Jain Bal Shiksha Part 2 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain Bal Shiksha Part 2 by Amarmuni, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Jain Bal Shiksha Part 2 Author: Amarmuni Publisher: Sanmati Gyan Pith Agra Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001359/1

This book, the second part of the "Jain Bal Shiksha" series, is designed for the religious and moral education of Jain children. It aims to supplement secular education with the principles and teachings of Jainism. The preface highlights the importance of religious education alongside worldly education and expresses joy that the Jain community is increasingly focusing on this. The book is structured to cater to the understanding of children, presenting religious, philosophical, ethical, and historical topics in a well-compiled manner.

Key Sections and Themes:

Vandana (Salutation): Begins with a devotional salutation, praising the Jinendra and Lord Mahavir.
Vinay (Humility/Respect): A prayer asking for the strength to remember truth, to remain patient in difficulties, and to be ready for sacrifice for country and religion.
Navkar Mantra and its Significance:
- Presents the Navkar Mantra (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Ayariyanam, Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loye Savva Savhunam) with its meaning.
- Explains that the mantra has five parts and thirty-five letters.
- Highlights its ancient name, "Namokkar Mantra."
- Details the mantra's glory, stating it destroys all sins and is the foremost auspicious chant.
- Includes a section on Abhyas (Practice) with questions to reinforce understanding of the Navkar Mantra.
Sach Bolu (Speak Truth - Poem): A poem emphasizing the beauty and importance of speaking the truth, comparing it to the fragrance of flowers and the brilliance of precious metals.
Upasana (Worship/Meditation):
- Defines Upasana as remembering God's name.
- Provides guidelines for performing Upasana: sitting in a quiet, pure place, facing east or north, with half-closed eyes, remaining still, and avoiding conversation or looking at others.
- Suggests chanting the Navkar Mantra at least 108 times, either aloud or silently, with a clear and soft voice.
- Explains how to use fingers or a rosary (mala) for counting mantras, detailing a specific method for finger counting and the use of a mala.
- Stresses the importance of reflecting on the mantra's meaning for concentration.
- States that chanting the Navkar Mantra brings peace, purity, and helps remove mental sins and faults.
- Advises children to perform Upasana twice daily, preferably in the morning and evening.
- Includes Abhyas (Practice) questions about Upasana.
Abhyas (Practice - Poem): A poem illustrating how small, consistent efforts lead to significant achievements, like building a garden from single trees, a palace from bricks, wealth from savings, and knowledge from learning letters.
Prashnottar (Questions and Answers):
- Defines a "Jain" as someone who follows Jin Bhagwan and strives to conquer attachment and aversion.
- Explains who "Jin" refers to (one who has destroyed attachment and aversion) and other names for Jin Deva (Arihant, Vitraag, Tirthankar).
- Describes Jin Bhagwan as omniscient and equanimous.
- Explains "Arihant" as one who has destroyed the enemies of the soul (attachment, aversion, delusion).
- Identifies the major Jain festivals: Lord Mahavir's birth anniversary and Paryushan (Samyikas Parv).
- Specifies the dates for these festivals (Chaitra Sudi Terus for Mahavir Jayanti and Bhadva Sudi Panchmi for Samyikas).
- Outlines duties on Samyikas: fasting, non-violence, truthfulness, charity for the protection of life, repentance for past sins, and seeking forgiveness.
- Explains the proper greeting when meeting elders: joining hands and saying "Jay Jinendra."
- Includes Abhyas (Practice) questions related to Jain identity and festivals.
Seekh (Lesson - Poem): A poem that outlines essential moral guidelines for children, including: not stealing, not being greedy, practicing compassion, not harming any living being, not getting angry or provoking others, not using abusive language, not fearing evil, not abandoning one's religion, not overeating, not sleeping immediately after eating, not fearing studies, not being lazy, not being deceitful, not hiding the truth, not being arrogant, not harboring anger, not bringing shame to oneself or family, and constantly praising the virtues of the Tirthankaras.
Tirthankar:
- Explains that "Tirthankar" are spiritual guides who establish the "Tirth" (religious assembly of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen).
