Guru Vani Part 02 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Guru Vani Part 02," based on the provided text:

Book Title: Guru Vani Part 02 Author(s): Jambuvijay, Jinendraprabashreeji, Vinaysagar Publisher: Siddhi Bhuvan Manohar Jain Trust

This volume, "Guru Vani Part 02," is a compilation of discourses given by Pujya Gurudev Muniraj Shri Bhuvanvijayantevasi Muni Jambu Vijayji Maharaj during his Chaturmas in Samigraam in Vikram Samvat 2041. The discourses were delivered on the Dharmaratna Prakaran authored by Shri Shantikchandra Suri. The compilation aims to present these teachings in a simple and accessible style.

Content Overview:

This second part of "Guru Vani" focuses on the remaining six qualities of an ideal Jain householder (Shravak), building upon the first six discussed in the previous volume. These qualities are elaborated through stories, parables, and philosophical explanations:

Key Qualities Discussed:

Akroorta (अक्रूरता - Absence of Cruelty/Non-cruelty):
- Emphasizes that true happiness is internal and stable, not dependent on external pleasures or fleeting joys.
- Highlights the importance of listening (shrotṛitva) over speaking (vaktṛitva) as a greater art in spiritual practice.
- Discusses the need for religion to be integrated into one's life like blood and flesh, not merely an external garment worn only in religious places.
- Stresses that genuine religious practice requires inherent qualities, not just outward rituals.
- Illustrates this with the story of a king's ancestor whose pride led to a degraded rebirth as a dog, despite her devotional practices. The core message is that without the quality of gentleness and absence of anger, dharma becomes lifeless.
Paapabhiruta (पापभीरुता - Fear of Sin):
- Stresses the importance of having a fear of sin and its consequences.
- Critiques the prevalent practice of engaging in businesses that cause significant harm to living beings (like factories causing extensive violence) and then donating large sums to religious institutions.
- Questions the authenticity of such religious activities when the source of wealth is tainted.
- Uses the story of Sulasa, the son of a butcher, who renounced his father's sinful trade after witnessing his father's suffering and understanding the consequences of sin, ultimately achieving a good destiny. This highlights that fear of sin is a crucial motivator for righteous conduct, even if it means abandoning ancestral businesses.
Chitt Jodo Prabhu Ke Saath (प्रभु के साथ चित्त जोड़ो - Connecting the Mind with the Lord):
- Explores the concept of past life impressions (samskaras) influencing present behavior.
- Emphasizes that true refuge and liberation lie in remembering and connecting with the Lord (Prabhu).
- Suggests that remembering God's name is a simple yet powerful means of overcoming ingrained negative tendencies.
- Uses the example of the story of a sage whose mind remained attached to worldly possessions even during meditation, illustrating the need to focus the mind on the divine rather than worldly matters. It also highlights the value of remembering God's name, which is accessible to all and capable of bringing immense benefit.
Ashatata (अशठता - Absence of Deceit/Sincerity):
- Advocates for sincerity and the absence of deceit in all actions, especially in religious pursuits.
- Critiques the prevalence of ostentatious religious practices done for show rather than genuine devotion.
- Emphasizes the paramount importance of honoring parents, comparing them to living deities. The story of a wealthy man whose planned temple consecration is halted by an elder woman who highlights the disrespect shown to her parents, underscoring that true devotion begins with honoring one's parents.
- Uses the example of Lal Bahadur Shastri's deep respect and filial devotion to his mother as a model of true sincerity. It also touches upon the changing family dynamics and the decline of respect for elders.
Paryushana - First Day (पर्युषणा - प्रथम दिन - Day One of Paryushana):
- Explains the significance of the Paryushana festival as a time for spiritual cleansing and purification, akin to cleaning and decorating one's home for Diwali.
- Highlights the core principle of the festival: the establishment of friendly relations with all living beings and the practice of forgiveness (Kshamaapan).
- Explains the etymology and historical context of Paryushana, referencing the ancient practice of monks residing in a particular area for a month.
- Discusses the three classes of Shravakas: Sadiya (always observant), Kadiya (observant on specific days), and Bhadiya (observant only during Paryushana).
