Dharmvidhiprakaranam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dharmavidhiprakaranam" by Shreeprabhsuri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Shri Dharmavidhiprakaranam (श्रीधर्मविधिप्रकरणम्) Author: Acharya ShriShreeprabhsuriji Maharaj (परमपूज्याचार्यवर्यश्रीश्रीप्रभसूरिमहाराजः) Commentary (Vritti) Author: Acharya ShriUdaysinghsuriji Maharaj (परमपूज्याचार्यवर्यश्रीउदयसिंहसूरिमहाराजः) Publisher: Bhadraṅkar Prakāśan, Ahmedabad (भद्रंकर प्रकाशन - अहमदाबाद) New Edition Editor: Sadhvi Chandanbalashri (साध्वी चन्दनबालाश्री)

Overall Purpose: The Dharmavidhiprakaranam is a Jain text that aims to explain the true nature of Dharma (righteousness, duty, religious practice) through a methodical approach. It emphasizes the core principles of Jainism, particularly the path to liberation (Moksha) through the "Ratnatraya" (three jewels): right faith (Samyakdarshan), right knowledge (Samyagyan), and right conduct (Samyakcharitra). The text highlights that true Dharma lies in the absence of attachment and aversion (Vitaragta), and adherence to these principles leads to the cessation of karma and the attainment of ultimate happiness.

Key Structure and Content:

The book is structured around eight "Dwaras" (gates or aspects) through which the concept of Dharma is elucidated. These are:

Dharma Pariksha (धर्मपपरीक्षा - Examination of Dharma): This section, like the examination of gold through testing, cutting, heating, and hammering, emphasizes the importance of examining Dharma through scripture (Shruta), ethical conduct (Sheela), austerities (Tapa), and compassion (Daya). It states that only tested Dharma leads to success. The example of King Pradeshi and Sage Keshiguru is used to illustrate the importance of examining Dharma before acceptance.
Dharma Labha (धर्मलाभ - Attainment of Dharma): This chapter explains that the attainment of Dharma, particularly right faith, comes through the partial destruction or subsidence of delusion-causing karma (Mohaniya Karma). It details the process through "Yathapravrttikaran," "Apuraikaran," and "Anivṛttikaran" (stages of spiritual progress) leading to the destruction of karma knots and the eventual attainment of right faith and partial or complete abstinence. The example of King Udāyana, who consistently embraced Dharma with a pure intellect, is presented.
Dharma Guna (धर्मगुण - Qualities of Dharma): This part describes the virtues of Dharma, particularly right faith, as a wish-fulfilling gem (Chintamani) that eliminates the suffering of worldly existence (Bhava-dukkha). It states that if a right believer has not bound the karma for hellish or animal births, they are guaranteed to experience the bliss of celestial beings, humans, and ultimately liberation. The story of Kamdev Shravak, who received the best Dharma from Lord Mahavir and will attain liberation in the Mahavideh area, illustrates this.
Dharma Dosha (धर्मदोष - Flaws/Obstacles to Dharma): This section deals with the negative impacts of passions (Kashayas) on Dharma. It explains how the four primary infinite-attracting passions (Anantanubandhi Krodh, Man, Maya, Lobh) are causes for rebirth in hell and can lead even the virtuous to renounce right faith under their influence. The subsequent passions (Apratyakhyanavarana and Pratyakhyanavarna Krodhadi) cause rebirth in animal and human realms, respectively, and lead to the abandonment of partial and complete abstinence. The lowest passions (Sanjvalan Krodhadi) are causes for celestial rebirths, but their influence can lead to transgressions in vows. The example of Nand Manikarsreshti, who, despite his virtue, fell due to intense passions, leading to his demise and rebirth in the lower realms (as a frog), highlights the detrimental effect of uncurbed passions.
Dharma Dayaka (धर्मदায়ক - Givers of Dharma): This section focuses on the qualities of ideal spiritual preceptors (Gurus) who impart Dharma. They are described as followers of the five types of right conduct (Jnana-adi Panchavidha Achara), diligent in protecting living beings (Jiva-nikaya), possessing the five restraints (Samiti) and three controls (Gupti), and endowed with thirty-six virtues. Alternatively, they are described as followers of the five great vows (Mahavratas), possessing five restraints, and three controls, totaling thirty-six qualities. Such preceptors are capable of saving themselves and others from the ocean of existence. The example of King Samprati, who attained immense happiness through the grace of Acharya Aryasuhasti, demonstrates the importance of following a virtuous Guru.
Dharma Yogya (धर्मयोग्या - Those Eligible for Dharma): This chapter discusses who is fit to receive and practice Dharma. Eligible individuals are described as possessing twenty-one virtues (Akshudradi). Such worthy individuals can achieve the highest state through Dharma. Conversely, those who are unfit may find Dharma becomes like poison, causing destruction, akin to milk consumed by a snake turning into poison. The example of Vankachool, who, even after receiving only a portion of the teaching from a good Guru, became firm in Dharma and attained a good destiny, is given.
Dharma Bheda (धर्म्मभेद - Types of Dharma): This part outlines the different classifications of Dharma as taught by the Tirthankaras, either into four types or two.
- Four Types:
  - Dana Dharma (दानधर्म - Charity/Giving): Giving alms to worthy recipients (refined by forty-two defects of begging).
  - Sheel Dharma (शीलधर्म - Virtuous Conduct/Morality): Observing chastity and abstinence from sensual pleasures, free from eighteen defects.
  - Tapa Dharma (तपोधर्म - Austerities): Practices that burn karma, as described in scripture and practiced by past Āchāryas, performed without worldly desires.
  - Bhava Dharma (भावधर्म - Inner Devotion/Mental Cultivation): Cultivating the twelve types of contemplation (Bhavanas).
- Two Types:
  - Sadhu Dharma (साधुधर्म - Monastic Conduct): The primary path, requiring diligence.
  - Griha Dharma (गृहस्थधर्म - Householder's Conduct): For those unable to practice monasticism, this also forms the basis of Dharma. The text states that both paths are rooted in Samyak-darshan (right faith). The example of King Udayana's spiritual journey, starting with attachment to worldly pleasures and ultimately finding salvation through virtuous living and Dharma, is implicitly referenced in the context of various Dharma types and the ultimate goal. Stories of Mūldeva (for Dana Dharma), Subhadra (for Sheel Dharma), Vishnu Kumār (for Tapa Dharma), and Ila Putra (for Bhava Dharma) illustrate these principles.
Dharma Phala Siddhi (धर्मफलसिद्धि - Fruition of Dharma): This final section explains the results of practicing Dharma, which is abstinence (Virati). This abstinence is achieved by controlling the influx of karma (Ashrava) through the five vices (Pāpāśrava). When these vices are controlled, new karma is not bound, leading to liberation. The analogy of blocking the water channels of a lake to prevent its overflow illustrates this. The text states that the soul, by churning the ocean of existence through pure contemplation (Shukla Dhyana), can attain the jewel of knowledge and become happy like Jambu Swāmi. The story of Jambu Swāmi's spiritual journey and eventual liberation is presented as the ultimate example of the fruition of Dharma.

