Hidayat Butparstiye Jain

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hidayat Butparastiye Jain" by Shantivijay, based on the provided pages:

Title: Hidayat Butparastiye Jain (Guidance on Idol Worship in Jainism) Author: Shantivijay (a Jain Shvetambar religious preacher, scholar, and philosopher) Publisher: Pruthviraj Ratanlal Muta Publication Year: 1916 (Samvat 1973) Purpose: To provide arguments and evidence supporting the practice of image worship (murti puja) in Jainism, specifically addressing a critique from Muni Kundanmal.

Core Argument:

The book strongly defends and justifies the practice of idol worship within Jainism, presenting it as an ancient and integral part of the faith. Shantivijay argues that idols serve as a means to remember and reflect upon the teachings and forms of the Tirthankaras and other enlightened beings. He counters the arguments of those who oppose idol worship by drawing upon Jain scriptures, historical examples, and logical reasoning.

Key Points and Arguments:

• Historical Precedent: Shantivijay asserts that the tradition of building temples and worshipping idols is ancient and has been practiced since the time of the Tirthankaras. He cites examples like Bharat Maharaj constructing temples on Ashtapad mountain and Gautam Gandhar visiting the Tirth for pilgrimage. He highlights the presence of ancient Jain idols and Tirths as evidence of this long-standing practice.
• Response to Muni Kundanmal: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to refuting the arguments presented in an leaflet called "Mithya Bhramanasthi" by Muni Kundanmal. Kundanmal had questioned Shantivijay's earlier work, "Sanam Parastiye Jain," and the concept of "chetya" (often interpreted as temples or idols).
  • "Chetya" Interpretation: Shantivijay defends his interpretation of "chetya" as referring to both temples and idols, citing scriptural passages and the absence of alternative valid interpretations for the term in Jain Agamas. He refutes the idea that "chetya" solely means knowledge or a monk, providing examples where the term is used in contexts implying physical representations.
  • Authenticity of Scriptures: Shantivijay addresses the critique that his scriptural references might be incomplete or taken out of context. He argues that if the Jain Agamas (such as the Nandisutra) acknowledge the importance of commentaries (Tika, Bhashya, Niyukti, Churni), then these should be accepted, as they often elaborate on or clarify the original sutras.
  • Acceptance of Commentaries and Niyuktis: He defends the authority of Niyuktis and commentaries, arguing that if the original Agamas are accepted, then the commentaries and interpretations built upon them should also be respected, especially since they were compiled by learned Acharyas. He challenges those who reject commentaries to demonstrate where Niyuktis are explicitly forbidden in Jain scriptures.
• Purpose of Idols:
  • Remembrance and Focus: Idols are presented as aids for remembering the Tirthankaras and their teachings. Just as scriptures are a form of "statue" representing the words of the omniscient, so too are idols representations of their physical form.
  • Inspiration and Devotion: The book suggests that seeing idols can inspire devotion and lead to spiritual insight, similar to how seeing letters can lead to knowledge.
  • Metaphorical Understanding: Shantivijay uses analogies, comparing the respect for books to the respect for idols, implying a deeper connection and reverence.
• Practices of Jain Monks: Shantivijay defends the practices of Jain monks and addresses perceived contradictions.
  • "Bhav Puja" vs. "Dravya Puja": He argues that while Jain monks may not perform elaborate rituals, they do engage in "Bhav Puja" (worship through internal feelings and devotion). He reiterates that Gautam Gandhar's pilgrimage to Ashtapad proves monks also participate in acts of reverence.
  • Yellow Clothing: He defends the practice of monks wearing yellow (pitaambari) clothes, referencing the Nishiith Sutra which permits coloring new clothes.
  • Mouth Cloth (Mukhavastrika): He questions the necessity of wearing a mouth cloth, stating it's not explicitly mentioned in all Jain scriptures and arguing it may not effectively prevent harm to subtle organisms.
• Relevance of Temples and Pilgrimages: The book strongly supports the significance of visiting Tirths (holy places) and worshipping in temples. It argues that if performing religious duties like building a house or attending a ceremony for initiation is valid, then going on pilgrimages and worshipping in temples is equally valid.
• Analogies and Reasoning:
  • Letters and Knowledge: Just as letters convey knowledge, idols can convey spiritual understanding.
  • Books and Knowledge: The respect shown to scriptures is compared to the respect shown to idols.
  • The Body and the Soul: The concept of an incorporeal soul being unable to preach is used to support the idea that a physical form (like an idol) is necessary for representation.
  • Intention (Manah Parinam): A recurring theme is the importance of intention. Shantivijay argues that if actions are performed with a pure religious intention, even if they involve some level of harm to subtle beings (like crossing a river), they are not considered sinful. This is applied to justify idol worship and other rituals.
  • Idols as Symbols: The book emphasizes that idols are not worshipped as mere inanimate objects but as representations that remind one of the divine qualities of the Tirthankaras. The examples of deities worshipping relics (like teeth) in Sudharma Sabha and kings commissioning statues for remembrance highlight the tradition of revering symbolic representations.
• Scriptural Evidence: Throughout the text, Shantivijay cites various Jain Agamas and scriptures (Nandisutra, Bhagavati Sutra, Acharangasutra, Gyatasutra, Rayapaseni Sutra, Dasavaikalik Sutra, etc.) to support his arguments. He demonstrates how these texts mention temples, idols, and related practices.
• Inclusivity of Practices: The book suggests that different individuals may find spiritual connection through various means, including worshipping idols, meditating on scriptures, or visiting holy sites, all of which are presented as valid paths.
• Rejection of Extremism: The author seems to advocate for a balanced approach, respecting both the philosophical aspects of Jainism and the traditional practices that have sustained faith for generations.

In essence, "Hidayat Butparastiye Jain" is a theological defense of image worship within the Shvetambar Jain tradition. It aims to demonstrate that the veneration of idols is not a deviation from core Jain principles but rather a continuation of an ancient practice supported by scriptural authority and historical precedent, serving as a vital tool for spiritual remembrance and devotion.