Gyanopasna

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gyanopasna" (Meaning: The Worship of Knowledge) by Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah, published by Muktikamal Jain Mohan Granthmala. The book is the eighth volume in the "Dharmabodh Granthamala" series and focuses on the nature of Right Knowledge (Samayak Gyan).

Here's a breakdown of the book's content:

Core Theme: The book emphasizes the paramount importance of knowledge (Gyan) in Jainism, not just for worldly success, but primarily for spiritual liberation (Moksha). It advocates for the proper worship and cultivation of knowledge through study, contemplation, and adherence to principles.

Key Sections and Their Summaries:

1. Importance of Knowledge (Gyan ka Mahatva):

   • Knowledge is described as the inner light, the lamp of the heart, and the luminous flame of life.
   • Without knowledge, nothing can be understood, perceived, or comprehended.
   • It is referred to as the "third eye," the "second sun," and the most valuable wealth.
   • Several verses highlight knowledge as the source of right conduct, the means to attain Moksha, and the root of all prosperity.
   • It is portrayed as the sun that dispels the darkness of false belief, the eye of the world, the river of ethics, and the remover of passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed).
   • Knowledge is the mantra for achieving liberation and a path to heaven.

2. Definition of Knowledge (Gyan ki Vyakhyä):

   • A general definition is provided: "That by which something is known, understood, or realized is knowledge." It is also called 'Vidya' in common parlance.

3. Nītīkāras' (Ethicists') Views on Acquiring Knowledge:

   • Vidya (knowledge) is considered man's special form and hidden treasure.
   • It leads to enjoyment, fame, happiness, and is the guru of virtues.
   • Knowledge acts as a companion in foreign lands and a great strength.
   • In a kingdom, knowledge is honored more than wealth. A person without knowledge is considered like an animal.
   • Knowledgeable wealth is superior to material wealth, as it cannot be stolen or divided. It also increases with use.
   • Possessing knowledge makes one excellent, even without material possessions, while lacking it makes one inferior.
   • Parents who do not educate their children are considered enemies. An uneducated person looks out of place among wise individuals.
   • Donating knowledge is superior to donating food, as food provides temporary satisfaction, while knowledge provides lifelong happiness.
   • The importance of acquiring knowledge in the first 25 years of life (Brahmacharya Ashram) is stressed.

4. Characteristics of a Student (Vidyarthi ke Lakshane):

   • Students should possess the five characteristics of a crow (alertness), a heron (concentration), a dog (less sleep), eating sparingly, and practicing celibacy.
   • These qualities are explained as abandoning laziness, mental instability, excessive sleep, greed for taste, and uncontrolled sensual desires.
   • A student should approach learning as a form of yogic practice with discipline.

5. The Student of Today (Aaj ka Vidyarthi):

   • The ideal student characteristics are largely forgotten today.
   • Modern students often lack sufficient alertness, concentration, disciplined sleep and diet, and celibacy.
   • Bad habits are ruining today's students, leading to a decline in profound scholars and strong-willed individuals.
   • Common negative traits include lack of respect for teachers, arrogance, indulgence in hotels and restaurants, excessive cinema-going, and reading erotic literature.
   • This situation needs immediate correction to prevent the downfall of the community.

6. Spiritual Value of Knowledge (Gyan ka Adhyatmik Mulya):

   • In worldly scriptures, knowledge is described as the purest thing in this world.
   • Knowledge leads to Moksha and eternal happiness.
   • The fire of knowledge burns away all actions.
   • Jain scriptures state that knowledge leads to renunciation from sin, attainment of virtue, and ultimately Moksha.
   • The path to Moksha involves Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
   • Knowledge is the essence of conduct, and both knowledge and action lead to liberation.

7. Jain Saints on Knowledge (Gyan vishe Jain Mahatmao):

   • Faith originates from knowledge, and knowledge is the root of the fruit of liberation.
   • Knowledge is the tree whose roots are conduct and right faith, the flower is the state of a Tirthankar, and the fruit is the eternal and unchanging state of Moksha.
   • Knowledge awakens inner experience, breaks the chains of false understanding, and brings forth the waves of truth.
   • Knowledge is the lamp that dispels the darkness of ignorance and delusion.
   • The knowledge of the soul (own nature) is self-illuminating and illuminates others as well.
   • One who possesses knowledge can destroy in a breath what an ignorant person takes ages to destroy.
   • An ignorant person is like an animal. Those who attain Moksha do so through the worship of knowledge.
   • Actions without knowledge are futile.
   • Knowledge that illuminates the knowable and the unknowable is supreme.
   • Action is localized in its effect, while knowledge is all-pervasive. This is highlighted in Bhagavati Sutra.
   • Among the soul's infinite qualities, knowledge and valor are primary, with knowledge being more important as it leads to Right Faith.
   • Worship of knowledge with mind, speech, and body leads to an increase in virtuous qualities and helps in achieving Moksha.

8. Special Place of Knowledge in Navapada (Navapad mein Gyan ko Vishisht Sthan):

   • The Navapada (nine supreme entities) are highly revered in Jainism.
   • Knowledge (Gyan) holds a special position within the Navapada.
   • The book elaborates on the definition of Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge) based on scripture and its importance in distinguishing right from wrong, palatable from unpalatable, and what should be done from what should not be done.
   • Right Knowledge is the foundation of faith and all actions.
   • The five types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyava, Keval) are mentioned as essential.
   • The auspiciousness of knowledge is further emphasized by its role in making individuals respected, honored, and praised.

