Gruhastha Dharmana Bar Vrato Pustika 6 - Book Summary

This document is a Jain religious booklet titled "Gruhastha Dharmana Bar Vrato Pustika 6" (Booklet 6 on the Twelve Vows of a Householder) by Kushalchandravijay, published by Nemi Vigyan Kastursuri Shreni, Mumbai. It is part of a series of ten such booklets.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content, based on the provided pages:

Core Message and Purpose:

The booklet aims to guide householders (Grahastas) in their spiritual practice within Jainism. It emphasizes that while monks follow the five Mahavratas (Great Vows) for complete renunciation, householders can achieve liberation through the twelve Vratas (Vows) while living in the world. These twelve vows are divided into five Anuvratas (Minor Vows), three Gunavratas (Augmenting Vows), and four Shikshavratas (Training Vows). The ultimate goal is to reduce attachment, prevent the accumulation of karma, and move towards spiritual liberation (Moksha).

Key Concepts Explained:

The Importance of Vows: The text highlights that the vows are essential for spiritual progress. They are meant to restrain from sins and lead to purification of the soul.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): The concept of Ahimsa is central. It explains that monks practice "Vish Vassa" (twenty measures) of Ahimsa, meaning complete non-violence. Householders, due to their worldly activities, practice "Savva Vassa" (a quarter measure), meaning they strive to minimize violence as much as possible. The booklet details the different types of living beings (Trasa and Sthavara) and the challenges householders face in protecting them completely.
The Twelve Vows: The booklet systematically explains each of the twelve vows, along with their five aticharas (infringements or mistakes to avoid).
- Five Anuvratas (Minor Vows):
  1. Sthula Pranati-pata Viramana Vrata (Vow to Abstain from Gross Violence): Not intentionally harming any innocent living being.
  2. Sthula Mrushavada Viramana Vrata (Vow to Abstain from Gross Falsehood): Avoiding major lies, especially regarding relationships, property, and giving false testimony.
  3. Sthula Adattadana Viramana Vrata (Vow to Abstain from Gross Stealing): Not engaging in theft, cheating, bribery, or any form of dishonest acquisition.
  4. Sthula Maithuna Viramana Vrata (Vow to Abstain from Gross Sexual Misconduct): Practicing chastity, which for householders means strict adherence to one's own spouse and avoiding all extramarital affairs.
  5. Sthula Parigraha Parimana Vrata (Vow to Limit Possession): Limiting one's possessions and reducing attachment to material wealth.
- Three Gunavratas (Augmenting Vows): 6. Dishaa Parimana Vrata (Vow to Limit Directions): Setting boundaries for travel and activities in different directions. 7. Bhoga Upbhoga Parikshaya Vrata (Vow to Limit Consumption): Restricting the use of consumable and enjoyable items. 8. Anartha Danda Viramana Vrata (Vow to Abstain from Useless/Harmful Activities): Avoiding activities that are pointless, lead to sin, or cause harm to oneself or others.
- Four Shikshavratas (Training Vows): 9. Samayika Vrata (Vow of Equanimity/Meditation): Observing a period of meditation and mental composure daily. 10. Deshavakashika Vrata (Vow of Temporary Renunciation/Partial Observance): Temporarily restricting activities and vows to specific times or places. 11. Paushadha Vrata (Vow of Religious Observance/Fasting): Observing specific vows and restrictions on holy days, often involving fasting. 12. Atithi Samvibhaga Vrata (Vow of Alms-giving/Charity): Sharing food and resources with deserving individuals, especially monks and ascetics.
Prohibited Occupations (Nishiddha Karma/Vyapar): The booklet lists and explains various trades and professions that are considered sinful and should be avoided by householders. These include activities related to:
- Kiln-based work (Ingala Karma): Making bricks, tiles, pottery, and related businesses.
- Forestry/Gardening (Vana Karma): Cultivating forests, gardens, and trading in fruits, flowers, and vegetables.
- Vehicle Manufacturing (Sadi Karma): Building vehicles like carts, cars, ships, and planes.
- Transportation Services (Badi Karma): Hiring out vehicles.
- Earth-related work (Kodi Karma): Digging wells, ponds, and engaging in land excavation.
- Trade in animal products (Danta Vanijya, Lash Vanijya, Kesh Vanijya): Dealing with ivory, pearls, leather, bones, hair, wool, etc.
- Trade in harmful substances (Visha Vanijya): Dealing with opium, poison, explosives, weapons, etc.
- Processing (Pitran Karma): Operating mills, oil presses, etc.
- Animal Cruelty (Nilachana Karma): Cutting tails or horns of animals.
- Arson (Dava Karma): Setting fires in forests or fields.
- Water Depletion (Shoshana Karma): Draining water from ponds or wells.
- Keeping harmful pets (Asati Pashan Karma): Keeping dogs, cats, parrots, etc.
- Trade in certain consumables (Rasa Vanijya): Trading in honey, meat, butter, ghee, oil, milk, jaggery, dates, etc.
- Trade in certain materials (Lash Vanijya): Trading in lac, gum, soap, alkali, yellow arsenic, colors, etc.
- Trade in certain chemicals (Ras Vanijya): Trading in honey, meat, butter, ghee, oil, milk, jaggery, dates, etc.
- Trade in certain materials (Rasa Vanijya): Trading in honey, meat, butter, ghee, oil, milk, jaggery, dates, etc.
Samyak-tva (Right Faith): The booklet emphasizes that Samyak-tva (right faith or understanding of Jain principles) is foundational. Without it, the vows are like zeros without a one. It defines Samyak-tva as firm belief in the nine Tattvas (essences) and the importance of recognizing the Su-dev (true God), Su-guru (true preceptor), and Su-dharma (true religion).
Jayna (Carefulness/Vigilance): Jayna is explained as a form of carefulness and vigilance in one's actions and speech to avoid unknowingly committing sins or disrespecting religious principles.
Illustrative Examples: The booklet includes examples of devout householders and householders like Anand Shravak and Kamdev, who strictly followed their vows, including the eleven Pratimas (stages of spiritual observance). The story of Anand Shravak demonstrates unwavering devotion and acceptance of correction, even from a great disciple like Gautama Swami.
Praise for Devotion: It quotes verses praising individuals like Samudra-ghosh Rajarshi and Chandavarta Raja, and housesholders like Sudarshan Sheth, Anand and Kamdev, for their unwavering adherence to their vows (Pratimas).

Overall Tone and Approach:

The booklet is didactic and instructive, providing clear explanations and practical guidance. It uses accessible language and includes visual cues (illustrations described, though not visible in text format) to help readers understand the concepts. The emphasis is on gradual progress, with householders encouraged to adopt as many vows and restrictions as they can manage, striving for continuous improvement in their spiritual lives. The ultimate aim is to lead a life that reduces karmic bondage and leads to spiritual liberation.