Jain Dharm

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jain Dharm" by Bhadrabahuvijay, based on the provided catalog link and the content of the pages:

Book Title: Jain Dharm (Jain Religion) Author: Bhadrabahuvijay Publisher: Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra Koba Year: 2004

This book, "Jain Dharm," authored by Bhadrabahuvijay and published by Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra Koba in 2004, serves as a comprehensive guide to Jainism. It aims to explain the core tenets, practices, and philosophy of Jainism for both scholars and general readers. The text covers a vast spectrum of Jain knowledge, from its fundamental principles to its elaborate rituals and historical context.

Key Themes and Sections:

The book is meticulously structured, covering a wide array of topics as indicated in the detailed table of contents. Here's a breakdown of the major themes:

I. Introduction to Jainism:

• Mangalacharan (Invocation): Begins with the Navkar Mantra, the supreme prayer in Jainism, emphasizing its importance for spiritual well-being and sin eradication.
• Definition of Dharma: Defines dharma not as a dogma or a sectarian belief, but as the inherent nature or essence of things. Lord Mahavir's definition, "Vastu Sahavo Dhammo" (the nature of a thing is its dharma), is central. It's presented as a code of conduct and thought that elevates life and purifies the soul.
• Meaning of Jain Dharma: Explains that "Jain" derives from "Jin," meaning conqueror. Jain Dharma is the religion followed by the followers of the Jinas (victorious ones). It's also referred to as Ahath Dharma, Anekant Darshan, and Vitrag Dharma.
• Identity of a Jin: Defines a Jin as one who has conquered internal enemies like passion (raag) and aversion (dwesh), lust, anger, ego, greed, etc. Jins are also known as Arihant, Arhat, Vitrag, Sarvajnya, Paramshthi, and Sarvadarshi.

II. Historical and Cosmic Framework:

• Chronology and Cycles of Time: Explains the Jain concept of time divided into two halves: Avsarpini (descending cycle) and Utsarpini (ascending cycle). Each cycle is further divided into six parts called 'Aaras'. The book states that currently, humanity is in the fifth 'Aara' of the Avsarpini period.
• Tirth and Tirthankars: Defines a Tirth as a spiritual assembly (Sangh) of monks (Sadhu), nuns (Sadhvi), laymen (Shravak), and laywomen (Shravika). A Tirthankar is one who establishes and guides this spiritual assembly. Jainism respectfully refutes the concept of avatarvaad, stating that Tirthankars achieve their status through their own spiritual endeavors. The book mentions that 24 Tirthankars appear in each half-cycle of time, highlighting Rishabhdeva as the first and Lord Mahavir as the 24th Tirthankar of the current Avsarpini era.
• Lord Mahavir: Provides a detailed account of Lord Mahavir's life, including his birth, renunciation, enlightenment (Kevalgyan), establishment of the four-fold Sangha, and his Nirvana. It places him in the context of other great philosophers of his time.

III. Path of Sadhana (Spiritual Practice):

• The Royal Road to Sadhana: Outlines the two main paths of spiritual practice based on individual capacity: Sarvavirati (complete renunciation, for monks and nuns) and Deshavirati (partial renunciation, for lay followers).
• Sarvavirati Dharma (Asceticism):
  • Five Great Vows (Panch Mahavrat): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession). The book details the strict adherence to these vows by monks and nuns.
  • Specific Rules and Practices: Covers unique practices like abstaining from food and water after sunset, morning rituals, the concept of 'Gochari' (alms-begging with strict rules), using only boiled water, and observing vows like Ayambil.
  • Lifestyle of Ascetics: Describes their simple living, their iconic tools (Ogho and Muhapatti), their celibacy, the practice of hair-plucking (Keshlochan), and their emphasis on self-reliance and detachment.
  • Padas (Ranks): Explains the hierarchical progression in monastic life, including Panyas, Ganipadam, Upadhyay, and Acharya, highlighting the rigorous training and knowledge required for each.
  • Practices for Nuns: Briefly mentions specific positions for nuns (Mahattara, Pravartini).
  • Daily Rituals: Covers important daily practices like Pratikraman (repentance), Padilehan (inspection of belongings), Vandan (salutation), Swadhyay (study), Dhyan (meditation).
• Deshavirati Dharma (Lay Life):
  • Twelve Vows of a Shravak/Shravika: Details the vows undertaken by lay followers, categorized into:
    • Five Anuvrat (Minor Vows): A modified form of the five great vows, with specific prohibitions against intentional violence, falsehood, stealing, sexual misconduct, and excessive possession. The book meticulously lists the five 'Atichars' (infractions) for each Anuvrat.
    • Three Gunavrat (Vows of Merit): Dikpariman Vrat (limiting boundaries of movement), Bhogopabhog Viraman Vrat (limiting consumption of material goods), and Anarthdand Viraman Vrat (avoiding unproductive or harmful activities). The book also details the 'Atichars' for these vows.
    • Four Shikshavrat (Training Vows): Samayik (meditation for 48 minutes), Deshavkashik (limiting vows for a specific time/place), Paushadhopavas (observing vows on specific holy days), and Atithisamvibhagat Vrat (offering food to guests, especially ascetics). Again, 'Atichars' are listed for each.
  • Fourteen Rules (Chaudh Niyamo): Discusses fourteen specific rules concerning the use of various items like water, food, clothing, vehicles, etc., to minimize harm and promote austerity.
  • Six Essentials (Chhah Aavashyak): Outlines the six essential daily duties for lay followers: Samayik, Chaturvinstati Stavan (praise of 24 Tirthankars), Vandan (salutation to elders/gurus), Pratikraman (confession of sins), Kayotsarg (self-observation), and Pratyakhyan (vows and renunciations).
  • Virtues and Qualities: Lists 21 virtues of a pious householder and 35 virtues that lead to character building and spiritual progress.

