Dwadash Parv Vyakhtyana Bhashantaram

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Book Title: Dwadash Parv Vyakhtyana Bhashantaram (Commentary on Twelve Festivals) Author(s): Jinduttsuri Gyanbhandar (as publisher, with commentary attributed to Upadhyaya Shri Kshamakalyan Gani) Publisher: Jinduttsuri Gyanbhandar, Surat Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 1983 (1926 AD)

This book is a Hindi commentary on the Twelve Festivals (Dwadash Parv) as observed in Jainism. The text emphasizes the spiritual significance and prescribed duties for Jain followers, particularly during these auspicious periods. The commentary is presented in a way that aims to clarify the principles and practices associated with each festival, often through illustrative stories and scriptural references.

Key Themes and Festivals Discussed:

The text details various festivals and their importance for the spiritual upliftment of devotees. The primary focus is on the duties of householders (Shravaks) and the path to spiritual liberation.

1. Chaturmas (Four-Month Period):

   • The commentary begins by explaining the significance of Chaturmas, a period of intense spiritual practice.
   • It stresses the need to avoid actions that cause harm to living beings, especially during specific months like Phalgun, advising against storing grains like sesame due to the potential for insect life.
   • Emphasis is placed on abstaining from consumption of fruits and leaves mixed with or potentially containing living beings, citing Hemacharya's Yoga Shastra.
   • The text lists various permissible and prohibited foods and actions, drawing from scriptures to guide devotees on purity of conduct.

2. The Four Pillars of Chaturmas Practice:

   • Samayika (Meditation/Equanimity): Defined as maintaining a balanced state of mind, free from attachment and aversion. It involves renouncing sinful activities of mind, speech, and body for a specific duration. The text highlights the importance of equanimity towards praise and criticism, honor and dishonor, and all living beings. It states that even a layperson observing Samayika is considered akin to a monk.
   • Aavashyak (Essential Duties): This includes practices like Pratikraman (repentance and confession of sins). The text likens Aavashyak to medicine for karmic diseases, emphasizing its importance in eliminating suffering. It narrates the story of Sajjansinh Seth, who performed Pratikraman even while imprisoned, highlighting its unwavering practice.
   • Pausadh (Fasting/Vow observance): Described as upholding righteousness. It is categorized into four types: fasting from food, renouncing body adornment, abstaining from worldly business, and observing celibacy. The benefits include shedding negative karma and preventing rebirth in lower realms. The example of Kamdev Shravak facing challenges from Indra illustrates the fortitude required.
   • Devarchan (Worship of Deities): This involves worshipping the idols of Tirthankaras through rituals like Snana (bathing), Vilepana (applying paste), offering flowers, singing hymns, and playing music. The text quantifies the spiritual merit of these actions, stating that pure worship yields immense benefits, equivalent to thousands of fasts.
   • Brahmacharya (Celibacy), Dan (Charity), Tap (Austerity): These are highlighted as fundamental religious practices. The text emphasizes Brahmacharya as being more meritorious than even building temples or donating wealth. Different types of Dan, such as Abhaydan (fearlessness), are discussed, with Abhaydan being considered the highest. The story of Abhaykumar illustrates the significance of Abhaydan. Tap is described as a means to destroy karma and attain liberation, with various types of external and internal austerities.

3. Importance of Self-Reflection and Repentance:

   • The text encourages introspection and self-criticism ("Atmaninda"), advising against criticizing others.
   • It details the concept of "Atichara" (transgressions or lapses) in vows and practices, categorizing them for monks and householders. For monks, there are 70 types of physical and 70 types of functional transgressions, totaling 140. For householders, 124 Aticharas are listed, categorized under the 12 vows, including specific transgressions related to knowledge, conduct, and vows. The importance of confessing these Aticharas is stressed.