9. Five Types of Knowledge (Gyan ke Paanch Prakar):

   • Mati Gyan (Sensory and Mental Knowledge)
   • Shruta Gyan (Scriptural Knowledge)
   • Avadhi Gyan (Clairvoyance)
   • Manahparyava Gyan (Telepathy)
   • Keval Gyan (Omniscience)
   • It is stated that by worshipping these five types of knowledge, one can ultimately attain Keval Gyan.

10. Fifty-one Varieties of the Five Knowledges:

    • This section details the sub-divisions within each of the five types of knowledge.
    • Mati Gyan: Explained through the four stages (Avagrah, Iha, Apaya, Dharana) applied to the five senses and the mind, leading to 28 main types.
    • Shruta Gyan: Divided into Akshara Shruta (knowledge from alphabets) and Anakshara Shruta (knowledge from non-alphabetic sounds). Further categorized into Samyak Shruta and Mithya Shruta. Several other classifications are also mentioned (Samshrita-Amsamshrita, Sadhi-Anadi, etc.). The 12 Angas of Jain scripture are detailed as part of Shruta Gyan.
    • Avadhi Gyan: Divided into Anugami, Ananugami, Vardhaman, Hiyaman, Pratipati, and Apratipati.
    • Manahparyava Gyan: Divided into Rujumati and Vipulamati.
    • Keval Gyan: Stated to have only one type.
    • The importance of these classifications is linked to the practice of performing 51 auspicious symbols (Sathiyas) and paying respects (Khamasamana) during knowledge worship.

11. Significance of Shruta Gyan (Shruta Gyan ki Mahatta):

    • While Keval Gyan is the highest, Shruta Gyan is significant because it is the "speaking" knowledge, unlike the other four which are considered "mute."
    • Shruta Gyan guides individuals towards the right path, like a rope guides an ox or a whip guides a horse.
    • Even learning a single letter or verse diligently is praised.
    • The book emphasizes that those who neglect Shruta Gyan waste their human life.
    • Two illustrative stories are introduced: the story of King Prithvipal, who attained liberation through learning a verse, and the story of Vardatta and Gunamanjari, who suffered due to the violation of knowledge.

12. The Story of King Prithvipal (Prithvipal Raja ki Katha):

    • King Prithvipal tested the truth of a verse ("Wise people are everywhere good-minded...") by observing people's reactions to staged situations.
    • He tested the goodness of true sages and the wickedness of wicked people.
    • His experiments confirmed the verse's truth and highlighted the nature of virtue and vice in different people.
    • Through these experiences, he gained conviction in the principles of knowledge and ultimately embraced Jainism, achieving Keval Gyan.

13. The Story of Vardatta and Gunamanjari (Vardatta aur Gunamanjari ki Katha):

    • Vardatta, a prince, was cursed with leprosy and inability to learn due to past life's offense against knowledge (as a teacher who neglected his duty).
    • Gunamanjari, a wealthy merchant's daughter, was born mute and sick due to her mother's disrespect towards a teacher in a past life.
    • Both were cured and transformed through the worship of knowledge (specifically, the 'Gyan Panchami' ritual), highlighting the consequences of neglecting and honoring knowledge.

14. Eight Types of Knowledge Conduct (Gyanachar ke Aath Prakar):

    • This section details the eight practices necessary for the proper worship of knowledge:
      • Kala (Time): Proper utilization of time for study and spiritual practice.
      • Vinay (Respect/Politeness): Showing respect to the teacher, the knowledgeable, the learner, knowledge itself, and the tools of knowledge.
      • Bahuman (Reverence): Inner affection and love for knowledge and the teacher, which is more important than outward respect.
      • Upadhan (Preparation/Austerity): Undertaking specific austerities before serious study to enhance learning capacity. Six types of Upadhan for laypeople are detailed, along with their rituals.
      • Anihannavata (Non-denial): Not denying one's teacher or the knowledge gained, and not misrepresenting the extent of one's learning.
      • Vyanjan Shuddhi (Purity of Expression/Pronunciation): Ensuring correct pronunciation and spelling of scriptures.
      • Arth Shuddhi (Purity of Meaning): Understanding and interpreting the scriptures correctly without distortion.
      • Tadubhay Shuddhi (Purity of Both): Combining pure pronunciation with pure meaning.

15. Tatva Samvedan (Perception of Truth):

    • Knowledge is classified into three types based on its effect:
      • Vishaya Pratibhas (Perception of Objects): Merely knowing objects without understanding their virtue or vice.
      • Atma Parinati Mat (Knowledge with Inner Inclination): Knowing the virtue and vice of objects but lacking the practice to act upon it.
      • Tatva Samvedan (Realization of Truth): Knowing the truth with clear understanding and acting upon it by renouncing the bad and embracing the good, leading to liberation.

16. Conclusion (Upsanhar):

    • The book concludes by summarizing that while knowledge of language and scriptures is important, self-knowledge and the constant contemplation of truth are most crucial.
    • The practice of worshipping knowledge (Gyanopasna) is essential for achieving this higher understanding and ultimately escaping the cycle of birth and death.
    • The book expresses a universal wish for all humans to properly worship Right Knowledge.

Overall Message:

"Gyanopasna" is a profound text that elevates knowledge to a divine pursuit. It emphasizes that true knowledge is not just intellectual accumulation but a transformative force that leads to righteous conduct, spiritual growth, and ultimate liberation. The book strongly advocates for respecting teachers, scriptures, and the process of learning, warning against the detrimental effects of neglecting or misusing knowledge. Through stories and detailed explanations, it guides the reader towards a deeper understanding and appreciation of knowledge as the path to a meaningful and liberated life.