IV. Ascetic Practices and Dietary Principles:

• Tap and Diet: Explains the importance of penance (Tap) and dietary regulations in Jainism for shedding karma.
• Six External Taps (Bahya Tap): Anashan (fasting), Unodari (eating less than full capacity), Vrutti Sankshaya (reducing the number of food items or desires), Ras Tyag (renouncing flavorful foods), Kayaklesh (enduring physical hardship), and Sallianta (living in solitude/seclusion).
• Six Internal Taps (Antar Tap): Prayashchitt (penance for sins), Vinay (humility and respect), Vaiyavachhya (service to the deserving), Swadhyay (self-study), Dhyan (meditation), and Vyutsarg (renunciation of body consciousness).
• Daily Practices and Fasting: Details various fasting practices like Navkashi, Porasi, Ekasanu, Ayambil, and Upvas (fasting), explaining their significance for spiritual and physical purification.
• Dietary Restrictions: Elaborates on the reasons behind various dietary prohibitions, including:
  • Why boiled water? To minimize harm to microscopic life in water.
  • Why use filtered water? To avoid consumption of living beings in water.
  • Why avoid night meals? For health reasons and to avoid accidental harm to insects attracted by light and food.
  • Why avoid double-grained pulses and incompatible foods? For digestive health.
  • Why avoid stale food? To maintain purity and prevent the growth of microorganisms.
  • Why avoid leafy vegetables on festival days? Explained in terms of subtle biological and astronomical influences on certain days.
  • What constitutes root vegetables (Kandamool)? Explanation of root vegetables that are forbidden due to higher potential for harm.
  • Why is meat forbidden? Emphasizes the principle of Ahimsa and the health consequences of consuming meat.
  • Why is alcohol forbidden? Highlights its negative impact on mental faculties, health, and spiritual practices.
  • The Status of Eggs: Argues against the consumption of eggs, even those considered "vegetarian," due to their biological origin and potential for harm.

V. Jain Institutions and Festivals:

• Jain Sangha System: Explains the organizational structure of the Jain community, comprising monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.
• Jain Institutions: Describes various places of worship and community support, including Derasar (temples), Upashray (monastic dwellings), Gyan Mandir (libraries), Pathshala (religious schools), Ayambil Shala (places for observing Ayambil vows), Panjarapole (animal shelters), Dharmashala (rest houses), and Bhojanshala (community kitchens).
• Jain Festivals: Details major Jain festivals and observances:
  • Paryushan Parva: The most important Jain festival, observed for eight days, culminating in Samvatsari (day of universal repentance and forgiveness).
  • Navpad Oli: A nine-day period of intense fasting and worship dedicated to the nine sacred entities (Navpad).
  • Mahavir Jayanti: Celebration of Lord Mahavir's birth.
  • Deepavali (Diwali): Commemorating Lord Mahavir's Nirvana.
  • Bhai Bij: A festival emphasizing brother-sister relationships.
  • Gyan Panchami: A festival dedicated to the worship of knowledge.
  • Ashadhi Chaturdashi: Marks the beginning of the Chaturmas (four-month monastic retreat).
  • Kartik Purnima: Marks the end of Chaturmas and the beginning of the pilgrimage season.
  • Mauni Ekadashi: A day of silence and introspection.
  • Posh Dashami: Celebrated as Lord Parshvanath's birthday.
• Jain Rituals and Celebrations: Describes various celebratory events and rituals such as Snatra Mahotsav (ritual bathing of deities), Atthai Mahotsav (eight-day festival), Shanti Snatra (peace-invoking ritual), Siddha Chakra Mahapujan (worship of the Siddha Chakra), and Pratishtha Mahotsav (consecration of idols).

