Jain Dharm Darshan Part 03 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharm Darshan Part 03" by Nirmala Jain, published by Adinath Jain Trust:

Overall Purpose and Structure:

This book, "Jain Dharm Darshan Part 03," is the third installment in a series designed to educate the general public about Jain philosophy and practices. It aims to provide a holistic understanding of Jainism by covering history, philosophy, ethics, karma, scriptures, and biographies of important figures. The book follows a structured curriculum developed by the Adinath Jain Trust, intending to impart Jain knowledge through correspondence courses and potentially exams.

Key Content Areas and Themes:

The book is divided into several major sections, as indicated by the index:

Jain History:
- Life of Lord Adinath (Shri Rishabhdev): This is a significant portion of the book, detailing the life story of the first Tirthankar. It covers his past lives, his conception and birth, his name-giving ceremony, the establishment of the Ikshvaku dynasty, his marriage and progeny (including Bharat and Bahubali), his coronation and administration, the development of societal roles (varnas), the introduction of marriage customs, his preachings, his renunciation and attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience), his Nirvana (liberation), and his disciples.
- Ten Kalpa (Rules of Conduct for Monks): This section explains ten different rules of conduct or practices observed by monks across different Tirthankaras' dispensations.
- Ten Acharyas (Wonders/Miracles): This part describes ten unusual or miraculous events that occurred during the time of various Tirthankaras, highlighting specific incidents like Mahavir Swami's upsurge (affliction), the transference of Mahavir's embryo, Mallikumaru's status as a female Tirthankar, and the worship of the irreligious.
Jain Philosophy (Tattva Mimansa):
- Samvara Tattva: This section delves into the principle of Samvara, which means preventing the influx of new karmas into the soul. It explains the causes of Ashrava (influx) like delusion, lack of control, negligence, passions, and activities, and then details how Samvara acts as the opposite principle. The text elaborates on the definition of Samvara, its two types (Drávya Samvara - material, Bháva Samvara - spiritual), and its 57 components, including the three Guptis (control of mind, speech, and body), five Samitis (careful conduct in walking, speaking, eating, taking/placing, and excretion), ten virtues (Yati Dharma), twelve Bhavanas (contemplations), twenty-two Parishahs (hardships to be endured), and five Charitras (conduct).
Jain Ethics (Achara Mimansa):
- Dietary Purity (Ahar Shuddhi): This is a substantial section that emphasizes the importance of food purity in Jainism for spiritual progress. It explains the concept of dietary restraint and the classification of foods as edible (Bhákṣya) and non-edible (Abhakṣya). It provides detailed lists and explanations of forbidden foods (Abhakṣya), categorized into various groups:
  - Four types of circumstantial Abhakṣya (e.g., root vegetables, curd with certain ingredients).
  - Four Mahavigais (milk, curd, ghee, oil, and items fried in them, jaggery, and sugar).
  - Thirty-two types of Anantkaya (foods containing infinite souls, primarily single-sensed beings like root vegetables).
  - Four types of fruits (with many seeds, like figs, certain berries).
  - Five Gular fruits (Banyan, Peepal, Pilakhan, Udambar, Kalubhar) due to the multitude of souls within.
  - Four "trivial" items (ice, fruits with low edible to non-edible ratio, unknown fruits).
  - 22 specific Abhakṣya items in total are listed, including items like ice, certain vegetables, fermented items, and processed foods.
  - Detailed explanations are given for the reasons behind abstaining from these items, focusing on the Jain principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) and the presence of souls.
- Fourteen Rules for Lay Disciples (Shravaka ke Chaudah Niyam): This section outlines fourteen vows or disciplines for lay followers to lead a regulated Jain life, covering limitations on consumption of ingredients (like curd, ghee, oil), restrictions on using certain items (like footwear, betel leaf, clothes, perfumes), and rules for daily conduct, including bathing, eating, and marital relations.
Jain Karma Philosophy (Karma Mimansa):
- Mohaniya Karma (Delusory Karma): This section describes Mohaniya Karma as the most powerful karma, responsible for deluding the soul and obscuring its true nature. It details its 28 sub-categories:
  - Darshan Mohaniya (Belief-deluding Karma): This affects the soul's right faith (Samvitva) and leads to wrong beliefs about deities, gurus, and dharma.
  - Charitra Mohaniya (Conduct-deluding Karma): This affects the soul's conduct and leads to passions (Kashayas) like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, as well as other emotional states (Nokashayas) like laughter, attachment, aversion, fear, and sorrow. The text explains the four types of Kashayas (Anantanubandhi, Apratyakhyani, Pratyakhyani, Sanjvalan) and their respective durations and impacts, as well as the nine Nokashayas.
- Ayushya Karma (Lifespan Karma): This section explains how Ayushya Karma determines the lifespan of a soul in different life forms (hellish beings, animals, humans, and celestial beings). It discusses when and how this karma is bound, its two main types (unbreakable and breakable lifespan), and its four classifications (Naraka-ayu, Tiryancha-ayu, Manushya-ayu, Deva-ayu), along with the causes for binding each type.
Scriptures and Mantras:
- Temple Traditions: The book lists various Jain prayers and verses, categorized by tradition (Mandir Margi and Sthanakvasi). These include popular ones like Namosthun, Jinvandana, Uphasargaharam, and others.
- Jata Kanchi Sutra: This prayer is presented with its meaning, glorifying the Tirthankaras and the vast number of spiritual beings in the Jain universe.
- Jayu Samiya (Jai Swami): This prayer is also presented with its meaning, invoking various Tirthankaras and expressing devotion.
- Namosthun (Shakra Stava): This is a significant section presenting the "Namosthun" prayer, often referred to as Shakra Stava (the prayer offered by Indra). It is a detailed invocation of the Arihants, praising their qualities and role in liberation. The text provides the original verses and a detailed meaning.
- Javanti Cheiyani: This verse is about saluting all the Jin-images (Chaityas) in the three worlds.
- Javanta ke vi Sahu: This verse expresses reverence for all ascetics (Sahu) in the three realms who practice non-violence.
- Parmeshthi Namaskar: The five supreme beings (Arhat, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu) are venerated.
- Uphasargaharam Sutra: This is a powerful hymn for overcoming afflictions, attributed to Bhadrabahu Swami, with its meaning and historical context explained.
- Jayu Virayara Sutra (Jai Veetrag): This prayer is about seeking detachment from worldly desires and liberation.
- Arhant Cheiyanam Sutra: This verse describes performing Kayotsarga (meditative posture) in devotion to Jain idols.
- Darshan Samyaktva (Right Faith): This section explains the essence of right faith in Jainism and lists the five types of "Aticharas" (transgressions) related to it.
- Chattari Mangalam (Four Auspiciousness): This well-known Jain verse is presented, identifying the four supreme auspicious entities.
- Chattari Sharan (Four Refuges): This verse outlines the four supreme refuges for a Jain.
Biographies of Great Souls:
- Kālikāla Sarvajña Shri Hemchandracharya: This chapter provides a detailed biography of the renowned Jain scholar and reformer, highlighting his scholarly achievements, his influence on kings like Siddharaja and Kumarpala, and his immense contribution to Jain literature and philosophy.
- Sadhvi Shri Lakshmana: This biography recounts the story of a princess who became a Sadhvi and faced spiritual challenges, emphasizing the importance of pure introspection and criticism (Alōchanā) in Jain practice.
- Shri Bharat and Bahubali: This section details the lives of the sons of Lord Adinath, focusing on the conflict between Bharat (the Chakravarti Emperor) and Bahubali, and ultimately Bahubali's renunciation and attainment of Keval Gyan.
- Sati Shri Subhadra: This story highlights the virtue of chastity and devotion, showcasing how Subhadra's purity and faith, even amidst false accusations, brought about miraculous events and influenced her family towards Jainism.
Appendix - Jain Recipes:
- This section offers a collection of vegetarian recipes, categorized into various types like sweets, soups, starters, Punjabi dishes, Chinese dishes, and microwave recipes. The stated intention is to guide individuals towards pure, sattvic Jain food, away from Abhakshya (forbidden) items, and to encourage adherence to Jain dietary principles and the concept of "Kal Maryada" (time limits for food consumption).

