Jain Dharm Pravesh Pothi 02 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of "Jain Dharm Pravesh Pothi 02," the second part of a Jain religious introductory book series published by Jain Dharm Vidya Prasarak Sabha Palitana:

Overall Purpose and Structure:

This book is designed as a follow-up to the first part of the "Jain Dharm Pravesh Pothi" series. Its primary aim is to provide a deeper and more detailed understanding of Jain principles for students who have completed the initial book. The content is structured into four main sections: Action (Kriya), Dharma, Morality (Niti), and Philosophy (Tattva). The book incorporates simple and engaging poems related to the topics to enhance the learning experience.

Key Content Areas and Themes:

The book is divided into four sections, each containing various lessons (path) and illustrative stories or dialogues:

Section 1: Action (Kriya)

Jin Darshan (Seeing the Tirthankaras): This section emphasizes the importance of respectful and mindful observation of Jain deities. A story illustrates the wrong approach of rushing through darshan and highlights the correct way, including chanting "Nisihi" and performing circumambulations.
Jin Pooja (Worshiping the Tirthankaras): This part details the rituals of Jain worship, emphasizing cleanliness, proper attire, offering items, and chanting prayers.
Samayik (Meditation/Equanimity): This lesson explains the concept of samayik as a period of focused spiritual practice and detachment from worldly concerns, highlighting its benefits.
Paddikkamanu (Confession/Repentance): This section introduces the practice of paddikkamanu, which involves confessing past wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness, emphasizing its role in spiritual purification.

Section 2: Dharma (Religious Principles)

Daya (Compassion/Non-violence - Ahimsa): This fundamental Jain principle is explored through a story that contrasts the harmful actions of someone who harms animals with the compassionate teachings of a Jain adherent. It stresses the importance of not harming any living being.
Jiv Daya Vishay Kavita (Poem on Compassion for Living Beings): A poem reinforces the message of compassion and the significance of ahimsa in Jainism.
Satya (Truthfulness): Through a story comparing a truthful but less intelligent student with a clever but deceitful one, the book highlights the high regard for truthfulness, even over intelligence.
Chori (Stealing): This lesson explains that stealing is a serious sin with consequences in both this life and the afterlife, defining it as taking what is not given.
Dev (Deity): The concept of a "Dev" is explained as someone free from passion and hatred (rag and dwesh). Their qualities include immense knowledge, protection from suffering, being worthy of worship, and their words being understandable and beneficial to all.
Guru: The text defines a true Guru as one who adheres to the five great vows (Panch Mahavratas) – non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession. A story illustrates how one can be misled by false gurus and the importance of seeking true spiritual guidance.
Dharma (Religion): Dharma is defined as that which protects and sustains living beings. It is broken down into three aspects: true knowledge, faith in true deities, gurus, and dharma, and proper conduct in worldly affairs and renunciation.
Ishwar Jagat Karta Nathi (God is Not the Creator of the Universe): This section argues against the concept of a creator God, asserting that the universe has always existed and operates based on karma. It questions the fairness of a creator who would allow suffering.
Ratri Bhojan (Eating at Night): The practice of abstaining from eating at night is emphasized as a Jain principle to avoid inadvertently harming living beings that might be present in food.
Abhakshya (Forbidden Foods): This lesson introduces the concept of forbidden foods, which are considered impure or harmful, and lists examples. A story illustrates the negative consequences of consuming unknown or forbidden fruits.
Shravak na Achar Vishay Kavita (Poem on the Conduct of a Shravak): A poem reinforces the principles of Jain conduct.