VI. Jain Philosophy and Metaphysics:

• Jain Philosophy (Tattva Gyan):

  • Tripadi: The fundamental principles of existence: Utpanna (origin), Vigama (destruction/cessation), and Dhruva (permanence).
  • World System: Jain cosmology views the universe as eternal and without a creator God.
  • Nine Tattvas (Navatattva): Explains the nine fundamental realities: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punhya (merit), Paap (demerit), Ashrava (influx of karma), Samvar (cessation of karma influx), Bandha (bondage of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).
  • Karma Theory: Provides a detailed explanation of karma, its eight types (Jnanavarniya, Darshanavarniya, Mohaniya, Antaraya, Vedaniya, Ayushya, Gotra, Namakarma), how it binds the soul, and the process of its liberation.
  • Leshya: Explains the six states of the soul based on mental disposition and outward manifestation (Krishna, Neel, Kapot, Tejo, Padma, Shukla).
  • Rebirth (Punarjanma): Reaffirms the belief in reincarnation based on karma.
  • Sanjna (Mental Propensities): Discusses the ten mental tendencies that influence a soul's actions and rebirths.
  • Kashay (Passions): Elaborates on the four primary passions: Krodh (anger), Maan (pride), Maya (deceit), and Lobh (greed).
  • Five Samavayas (Causes): Discusses the interplay of time, nature, destiny, karma, and effort in shaping events.
  • Pramana (Means of Knowledge): Explains the valid sources of knowledge in Jainism: Pratyaksh (direct perception), Anuman (inference), Aagam (scriptural testimony), and Upma (comparison).
  • Naya (Standpoints): Details the seven relative standpoints (Naya) for understanding reality, emphasizing the importance of multiple perspectives.
  • Syadvada (Anekantavada): Highlights the Jain doctrine of manifold standpoints, which acknowledges that truth is relative and can be viewed from multiple angles. This is presented as a cornerstone of Jain philosophy, promoting tolerance and understanding.
  • Sanklekhana: Describes the ritual of intentional spiritual preparation for death, involving fasting and detachment.
  • Samayik (Meditation): Emphasizes the practice of Samayik for mental peace and spiritual progress.
  • Samit and Gupti: Discusses the five types of vigilance in conduct (Samiti) and the three restraints of mind, speech, and body (Gupti) for preventing harm.
  • Bhavana (Meditations): Lists sixteen types of contemplative meditations to cultivate virtues and detachment.
  • Gunasthanas (Stages of Spiritual Evolution): Explains the fourteen stages of spiritual progress that a soul undergoes on its path to liberation.

• Jain Literature: Briefly touches upon the vast and diverse Jain literary tradition, categorizing it into Agam (canonical scriptures) and Agam-itara (non-canonical works), and mentioning the various languages and genres of Jain literature.

• Representative Jain Text: Shri Tattvartha Sutra: Highlights the Tattvartha Sutra by Umaswati as a foundational and representative text for all Jain traditions, covering cosmology, soul, karma, and liberation.

• Jain Luminaries: Lists prominent figures in Jain history, including monks, nuns, and lay followers who contributed to the spread and preservation of Jainism.

• Jain Sects: Briefly explains the two major sects: Shvetambar (white-clad) and Digambar (sky-clad), and their sub-sects (Sthanakvasi, Terapanth). It notes their common adherence to core Jain principles despite differences in practice.

VII. Community and Social Aspects:

• Jain Tirthas (Pilgrimage Sites): Describes the significance of sacred places associated with the lives of Tirthankaras and the importance of pilgrimage for spiritual merit.
• Seven Sectors (Sapt Kshetra): Outlines the seven areas of community support and resource management within Jainism, each with its designated financial sources.
• Jain Festivals and Celebrations: (As mentioned in Section V).

Overall Purpose and Scope:

"Jain Dharm" by Bhadrabahuvijay aims to be an encyclopedic resource for understanding Jainism. It meticulously explains its philosophical depth, historical continuity, ethical guidelines, and devotional practices. The book emphasizes the Jain principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints), and Aparigraha (non-possession) as guiding principles for a virtuous and spiritually fulfilling life. It provides detailed explanations of vows, rituals, and the lifestyle of both ascetics and lay followers, making it a valuable reference for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of this ancient Indian religion.