- Introduces the five essential duties of a Shravaka: Amari Pravartan (non-violence enforcement), Sadharmik Vatsalya (love for fellow Jains), mutual forgiveness, observance of Attam Tap (fasting), and Chaitya Paripati (worship of Jin temples).
- Details the story of Acharya Hemchandrasuri and King Kumarpal, illustrating the profound impact of the Acharya's teachings and the King's commitment to Ahimsa (non-violence), which led to the widespread adoption of Jain principles and the cessation of animal sacrifice during festivals. It also mentions the virtue of Vijay Hirasuriji Maharaj and his efforts in promoting Jainism during a period of widespread violence, as well as his interaction with Emperor Akbar.
Paryushana - Second Day (पर्युषणा - द्वितीय दिन - Day Two of Paryushana):
- Focuses on Sadharmik Vatsalya (साधर्मिक वात्सल्य - Love and Affection for Fellow Jains) as the second key duty. It emphasizes that our religious progress and the existence of religious institutions are indebted to the efforts of our predecessors and fellow Jains.
- Highlights the story of Udo Marwadi, who, through the kindness and support of a fellow Jain (Lachhi Chhipi), rose from poverty to become a successful minister. This story underscores the transformative power of mutual support within the Jain community.
- Details the significant contributions of ministers Vastupal and Tejpal, including their role in the fourteenth and fifteenth upliftment of Shatrunjaya hill, the construction of temples, and their dedication to religious causes despite facing challenges.
- Narrates the remarkable story of the sixteenth upliftment of Shatrunjaya by Karmasha, a merchant, and the miraculous event of the idol taking seven breaths during its consecration, showcasing the deep devotion and faith of the Jains.
- Includes a personal account of an "Abhishek" (ritual bathing of the idol) performed by the author on Shatrunjaya, which is believed to have brought forth miraculous rain during a severe drought, demonstrating the divine intervention possible through sincere devotion.
Paryushana - Third Day (पर्युषणा - तृतीय दिन - Day Three of Paryushana):
- Continues the discussion on Sadharmik Vatsalya and the importance of selfless service.
- Presents the story of Deda, a poor merchant, who received divine intervention (Suvarnasiddhi - the ability to transmute base metals into gold) and used this boon for public welfare and religious donations, facing challenges and demonstrating the importance of character and devotion.
- Highlights the story of Pethad Shah (Deda's son) and his son Jhanjhan, showcasing their business acumen, their adherence to dharma, and their commitment to fulfilling their father's religious vows.
- Emphasizes the virtue of Parigraha Pariman (परिग्रह-परिमाण - Limitation of Possessions) through the story of Pethad Shah accepting a vow of limited possessions, demonstrating true detachment.
- Discusses Bhent se Brahmacharya Svikar (भेंट से ब्रह्मचर्य स्वीकार - Accepting Brahmacharya through Offering), where Pethad Shah, inspired by a gift of religious garments, embraced celibacy.
- Mentions the dedication of Jagdu Shah in using his wealth for the welfare of the community and the importance of supporting those in need within the Jain fold.
Kshamaapana (क्षमापना - Forgiveness):
- Identifies forgiveness as the central pillar of the Paryushana festival and indeed all religious observance.
- Explains that the root of suffering in the world is primarily due to attachment (raag) and aversion (dwesh).
- Stresses the importance of timely forgiveness, recommending specific timeframes for seeking it if immediate reconciliation is not possible.
- Highlights that without genuine forgiveness, all other religious acts become fruitless.
- Illustrates the power of sincere forgiveness through the stories of Chandanbala and Mrigavati, where genuine remorse and seeking forgiveness led to enlightenment.
- Features the story of Upaadhyaay Shri Dharmasagarji Maharaj and his disciple Kalyanmall, demonstrating the transformative power of humility and the act of seeking forgiveness, even from a perceived enemy, leading to reconciliation and spiritual growth.
Tapaaraadhana (तपाराधना - Austerity/Fasting):
- Explains Attam Tap (अट्ठम तप - Eight-day Fasting) as a key austerity for shedding karmas.
- Compares the immense karmic merit gained through tapas to the suffering endured in hell for thousands of years.
