Essence Of Jainism Part 01

This document is the first volume of the "Essence of Jainism" series, compiled by Muni Shri Kushalchandravijayji. It was published by Shri 108 Jain Tirth Darshan Bhavan Trust, Palitana, in commemoration of the Parliament of the World's Religions Centennial in 1993.

The book is divided into five chapters, each focusing on a key aspect of Jainism:

1. House Holder's Six Duties: This chapter emphasizes the importance of right conduct and self-control in Jainism. It uses analogies of controls and checks in the material world to illustrate the necessity of controlling one's senses, mind, speech, and body to accumulate good karma and progress spiritually. The six duties outlined are:

   • Worship of God (Jina).
   • Devotion to Guru (Monks/Nuns).
   • Study of Scriptures (Swadhyaya).
   • Self-control (Sanyam).
   • Penance (Tapa).
   • Charity (Dan). It elaborates on each duty, explaining its significance and how to practice it, emphasizing the role of vows (Pachhakhana) in making these practices effective.

2. Shri Navkar Mantra Aradhana: This chapter delves into the significance and power of the Navkar Mantra, considered the essence of Jainism. It explains the importance of bowing to the Panch Parmeshthis (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu) across various religions. The chapter details the benefits of reciting the Navkar Mantra, including the annihilation of sins, attainment of peace, and spiritual progress. It describes different methods of reciting the mantra, the auspiciousness of various types of rosaries, and the underlying meanings of the mantra itself, highlighting its eternal nature and power.

3. Twenty Two Non-Eatable Foods: This chapter discusses the Jain dietary restrictions, emphasizing the impact of food on one's mind and actions. It explains that pure food leads to a pure mind. The chapter lists twenty-two prohibited food items (Abhaksyas) and explains the reasons for their prohibition, often relating to the harm caused to various forms of life or the promotion of negative qualities (Rajasic and Tamasic). It stresses the importance of taking vows (Pachhakhana) to effectively abstain from these foods, as mere avoidance without a vow still incurs sin due to underlying attachment. The chapter also includes appendices detailing the nutritional value of vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods.

4. The Thirty-Five Virtues of a Marganusari (Follower of True Path): This chapter, based on Hemchandracharya's 'Yogshastra', outlines thirty-five virtues or rules of morality for a Jain householder. These virtues cover various aspects of life, including ethical conduct in earning, maintaining good relationships, financial prudence, intellectual development, devotion to elders, avoiding negative influences, and cultivating qualities like compassion, humility, and self-control. It emphasizes that purifying the heart and mind is crucial before embarking on a religious life.

5. Eight-Fold Worship of God (Ashtaprakari Devpuja): This chapter details the process of worshipping the Jina (God) to attain spiritual liberation. It explains that true happiness is found in freedom from karmas, not in worldly pleasures. The chapter describes different forms of worship, including Saguna (with form/idol) and Nirguna (formless), and elaborates on the eight types of Saguna worship (Ashta-prakari Puja) involving water, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamp, rice, sweets, and fruits. It also discusses the importance of Bhava Puja (mental worship) and various devotional practices like hearing, singing, remembering, bowing, and dedicating oneself to God. The chapter also touches upon purity in worship and the significance of various rituals.

Throughout the book, there is a strong emphasis on self-control, ethical conduct, devotion, and the importance of vows and penance in achieving spiritual growth and liberation according to Jain principles. The book also includes historical context, such as the significant contribution of Virchand Raghavji Gandhi in spreading Jainism in the West.