- States that Tirthankaras are born when irreligion increases, guiding the world back to the path of righteousness. They are not divine incarnations but souls who achieve omniscience.
- Mentions that even celestial beings like Indra bow to Tirthankaras.
- Lists the 24 Tirthankaras of the current time cycle, including their common alternate names (Adinath for Rishabhdev, Pushpadant for Suvidhinath, Arishtanemi for Neminath).
- Provides the various names for Lord Mahavir: Veer, Ativeer, Sanmati, and Vardhaman.
- Includes Abhyas (Practice) questions about Tirthankaras.
Bataiye (Tell Me): A section that prompts children to identify good and bad, brave and cowardly, honest and dishonest, strong and weak, healthy and sick individuals based on their actions and characteristics, providing brief descriptions for each.
Veer Bhamashah:
- Narrates the story of Bhamashah, a devout Jain householder and patriot, who helped Maharana Pratap regain his kingdom.
- When Maharana Pratap was in distress after a defeat, Bhamashah provided him with immense wealth to rebuild his army and fight back.
- Maharana Pratap took vows of austerity, and with Bhamashah's support, eventually reclaimed his kingdom.
- The story emphasizes Bhamashah's patriotism, ethical wealth accumulation, and willingness to sacrifice for the country's welfare.
- Children are encouraged to be like Bhamashah in times of need.
- Includes Abhyas (Practice) questions about the story.
Bhagwan Mahavir:
- Details the birth of Lord Mahavir in Kundgram (Vaishali), Bihar, approximately 599 years before Christ.
- Mentions his parents: Siddhartha and Queen Trishala.
- Explains how he earned the name "Mahavir" after fearlessly handling a poisonous snake to protect his friends.
- Describes his renunciation at age 30, distributing his wealth and becoming a monk.
- States that he attained omniscience after 12.5 years of severe penance and became a Tirthankar.
- Summarizes his teachings: preach to all beings, treat others as you treat yourself, hate sin, and do not cause suffering.
- Highlights his emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence) and the large following he gained.
- Clarifies that he was the 24th Tirthankar, following others like Rishabhdev and Parshvanath.
- Mentions his liberation (Moksha) at the age of 72 in Pavapuri, Bihar, on the night of Diwali.
- Includes Abhyas (Practice) questions about Lord Mahavir.
Prashnottar (Questions and Answers):
- Identifies Jain Sadhus (monks) as spiritual gurus.
- Lists the distinguishing characteristics of Jain Sadhus: wearing a mouth-cloth (muh-patti), carrying a brush (rajoharan), using wooden bowls for alms, walking barefoot, begging for food (gochari), wearing white clothes, not carrying money, not drinking raw water, not eating green vegetables, fruits, or flowers, and performing hair-pulling (loach).
- States that gurus teach the renunciation of five sins: violence, falsehood, theft, illicit sexual conduct (kushil), and accumulation/greed (parigrah).
- Lists the seven vices (sapt kuvyasan): gambling, meat, alcohol, prostitution, hunting, theft, and illicit relationships with others' spouses.
- Identifies Jain temples as "Sthanak" or "Upashray."
- Includes Abhyas (Practice) questions about gurus and Jain practices.
Dharma (Religion):
- Addresses the confusion surrounding the definition of religion in contemporary times, with each sect and individual claiming their own path.
- Defines the essence of religion in a single phrase: "The work that benefits oneself is Dharma."
- Explains that self-benefit comes from benefiting others.
- States that the core of Jainism is the welfare of others, and the essence of all religions is philanthropy and service to humanity.
- Encourages a life of doing good, bringing happiness to oneself and others, and living in harmony.
- Includes Abhyas (Practice) questions about the meaning of Dharma.
Shram aur Sahyog (Labor and Cooperation - Poem): A poem that promotes the virtues of hard work, perseverance, and cooperation, illustrating how collective efforts and consistent labor lead to great achievements. It emphasizes that struggle is necessary and that cooperation, affection, and sacrifice are important.
Soma Sati:
- Tells the story of Soma, a devout daughter of a merchant who diligently followed Jain practices.
- After her marriage, she faced severe opposition from her in-laws, especially her mother-in-law, who disliked Jainism.
