Hidayat Butparastiye Jain - Book Summary

This document is a Jain text titled "Hidayat Butparastiye Jain" (Guidance on Idol Worship in Jainism) by Shantivijay. It is presented as a response to criticisms from a Muni Kundanmalji, defending the practice of worshipping idols and temples in the Jain tradition.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key arguments and points made in the text:

Core Argument: The book strongly advocates for the acceptance and practice of idol worship (Bhut-puja) within Jainism, asserting that it has been an ancient and integral part of the religion.

Historical and Scriptural Basis for Idol Worship:

Ancient Tradition: The text emphasizes that worshipping Jin Mandirs (temples) and Jin Murti (idols) is an ancient practice in Jainism. It cites the example of Bharat Raja building temples for the 24 Tirthankaras at Ashtapad Tirth.
Gautam Gandhar's Pilgrimage: It highlights that Gautam Gandhar, a chief disciple of Tirthankar Mahavir Swami, visited Ashtapad Tirth for pilgrimage, indicating that such practices were not forbidden for Jain monks.
Examples of Spiritual Attainment: The text provides examples of individuals who attained spiritual knowledge through idol worship:
- Nagetoo: Achieved Keval Gyan (omniscience) through the worship of a serpent idol.
- Ardrakumar: Gained Jatismaran Gyan (knowledge of past lives) by the darshan (sight) of a Jin Murti.
Presence of Ancient Idols and Tirths: The existence of very old Jin Murtis in prominent Tirths like Shankheshwar Parshwanath, Kesariyaji, and Antarikshji is presented as proof that idol worship has been an established practice since ancient times. If it were forbidden, these ancient idols and Tirths would not exist.
Historical Temple Construction: The book details the construction of numerous Jain temples by kings like Samprati Raja, as well as by wealthy merchants and ministers like Seth Vimal Shah, Diwan Vastupal, Tejpal, and Seth Bhesa Shah. These temples, some of which still stand today, are described as marvels of artistry and craftsmanship.
Scriptural Mentions of Worship: The text refers to the Jain Agam scripture "Jnaata Sutra," which describes seventeen types of worship, implying that idol worship would not be mentioned if it were not an accepted practice.
"Chetya" Word Interpretation: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to interpreting the word "Chetya." The author argues that "Chetya" refers to Jin Mandir and Jin Murti. He counters arguments that it might refer to knowledge or monks, citing scriptural instances where these are referred to by different terms. He specifically uses a passage from the Bhagavati Sutra to prove that "Chetya" can refer to the image or idol of an Arhant.

Response to Criticisms from Muni Kundanmalji:

The book addresses specific points raised by Muni Kundanmalji in a pamphlet called "Mithya Bhramnaasti," which criticized Shantivijay's previous book, "Sanam Parastiye Jain" (Worship of Idols).

Incomplete Quotations: Shantivijay challenges Kundanmalji to provide complete scriptural passages if he believes Shantivijay's quotations were incomplete.
Interpretation of Words: Regarding the interpretation of words like "Charanbhushan" (foot ornament) and "Karkankan" (bracelet), Shantivijay defends his contextual interpretations and challenges Kundanmalji to provide specific examples of incorrect interpretations.
Authenticity of Sources: Kundanmalji questioned the use of Hemkosh, suggesting its author was an idol worshipper. Shantivijay counters by asking for the testimony of an anti-idol worshipping Jain scholar and argues that Hemkosh's testimony should not be dismissed solely based on the author's affiliation.
Validity of Acharyas' Writings: The text defends the acceptance of scriptures like Dashvaikalik Sutra and Panavna Sutra, which were compiled by Acharyas. It questions why if Acharyas' works are accepted, their commentaries (Tika, Bhashya, Niyukti, Churni) should be rejected.
Role of Niyukti (Commentaries): The author argues that if Niyuktis are accepted, then the statements within them, even those by Savdha Acharyas, should be considered valid. He also points out that the acceptance of Niyukti is mentioned in other Jain scriptures.
Manuscript Evidence: Shantivijay points to the fact that Jain texts were written on palm leaves about 980 years after Tirthankar Mahavir's nirvana by Acharya Devarddhigani Kshamashraman, and these manuscripts would confirm the acceptance of Niyukti.
Intent and Faith: The book repeatedly emphasizes that intention (Manah Parinam/Iradah) is crucial. Many activities that might involve some form of violence (like monks crossing rivers or performing rituals) are not considered sinful if the intention is pure and religious. This same logic is applied to idol worship, suggesting that the intention behind it is devotion.
Analogy with Other Practices: The author uses analogies to defend idol worship:
- Just as religious books are valuable despite being inanimate, so too are idols.
- Just as pictures of heavens and hells evoke certain feelings, so too do idols.
- The use of idols by deities themselves is cited as evidence of their acceptance.
- The practice of making replicas or "Sthapana" (establishment) of important figures or places is defended, drawing parallels with how people remember loved ones through portraits.
- The act of honoring the Guru's seat (even if inanimate) is presented as a form of respecting the Guru.
Purpose of Idols: Idols are seen as a means to remember the virtues of Tirthankaras, foster devotion, and create a sense of sacredness. They serve as a reminder and a focal point for spiritual contemplation.
Eightfold Conduct (Ashtakarm): The text mentions that the eight karmas are overcome by victory, and in the context of idol worship, it's argued that it helps in overcoming negative karmas.
Types of Tirths: It distinguishes between immobile (Sthavar) and mobile (Jangam) Tirths, with both being accepted in Jainism. Visiting Tirths is seen as beneficial for spiritual progress.
Criticism of Sthanakvasi Views (Implied): While not explicitly naming the sect, the arguments subtly address the views of those who oppose temple and idol worship. The text highlights the inconsistencies in accepting certain scriptures while rejecting others, particularly when those accepted were compiled by Acharyas, not directly by Tirthankaras or Gandharas.
Importance of Faith: The book concludes by stressing the importance of faith (Shraddha) as the foundation of spiritual practice. Even virtuous actions without faith are ineffective.

In essence, "Hidayat Butparastiye Jain" is a robust defense of idol worship within Jainism, drawing on historical accounts, scriptural interpretations, and logical reasoning to counter opposing viewpoints and establish idol worship as a legitimate and beneficial practice for spiritual growth.