Jain Dharm Darshan Part 05

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharm Darshan Part 05" by Nirmala Jain, based on the provided pages:

This book, "Jain Dharm Darshan Part 05," is the fifth volume in a series aimed at educating the general public about Jain philosophy and principles. Published by Adinath Jain Trust, Chennai, it is a valuable resource for understanding various aspects of Jainism.

Core Purpose and Content: The series, including this volume, is designed as a correspondence course (Certificate & Diploma) to make the teachings of Lord Mahavir accessible to everyone, especially those in remote areas. This particular volume focuses on key Jain doctrines and practices, expanding on information presented in previous volumes.

Key Themes and Chapters Covered:

• Jain Agam Literature: The book begins with an introduction to Jain Agam literature, describing it as an invaluable treasure trove of knowledge. It details the vastness and depth of Jain scriptures, emphasizing their role in spiritual upliftment and understanding the fundamental principles of the universe.

  • Structure of Agamas: The Agamas are divided into two main categories: Arthagam (the meaning or essence of Tirthankara's teachings) and Sutragam (the organized sutras compiled by Ganadharas).
  • Categorization: Agamas are further classified into Anga-pravishth (those compiled by Ganadharas, like the Dvadasangi) and Anga-bahya (those compiled by Acharyas). The text lists the number of these Agamas according to different traditions (Sweatambar Murti-pujak, Sweatambar Sthanakvasi, Digambar).
  • Detailed Description of Angas: A significant portion of this section is dedicated to a detailed explanation of the 11 available Angas, including their names, contents, and importance. This includes:
    • Acharang Sutra (essence of conduct)
    • Sutrakritang Sutra (analysis of elements, doctrines of different schools)
    • Sthanang Sutra (quantification of elements)
    • Samvayang Sutra (classification and detailed descriptions of various elements, historical accounts)
    • Vyakhyaprajapti (Bhagwati Sutra - an encyclopedia of Jain knowledge)
    • Jnatadharmakatha (stories illustrating Jain teachings)
    • Upasakadashanga (conduct of householders)
    • Antakritadasha (lives of liberated souls)
    • Anuttaraupapaticadasha (lives of souls attaining the highest heavens)
    • Prashna Vyakaran Sutra (answers to questions about influx and cessation of karma)
    • Vipak Shrut (consequences of good and bad deeds)
    • Drishtivad (currently lost, a comprehensive treatise)
  • Anga-bahya: The text also briefly describes the categories of Anga-bahya literature, including Upangas, Mool Sutras, Ched Sutras, Painna (Prakirnak), and Chulika Sutras, with examples of each.

• Jain Philosophy (Tattvamimansa): This section delves into core Jain philosophical concepts.

  • Dhyan (Meditation): The text explains the importance of Dhyan for achieving Moksha, defining it as the concentration of consciousness on a single point. It discusses suitable locations, postures, general rules for meditation, and the types of meditation:
    • Ashubha (Inauspicious) Dhyan: Artadhyan (meditation driven by distress) and Raudradhyan (meditation driven by cruelty).
    • Shubha (Auspicious) Dhyan: Dharmadhyan (meditation on righteousness) and Shukladhyan (pure meditation leading to liberation). It elaborates on the characteristics and subtypes of each.
  • Jain Yoga: The significance of Yoga for spiritual development is highlighted. Yoga is defined as the union or stability of the mind, speech, and body. The text emphasizes the interconnectedness of knowledge and action (Jnana Yoga) and explains the eight limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) as described by Acharya Hemchandrasuri. It also introduces the eight progressive stages of spiritual vision (Yoga Drishtis) from Mitra Drishti to Para Drishti.
  • Leshya: The concept of Leshya, described as the subtle states of mind or the aura emanating from the soul, is explained. It is categorized into six types based on the purity of thoughts and actions: Krishna (black), Neel (blue), Kapot (dove-colored), Tejas (yellow/fiery), Padma (lotus-colored), and Shukla (white). The text details the characteristics and effects of each Leshya on one's destiny, with an illustrative story of six friends and a jamun tree.

• Jain Ethics (Achar Mimansa):

  • The Twelve Vows of a Shravaka: This comprehensive section outlines the twelve ethical vows undertaken by Jain lay followers:
    • Five Anuvratas (Minor Vows): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity/celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession). The text explains the scope and five minor transgressions (Aticharas) associated with each.
    • Three Guna Vratas (Merit Vows): Dik Pariman (limitation of direction), Bhog Upbhog Pariman (limitation of consumption), and Anarthdand Viraman (avoidance of purposeless harm). Again, Aticharas for each are discussed.
    • Four Shiksha Vratas (Training Vows): Samayik (equanimity, meditation), Deshavakashik (limitation of time and place), Paushadh (observance of special vows, often with fasting), and Atithi Samvibhag (offering food and essentials to guests, especially monks and nuns). Aticharas for these are also detailed.

• Jain Karma Theory (Karma Mimansa):

  • Gotra Karma: This chapter explains how Gotra Karma influences one's birth into high or low families, emphasizing that social status is determined by karma, not birthright. It discusses how good conduct and spiritual practices can elevate one's Gotra.
  • Antaray Karma: This karma obstructs the soul's innate potentials like generosity (Dana), gain (Labh), enjoyment (Bhog), and strength (Virya). The text outlines the five types of Antaray Karma and their causes.
  • States of Karma: The book details the ten states or modifications of karma: Bandh (bondage), Satta (existence), Uday (manifestation), Udierna (premature manifestation), Udvartana (increasing duration/intensity), Apvartana (decreasing duration/intensity), Sankraman (transformation into another type), Upashaman (suppression), Nidhata (irreversible state), and Nikachit (final determined state).

• Jain Festivals (Jain Parva):

  • Paryushana Parva: Described as the most important Jain festival, the "king of festivals," it's explained as a period of spiritual purification, repentance, and self-discipline. The etymology and significance are discussed, including its connection to environmental changes in ancient times and the tradition of forgiveness (Khmat-Khmana).
  • Deepavali: Its connection to Lord Mahavir's Nirvana is explained, marking the end of the earthly existence of the Tirthankara and the attainment of Keval Gyan by Gautam Swami. It's celebrated as a festival of light and remembrance.
  • Gyan Panchami: This festival is dedicated to the reverence of knowledge. It marks the beginning of the tradition of writing down the Jain scriptures and emphasizes the importance of knowledge in spiritual progress, highlighting the story of Gunamanjari and Varadatta to illustrate the consequences of neglecting knowledge.
  • Kartik Purnima: This day is celebrated as the Nirvana day of ten crore monks, including the kings Dravid and Varikhil, on Shatrunjay mountain, reinforcing the significance of this pilgrimage site.

Overall Significance: "Jain Dharm Darshan Part 05" serves as a detailed and accessible guide to fundamental Jain teachings, ethics, and observances. It meticulously explains complex concepts from Agam literature to Karma theory, making them understandable for a wide audience. The book emphasizes the practical application of Jain principles in daily life and the pursuit of spiritual liberation. The inclusion of etymologies, illustrative stories, and detailed explanations of vows and their transgressions makes it a comprehensive educational tool.