Gurugun Shattrinshat Shattrinshika - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gurugun Shattrinshat Shattrinshika" by Buddhisagarsuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Gurugun Shattrinshat Shattrinshika (गुरुगुणषट्त्रिंशत् षट्त्रिंशिका) Author: Devachandra (as indicated by "देवचन्द्र कृति - ३" and "श्रीमद्पंडितदेवचन्द्रजी कृत") Editor/Reviser: Acharya Dev Shri Buddhisagar Suri Maharaj (पू. आचार्य देवश्री बुद्धिसागरसूरि महाराज) Publisher: Shri Jinshasan Aradhana Trust, Mumbai Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/020365/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

The "Gurugun Shattrinshat Shattrinshika" is a Jain text authored by the esteemed Pandit Devachandra. The title itself, "Gurugun Shattrinshat Shattrinshika," translates to "Thirty-Six Sets of Thirty-Six Virtues of the Guru." The book, as elaborated in the preface, aims to describe the thirty-six virtues that adorn an Acharya (spiritual teacher). The text is presented with a "Balavbodh" (बालावबोध), which means an explanatory commentary intended for the understanding of beginners or the younger generation.

The primary objective of this work is to:

Educate on the Qualities of an Acharya: It meticulously details the characteristics and virtues that an individual aspiring to or holding the position of an Acharya should possess.
Promote Reverence and Understanding of Spiritual Guides: By outlining these virtues, the text seeks to foster devotion, respect, and a deeper appreciation for the role and exemplary nature of spiritual leaders within the Jain tradition.
Guide Aspirants: For those who wish to understand the qualifications required before assuming the role of an Acharya, this text is presented as a valuable guide.
Facilitate Spiritual Purification: The study of this text is intended to help individuals cultivate devotional feelings towards gurus (Acharyas) and thereby achieve self-purification.

Key Information from the Provided Pages:

Author and Context: The work is attributed to Pandit Devachandra, and this particular edition is revised and published under the guidance of Acharya Buddhisagar Suri Maharaj. The publication aims to separate and publish various works by Devachandra, with this being "Devachakra Kruti 3." Previous publications by the trust include "Agamsar" and "Nayachakrasar."
Publisher's Mission: The Shri Jinshasan Aradhana Trust is dedicated to serving and promoting Jinshasan (the Jain dispensation) through the publication of religious and spiritual texts. They express gratitude to individuals and organizations who support their endeavors.
Inspiration and Support: The publication acknowledges the blessings and inspirations from various revered Acharyas and spiritual leaders, indicating a lineage of spiritual guidance. Several Jain sanghs (communities) and individuals are listed as supporters and contributors, facilitating the publication.
Structure of the Text (as evident from the commentary): The core of the text seems to be a systematic enumeration and explanation of virtues organized into sets of thirty-six, referred to as "Shattrinshika" (छत्रीसी). The commentary (Balavbodh) explains each of these sets. The text appears to be structured in a way that each "Shattrinshika" (set of 36) focuses on a particular aspect or category of virtues.
- The commentary begins by invoking the Tirthankaras and Ganadharas.
- It defines the essence of God (Deva) and Guru (Acharya) in Jain philosophy.
- First Shattrinshika (Gatha 2): Focuses on the Acharya's skill in preaching (four types of discourse: Aksepini, Viksepini, Samvedani, Nirvedani), four bhavanas (meditations/practices), four types of knowledge acquisition, and four types of Dharma (charity, vows, penance, meditation).
- Second Shattrinshika (Gatha 3): Highlights mastery in five types of right faith (Samyakcharitra), five types of conduct (Charitra), five great vows (Mahavratas), five classifications of behavior/practice (Vyavahar), and five types of codes of conduct (Achar), along with five Samitis and five types of scriptural study (Sajjhay).
- Subsequent Shattrinshikas (Gathas 4 onwards): Continue to enumerate virtues related to:
  - Control over senses and aversion to vices (Gatha 4).
  - Freedom from fears, ethical conduct in seeking alms, and seven virtues of contentment/character (Gatha 6).
  - Knowledge and conduct related to the eightfold path, fourfold intelligence (Gatha 7).
  - Knowledge of eight principles, chastity, and nine types of Vihara (Gatha 9).
  - Ten types of Samvara (restraint), absence of Sanklesha (afflictions), and freedom from the six passions (Gatha 10).
  - Ten types of Samachari (discipline), ten states of mental equanimity, and abandonment of sixteen types of Kashaayas (passions) (Gatha 11).
  - Absence of ten types of transgression, ten virtues of discipline, and mastery of fourfold Samadhi (equanimity) (Gatha 12).
  - Mastery of ten types of Veiyavach (service to monks), ten types of Vinaya (respectful conduct), diligence in ten types of Dharma, and avoidance of unacceptable practices (Gatha 13).
  - Proficiency in ten types of inclination (Ruchi), understanding of twelve Angas (scriptural branches), twelve Upangas, and two types of Shiksa (training) (Gatha 14).
  - Understanding of eleven stages of a householder's discipline (Pratima), twelve vows of a householder, and thirteen categories of action (Gatha 15).
  - Knowledge of twelve types of Upayoga (consciousness), mastery of ten types of penance, and holder of fourteen types of equipment (Gatha 16).
  - Proficiency in twelve types of penance, adherence to the twelve vows, and constant effort in spiritual practices (Gatha 17).
  - Knowledge of fourteen stages of spiritual progress (Guna Sthana) and fourteen virtues, and eloquence in eightfold auspicious indications (Gatha 18).
  - Mastery of fifteen yogas, fifteen types of Sankhya (conceptions/desires), renunciation of the three prides and three types of arrows (Salya) (Gatha 19).
  - Absence of sixteen types of Udgam Dosha (defects in receiving food) and seventeen types of Utpadana Dosha (defects in food preparation), adherence to fourfold vows (Gatha 20).
  - Knowledge of sixteen types of verbal conduct, adherence to seventeen types of restraint, and absence of three types of transgression (Gatha 21).
  - Understanding of eighteen defects in initiation for monks, and avoidance of eighteen sinful actions (Gatha 22).
  - Holder of eighteen thousand virtues of conduct, and abstention from eighteen types of Brahma-related transgressions (Gatha 23).
  - Absence of nineteen defects in the conduct of a Muni and proficiency in seventeen types of death rituals (Gatha 24).
  - Absence of twenty defects related to mental disturbance, ten types of Eshanadosha (defects in receiving alms), and avoidance of falsehood (Gatha 25).
  - One who has renounced twenty-one types of 'sabala' (weaknesses/defects), adheres to fifteen stages of training and discipline, and is always engaged in acceptance (Gatha 26).
  - Endurance of twenty-two types of afflictions (Parishaha), renunciation of fourteen internal bindings, and adeptness in auspicious conduct (Gatha 27).
  - Purity in five types of obeisance, freedom from six defects, and adherence to twenty-five types of scrutiny (Gatha 28).
  - Adorned with twenty-seven qualities of a homeless ascetic, and receiver of pure alms from nine sources (Gatha 29).
  - Expert in manifesting twenty-eight great psychic powers (Siddhi) and endowed with eight types of influence (Prabhavak) (Gatha 30).
  - Avoidance of twenty-nine types of heretical scriptures and endowed with seven virtues of purity (Gatha 31).
  - One who prevents thirty types of delusion-related pitfalls and freedom from six internal enemies (Gatha 32).
  - One who properly elaborates the thirty-one virtues of Siddhas and the five types of knowledge (Gatha 33).
  - One who is devoted to the protection of thirty-two types of living beings and has conquered worldly afflictions (Gatha 34).
  - Free from thirty-two defects related to worship, adhered to the vows, and avoided four types of disgrace (Gatha 35).
  - One who refrains from thirty-three types of violations of conduct and is steadfast in virtuous energy and the three types of non-concealment (Gatha 36).
  - One who is endowed with the excellence of Gani (a learned monk) in thirty-two ways, and is imbued with four types of Vinaya (respectful conduct) (Gatha 37).
Significance of the Number 36: The text repeatedly emphasizes "thirty-six" qualities. This is presented as sets of thirty-six, implying a comprehensive and multi-faceted description of the ideal Acharya. The cumulative number of virtues described across all the "Shattrinshikas" would be 36 * 36 = 1296, as indicated in Gatha 37 ("Masa chhatris chhatrisi aati, 1296 bol thaya").
Concluding Remarks: The colophon and the final verses express the purpose of this compilation: to help individuals understand and emulate the qualities of the Guru, leading to spiritual well-being and the attainment of welfare. It also acknowledges the lineage of teachers and disciples involved in its creation and dissemination.

In essence, "Gurugun Shattrinshat Shattrinshika" is a devotional and instructive text that serves as a guide to the elevated qualities and responsibilities of Jain Acharyas, fostering a deeper understanding and reverence for spiritual mentors.