Gyan Dipak Pragatavo Part 1

This document is the first part of a Jain religious text titled "Gyan Dipak Pragatavo" (Ignite the Lamp of Knowledge) by author Meghdarshanvijay, published by Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutirakshak Dal. The book is designed to spread knowledge about Jainism through a series of question-and-answer papers.

Key Highlights and Content:

• Purpose: The book aims to re-engage the new generation with Jain principles, history, and practices, which have been overshadowed by modern lifestyle choices like fashion, addiction, excessive TV/video consumption, and unhealthy literature. It seeks to create an environment of religious discourse within families and communities.
• Format: The core of the book consists of multiple "papers" (question sets) covering various aspects of Jainism. Each paper contains questions with multiple-choice answers, requiring the reader to select the correct option and rewrite the complete sentence.
• Methodology: The initiative, known as "Gyan Vruddhi Abhiyan" (Knowledge Enhancement Campaign), was organized over 16 Sundays during Chaturmas (monsoon retreat) by the Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutirakshak Dal and Adhinath Jain Bhakti Mandal. Participants were encouraged to research answers from religious texts at home, fostering a deeper engagement with scriptures.
• Incentives: To encourage participation, special prizes were awarded to the top 10 performers in each examination, and 50 participants received encouragement prizes.
• Content of Question Papers: The question papers cover a wide range of topics, including:
  • Paper 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16: These papers focus on specific Jain deities, scriptures, historical figures, rituals, principles, and philosophical concepts. For example, they cover the significance of Shatrunjay Tirth, the life and teachings of Adinath Bhagwan and Mahavir Swami, the concept of Arhants, Perupashan festival, the duties of a Shravak (lay follower), the "Navapad" (nine supreme beings), karma, and the proper conduct in Jain temples.
  • The questions are designed to test factual recall and understanding of Jain lore, history, and practices.
• Publication and Distribution: The book is published by Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutirakshak Dal and distributed through various Jain trusts and centers in Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
• Vision: The compilers express their confidence that this book will not only fulfill the demand for such educational material but also assist Jain monks, nuns, and organizations in their efforts to spread Jain knowledge and "ignite the lamp of knowledge" in the hearts of people.
• Reader Engagement: Readers are encouraged to write down their answers first and then compare them with the provided answer key. Feedback on the book is also welcomed.

In essence, "Gyan Dipak Pragatavo Part 1" is a comprehensive educational resource that aims to illuminate the path of Jainism for its followers through an interactive and knowledge-driven approach.