4. Illustrative Stories (Drishtanta): The commentary extensively uses stories to explain complex principles:

   • Damdant Rajarishi: Illustrates equanimity (Samabhav) by remaining unaffected by both the respects of the Pandavas and the insults of the Kauravas.
   • Metarya Muni: Demonstrates compassion and non-violence even when facing extreme suffering, choosing silence to prevent harm to a bird.
   • Kaalakaacharya: Highlights the importance of truthfulness and the consequences of its violation, even in seemingly dire situations.
   • Chilatiputra: Explains the concept of "Samas" (brevity in conveying profound meaning) through a story about acquiring knowledge.
   • Laukik Four Pandits: Illustrates the concept of "Sankshep" (concise expression of great meaning) by summarizing different branches of knowledge into a single verse.
   • Dharmaruchi Sadhu: Exemplifies "Anavadyam" (blameless conduct) by consuming poisonous food to protect others from harm.
   • Ilaputra: Demonstrates "Parigya" (understanding of truth/renunciation) through a story of detachment from worldly pleasures after witnessing a renunciate's life.
   • Tetliputra: Illustrates "Pratyakhyan" (renunciation) through a story of overcoming attachment and seeking spiritual refuge.
   • Aridaman King & Urvashi: A detailed narrative about the King's adherence to religious practices (especially during festivals) despite temptations from celestial beings, emphasizing the power of true devotion and the deceptive nature of worldly pleasures.
   • Surya-yasha King: Another story highlighting unwavering commitment to religious vows, even when faced with supernatural challenges and enticements, underlining the strength of adherence to principles.
   • Ardra Kumar: A significant narrative about overcoming past karma and attachment through the grace of Jain teachings and the guidance of a wise preceptor. It emphasizes the transformative power of spiritual knowledge and the support of virtuous companions.
   • Shrenik Raja & Abhay Kumar: Stories illustrating adherence to Dharma and the wisdom of great souls.
   • Kalanika and his Son: Illustrates the propagation of Jain principles across different regions and the impact of righteous actions.
   • Dwaadasha Vrat (Twelve Vows) Transgressions: Detailed explanations of the specific violations that can occur within each of the twelve vows, from gross violence to attachment to possessions.
   • Paryushan Parva: Detailed explanation of the duties and observances during Paryushan, including controlling passions (Kashaya), practicing Samayika, Jin Puja, and Tap. The story of Chitar's daughter highlights the importance of self-reflection.
   • Deepmalika (Diwali): Explains the origin and significance of Diwali, linking it to the Nirvana of Lord Mahavir and Gautam Swami's attainment of Keval Gyan. It contrasts worldly celebrations with spiritual observances.
   • Chandra Gupta Raja & Bhadrabahu Swami: The narrative details Chandra Gupta's dreams predicting the decline of Jainism in the Kali Yuga and the explanation of these dreams by the great Acharya Bhadrabahu.
   • Jnan Panchami (Knowledge Fifth Day): This festival is celebrated to honor the acquisition of knowledge. The story of Vardhatt Kumar and Gunananjari illustrates the power of knowledge and the fruits of devotion through fasting and penance.
   • Kartik Purnima (Full Moon Day): The significance of this day is linked to the liberation of numerous souls at Shatrunjay Tirtha. The story of Dravid and Varikhilla highlights the importance of righteous conduct, renunciation, and pilgrimage for spiritual merit.
   • Maun Ekadashi (Silent Eleventh Day): This day is dedicated to observing silence and fasting. The story of Suvrata Seth illustrates the immense benefits of this vow, including worldly prosperity and spiritual progress.
   • Paush Dashami: Celebrated as the birthday of Lord Parshvanatha. The text emphasizes practices like Pratikraman, Deva Vandan, Brahmacharya, and specific offerings. The story of Shuradatta Seth demonstrates the rewards of observing this festival.
   • Meru Trayodashi: This festival commemorates the Nirvana of Lord Rishabhadeva. The story of Pingal Raja and his transformation through this observance highlights the power of penance and divine grace.
   • Holika: The text explains the origin of the worldly Holika festival and contrasts it with the spiritual "Bhava Holi" practiced by the virtuous, involving self-purification and contemplation. It denounces the worldly practices as harmful and meaningless.
   • Chaitri Purnima: Celebrated with spiritual observances at Shatrunjay Tirtha, emphasizing the liberation of many souls at this holy site. The story of Nami and Vinami, and Punjarika Gananadhara, highlights the spiritual benefits of visiting and honoring this sacred place.
   • Akshaya Tritiya: This day is significant as it marks the first food offering to Lord Rishabhadeva after his penance, which was made with sugarcane juice by Shreyans Kumar. The story emphasizes the importance of pure offerings and the spiritual merit derived from them.
   • Rohini Vrata: This vow is observed for overcoming suffering and afflictions, particularly those arising from past karma. The story of Rohini, who suffered from a debilitating disease due to past actions, illustrates how devotion and adherence to the Rohini Vrata can lead to purification and well-being.

Overall Message:

The "Dwadash Parv Vyakhtyana Bhashantaram" serves as a guide for Jains, particularly lay followers, on how to observe various festivals with spiritual devotion and adherence to Jain principles. It underscores the importance of karma, renunciation, compassion, knowledge, and the unwavering practice of vows and austerities for achieving liberation. The text aims to inspire devotees by showcasing the extraordinary spiritual journeys of great souls who attained liberation through diligent observance of these principles.