- Suggests that even small acts of fasting like Navkarsi (fasting until noon) and Chavihar (abstaining from food and water after sunset) can yield significant spiritual benefits.
- Critiques the modern tendency to prioritize enjoyment over austerity, contrasting it with the Jain tradition of fasting during festivals.
- Emphasizes that true tapas involves the control of desires and the cultivation of equanimity.
- Uses the story of Nagketi, who, through a strong aspiration for tapas, achieved spiritual liberation, highlighting the profound impact of selfless devotion.
Chaitya-Paripati (चैत्य-परिपाटी - Worship of Temples):
- Underscores the importance of worshipping Jin temples and idols as an act of gratitude and recognition of the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
- Argues that acts of charity and service to the needy, while commendable, originate from the principles taught by the Tirthankaras and therefore temple worship should not be neglected.
- Explains the tradition of Pancham ki Chauth (worship on the fourth day of the fifth month of the Jain calendar), adapting it to the fourth day for King Shalivahan's convenience, thus promoting temple visits.
Ganadharvaada (गणधरवाद - The Teachings of the Ganadharas):
- Discusses the intellectual and spiritual journey of Indrabhuti Gautam, the chief Ganadhara of Lord Mahavir.
- Explores the philosophical debates surrounding the nature of the soul (Atman) and its existence, referencing Vedic texts.
- Explains how Lord Mahavir systematically addressed Gautam's doubts regarding the soul, karma, and reincarnation, leading to Gautam's enlightenment and his role in compiling the Jain scriptures (Agamas).
- Highlights the concept of the three essential aspects of any entity: origin (utpanna), dissolution (vigata), and permanence (dhruva), and how these relate to the soul.
Sudakshinyata (सुदाक्षिण्यता - Kindness/Generosity):
- Defines kindness and generosity as essential qualities for a true follower of Dharma.
- Warns against the destructive nature of lust and desire, illustrated by the story of King Pundrik who harbored lust for his brother's wife, Yashobhadra, leading to fratricide and Yashobhadra's renunciation of worldly life.
- Also includes the story of a false guru who, driven by lust, orchestrated a scheme that backfired, leading to his own downfall, emphasizing the perils of succumbing to base desires.
- Presents the story of Kudhkumar, a prince who, despite being drawn to worldly pleasures after renouncing them, was ultimately guided back to a life of dharma through the influence of his virtuous mother and the teachings of the wise.
Lajja (लज्जा - Modesty/Shame):
- Identifies modesty and shame as the foundation of all virtues and a crucial guide for righteous living.
- Critiques the decline of modesty and respect in modern society, contrasting it with past traditions.
- Illustrates the power of modesty through the story of a novice disciple who, despite being ill-treated by his guru, maintained his composure and humility, ultimately attaining enlightenment. This highlights that true remorse and humility can lead to profound spiritual transformation.
Daya (दया - Compassion):
- Declares compassion as the core of Dharma, without which religion is akin to a body without life.
- Critiques the accumulation of wealth through unjust and unethical means, labeling it as "Asuric Sampatti" (demonic wealth), which brings suffering. True wealth is "Daivi Sampatti" (divine wealth), gained through justice and righteousness.
- Highlights the destructive impact of materialism and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures over spiritual growth.
- Emphasizes the importance of water conservation and condemns its wastage, as well as the harm caused by activities like maintaining lush lawns that result in the killing of small organisms.
- Presents the story of Dharmaruchi, a prince who, influenced by Jain monks, embraced a life of compassion and non-violence, ultimately achieving spiritual liberation.

Overall Message:

"Guru Vani Part 02" serves as a guide for Jains to cultivate essential virtues for spiritual progress and a meaningful life. It emphasizes that true Dharma is not merely about external rituals but about the internal transformation of one's character, guided by principles of non-cruelty, fear of sin, devotion to the divine, sincerity, compassion, forgiveness, austerity, reverence for temples, adherence to scripture, and humility. The text uses compelling narratives and philosophical insights to inspire readers to live a life aligned with Jain principles, leading to both worldly well-being and ultimate liberation.