Good Life

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Good Life" by Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijay Rashmiratnasurishwarji M.S.A., based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Good Life (गुडलाईफ) Author: Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijay Rashmiratnasurishwarji M.S.A. Publisher: Jingun Aradhak Trust Basis: The book is based on the "Hit Shiksha Chhatrishi" (Thirty-Six Enlightening Teachings) by the renowned poet Pandit Varya Shri Veer Vijayji, and contains 118 golden teachings.

Core Message and Purpose: The book "Good Life" aims to provide practical guidance and wisdom for living a righteous and fulfilling life, drawing heavily from Jain principles and ethical conduct. It offers a collection of "golden teachings" designed to uplift individuals, foster positive habits, and promote spiritual growth. The text emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, adherence to moral codes, and the cultivation of virtues.

Key Themes and Teachings:

The book is structured to provide guidance for different individuals and aspects of life. While the provided pages offer a glimpse into a vast collection of teachings, several key themes emerge:

• Ethical Conduct and Avoidance of Vices (Sapt Vyasan Tyag): A significant portion of the teachings focuses on renouncing the seven major vices:

  • Alcohol (शराब)
  • Meat Consumption (मांसाहार)
  • Gambling (जुआ)
  • Theft (चोरी)
  • Hunting (शिकार)
  • Adultery (परस्त्री गमन)
  • Visiting Prostitutes (वेश्या गमन) These are repeatedly highlighted as detrimental to a good life.

• Wisdom in Association and Social Interaction:

  • Avoiding Fools and Negative Influences: The book advises against associating with fools, defining them as those who trust the unknown, speak without relation, get angry without reason, inquire without curiosity, and change without progress. It also warns against befriending beggars, those with addictions, artisans, those of lower social standing, thieves, and those of ignoble character.
  • Maintaining Decorum and Respect: Teachings emphasize avoiding gossip, abusive language, quarreling with family, and engaging in private conversations with individuals of the opposite sex, even close relatives, especially in secluded or dark environments, as these can lead to downfall.
  • Prudence in Dealings: It advises not to trust rulers implicitly, nor to confide secrets in anyone other than parents and gurus. Trusting goldsmiths and women with secrets is also discouraged due to their inherent characteristics.

• Personal Conduct and Self-Discipline:

  • Diet and Health: The book stresses eating without desire, avoiding overeating (as indigestion is the root of illness), not eating extremely hot, salty, or sour food, and avoiding overconsumption of vegetables. It also advises against eating at inappropriate times or in improper conditions (e.g., in the dark, without support, or with others in the same plate).
  • Hygiene and Appearance: Maintaining cleanliness, such as clean teeth and proper bathing, is encouraged. The text also lists several "inauspicious signs" (अपलक्षण) to avoid, including breaking grass stalks, drawing on the ground, sleeping naked, bathing unclothed, biting nails, and shuffling feet.
  • Attitude and Behavior: Pride in wealth and knowledge is discouraged. Humility is promoted, and respecting those who bow to you is advised. Mocking fools, ascetics, scholars, and kings is also strongly warned against.

• Diligence and Financial Prudence:

  • Avoiding Laziness: Laziness in reading and accounting is to be avoided.
  • Financial Responsibility: The text advises against accumulating debt and encourages maintaining a good financial reputation, even when abroad.

• Specific Guidance for Women (बहिनों के लिये १६ सुन्दर शिक्षाऐं):

  • Respect for Elders: Showing respect to in-laws and elders is paramount.
  • Modesty and Decorum: Walking with modesty on the street and wearing appropriate clothing that conceals the body are emphasized.
  • Social Conduct: Avoiding company of those with bad character, not venturing out at night, feeding others before oneself, and avoiding certain professions or individuals (dhobi, malan, kumbharin, jogan) are advised.
  • Marital Fidelity: Not adorning oneself or attending social gatherings when the husband is away is recommended.
  • Discipline and Skill: Avoiding games and dances, not going to riverbanks for bathing, and learning all arts useful to women are highlighted.
  • Charity: Giving donations to worthy recipients is encouraged.

• Guidance for Both Men and Women (पुरुष एवं बहिनों के लिये ३६ शिक्षाऐं): This section reiterates and expands upon general principles of good living, covering aspects of eating, speaking, traveling, and religious practices.

• Sleep and Wakefulness (शयन विधि and जागरण विधि):

  • Sleep Schedule: The book recommends a consistent sleep schedule, suggesting sleeping after sunset and waking early. It provides guidance on sleeping postures (left side is recommended) and the importance of reciting Navkar mantra.
  • Dream Interpretation: It suggests remembering specific Tirthankaras for different types of dreams (Nemnath and Parshvanath for bad dreams, Chandrapraabh for good sleep, Shantinath for fear of thieves).
  • Directional Sleep: Sleeping with the head towards the East or South is advocated for acquiring wisdom and wealth respectively, while West and North are associated with anxiety and loss.
  • Morning Routine: Waking up early, reciting mantras, looking at one's hand, and visiting the temple are part of the recommended morning practices.

• Spiritual Practices and Current Times: The book acknowledges a "terrible time" (काल भयंकर आ रहा है) and urges readers to engage in spiritual practices like reciting specific mantras, performing monthly fasts (Ayambil), and chanting.

• Devotion and Renunciation: The latter pages include devotional songs and praises of the gurus, emphasizing guru bhakti and the importance of renouncing vices like pan masala, cigarettes, bidis, and alcohol.

Overall Impact and Significance: "Good Life" serves as a practical guide for followers of Jainism, offering a comprehensive framework for ethical living, self-improvement, and spiritual progress. The teachings are presented in a clear and accessible manner, aiming to instill positive habits and a righteous mindset. The book's popularity, evidenced by its numerous editions and large print runs, indicates its significant influence in guiding individuals towards a virtuous and meaningful life.