Heervijaysuri No Lekh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Heervijaysuri no Lekh" by Mahabodhivijay, based on the provided page:

Book Title: Heervijaysuri no Lekh (The Writing/Decree of Heer Vijay Suri) Author: Mahabodhivijay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229547/1

Summary of Page 1:

This introductory page of "Heervijaysuri no Lekh" focuses on the concept of an Acharya in Jainism and the specific contribution of Jagadguru Shri Heer Vijay Suri Maharaj.

• The Role of an Acharya: The text begins by defining an Acharya as a leader who not only personally practices the fivefold conduct (Panchachar), encompassing knowledge, faith, conduct, penance, and energy, but also ensures that their followers adhere to these principles. To maintain this strict adherence, Acharyas often create regulations or rulebooks and ensure their disciples (shramanas) diligently follow them. These regulations, some ancient and some newly created, are sometimes referred to as "pattas" (scrolls or decrees).

• Heer Vijay Suri's Contribution: The main focus shifts to Shri Heer Vijay Suri Maharaj, described as the leader of a vast community of around two thousand shramanas. The text highlights that he created a small regulation for his followers to ensure the pure observance of the Panchachar. Interestingly, instead of calling it a "regulation" (niyamavali), Heer Vijay Suri used the term "Vibudhajana Vijnyapti" (an appeal or notification to the learned).

• The Decree (Vibudhajana Vijnyapti): The core of the page is the actual text of this decree, dated Samvat 1640, Paush Krishna 10, on a Thursday. It is attributed to Shri Heer Vijay Suri himself.

  The decree then outlines the expected conduct and knowledge of a virtuous shramana. It mandates:

  • Extensive Knowledge: The shramana should be a learned scholar, having memorized at least 5000 texts. This includes scriptures like the Dashavaikalika, Dashavaikalika, Avashyak Niyukti Bhashya, Pind Vishuddhi, Karma Granth, Yoga Shastra, Kshetra Vichar, Sangrahani, Upadeshmala, Shatdarshan Samuchchaya, and Pravachanasaroddhara.
  • Linguistic Proficiency: They should also have proficiency in Prakrit literature, ideally with commentaries, or in Sanskrit grammar and literature, citing examples like Haimadvadashapada Prakrit Vrutti, Prakriya Sarasvat, and literary works like Vagbhattalamkara, Kavyakalpalata, Chhandanushasana, Veetaraga Stava, Shobhana Stuti, Jina Shataka, commentary on Shatdarshan Samuchchaya, Namamala, Linganusasana, Dhatupatha, and Tirthakrutchcharitra.
  • Philosophical Understanding: They need to understand Jain Siddhanta texts such as Avashyak, Dashavaikalika, Uttaradhyayana, Ogha Niyukti, Nandi, and Anuyogadvara.
  • Scholarly Interpretation: They should be adept in interpretative texts like Sangrahani, Kshetra Vichar, Karma Granth, Bhashya, Pind Vishuddhi, and Samachari.
  • Astrology/Astronomy: Knowledge of astronomy/astrology is also required, referencing texts like Narachandra.
  • Ascetic Practices: The decree details specific penances and austerities:
    • Observing six-day fasts (Shadupavasa) during the month.
    • Performing Chaturmasika and Samvatsarik Shashtashtamaka (specific extended fasts).
    • Practicing renunciation beyond prescribed times or limits (Margatita-Kalatita Tyagi).
    • Fasting even when sick or for other reasons.
    • Giving up sleep for specific periods (three yamas/parts of the night) unless medically necessary.
    • Practicing eating only once a day (Eka Bhakta) after renouncing two meals.
  • Daily Conduct: Strict adherence to the five samitis (careful conduct) and three guptis (control of mind, speech, and body) is emphasized, including:
    • Covering the mouth (Achchhadita Asya) during speech.
    • Careful movement and behavior with a focus on preventing harm.
    • Thorough cleansing (Pramarjana) of oneself and one's surroundings.
    • Careful examination of scriptures and belongings (Pratilekhana).
    • Prohibiting idle chatter (Jalpana Pratishedha) during these activities.

• Emphasis on the Community: The decree specifically states that these practices are to be especially observed within one's own community (Swasanghatakamadhye Visheshatah).

• A Warning: It concludes with a statement that past learned individuals (Prakatan Vibudhaih) also needed to strive in these matters, implying this is a timeless standard.

• A Blessing: The text ends with a blessing: "May it be auspicious for the Shramana Sangha!"

• Note on Transcription: A note indicates that the manuscript (Pattro'sti) was transcribed by Pandit Kanakavijay.

• A Prayer: The final line is a prayer: "May you place wisdom in my heart."

In essence, Page 1 of "Heervijaysuri no Lekh" serves as an introduction to the high standards of conduct and learning expected of Jain monks, establishing the authority of the Acharya and presenting a specific, detailed decree from the revered Heer Vijay Suri Maharaj, outlining the stringent practices for his followers.