Good Night

This Jain text, "Good Night" by Rashmiratnasuri, published by Jingun Aradhak Trust, is a comprehensive guide to spiritual and ethical living from a Jain perspective. The book, primarily based on lectures by Acharya Shri Rashmiratnasuri, covers a wide range of topics aimed at guiding individuals towards a virtuous life, both in their daily routines and spiritual practices.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content:

1. Laying the Foundation (Pages 1-5):

• Introduction: The book is introduced as a collection of lectures on topics such as "Vidhi Vigyan" (Science of Rituals), "Dining Table Chatpati Baatein" (Tangy Talks on the Dining Table), "Future Predictions," "Brahmacharya" (Celibacy), and "Tension to Peace - Meditation Practice."
• Authors and Gurus: It highlights the lineage of Acharya Shri Vijay Rashmiratnasuri, a disciple of Acharya Shri Vijay Gunaratnasuri.
• Subject Matter: The lectures are described as being delivered for men, focusing on scientific and ritualistic aspects, and are presented as popular and favorite topics.
• Core Jain Principles: The initial chapters emphasize the importance of changing one's direction to change one's destiny, following the path of righteousness for liberation, and understanding the duties of a true Jain follower (Shravak). It outlines various levels of duties: life duties (8), annual duties (11), Chaturmasic duties (8), Paryushan duties (5), and daily duties (6).

2. The Science of Sleep and Awakening (Pages 6-13):

• Ideal Sleep Schedule: The book advocates for sleeping after sunset (preferably about 3 hours after) and waking up before sunrise (during Brahmamuhurta). It suggests about 10 PM for sleeping and 4 AM for waking, with 6 hours of sleep being sufficient for youth.
• Sleeping Posture: It discusses the health implications of different sleeping positions, recommending sleeping on the left side as beneficial and scientifically supported.
• Chanting and Protection: The practice of counting Navkar mantras while sleeping (seven for warding off fears) and upon waking (eight for removing eight karmas) is explained.
• Spiritualization of the Body: It promotes the practice of mentally placing Tirthankar deities in different parts of the body for protection and well-being.
• Dream Management: Recalling specific Tirthankars (Nemnath, Parshvanath, Shantinath, Chandrprabh Swami) is suggested to overcome nightmares and fears.
• Directional Awareness: Strict guidance is given against sleeping with the feet towards the South due to the belief that it's inhabited by Yama and negative energies, and that it negatively impacts health and memory. It also details the benefits of sleeping with the head towards the East (for knowledge) and South (for wealth and health).
• Pre-sleep Precautions: Several guidelines are provided, such as avoiding sleeping with lamps near the head or feet, keeping a distance from the wall, not sleeping in the evening, not sleeping while sitting up, and avoiding certain postures.
• Morning Routine: The importance of waking early and the detrimental effects of sleeping late are emphasized, citing scientific research and Lord Mahavir's teachings.
• Morning Prayers and Reflections: The book details the method of performing Anjalibaddha Namaskar (folded hands salutation), counting Navkar mantras, and reflecting on one's life, duties, and the teachings of Jainism.

