Harsh Hriday Darpanasya Dwitiya Bhag

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Harsh Hriday Darpanasya Dwitiya Bhag" by Kesharmuni Gani:

This text, "Harsh Hriday Darpanasya Dwitiya Bhag" (The Mirror of a Joyful Heart, Part Two), authored by Kesharmuni Gani, is a critique and refutation of certain writings by Muni Harsh, specifically addressing issues related to Jain religious practices and sectarian differences.

The book is presented as a response to what the author, Kesharmuni Gani, perceives as "inappropriate writings" and "unjustifiable arguments" presented by Muni Harsh regarding the "Samachari" (religious observances and calendars) of the Paryushana festival. The publisher is Buddhisagarmuni.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• Critique of Muni Harsh's Writings: The core of the book is to analyze and counter specific points made by Muni Harsh, particularly in his work "Uttarardh Shri Mohan Charitra." Kesharmuni Gani accuses Harsh Muni of fabricating statements and misrepresenting the teachings of their Guru, Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj.
• Paryushana Samachari Debate: The central point of contention revolves around the timing and practices of the Paryushana festival.
  • Shraddha and Gachha (Sectarian Loyalty): The author argues that Muni Harsh exhibits partisan bias ("pakshapat") towards his own sect (Tapa Gachha) and unfairly criticizes those who follow the practices of other sects, particularly the Khartar Gachha.
  • Guru's Instruction vs. Muni Harsh's Actions: Kesharmuni Gani asserts that Guru Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj had instructed his disciples, including Muni Yashomuni (the inspiration for this book) and Kamal Muni, to follow the Khartar Gachha Samachari, especially the 50-day Paryushana. However, Muni Harsh and his followers allegedly disregarded this instruction, adhering to their Tapa Gachha's 80-day Paryushana and other differing practices.
  • Misrepresentation of Disciples' Intentions: The text refutes claims made by Muni Harsh that disciples like Yashomuni and Kamal Muni adopted Khartar Gachha practices due to "kshetra-rodh" (geographical constraints). Instead, the author maintains they followed the Guru's direct command, while Harsh Muni and his group defied it.
  • Scriptural Evidence and Interpretation: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to citing and interpreting various Jain scriptures (e.g., Brihat Kalpa Sutra, Nishiith Churni, Samavayanga Sutra, Chandraprajnaapti Sutra) to prove the validity of the 50-day Paryushana and to refute the 80-day practice as contrary to ancient doctrine. The author emphasizes that scriptures support the 50-day observance, even in intercalary months, and that the 80-day practice is a later deviation.
• Accusations of Bias and Malice: Kesharmuni Gani accuses Muni Harsh of writing with "dweshbhav" (hatred/malice) and "kutilta" (cunning/deceit) to promote himself and denigrate others, particularly Muni Yashomuni and his followers.
• Critique of Muni Harsh's Personal Conduct and Writings: The book also criticizes Muni Harsh's perceived hypocrisy, such as his own departure from a previous sect and his writings that seem to praise himself while criticizing others. The author highlights specific passages from "Shri Mohan Charitra" that are deemed self-serving and critical of those who do not follow his sect's ways.
• Defense of Following the Guru's Commandments: The text strongly advocates for the importance of adhering to a Guru's legitimate instructions, even if it means deviating from a sect's prevailing practices, especially when those practices are supported by scripture.
• Purpose of the Book: The author expresses the hope that by reading this book, individuals will be able to discern truth from falsehood and abandon sectarian biases.

Biographical Information:

The book includes a brief biography of Guru Shri Jin Yashah Suriji Maharaj (also referred to as Shri Jin Yashah Suriji Maharaj), who is credited with commissioning the writing of this text. He was born in 1512 (Vikram Samvat) in Jodhpur, performed severe austerities, took diksha at 28, received titles like "Panayasa Shri Yashomuni Gani," and passed away at Pavapuri in 1670 (VS) after completing 53 fasts. The book is dedicated to the readers for their edification.

Overall, "Harsh Hriday Darpanasya Dwitiya Bhag" is a scholarly defense of specific Jain practices and a critical examination of a contemporary religious figure's teachings, grounded in scriptural interpretation and a belief in the paramountcy of a Guru's instructions aligned with ancient Jain doctrines.