Enjoy Jainism

This Jain text, "Enjoy Jainism" by Acharya Kalyanbodhisuri, published by K. P. Sanghvi Group, is a comprehensive guide to understanding and living Jain principles. It emphasizes Jainism not merely as a religion, but as an art of living a joyful life filled with love, compassion, and happiness, both in this life and for lives to come.

The book highlights the transformative power of Jainism and encourages readers to not just learn but actively "enjoy" its tenets. It showcases Shri Pavapuri Tirth Jeev Maitri Dham as a model of Jain practice, describing it as a confluence of multiple sacred spaces. This pilgrimage site features:

• Jain Mandir (Jin Mandir): A magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, characterized by exquisite artistry, purity, cleanliness, and a powerful, awe-inspiring idol that evokes deep spiritual feelings.
• Jal Mandir (Chaturmukh Jal Mandir): A water temple evoking the teachings of Lord Mahavir, who delivered sermons from four directions.
• Jeev Mandir (Guru Gautam Ganadhar Mandir): Honoring Guru Gautam Ganadhar, a figure of immense spiritual attainment, alongside beautiful temples for other revered Gurus.
• Jeev Maitri Mandir: A sanctuary for animals where over five thousand creatures live fearlessly, inspiring contemplation on their spiritual merit and contentment.
• Aatithya Mandir: Modern and comfortable guest houses and facilities for pilgrims, with pure food and devotional music.
• Shasan Mandir: Dedicated to the propagation of Jainism through temples, renovations, and support for Jain ascetics and scholars.
• Sadhana Mandir: Spaces for spiritual practice like meditation and religious observances to purify the soul and increase merit.
• Manav Mandir: A testament to Jain compassion through extensive charitable activities like feeding animals, providing mid-day meals to children, running mobile medical centers, and supporting hospitals.

The book delves into core Jain philosophical concepts, explaining:

• The soul (Jeev) and non-soul (Ajeev).
• Karma: The distinction between Punya (merit) and Paap (sin), and the processes of Ashrav (influx of karma), Samvar (cessation of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Bandh (bondage), and Moksha (liberation).
• Sammyagdarshan: Right Faith as the foundation of Jain philosophy.

It emphasizes the importance of:

• Education (Pathshala): Learning and acquiring good values, discipline, and virtues.
• Devotion to the परमात्मा (God/Tirthankaras): Remembering their kindness, seeking inspiration from their virtues, and praying for purification.
• Respect for Sadhus and Saints: Honoring their renunciation, listening to their teachings, and serving them with devotion.
• Guru Dev: Showing deep reverence and service to spiritual preceptors for their guidance and wisdom.
• Daily practices: Waking up early, chanting the Navkar Mantra, respecting parents, visiting temples, fasting (Navkarsi), performing puja, and observing dietary restrictions.
• Preventing new sins: Conscious effort to avoid wrong thoughts, words, and actions, and seeking forgiveness.
• Right conduct: Honesty, kindness, avoiding harmful substances, respecting elders, and serving the sick and elderly.
• Celebrating Birthdays (Janmotsav): Engaging in good deeds, helping the needy, and making commitments to positive actions.
• Noble conduct: Avoiding self-praise, practicing equanimity towards all beings, showing respect to revered figures, and serving the needy.
• Charity (Daandharma): Giving without hesitation, sharing knowledge, and offering protection (Abhaydaan).
• Virtuous conduct (Sheel Dharma): Cultivating gentleness, simplicity, good manners, and ethical behavior, avoiding theft, deception, and causing distress.
• Austerities (Tap Dharma): Observing fasts and vows for spiritual purification and merit.
• Worship of Knowledge (Gyanopasana): Humble and focused learning, respecting teachers, and continuous self-improvement.
• Worship of Faith (Darshanopasana): Reverence for Tirthankaras, spiritual leaders, and the Jain order, and avoiding criticism.
• Worship of Conduct (Charitropasana): Practicing forgiveness, humility, simplicity, generosity, and observing vows like Samayik and Paushadh.
• Understanding Karma: Explaining the influence of specific karmas like Gyanaavarniya Karma (knowledge-obscuring), Darshanavarniya Karma (perception-obscuring), Vedaniya Karma (feeling-producing), Mohaniya Karma (delusion-producing), Aayushya Karma (lifespan), Naam Karma (physique), Gotra Karma (status), and Antaray Karma (obstructing).
• Core Jain Principles: The eternal nature of the soul, the cycle of birth and death dictated by karma, the potential for liberation, the distinction between good and bad tendencies, the inclusivity of Jainism regarding caste and gender, its focus on virtues over individuals, and the non-creation of the universe by God.
• Mahavir's Teachings: Emphasizing Ahimsa (non-violence) as the paramount principle, and its meticulous analysis in Jainism, promoting "Live and Let Live."
• Anekantavada: The doctrine of manifold aspects, advocating for understanding things from multiple perspectives and promoting tolerance.
• Aparigraha: Non-possession and detachment from material possessions, understanding that true detachment is from possessiveness and attachment, not just physical giving up.
• Shraman Sadhana: The disciplined life of Jain ascetics, adhering to the Panch Mahavratas (five great vows) and practicing Samitis (careful conduct) and Guptis (restraint).
• Jain Ascetic Rules: Detailed rules regarding water usage, utensils, travel, hair removal, use of the Rajoharan (broom) and Muhapatti (mouth cloth), and begging for alms (Gochari or Madhukari).
• Jain Literature: A brief overview of ancient Jain scriptures in Prakrit, including Agams, Upangas, and Chhed Sutras.
• The Nature of Self: Defining humans as profound beings, like oceans and suns, capable of great things.
• Rishabhdev, the First Tirthankara: Mentioned in the context of devotion to Sudeo (right God), Suguru (right Guru), and Sudharma (right Dharma), forming the Ratnatraya (three jewels).
• Courage (Sahas): Highlighting Lord Mahavir's (Prince Vardhaman's) courage and the origin of his title "Mahavir."
• Arahanta as God: Describing Arihant as the ultimate divine beings, who possess omniscience, are free from all blemishes, and show the path to liberation.
• Respect for Parents: Detailed guidelines on how to honor and serve parents, emphasizing their role and sacrifices.
• Renunciation by Gurus: Describing the rigorous asceticism of Jain monks, including their strict adherence to vows, dietary practices, and self-restraint.
• Merits of Good Deeds: Reinforcing that good fortune and positive experiences are a result of Punya (merit).
• The Nature of Soul and World: reiterating the eternal nature of the soul, the cycle of birth and death driven by karma, and the ultimate goal of Moksha.
• Dharma vs. Papa: Differentiating between happiness derived from virtuous actions and suffering from sins.
• Principles for Happiness: Lists actions that lead to suffering (e.g., anger, lying, envy) and those that lead to happiness (e.g., truthfulness, charity, self-control).
• The Worldly Realm (Sansar): Described as transient and filled with suffering due to karma, bodily limitations, and impermanence.
• Liberation (Moksha): Presented as the ultimate goal, a state of eternal bliss, knowledge, and freedom from all suffering.
• Lord Mahavir: His birth, renunciation, austerities, teachings, and nirvana are detailed.
• The Essence of Charity: The importance of giving, even if it's a small contribution, and its benefits.
• The Power of Tap (Austerity): Emphasizing austerity as a cure for physical and mental ailments, a means to control desires, and a path to spiritual progress.
• The Importance of "Bhav" (Attitude): Stressing that true religious practice is rooted in pure intentions and emotions, rather than mere ritual.
• Controlling Anger: Describing anger as destructive and advocating for forgiveness.
• Overcoming Deceit (Maya): Advising against hypocrisy and encouraging honesty and simplicity.
• Ideal Conduct: Providing examples of virtuous individuals from Jain tradition (Jagadushah, Vijay Seth, Dhanna Angar, etc.) as role models.
• Self-Reflection: Questions like "What was I? What am I? What will I be?" encourage introspection.
• Empathy and Kindness: Encouraging gentleness towards all living beings, respecting nature, and showing kindness to family and elders.
• Values of Students: Emphasizing humility, honesty, politeness, and respect for teachers and knowledge.
• Parental Guidance: Highlighting the invaluable role of parents as best friends and sources of support and guidance.

In essence, "Enjoy Jainism" is a comprehensive and accessible guide that aims to inspire readers to embrace the philosophy and practices of Jainism for a fulfilling and spiritually enriched life.