- Despite mistreatment and physical abuse, Soma remained steadfast in her religious practices, praying daily and performing Samayik.
- Her unwavering faith led to a miracle: when her mother-in-law placed a venomous snake in a pot to harm her, Soma found a garland of flowers instead.
- The mother-in-law, witnessing this, realized Soma's deep devotion and the power of her faith, leading to a change of heart and increased respect for Soma and her religion.
- The story concludes by emphasizing the immense power of true faith in religion.
- Includes Abhyas (Practice) questions about Soma Sati.
Sthanak mein kya nahin karna (What Not to Do in a Sthanak):
- Explains that a Sthanak is a sacred Jain place of worship where religious observances like Samayik and devotional activities take place.
- Outlines a list of respectful conduct within a Sthanak:
  - Not bringing shoes inside.
  - Not keeping fruits, flowers, or vegetables.
  - Not wearing impure garments (like silk).
  - Not wearing dirty clothes.
  - Not consuming paan, supari, or khaini.
  - Not spitting anywhere.
  - Not playing games like cards or dice.
  - Not fighting or quarreling.
  - Not using abusive language or getting angry.
  - Not lying.
  - Not singing vulgar songs.
  - Not mishandling religious books.
  - Not touching the Guru's seat with one's feet.
  - Not turning one's back towards the Guru.
  - Not talking amongst oneself during lectures.
- Includes Abhyas (Practice) questions about Sthanak etiquette.
Vidya (Knowledge/Education):
- A collection of poems and verses extolling the virtues of knowledge and education.
- It emphasizes that knowledge, like wealth, increases with use and cannot be stolen.
- It highlights the chain: Vidya (Knowledge) leads to Vinay (Humility), Vinay to Patrata (Eligibility/Worthiness), Patrata to Dhan (Wealth), Dhan to Dharma (Righteousness), and Dharma to Sukh (Happiness).
- It encourages learning from anyone, regardless of their social status, and the importance of diligence and serving the Guru.
Swasth Sharir Swarg Hai (A Healthy Body is Heaven):
- Includes a strong anti-tobacco and harmful substance message.
- Promotes compassion towards animals, listing cruel practices like tight rope binding, selling animals for slaughter, abusive feeding of animals, and transporting animals in painful conditions as crimes to be avoided.
- Features a quote from Jawaharlal Nehru about compassion towards living beings.
Prayan Geet (Marching Song): A patriotic-style song adapted for Jain children, encouraging them to chant the glory of Jain Dharma, practice Ahimsa, spread love, renounce hatred, do good to others, remember Lord Mahavir, wash away sins, spread the light of Anekantha (non-absolutism), and uphold truth.
Jab bhi Bolo (Whenever You Speak):
- Emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth, quoting Lord Mahavir's saying, "Truth is God."
- Highlights that truth enhances prestige, respect, and serves as a protector.
- Includes a proverb: "Lying is a sin, like a snake under the house."
- Offers guidelines for speech: speak truthfully, speak pleasantly, speak thoughtfully and considerately, speak openly about one's mind, speak kindly, speak sparingly, avoid speaking with malice or deceit, wash away slander and gossip, and do not reveal secrets or household matters.
Ladke ki Samajdari (A Boy's Understanding): A short story about an honest and true boy who refused to take apples from his neighbor's house without permission, even when no one was watching, stating that he was watching himself and could not tolerate dishonesty. The neighbor was deeply moved by his integrity, reinforcing the idea that the soul witnesses all our actions.
Shiksha ka Prarambh (The Beginning of Education):
- Stresses that education begins at the mother's feet and that every word spoken to children shapes their character.
- It notes that true education often begins after leaving formal schooling.
- Emphasizes the need for practicality and attention to small details in life for children, as good habits formed in childhood last a lifetime.
- Provides behavioral guidelines: address elders respectfully using "Aap," use respectful titles like "Pitaji," "Chachaji," "Ammaji," etc., walk a few steps behind elders, offer them precedence at doorways, and open doors for them.

In essence, Jain Bal Shiksha Part 2 is a comprehensive guide that aims to instill Jain values, ethical conduct, and spiritual understanding in young minds through stories, poems, prayers, and simple explanations.