Jain Dharm Shikshavali Part 07

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharm Shikshavali Part 07" by Atmaramji Maharaj, published by Shri Jain Swarup Library.

The book is part of a series aimed at educating individuals, particularly children, about Jainism. This seventh part focuses on both subtle (spiritual) and gross (worldly) aspects, deemed highly beneficial for students. The author emphasizes that without proper religious education, individuals remain unfamiliar with religious practices and principles.

The preface highlights the declining interest in religious activities and the rise of unrighteousness in the current era. The book's creation is motivated by the hope of guiding people back towards righteousness through religious teachings.

Key Themes and Concepts Discussed:

• Nature of the Soul (Jiva):

  • The soul is considered eternal and unborn (anadi).
  • It is neither strictly eternal nor impermanent; its essence (dravya) is eternal, while its states or modifications (paryaya) are impermanent due to the influence of karma.
  • The soul transmigrates through different forms of existence (gatis) based on its karma.
  • The soul is the core substance, and its destruction is not possible; only the connection with the body breaks upon death.

• Path to Liberation (Moksha):

  • Moksha is achieved through Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
  • These three are summarized as "Moksha through Knowledge and Action" (Gyan Kriyaabhyam Moksha).
  • The text stresses the importance of both listening to religious teachings and reflecting upon them through experience.

• Types of Souls/Siddhas: The book categorizes liberated souls (Siddhas) based on various aspects:

  • Tirthankar Siddha: Those who attained liberation after establishing the Tirth (religious order).
  • Ateet Siddha: Those who attained liberation without the explicit establishment of a Tirth by a Tirthankar.
  • Tirth Sinddha: Those who attain liberation after reaching the Tirthankar state.
  • Atyanta Viraha Siddha: Those who become omniscient (Kevali) and are free from attachment and aversion.
  • Swayambuddha Siddha: Those who attain liberation without external guidance.
  • Pratyekbuddha Siddha: Those who gain knowledge by observing a single object.
  • Buddha Bodhi Siddha: Those who understand the essence of Dharma through a guru's teachings, achieve enlightenment, and then attain liberation.
  • Stri Ling Siddha: Liberated souls who were women in their lives.
  • Purush Ling Siddha: Liberated souls who were men.
  • Napunsak Ling Siddha: Liberated souls who were eunuchs.
  • Sva Ling Siddha: Liberated souls who attained liberation in the guise of Jain monks.
  • Anyaling Siddha: Liberated souls who attained liberation from other religious paths.
  • Grihastha Ling Siddha: Liberated souls who attained liberation while living as householders.
  • Ek Siddha: One soul liberated at a time.
  • Anek Siddha: Many souls liberated simultaneously.

• Attributes of Siddhas: Siddhas are described with numerous auspicious names like Ajar, Amara, Parangat, Siddh, Yudh, Mukta, Paramatma, Parmeshwar, Shudhatma, Mash, Sarvadarshi, Kevali, etc. Chanting these names purifies the soul.

• The Process of Soul Purification:

  • The text explains that chanting the names of Siddhas or meditating on their qualities helps purify the soul.
  • This purification is likened to washing clothes, where effort removes impurities.
  • Reciting names creates equanimity (Samabhava), leading to non-violence towards all beings. This equanimity helps overcome negative emotions like attachment (Raga) and aversion (Dvesha), leading to the binding of pure karma or liberation from karma.

• The Nature of Knowledge (Gyana):

  • Knowledge is both eternal and impermanent, depending on the perspective.
  • Knowledge is an intrinsic quality of the soul, not derived from external objects. It is self-illuminating and illuminating of other objects, like a lamp.
  • The difference in knowledge among beings is due to the covering effect of karmas, particularly Gyana-avarniya Karma (knowledge-obscuring karma).
  • Types of Knowledge:
    • Mati Gyana: Sensory and mental knowledge.
    • Shrut Gyana: Knowledge derived from scriptures or listening.
    • Avadhi Gyana: Clairvoyant knowledge of subtle and gross objects within a limited range.
    • Manahparyav Gyana: Knowledge of the thoughts of others.
    • Keval Gyana: Omniscience, perfect and absolute knowledge.

• The Nature of Faith/Vision (Darshan):

  • Faith is crucial for true knowledge. Without right faith, knowledge cannot be accurate.
  • Types of Faith:
    • Samyak Vishwas: Right faith based on reality.
    • Mithya Vishwas: False faith based on misconceptions.
    • Mishrit Vishwas: Mixed faith, a combination of right and wrong.
  • Types of Vision:
    • Chakshu Darshan: Vision through the eyes.
    • Achakshu Darshan: Vision through other senses or the mind.
    • Avadhi Darshan: Clairvoyant vision.
    • Keval Darshan: Omniscient vision.
  • Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) is paramount for spiritual progress.

• The Nature of Conduct (Charitra):

  • Charitra is the path to soul purification and liberation.
  • Types of Charitra:
    • Sarva Vrata: Complete vows (followed by monks and nuns).
    • Desha Vrata: Partial vows (followed by householders).
  • The text outlines the five Mahavratas (great vows) for monks/nuns: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
  • It also discusses the importance of Achar Shuddhi (purity of conduct) for householders, emphasizing the avoidance of the seven deadly sins (Jua - gambling, Maas - meat-eating, Madira - alcohol, Akhcet - hunting, Veshya sang - consorting with prostitutes, Parstri sevan - adultery, Charya karma - theft).
  • Ahar Shuddhi (purity of food) and Vyapar Shuddhi (purity of business dealings) are also stressed for householders, advocating for sattvic (pure) food and ethical business practices.

• The Nature of Strength/Energy (Virya):

  • The soul has an inherent power or energy.
  • This energy is influenced by the Antaraaya Karma (obstructing karma).
  • Types of Virya:
    • Pandit Virya: Righteous and effortful action leading to spiritual growth.
    • Bal Virya: Childlike or undirected energy, not conducive to liberation.
    • Pandit Bal Virya: A blend of both, where effort is made for both worldly and spiritual pursuits.

• The Nature of Ajiva (Non-soul) Elements:

  • Dravya: Substance, the fundamental reality. There are six Dravyas in Jainism: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul) which is further divided into Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala, and Pudgala.
  • Ajiva Dravya (non-soul) is divided into two categories:
    • Aroopi Ajiva: Formless (Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala).
    • Roopi Ajiva: Formed (Pudgala, which includes all matter).
  • The text details the properties and classifications of these Ajiva elements, including the subdivisions of Pudgala based on form, color, taste, smell, and touch.

• The Concept of Karma:

  • Karma is the driving force behind the soul's transmigration.
  • The text mentions Punya Karma (meritorious karma) and Papa Karma (demeritorious karma), which lead to pleasant and unpleasant consequences, respectively.
  • It discusses how different karmic conditions influence the soul's state and experiences.

• The Importance of Virtuous Living:

  • The text repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteous conduct, moral values, and spiritual practices for attaining happiness in both this life and the next.
  • It encourages self-reflection, virtuous actions, and the pursuit of true knowledge and faith.

• Social and Ethical Teachings:

  • The book also touches upon social responsibilities, including proper behavior towards family members, friends, teachers, community, and society at large.
  • It advises against harmful practices, superstitions, and societal ills.
  • The father-son dialogue illustrates these ethical principles, guiding the son on the path of righteousness and proper conduct.

In essence, "Jain Dharm Shikshavali Part 07" serves as a guide to understanding the fundamental principles of Jainism, the path to spiritual liberation, ethical conduct, and the importance of a virtuous life, aiming to enlighten and guide the reader towards self-realization and ultimate salvation.