Good Night

The book "Good Night" by Rashmiratnasuri, published by Jingun Aradhak Trust, is a comprehensive guide to Jain philosophy, ethics, and practices, primarily focusing on how to live a virtuous and spiritually fulfilling life. The text is structured as a series of discussions or discourses, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the daily life and spiritual journey of a Jain follower.

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

I. Daily Life and Rituals:

• Bedtime and Morning Routines: The book begins with advice on proper sleep posture, the importance of waking up early (Brahma Muhurta), and the benefits of a disciplined sleep schedule. It emphasizes reciting prayers like the Navkar mantra before sleeping and upon waking, along with visualizing spiritual figures and concepts.
• Worship and Devotion (Pooja Vidhi): A significant portion is dedicated to the scientific and spiritual aspects of performing puja. This includes:
  • Temple Etiquette: Guidelines for visiting temples, including proper conduct, clothing, and rituals like circumambulation (pradakshina) and offering prayers.
  • Home Temples (Ghar Derasar): The importance of having a home temple, its placement, the types of idols, and the reverence due to them.
  • Puja Materials and Procedures: Detailed explanations on using ingredients like sandalwood, saffron, flowers, and lamps, along with the significance of each step in the worship process. It also stresses the importance of purity in materials and intentions.
  • Abhishek Pooja: The elaborate ritual of bathing the idols, its benefits, and the devotional significance.
  • Specific Rituals: Detailed steps for various pujas like Ang Pooja, Dhoop-Deep Pooja, Akshat Pooja, and Aarti, explaining their spiritual implications.
• Dietary Guidelines (Abhakshya Nishedh): A substantial part of the book is dedicated to identifying and explaining prohibited foods (Abhakshya) according to Jain principles. This includes:
  • Root Vegetables and Multiple-Sensed Beings: Prohibitions against eating root vegetables and foods that contain multiple organisms (Dvidala), explaining the scientific and spiritual reasons behind these restrictions.
  • Stale Food and Forbidden Ingredients: Detailed lists of what constitutes stale food and the dangers of consuming items prepared with non-Jain ingredients or methods (e.g., using animal fat, gelatin, or improper fermentation).
  • Night Meals (Ratri Bhojan Tyag): A strong emphasis on the prohibition of eating after sunset, outlining its severe spiritual and physical consequences, including rebirth in lower realms.
  • Specific Food items: Discussions on items like potatoes, bread, biscuits, cheese, ice cream, carbonated drinks, and even cosmetic products, explaining their potential to violate Jain dietary laws.
• Mala (Rosary) Practices: Instructions on how to use a mala, the significance of different fingers for counting, and the importance of reverence towards the mala.
• Samayik and other Austerities: The importance and benefits of performing Samayik (a period of meditation and equanimity), Fasting (Upavas), and other ascetic practices are discussed.

II. Jain Philosophy and Principles:

• The Soul (Atma) and Reincarnation (Punarjanma): The book asserts the existence of the soul and the concept of rebirth, citing scientific and philosophical arguments, as well as anecdotal evidence from past lives (Jatismarana).
• Tattvas (Principles): It explains the fundamental principles of Jainism, including the nine tattvas (Soul, Non-soul, Merit, Demerit, Influx, Stoppage, Bondage, Emission, and Liberation).
• The Soul's Journey: The text describes the soul's progression through different life forms and its ultimate goal of achieving liberation (Moksha).
• Brahmaacharya (Celibacy): The immense spiritual power and benefits of celibacy are highlighted, emphasizing its role in conserving life force (Virya) and achieving spiritual goals.
• Vastu Shastra (Jain Architecture): Principles of Jain architecture are discussed in relation to home construction and temple design, focusing on auspicious directions and placements to promote peace and prosperity.
• Mantra and Meditation: The power of mantras, particularly the Navkar mantra, and various meditation techniques (dhyana) are explained for spiritual development and stress relief.

III. Scientific and Historical Context:

• Jainism and Science: The book frequently draws parallels between Jain teachings and modern scientific discoveries, suggesting that Jainism holds ancient scientific truths. It addresses topics like:
  • Astronomy: Discussing the Jain cosmology regarding the sun, moon, and planetary movements, and contrasting it with contemporary understanding, including questioning the validity of the Apollo moon missions.
  • Plant Life: Citing scientific research on the sentience of plants to support Jain principles of non-violence towards all living beings.
• Historical Figures and Events: The text references various Jain saints, kings, and devotees, using their lives as examples of adherence to Jain principles and the rewards of spiritual practice.
• Prophecies and Future Times: The book includes discussions on prophecies about the current era (Kaliyug) and the decline of spiritual practices, encouraging readers to intensify their spiritual efforts.

IV. Social and Ethical Guidance:

• The Role of Trustees: The book provides detailed guidelines for individuals involved in managing Jain trusts, emphasizing integrity, dedication, and adherence to religious principles.
• Social Harmony: It touches upon the importance of maintaining harmony within the community and respecting religious sentiments.
• Protection of Jainism: The latter part of the book addresses perceived attacks on Jainism from certain historical texts and media, urging the community to be vigilant and to defend their faith with accurate knowledge.

Overall Message:

"Good Night" is essentially a call to live a life of discipline, awareness, and devotion according to Jain principles. It aims to equip readers with the knowledge and practical guidance to navigate their daily lives while striving for spiritual progress. The book emphasizes that true well-being comes from adhering to Dharma, practicing non-violence (Ahimsa), controlling the senses, and cultivating spiritual knowledge and conduct. It presents Jainism not just as a religion, but as a scientific and holistic approach to life.