Section 3: Morality (Niti)

Himmat (Courage): The importance of courage is conveyed through a story about a timid boy who is encouraged to overcome his fear by adopting a positive mindset and believing in his own capabilities.
Himmat Vishay Kavita (Poem on Courage): A poem emphasizes the value of courage in all aspects of life and spiritual practice.
Vinay (Humility/Politeness): This section stresses the importance of humility and respectful behavior towards elders, teachers, and others. A story uses the analogy of a pillar to illustrate the lack of value in someone without Vinay.
Chokhai (Cleanliness): The significance of personal hygiene and cleanliness is highlighted, explaining how it impacts social acceptance and spiritual practice, using an example of a girl being denied entry to a temple due to her uncleanliness.
Chokhai Vishay Kavita (Poem on Cleanliness): A poem reinforces the importance of cleanliness.

Section 4: Philosophy (Tattva) This section delves into core Jain philosophical concepts, explaining them through simplified lessons and poems. The nine Tattvas are introduced:

Jiv (Soul/Living Being): Defines what a soul is and its characteristics, emphasizing its ability to experience happiness and sorrow.
Jiv ane Indriya (Soul and Sense Organs): Explains the different types of souls based on the number of sense organs they possess (one-sensed, two-sensed, etc.) and how these organs function.
Jiv ni Vishesh Samaj (Special Understanding of the Soul): Provides further details about the classification of souls, including the five basic types (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied) and the mobile souls (traskay).
Ajiv (Non-living Matter): Introduces the concept of non-living entities in Jain philosophy.
Pudgal (Matter): Explains the nature of matter.
Dharmastikay, Adharmastikay, Akashastikay, Kaal (Principles of Motion, Rest, Space, and Time): These are explained as fundamental principles governing the universe.
Punyamay (Meritorious Actions): Defines meritorious deeds.
Punyam Bandhvani Nav Rit Vishay Kavita (Poem on the Nine Ways of Accumulating Merit): A poem lists and explains the nine ways to earn merit, which include offering food, water, shelter, clothing, good thoughts, praise, service, and salutations.
Pudgal nu Phal (The Result of Matter/Actions): Discusses the consequences of actions.
Paap (Sin/Demeritorious Actions): Defines sinful deeds and the eighteen types of sins, emphasizing the negative consequences of engaging in them.
Ashrav (Influx of Karma): Explains how actions, driven by senses and passions, lead to the influx of karma.
Samvar (Cessation of Karma): Describes how to stop the influx of karma through self-control and austerity.
Nirjara (Shedding of Karma): Explains how to eliminate accumulated karma through penance and austerities.
Bandh (Bondage of Karma): Details how karma binds the soul.
Moksh (Liberation): Defines liberation as freedom from the cycle of birth and death, achieved by eradicating karma. The nine gates to understanding Moksha are also outlined.

Key Themes and Values Promoted:

Respect for Elders and Teachers: The book consistently emphasizes the importance of listening to and learning from elders and teachers.
Discipline and Order: Several stories highlight the negative outcomes of haste and the benefits of following prescribed methods.
Ethical Conduct: Truthfulness, non-violence, non-stealing, compassion, cleanliness, and humility are presented as essential virtues.
Spiritual Understanding: The book aims to instill a basic understanding of Jain philosophy, including the soul, karma, and liberation.
Moral Responsibility: It encourages readers to be mindful of their actions and their consequences.
Devotion and Worship: The importance of proper rituals for deity worship is stressed.

Educational Approach:

The book employs a pedagogical approach using:

Stories and Dialogues: These make the lessons relatable and easier to grasp.
Poems and Rhymes: These add an element of enjoyment and aid memorization.
Summaries and Questions: Each lesson concludes with a summary and questions to reinforce learning.

Acknowledgments and Production:

The book acknowledges the significant contribution of Muni Maharaj Shri 1008 Charitravijayji in reviewing and correcting the content to ensure its alignment with Jain principles. It also thanks Sha. Champashi Gulabchand for improving the language. The publishers express hope for future editions with illustrations to further engage children.

In essence, "Jain Dharm Pravesh Pothi 02" serves as a foundational text for young Jains, systematically introducing them to the core tenets, practices, and philosophical concepts of their religion in an accessible and engaging manner.