)
  12. Sukha-hati (Destruction of happiness – meaning, realizing the impermanence of worldly happiness)
  13. Ablawan-vanti (Renunciation of women/sensual desires)
  14. Abhranti in Apta (Undoubting faith in the enlightened)
  15. Jnaipsa in Shruta (Desire for scripture)
  16. Ditsa in Dhana (Desire to give wealth)
  17. Vidhitsa in Vinaya (Desire to practice etiquette)
  18. Dhi in Pustaka (Intellect/devotion towards books/scriptures)
• The subsequent verses (4-39) elaborate on each of these eighteen topics, often using metaphors and literary devices, explaining their significance, benefits, and the path to practice them.
• The commentary by Jinapala Gani is provided verse by verse, explaining the meaning, context, grammatical structures, and philosophical implications. It often cites other Jain scriptures, philosophical texts, and grammatical treatises.
• The final verse (40) summarizes the benefit of following this teaching: attaining the highest state of liberation (Moksha) and living in bliss with the soul's true nature.

Overall Theme: The Dharmashiksha Prakaranam, as presented and explained in this edition, is a foundational Jain text focused on guiding individuals towards spiritual liberation through a disciplined and virtuous life. It emphasizes the importance of understanding core Jain principles, cultivating positive qualities, renouncing worldly attachments, and adhering to the teachings of the enlightened. The elaborate commentary makes complex philosophical concepts accessible and provides detailed explanations for each topic.