Jain Dharm Gyan Prakashak Pustak - Book Summary

This document is the Jain Dharm Gyan Prakashak Pustak, authored by Nana Dadaji Gund and published by Nana Dadaji Gund. It was printed in Sambat 1947. The book is described as a "Shravak Lokari Pothi" (a book for householders/followers) containing the conduct of Sadhus (monks) and Shravaks (lay followers) with numerous examples.

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Fair Use Declaration (Page 1-2): The TFIC (The Free Indological Collection) team provides this book for individual educational or research use, believing it to be in the public domain. They aim to make valuable books accessible, especially those that are hard to find or not readily available in English. They disclaim responsibility for any copyright or legal violations and request intellectual property owners to contact them with any objections.

Title Page and Publication Details (Page 3): The book's full title is "Shri Jain Dharm Gyan Prakashak Pustak." It includes a dedication "ई मा ना य नमः" and is described as containing numerous parables (duha, dhala, bol, thodka) related to the conduct of monks and lay followers. It was printed at "Saujanyamitra" Chapayantra in Sambat 1947, on Vaishakh Sud 10, Monday. It was available for sale at the shop of Bhai Bhagwandasji Kesharchandji Nahar, costing 12 annas.

Index of Jain Religious Books (Page 4): This page lists 27 other Jain religious books with their prices, including titles like "Shri Jain Dharm Gyan Pradipak Pustak," "Shri Chivadh Ratna Prakash Pustak," various Ras (narratives/songs) and Chopai (quatrains) on religious stories, stanzas, and collections of Jain verses and devotional songs. This suggests the book is part of a larger series or collection.

Introduction (Prastavana) (Page 5-6): The introduction emphasizes the rarity of human birth, especially in noble circumstances, and the invaluable nature of the Three Jewels (Ratna) of Jainism: Arihant (Tirthankaras), Nirgrantha (monks/ascetics), and the true Dharma (as taught by the Kevalis). It defines true Dharma as following Jinendra's (Lord Mahavir's) commands, which promote pure actions (niravadya karani) and not impure actions (savadya karani). It identifies Arihants (those with Kevala Gyan and Kevala Darshan) as the true deities and monks/nuns (dharm kevalis) as the true gurus. The Dharma is primarily explained as Ahimsa (non-violence) and Vratas (vows). The introduction criticizes false gods, gurus, and doctrines. It states that this book explains the pure conduct of monks and lay followers as per Jinendra's teachings, using numerous examples to guide readers on the righteous path and to achieve spiritual progress. It highlights the content includes the Samayik vrata (a specific ritual), the twelve vows of a Shravak, conduct of monks, savaiyas (metered verses), stanzas, devotional songs, thodka (short verses), and how monks endure the 22 types of hardships (parishaha). The name "Dharm Gyan Prakash" (Light of Dharma Knowledge) was given because reading and learning from it illuminates the heart with knowledge.

Contents (Khatavani) (Page 7-8): This section provides a detailed table of contents, listing 25 topics covered in the book:

Shri Panchpad Navkar Mantra
Shravak's Samayik Vrat Vidhi (Method of performing Samayik vow for lay followers)
Samayik Parichani Vidhi (Method of concluding Samayik)
Shravak's Twelve Vows (Twelve Dhalas)
Dhandhan Rikhji's Chodalio (A narrative/teaching of Muni Dhandhan)
Sadhu Muniraj's Conduct Chodalio (Conduct of monks)
Savaiyas (Verses in Savaiya meter)
Stavan Sajay Adhikar (Collection of devotional songs and stanzas)
Panchpad Navkar Stavan (Devotional song for the five supreme beings)
Upadeshi Sajay (Didactic stanzas)
Jeev ne Shikhaman Sajay (Stanzas advising the soul)
Kaya Upare Sajay (Stanzas on the body)
Kaya Nepare Sajay (Stanzas on not being attached to the body)
Das Prakar na Dan ni Sajay (Stanzas on ten types of charity)
Sadhu Achar Olakhamani Sajay (Stanzas describing the conduct of monks)
Sadhu Adhakara Karma Sthanak Seve Te Sajay (Stanzas on monks serving in places violating commands)
Shravak Achar ni Sajay (Stanzas on the conduct of lay followers)
Alp Prarubandhe Te Sajay (Stanzas on accumulating little karma)
Nav Tatva Ka Tere Dwar (Thirteen sections on the nine realities/principles)
Sattavees Bol No Thodko (A collection of 27 principles/truths)
Tarani Ka Chhata Bol (Six sections on Tarani [perhaps a concept or scripture])
Nav Tatva Ka Buta Bol No Thodko (A collection of scattered sections on nine realities)
Sadhu Bayees Parishah Sahe Ti Nari Dhala (Twenty-two Dhalas on monks enduring 22 hardships)
Gyan Ra Duha (Duhas of knowledge)
Jin Dharm Ka Savaiya (Savaiyas on Jin Dharma)

The concluding remarks of the contents section state that the book contains 25 important subjects, rich in examples, suitable for understanding Jin Dharma and guiding monks and lay followers. It also includes a note requesting readers to correct any errors in the transcription.

New Books Available (Page 9-10): These pages list other books published by the same publisher, likely related to Jainism, with their prices.

Chapter on Samayik Vidhi (Page 11-15): This section details the Samayik ritual, starting with the Navkar mantra, followed by the procedure for performing and concluding Samayik. It includes prayers and renunciations associated with the ritual.

Chapter on the Twelve Vows of a Shravak (Page 15-31): This is a substantial portion of the book, explaining the five main vows (anuvrata), three subsidiary vows (gunavrata), and four vows of training (shikshavrata) for lay followers. Each vow is explained with duhas and dhalas (songs/narratives), often illustrating the importance of the vow and the consequences of breaking it. The text goes into detail on:

Ahimsa (Non-violence): Discusses avoiding harm to all beings, including stationary ones (sthavar).
Satya (Truthfulness) / Kutha Bol (False speech): Warns against lying, deceptive speech, and gossip.
Adattadan (Stealing) / Achori: Emphasizes not taking what is not given.
Maithuna (Celibacy/Sexual Misconduct): Stresses controlling sensual desires, especially in relation to others' spouses.
Parigraha (Possession) / Aparigraha: Discusses limiting possessions and avoiding excessive attachment.
The Guna Vratas and Shiksha Vratas: These are also explained in detail, with various examples.

Chapter on Dhandhan Rikhji's Chodalio (Page 65-72): This narrative describes Muni Dhandhan Rikhji, his spiritual journey, and his interactions, highlighting the principles of Jain conduct and detachment from worldly life. It includes dialogues and teachings that emphasize overcoming attachments and seeking liberation.

Chapter on the Conduct of Sadhus (Page 72-95): This section focuses on the conduct expected of Jain monks, detailing the virtues and practices they should follow. It also addresses "Adha Karmi" (those who violate commands or engage in impure practices) and the negative consequences of such actions. It includes various cautionary tales and principles for maintaining righteous conduct.

Chapter on the Conduct of a Pure Shravak (Page 110-116): This part elaborates on the ideal conduct of a Jain lay follower, emphasizing adherence to the teachings of the Tirthankaras, avoiding misconduct, and cultivating virtues like equanimity, non-attachment, and charity towards the deserving.

Chapter on Accumulating Less Karma (Alp Prayas ho Bandhate ni Sajay) (Page 122-126): This section explains how to minimize the accumulation of karmic matter, discussing the different types of karma and the principles that lead to less karmic bondage.