3. Home Temple and Rituals (Pages 17-37):

• Types of Temples: It categorizes temples into five types: Mangal Chaitya (at the entrance), Griha Chaitya (home temple), Shashwat Chaitya (eternal temples in divine realms), Nishrakrut Chaitya (personal temples of societies/Gachhas), and Anishrakrut Chaitya (community temples).
• Significance of Home Temple (Griha Chaitya): The book strongly advocates for establishing a home temple, calling a house without one a "crematorium." It highlights its benefits in fostering spiritual sanskars in children, preventing sins, and creating a divine atmosphere.
• Vastu Shastra in Home Temples: Detailed guidelines are provided on the placement of deities, directions for prayer, the size and material of idols, and general Vastu principles for the home.
• Prabhu Darshan (Lord's Darshan): The book elaborates on the proper method of visiting and worshipping in a temple, including the significance of seeing the temple flag, entering with reverence, performing prostrations (Pradakshina), and reciting prayers.
• Dress Code for Worship: Modest and traditional attire is recommended for women visiting temples.
• Types of Puja: Various forms of worship like Chamar Puja (waving a whisk), mirror worship, instrumental worship (bell ringing), and Kesar (saffron) Puja are described with their benefits.
• Abhishek Puja (Ritual Bathing): The importance and efficacy of Abhishek Puja are highlighted, citing examples from Jain scriptures where diseases were cured by Abhishek water. It details the process and precautions for performing Abhishek, including the use of different types of kalash (pots).
• Chandan Puja and Aangi: The significance of applying sandalwood paste and adorning the idols (Aangi) with gold leaf and other pure materials is explained.
• Dev Dravya (Temple Funds): It stresses the importance of contributing to temple funds and the correct way of handling them.
• Puja Utensils and Purity: The need for purity in utensils, clothing, and the overall worship environment is emphasized.

4. Dietary Guidelines and Ethics (Pages 59-84):

• Jain Diet: The book emphasizes the strictness of the Jain diet, detailing what is permissible and what is prohibited (Abhakshya).
• "Jain Food" Misconceptions: It warns against the misuse of the term "Jain" for foods that do not adhere to Jain principles.
• Forbidden Foods: Specific foods like Jamikand (a type of root), potatoes (due to potential harm), stale food, and certain dairy products are discussed.
• Dvidala (Split Pulses/Grains): The concept of Dvidala is explained, highlighting the importance of cooking them properly to avoid microscopic life and the sin of consumption.
• Seasonal and Local Cuisine: The book delves into the specifics of Marwadi, Kacchi, and Gujarati dishes, analyzing the permissibility of their ingredients and preparation methods according to Jain rules.
• The Danger of Packaged and Processed Foods: It cautions against market-bought items, processed foods, and restaurant food due to potential contamination, unhygienic preparation, and the presence of forbidden ingredients.
• Night Food Prohibition: The severe sin associated with eating at night is detailed, emphasizing its detrimental impact on spiritual progress and future rebirths.
• Virtuous Food Practices: The importance of mindful eating, eating in a calm environment, and maintaining a simple diet is stressed.

5. Spiritual Practices and Future Insights (Pages 85-97):

• The Importance of Practice: The book stresses that acquiring knowledge is only the first step; it must be followed by practice.
• The Power of Devotion and Surrender: It highlights the importance of surrendering to God and gurus for spiritual upliftment.
• Future Predictions (Agam Vani): The book discusses prophetic verses from Jain scriptures regarding the decline of righteous conduct in future eras, the changing social order, and the increasing prevalence of unethical behavior. It also mentions prophecies from foreign sources, suggesting a time of great upheaval and the eventual triumph of non-violence.
• Tension to Peace (Meditation): It introduces meditation as a tool for achieving peace and inner solace. It contrasts Jain meditation with other forms, emphasizing its focus on the soul's well-being.
• Meditation Techniques: Various meditation techniques, including Navkar mantra meditation, Ahama meditation, and conceptual meditations (Prithvi Dharana, Agni Dharana, etc.), are explained.
• Brahmacharya (Celibacy): The immense benefits of Brahmacharya are highlighted, emphasizing its significance for spiritual power, mental clarity, and overall well-being, contrasting it with the destructive nature of lustful thoughts and actions.
• Remedies for Spiritual Cleansing: It encourages seeking atonement and purification through the guidance of gurus for any transgressions related to senses, body, or mind.
• Seeking Guidance: The book concludes by promoting a free correspondence course offered by Shri Nakoda Tirth for spiritual development.

In essence, "Good Night" is a comprehensive guide for Jains, offering practical advice and spiritual wisdom for living a life aligned with the principles of non-violence, truthfulness, and self-control, aiming for ultimate liberation.