Publisher's and Author's Intent:

The Adinath Jain Trust, through this publication, aims to spread the teachings of Jainism and make them accessible to a wider audience. The book is part of a broader educational initiative, possibly a correspondence course or study program, to foster spiritual growth and ethical living based on Jain principles. The preface by Dr. Sagarmal Jain and the editorial by Dr. Nirmala Jain emphasize the timeless relevance and practical solutions offered by Jain philosophy for contemporary problems.

Key Takeaways for the Reader:

Holistic Approach: The book presents a comprehensive overview of Jainism, covering its historical, philosophical, ethical, and practical dimensions.
Emphasis on Ahimsa and Purity: The detailed sections on Ahar Shuddhi and Abhakshya highlight the Jain commitment to non-violence at all levels, including dietary choices.
Importance of Karma: The explanation of Mohaniya and Ayushya Karma underscores the Jain understanding of the soul's journey and the consequences of actions.
Devotion and Scripture: The inclusion of prayers and the meaning of various Jain verses emphasizes the devotional and scriptural aspects of Jainism.
Inspiration from Lives: The biographies of great Jain figures offer inspiring examples of faith, renunciation, and adherence to principles.
Practical Application: The inclusion of Jain recipes suggests an attempt to connect spiritual teachings with daily life and well-being.
Educational Mission: The book is part of a mission to disseminate Jain knowledge and encourage its study and practice.