Chapter on the Nine Realities (Nav Tatva) - Thirteen Sections (Page 127-145): This is a philosophical and explanatory section that delves into the nine fundamental principles of Jainism:

Jiva (Soul)
Ajiva (Non-soul)
Punya (Merit)
Papa (Demerit)
Ashrav (Influx of Karma)
Samvar (Stoppage of Karma)
Nirjara (Shedding of Karma)
Bandh (Bondage of Karma)
Moksha (Liberation)

These principles are explained through multiple "dwar" (doors/perspectives): Mool Dwar (fundamental), Drushtant Dwar (exemplary), Kun Dwar (classification), Atma Dwar (self), Jeev Dwar (soul), Roopi Arroopi Dwar (material/immaterial), Savadya Nirvadya Dwar (sinful/virtuous), Nav Dwar (names), Dravya Guna Paryay Dwar (substance, quality, mode), Dravya Aadi ni Olkhan Dwar (identification of substance etc.), Agnya Dwar (command), Gyey Dwar (knowables), and Talav Dwar (pond analogy).

Chapter on the Twenty-Seven Principles (Sattavees Bol No Thodko) (Page 145-167): This section enumerates and explains 27 key Jain principles, covering aspects like:

Four Gatis (realms of existence): Naraki, Tirayanch, Manushya, Devta.
Five types of Jivas (souls/beings): Ekendriya, Be-indriya, Tre-indriya, Chaur-indriya, Panch-endriya.
Five Kayas (bodies/elements): Prithvi, Apa, Teju, Vayu, Vanaspati, and Trasa.
Five Indriyas (senses): Shrotra, Chakshu, Ghran, Ras, Sparsha.
Six types of Paryaapti (developmental processes): Aahar, Sharir, Indriya, Shwasoshwas, Bhasha, Man.
Ten Pranas (life forces): Five Indriyas, Man, Bal, Vachan Bal, Kaya Bal, Shwasoshwas, Ayushya.
Eight types of Karma: Gyanavarniya, Darshanavarniya, Vedaniya, Mohaniya, Ayushya, Nama, Gotra, Antaray.
Fourteen Gunasthana (stages of spiritual development).
Twenty-three subjects of the five senses.
Ten types of Mithyatva (false beliefs).
Various classifications of beings and their adherence to vows.
Details on various types of karma, vows, and austerities.

Chapter on the Twenty-Two Hardships (Parishaha) (Page 173-210): This is a significant part of the book, describing the 22 hardships that Jain monks endure for spiritual purification and liberation. Each hardship is presented with a duha and a dhala (song), often with a story or example. These include:

Khudha (Hunger)
** Trusha (Thirst)**
** Sheeta (Cold)**
** Ushna (Heat)**
** Dansh Mashak (Biting insects)**
** Achel (Nakedness)**
** Ratika (Attachment/Desire)**
** Stri (Women/Lust)**
** Charya (Wandering/Moving)**
** Nishedh (Prohibited actions/Social rejection)**
** Shayya (Sitting/Sleeping place)**
** Akrosh (Abuse/Insults)**
** Vadh (Violence/Torture)**
** Yachna (Begging/Asking)**
** Alabh (Non-fulfillment of desires)**
** Rog (Illness)**
** Trun Spash (Striving through grass)**
** Mal (Dirt/Filth)**
** Sakar (Respect)**
** Buddhi (Intellect/Wisdom)**
** Annaan (Ignorance)**
** Darshan (Right faith/Belief)**

The text explains the significance of enduring these hardships with equanimity and detachment for spiritual progress.

Knowledge-related Duhas and Savaiyas (Page 210-211): This section offers concluding verses in duha and savaiya meters, reflecting on the nature of the soul, karma, and the importance of true knowledge and conduct in Jainism.

Overall: "Jain Dharm Gyan Prakashak Pustak" is a comprehensive devotional and instructive text for Jain followers. It aims to educate readers on the fundamental principles, vows, conduct of ascetics and householders, and the path to spiritual liberation within Jainism, using a rich blend of narrative, didactic verses, and philosophical explanations. The book emphasizes adherence to the teachings of the Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Mahavir, and the importance of righteous living, ethical conduct, and overcoming worldly attachments and hardships.