Key Individuals Mentioned:

Shreeprabhsuri: The original author, praised as an expert in fourfold knowledge.
Udaysinghsuriji: The commentator, described as a master of all scriptures and highly knowledgeable.
Chandanbalashri: The editor of the new edition, a disciple of Acharya Shre Vimalchandrasurishwarji.
Lord Mahavir (Vir Jina): The spiritual guide whose teachings form the basis of the text.
King Pradeshi: Known for his philosophical inquiries.
Sage Keshiguru: The sage who enlightened King Pradeshi.
King Udāyana: Known for his pure intellect and embrace of Dharma.
Kamdev Shravak: A householder who attained great merit through Dharma.
Nand Manikarsreshti: His story illustrates the pitfalls of passions.
King Samprati: Benefited greatly from the guidance of Aryasuhasti.
Vankachool: An example of righteousness attained through adherence to principles.
Vishnu Kumār: An illustration of the power of austerities.
Ila Putra: Represents the path of contemplation.
Sthūlabhadra: Illustrates the importance of monastic discipline.
Suradatta Shravak: Exemplifies householder's Dharma.
Jambu Swāmi: The ultimate example of liberation attained through Dharma.

Commentary and Editions:

The text is enhanced by the commentary of Acharya ShriUdaysinghsuriji Maharaj, who is described as independent in all disciplines. The book has undergone revisions and new editions, with the current edition published by Bhadraṅkar Prakashan, Ahmedabad. The original publication was by Shri Hansvijayji Freely Library in 1924 (Veer Samvat 2450), and the new edition was published in 2009 (Veer Samvat 2536).

Overall Message:

"Dharmavidhiprakaranam" serves as a guide to understanding and practicing Dharma in its entirety. It advocates for a life of righteousness, ethical conduct, and spiritual discipline, demonstrating that through these practices, individuals can overcome suffering, attain spiritual knowledge, and achieve the ultimate goal of liberation. The extensive use of illustrative stories and examples makes the complex philosophical concepts accessible and relatable.