Jain Dharm Me Puja Vidhan Aur Dharmik Anushthan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharm me Puja Vidhan aur Dharmik Anushthan" by Sagarmal Jain, based on the provided pages:

The book discusses the evolution and nature of worship rituals and religious observances within Jainism, highlighting its historical development and influences.

Core Tenets and Early Opposition to Ritualism:

• Jainism, stemming from the Shraman tradition, initially emphasized spiritual practices like meditation and asceticism (tapas) over ritualistic ceremonies.
• Early Jain scriptures like the Acharangasutra and Uttaradhyayanana Sutra are seen as opposing the ritualistic practices prevalent in Vedic religion, such as sacrifices (yajna) and elaborate rituals.
• These early texts focus on internal spiritual discipline rather than external rituals for obtaining divine favor or assistance.
• The Uttaradhyayanana Sutra reinterprets concepts like "yajna" and "snana" in a spiritual sense. For instance, "yajna" is described as the practice of self-control and renunciation by those who have conquered their senses, with tapas as the fire and the soul as the sacrificial pit. Similarly, "snana" is described as bathing in the "water" of inner peace and contentment achieved through celibacy.

Development of Daily Observances (Sadhavashyakas):

• The concept of Sadhavashyakas (six essential daily duties) emerged, with Pratikramana (introspection and atonement for misdeeds) being a key differentiator, particularly emphasized by Mahavira.
• Initially intended for monks, these six duties – Samayika (meditation/equanimity), Chaturvimsatistava (praise of the 24 Tirthankaras), Guruvandana (salutation to gurus), Pratikramana, Kayotsarga (meditation/standing still), and Pratyakhyana (renunciation) – were later extended to lay followers (upasakas).
• The text notes that the performance of these daily duties gradually became more ritualistic over time.

Evolution of Idol Worship (Jin-Puja):

• The origin of idol worship in Jainism is linked to the broader devotional traditions in ancient India. The reverence for stupas and chaityas (temples) led to the worship of Buddha and Jin (Tirthankara) images.
• Pratika (symbolic) worship evolved to Pratima (iconic) worship.
• The Upasakadasa Sutra mentions lay followers engaging in Samayika and meditation. The Buddhist Tripiṭaka also alludes to Niganthas (Jains) guiding their followers in detachment and equanimity.
• Early Jain scriptures do not explicitly detail idol worship rituals, but later texts like the Sthanangasutra mention Jin-mandirs (temples).
• The Rajprashniyasutra provides early accounts of Jin-pratima worship, including offerings of flowers and performances like dance and music before the deities, though these later accounts are considered post-Gupta period.
• The practice of Stavana (praise) is considered the simplest and most ancient form of Jain ritual. While monks are primarily advised for Bhava-puja (worship through devotion), laypeople engage in Dravya-puja (material worship).

Development of Puja Materials and Rituals:

• The Rajprashniyasutra details a ritual performed by Suryabhadeva, which includes prostration, cleansing, anointing with sandalwood, offering clothes and garlands, showering flowers, and reciting Shakrastava (a hymn). This suggests a well-established ritualistic practice by that time.
• The text traces the evolution of puja materials from simple flower offerings to the use of Ashtadravyas (eight substances like sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamp, etc.).
• The influence of Hindu traditions is acknowledged, particularly the development of Panchopachari (five-fold worship), Dashopachari (ten-fold worship), and Shodashopachari (sixteen-fold worship) in Jainism, which are similar to Vaishnava practices.
• The Yajur Veda mentions various substances used in worship, and later Jain texts like Varangacharitra and Padmapurana describe elaborate worship with incense, flowers, and even ornaments.
• The development of Ashtadravya (eight substances) worship, particularly in the Yapania and Digambara traditions, is noted as occurring slightly later than in Shvetambara traditions.
• The text highlights the gradual increase in the complexity of puja materials, with influences from Tantric traditions potentially leading to the use of various ingredients.

Influence of Tantra and Deities:

• The influence of Tantra is evident in Jainism, leading to the worship of guardian deities (Yakshas and Yakshinis) like Saraswati, Ambika, Padmavati, Chakreshwari, and Yakshas like Manibhadra and Ghantakarna.
• These deities are believed to bestow worldly benefits and ward off obstacles. This contrasts with the Tirthankaras, whose worship is aimed at spiritual development.
• The Bhairav Padmavati Kalpa is cited as a significant text influenced by non-Jain Tantric practices, focusing on overcoming personal obstacles and achieving material prosperity.
• Mantras used in Jain worship, though sometimes adapted from Brahmanical traditions, have different underlying intentions. While Hindu mantras often seek divine favor, Jain mantras are primarily for self-purification and realization of spiritual qualities.
• The text acknowledges that certain practices, like the use of living beings in rituals or the invocation and dismissal of deities (which contradicts Jain principles of karma and the nature of Siddhas), are adopted from Hindu Tantric traditions.

Specific Rituals and Texts:

• The text mentions various significant Jain rituals and texts:
  • Shvetambara: Paryushana, Navapada Oli, Bish Sthanak, Upadhan, Yogodvahan, Surimantra sadhana, and the study of various Agamas.
  • Digambara: Dashalakshana Vrat, Ashtahnika Vrat, Jin-puja Vrat, and major festivals and temple consecration rituals like Panchakalyana Pratishtha, Vedhi Pratishtha, Indradhvaja Vidhana, etc.
• Prominent texts discussing ritualistic practices include Umaswati's Pujavidhi Prakaran, Padaliptasuri's Nirvanakalika, and Haribhadra Suri's Panchashaka.

Contrasting Purposes of Worship:

• While Hindu and Tantric worship generally aims at securing worldly benefits and overcoming obstacles through divine grace, Jain worship, in its core intention, is directed towards spiritual purification and self-realization.
• However, the influence of worldly desires led to the incorporation of practices focused on material well-being, particularly in the worship of guardian deities.
• The text concludes by noting that while Jain rituals have undergone significant evolution and have been influenced by other traditions, the ultimate goal remains spiritual purification, even if some practices appear to be borrowed.

In essence, the book provides a historical and theological overview of Jain worship, highlighting the shift from an initial emphasis on asceticism to the development of elaborate rituals, influenced by both internal evolution and external traditions, while striving to maintain its core spiritual principles.