Indriya Parajay Shatak

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Indriya Parajay Shatak" by Buddhulal Shravak, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Indriya Parajay Shatak (Hundred Verses on the Victory Over the Senses)

Author: Buddhulal Shravak

Publisher: Nirnaysagar Press, Bombay

Translator: Buddhulal Shravak (Hindi translation in verse)

Introduction (Prastavna - Pages 4-5):

The introduction highlights that this book, originally in Sanskrit (and possibly other languages with various commentaries, though the author's wasn't seen), has been translated into Hindi verse by Buddhulal Shravak. He states his intention to serve Hindi literature enthusiasts by faithfully capturing the essence of the original verses in his poetic translation. He mentions being inspired by the work of Maharaj Somaprabhacharya and Pandit Banarsidasji.

The author identifies the original author as a Shvetambara Acharya but emphasizes that the book's message is universally applicable and free from sectarian conflict. He asserts that anyone aspiring for the rare and precious Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct), regardless of their sect (Digambara, Shvetambara, or any other background), will find this book empowering like a mantra.

Buddhulal Shravak expresses humility about his own contribution, considering it a small effort in praising such a valuable work. He encourages readers to engage with the text and experience its wisdom and detachment according to their own spiritual capacity. He points out that many verses and stanzas can be useful for speakers, preachers, teachers, and students in reinforcing examples and teachings during lectures and assemblies.

He further advocates for the book's inclusion in the curriculum of schools of all denominations (Digambara, Shvetambara, and others) to instill the seeds of detachment and celibacy in young hearts. The ultimate aim of scripture and self-study, he reiterates, is to protect oneself and others from falsehood, ignorance, and passions, leading to the adoption of Samyak Charitra.

Buddhulal Shravak acknowledges the potential for errors in his work due to his limited abilities and seeks forgiveness from thoughtful readers, requesting them to provide feedback for improvement in future editions.

Content of the Verses (Summary from the translated verses on pages 6-36):

The Indriya Parajay Shatak is a collection of verses (shlokas) that powerfully articulate the detrimental nature of sensory indulgence and the importance of conquering the senses for spiritual liberation. The central theme revolves around the seductive but ultimately harmful allure of worldly pleasures and the path of detachment.

Key themes and messages conveyed throughout the verses include:

• The Deceptive Nature of Sensory Pleasures: The verses repeatedly compare sensory pleasures to things that appear sweet but have bitter consequences. They are described as fleeting, like the taste of a lotus stalk for an elephant, or like a mirage in the desert.
• The Senses as Thieves: The senses are depicted as cunning thieves that steal away one's wealth of character (Charitra-dhan). They are compared to untamed horses that run towards hellish paths and to deceptive forces that mislead the soul.
• The Danger of Indulgence: Indulging in even a tiny amount of sensory pleasure is portrayed as leading to immense suffering and rebirth in hellish realms for millions of years.
• The Futility of Worldly Pleasures: Even the most exalted pleasures enjoyed by celestial beings, kings, and emperors are described as ultimately unsatisfying, leading to endless cycles of birth and death.
• The Senses as the Root of Suffering: The verses identify the senses as the primary source of all desires, passions, and ultimately, suffering. They are the origin of all vices and the cause of being trapped in the cycle of transmigration.
• The Impermanence of Worldly Possessions and Pleasures: Everything in the world, including wealth, beauty, and sensory experiences, is declared to be impermanent, deceitful, and ultimately a burden.
• The Illusion of Pleasure in Painful Activities: Like an itch that feels momentarily pleasurable but causes further distress, sensory indulgence creates a false sense of happiness that masks underlying suffering.
• The Allure of the Opposite Sex: A significant portion of the verses focuses on the dangers of attachment to women. They are described as seductive, deceitful, and a source of immense suffering, leading even great ascetics astray. The body of a woman is depicted as impure and a source of delusion.
• The Power of Moha (Delusion): Moha is identified as a formidable force that blinds even the wise, leading them to mistake suffering for happiness.
• The Path to Liberation: The verses consistently point towards detachment from sensory pleasures, control of the senses, and adherence to the teachings of the Jinas (Tirthankaras) as the means to overcome suffering and attain liberation (Moksha).
• The Superiority of Detachment: True happiness and liberation are attainable only through detachment. Those who are detached are free from the cycle of rebirth, while those who are attached remain bound by suffering.
• The Contrast Between the Wise and the Ignorant: The wise recognize the impermanent and painful nature of sensory pleasures and strive for detachment, while the ignorant are captivated by them, mistaking them for happiness.
• The Ultimate Goal: The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of equanimity and freedom from the grip of the senses and passions, leading to eternal bliss.

Concluding Prayer/Request (Page 36):

The translator concludes with a prayer, reiterating the power of the senses as "thieves" who steal away character and knowledge. He hopes this book, presented in the national language (Hindi), will be a source of fear for these "thieves." He expresses his earnest desire that readers will experience true peace and spiritual gain by understanding and practicing the teachings. He humbly admits his own limitations as a scholar and asks readers to discern the valuable teachings like a swan separates milk from water.

Where to Buy (Page 38):

The last page provides contact information for purchasing the book from various Jain bookstores in Bombay.

In essence, the Indriya Parajay Shatak serves as a powerful admonition against the allure of sensory gratification, urging the reader towards self-control, detachment, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation as the only path to true and lasting happiness.