Gyananand Shravakachar - Book Summary

The provided text is a substantial portion of the Jain text "Gyananand Shravakachar" authored by Brahmachari Raimalla and published by the Akhil Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Vidwat Parishad Trust. The content appears to be a Hindi translation and detailed commentary on Jain practices and philosophy, particularly focusing on the duties and conduct of lay followers (Shravakas).

Here's a comprehensive summary, broken down by key sections and themes identified from the text:

Overall Purpose and Context:

Title: "Gyananand Shravakachar" (also referred to as "Gyananand Poorita Nirbhar Nija Rasa Shravakachar"). This title signifies a guide to the conduct of a Shravaka, emphasizing the attainment of "Gyananand" – bliss derived from knowledge.
Author: Brahmachari Raimalla was a contemporary of the renowned Jain scholar Pandit Todarmal and resided in Shahpura, near Bhilwara, before making Jaipur his spiritual base.
Publisher: Akhil Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Vidwat Parishad Trust, Jaipur, indicating a focus on the Digambar Jain tradition.
Significance: The text is presented as highly useful, comparable to the "Ratnakaranḍa Shravakachar," and is intended for regular study.
Language: Originally written in simple "Dhundhari" language (a dialect of Rajasthani), it has been translated into Hindi for broader accessibility.

Key Sections and Themes:

Introduction and Editorial Notes (Pages 4-5):
- Highlights the significance of the publication by the Vidwat Parishad.
- Introduces Brahmachari Raimalla, his association with Pandit Todarmal, and his spiritual journey.
- Acknowledges the translator (Dhanyakumar Jain) and editor (Akhil Bansal).
- Lists other important publications by the trust and upcoming works.
- Provides a detailed table of contents, outlining the structure of the Shravakachar.
Author's Biography and Historical Context (Pages 6-11):
- Distinguishes Brahmachari Raimalla from other historical figures named Raimalla.
- Details his spiritual awakening in Shahpura at the age of 23 and his subsequent life of celibacy and dedication to Jain principles.
- Establishes his contemporaneity with prominent scholars like Pandit Todarmal and Pandit Daulatram Kasliwal.
- Discusses his known works: "Indradhvaja Vidhan Mahotsav Patrika," "Gyananand Shravakachar," and "Charcha Sangraha."
- Explains the meaning of "Gyananand" as the bliss of self-realization, distinct from worldly pleasures.
- Highlights the author's intent in writing the Shravakachar as a means to achieve this spiritual bliss and focus the mind.
Key Features of the "Gyananand Shravakachar" (Page 15):
- Prose Format: Notably, it's mentioned as the first Shravakachar composed in prose, unlike most others in verse.
- Comprehensive Coverage: It details all aspects of Shravaka's life from purifying water and cooking to practicing meditation and performing sallekhana (holy death).
- Integration of Philosophy: A beautiful synthesis of "Dravyanuyog" (metaphysical aspects) and "Charananuyog" (conduct and ethics) is present, similar to "Mokshamarga Prakashak."
- Use of Quotations: While supporting its points with the teachings of previous acharyas, the author refrains from direct scriptural quotations, except for two lines from Nathuram's "Vinay Path."
- Detailed Methodology: Provides clear and elaborate instructions, particularly for practices like water filtration.
- Simple Language and Emotion: Characterized by simplicity in language and heartfelt devotion.
- Balance of Nischaya and Vyavahara: Effectively harmonizes ultimate truth (Nischaya) and conventional practice (Vyavahara).
- Specific Principles: Includes a detailed description of 84 "Asadan Dosha" (violations or faults) related to Jain temples.
- Spiritual Focus: Composed with an emphasis on spirituality, akin to Kundakunda's "Samaysar."
- Compilation of Wisdom: Presented as a distillation of the essence of various Shravakachars.
- Illustrative Examples: Enriched with analogies and examples to make complex concepts understandable.
- Explanation of Rituals: Explains the underlying spiritual meaning of daily rituals.
- Logical Reasoning: Utilizes logic, justice, examples, and scriptural evidence in a clear and accessible style.
- Question-Answer Format: Clarifies points by posing and answering relevant questions.
Mangaḷācaraṇa (Invocation) (Page 16):
- Begins with a traditional invocation in Doha (couplet) form, praising the omniscient, the pure soul, the Arhats, the Siddhas, and the path of knowledge and bliss.
Vandanādhikāra (Chapter on Salutation) (Pages 17-25):
- Salutes the three jewels (Deva, Guru, Dharma) and specifically the Arhat and Siddha beings.
- Describes the qualities and divine nature of Arhats and Siddhas in detail, emphasizing their purity, omniscience, bliss, and detachment.
- Explains the concept of "Paramatmā" and their role in guiding beings towards liberation.
- Praises the glory of Jinavani (the teachings of the Jinas).
- Glorifies the "Nirgrantha Guru" (monks) and their pure conduct, detachment, and dedication to spiritual practice.
- Illustrates the concept of "Gyananand" through the example of pure contemplatives.
- Explains the purpose of the Shravakachar as a means to achieve this inner bliss and focus the mind, rather than mere compilation.
Shravaka-Varṇanādhikāra (Chapter on Description of a Shravaka) (Pages 43-75):
- Categorizes Shravakas into three types: Pākshika (part-time follower), Naishthika (dedicated follower), and Sadhaka (aspirant for renunciation).
- Details the qualities and observances of each type, including the eight "Angas" (limbs) and eight "Guna" (virtues) of Right Faith (Samyakdarshan).
- Lists 25 "Dosha" (faults) that can affect Right Faith.
- Describes the eleven "Pratimas" (stages of observances) for Naishthika Shravakas.
- Provides detailed explanations of the five main vows (Aṇuvratas) and the supporting vows (Guṇavratas and Shiksha Vratas).
- Discusses the violations (Aticharas) of these vows.
- Covers various ethical guidelines, including avoiding harmful trades, the importance of compassion, the six daily duties (Shad Avashyak), and the four Bhavanas (contemplations): Maitri, Pramoda, Karuṇa, and Madhyastha.
- Emphasizes the prohibition of night-eating, the purification of food, and the correct methods for water filtration.
- Critiques various practices and beliefs of other sects, highlighting the purity and logic of Jain principles.
- Offers a detailed discussion on the proper conduct in Jain temples, including the 84 "Āsādana Dosha."
Various Doṣha (Faults and Prohibitions) (Pages 76-150):
- This is the most extensive section, delving into numerous faults and prohibitions related to daily life, rituals, and beliefs.
- Night-Eating: Detailed explanation of the sin involved due to the multiplication of microscopic organisms.
- Fire-Kindling: Prohibition of lighting fires at night due to the presence of innumerable organisms in fuel.
- Unfiltered Water: Elaborate description of the sin in consuming unfiltered water, emphasizing the hierarchy of sins associated with killing organisms of different senses.
- Gambling: Identified as the root of many other vices.
- Agriculture: Detailed explanation of the inherent violence in farming practices.
- Cooking: Strict guidelines on food preparation, emphasizing purity of ingredients, cooking time, and the avoidance of certain items.
