Jain Dharmamrut

The Jain text "Jain Dharmamrut" by Siddhasen Jain Gpyaliya appears to be a comprehensive glossary or lexicon of Jain philosophical and religious concepts. Based on the provided pages, the book systematically lists and categorizes a vast array of terms within the Jain tradition.

Here's a summary of its likely content and structure:

• Purpose: The book aims to present important teachings from Jain scriptures (Jinavani) in a new format for the welfare of souls, making complex concepts accessible to readers. It serves as a resource for understanding Jain terminology.

• Structure: The text is organized alphabetically or thematically, presenting Jain terms and their related concepts. It uses a hierarchical numbering system (e.g., 1, 2, then 1, 2 under each 2) to break down complex ideas into their constituent parts. This suggests a meticulous approach to defining and explaining each term.

• Content: The book covers a broad spectrum of Jain philosophy, cosmology, ethics, and practices, including but not limited to:

  • Cosmology: Terms related to the universe, such as Siddhashila (abode of the liberated), Alokakash (non-luminous space), Lokakash (luminous space).
  • Metaphysics and Ontology: Concepts like Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Pudgal (matter), Akash (space), Kaal (time), Dharma (principle of motion), Adharma (principle of rest).
  • Soteriology (Path to Liberation): Terms related to the path to liberation like Moksha Marg (path to liberation), Bandha (bondage), Asrava (influx of karma), Samvara (cessation of influx), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Moksha (liberation).
  • Karma Theory: Different types of karma, their causes, and effects are likely discussed.
  • The Soul: Classifications of souls (Samsari Jiva - embodied soul, Mukta - liberated soul), their states, and their journey.
  • Knowledge (Jnana): Various types of valid knowledge like Matijnana, Shruta Jnana, Avadhijnana, Manahparyaya Jnana, and Kevalajnana.
  • Perception (Darshana): Types of perception.
  • Ethics and Conduct: Concepts like vows (Anuvarata, Mahavrata), austerities (Tapa), virtues, vices, and the three jewels (Samydakdarshan, Samydakjnana, Samydakcharitra).
  • Jain Schools of Thought: Mention of Naya (standpoints of logic) like Nischaya Naya (ultimate truth) and Vyavahara Naya (conventional truth).
  • Beings: Classifications of living beings, including Varga (species), Manushya (human), Tiryanch (animals), Deva (celestial beings), and Naraka (hellish beings).
  • Practices: Mentions of Puja (worship), Dhyana (meditation), and various types of austerities.
  • Spiritual States: Concepts like auspicious and inauspicious states of the soul (Bhavas).
  • Scriptural Divisions: Mentions of Anu-yoga (types of Jain scriptures).

• Dedication and Foreword: The book begins with a dedication to the author's father and a foreword by the author, expressing gratitude and hoping the book will be well-received and beneficial. It also mentions the valuable contribution of Pandit Akshay Kumarji Shastri in revising the book.

• Approach: The author's intention is to present established Jain teachings in a "new style" (नवीन ढंग से), suggesting an effort to clarify or organize them in a unique and understandable manner.

In essence, "Jain Dharmamrut" is a foundational text that meticulously enumerates and explains the core tenets of Jainism, providing a structured reference for students and practitioners of the faith. It acts as a comprehensive dictionary for the vast vocabulary of Jain philosophy and practice.