- Market-Purchased Food: Strong condemnation of food prepared by confectioners and others, citing impurities and unwholesome practices.
- Honey Consumption: Detailed explanation of the violence involved in honey production.
- Kanji/Dahi Consumption: Prohibitions on consuming fermented products due to the presence of organisms.
- Pickles and Preserves: Similar prohibitions due to fermentation and the presence of organisms.
- Jalebi: Specific prohibition due to the fermentation of flour and the presence of worms.
- Eating Together: Critique of communal eating practices from one plate, citing the issue of "Jhootha" (shared saliva and food residue).
- Women's Conduct: A significant portion is dedicated to describing the perceived negative traits of women, their influence, and the need for control.
- Purity of Dairy Products: Detailed guidelines on obtaining and processing milk, curd, and ghee.
- Prohibition of Certain Professions: Lists various professions considered impure or sinful, such as those involving animal exploitation, intoxicants, or deception.
- Temple Conduct: Reiterates prohibitions within temples, including touching certain objects, improper attire, singing, dancing, and disrespectful behavior.
- Hypocrisy and False Gurus: A strong critique of individuals who claim spiritual authority but lack genuine understanding and practice, often exploiting followers.
- Various Sects and Their Deviations: Discusses the origins and deviations of other religious groups (like Shvetambaras) from the true Jain path, highlighting perceived corruptions.
- Scriptural Authority: Emphasizes the primacy of scripture and the teachings of the omniscient Jinas.
Specific Chapters/Concepts within the Doṣha Section:
- Samayika (Equanimity): Detailed explanation of its nature, proper observance, and the accompanying faults.
- Proshadh Upavasa (Fasting on Holy Days): Description of the practice and its rules.
- Bhogopabhoga Pariman (Limitation of Consumption): Detailed rules for regulating the use of edible and other consumable items.
- Atithi Samvibhaaga (Donation to the Worthy): Elaborate discussion on charity, types of recipients, the process of donation, and its fruits.
- Ten Vows and Sixteen Reasons: Explains the importance of the ten vows and the sixteen reasons for spiritual progress (like Samyakdarshan Vishuddhi, Vainya Sampannata).
- Ten Directions of Conduct (Dashlakshaṇa Dharma): Explains the ten cardinal virtues like forgiveness, humility, truthfulness, etc.
- Rattnatraya (Three Jewels): Elaborates on Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct as the path to liberation.
- Twelve Meditations (Anupreksha): Discusses the importance of meditating on impermanence, non-attachment, suffering, etc.
- Twelve Types of Austerities (Tapa): Explains both external and internal austerities and their benefits.
- Twelve Types of Restraint (Samyama): Discusses the restraint of senses and living beings.
- Celestial Beings (Svarga): Describes the pleasures and experiences of heavenly beings and their eventual downfall due to the exhaustion of karmic merit.
Specific Chapters at the End:
- Samadhimaraṇa (Peaceful Death): Describes the ideal state of mind and preparation for the end of life, emphasizing detachment and spiritual focus.
- Moksha Sukha (Bliss of Liberation): Explains the nature of liberation and the ultimate goal of Jainism.
- Ku-deva, Ku-guru, Ku-dharma (False Gods, False Teachers, False Religion): A significant portion is dedicated to identifying and refuting the beliefs and practices of other religions and sects that deviate from true Jainism, often with strong language. This section critiques a wide range of practices and beliefs attributed to other traditions, highlighting their perceived flaws and contradictions from a Jain perspective.
Appendices (Jeevan Patrika and Indradhvaja Vidhan Mahotsav Patrika):
- Jeevan Patrika (Autobiographical Notes): Brahmachari Raimalla shares his personal spiritual journey, his intellectual awakening, his search for truth, his association with scholars like Nilapati and Todarmal, and his commitment to Jainism.
- Indradhvaja Vidhan Mahotsav Patrika: This is a detailed account of a grand religious festival, the Indradhvaja Puja, held in Jaipur. It describes the elaborate preparations, the construction of a massive ceremonial platform representing the Jain cosmos, the participation of numerous artisans and devotees, and the spiritual activities involved.

Key Philosophical Underpinnings:

Karma Doctrine: The text consistently emphasizes the role of karma in shaping one's destiny, explaining how actions lead to suffering or liberation.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): This principle is central, applied to all aspects of life, from eating and drinking to professions and temple conduct.
Detachment (Viraga): The pursuit of detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and even the physical body is a recurring theme.
Self-Realization (Atma Anubhava): The ultimate goal is the realization of the true self, distinct from the physical body and karmic impurities, leading to eternal bliss (Gyananand).
Discrimination (Viveka/Bhed-Vigyan): The ability to distinguish between the self and the non-self, the real and the unreal, is crucial for spiritual progress.
Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Samyakdarshan, Samyagjnan, Samyakcharitra): These are presented as the foundational pillars for achieving liberation.

In essence, "Gyananand Shravakachar" is a comprehensive and practical guide for Jain lay followers, meticulously detailing the path to spiritual well-being through adherence to Jain principles, ethical conduct, and philosophical understanding. It not only provides guidance on daily practices but also offers a profound critique of other beliefs and practices, reinforcing the unique and pure path of Jainism as articulated by Brahmachari Raimalla.