Jain Dharmna Marmo

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharmna Marmo" (The Secrets of Jainism) by Munishri Chandrashekharvijayji, published by Kamal Prakashan Trust.

The book is presented as a prelude to discourses given over three days during the Paryushan festival, covering the profound principles of the auspicious Jin Shasan (Jain tradition).

Author and Dedication: The book is authored by Munishri Chandrashekharvijayji, a disciple of the late Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijaypremsurishwarji Maharaj. The author expresses deep gratitude and offers countless salutations to his revered guru.

Publisher and Trust: Kamal Prakashan Trust, Ahmedabad, is the publisher. A note mentions that the scheme for sponsoring photographs of householder men and women has been discontinued.

Content and Purpose: The book is primarily a collection of discourses given to young people. It aims to provide a foundational understanding of Jainism, particularly in the context of the Paryushan festival. The author emphasizes that the lectures were delivered during the Paryushan period in Ahmedabad in Vikram Samvat 242, and this book represents the first part of those lectures. Future volumes are planned to cover other important topics like the five duties during Paryushan, annual observances, and the significance of the Pausadh vow.

Key Themes and Chapters (as indicated by the index):

The book is structured around several key themes, including:

• Introduction to Paryushan Festival Lectures: This section outlines the schedule and focus of lectures during the eight days of Paryushan. The first three days are dedicated to "Ashtaka" (eight-day period) discourses, covering:

  • Faith in the Person and the Word (Purush Vishvas, Vachan Vishvas): Emphasizing the importance of trusting the Tirthankaras and their teachings.
  • Biography of Tirthankaras: Discussing the lives and teachings of the Tirthankaras.
  • Understanding the Supreme Being (Paramatma ni Olakh): Defining the nature of the soul and the divine.
  • The Secret of Successful Discourse (Nishfal Deshana nu Safal Rahasya): How to effectively convey religious teachings.
  • The Strength of Restraint (Virati nu Sakhal): The power of practicing vows and limitations.

• The Ever-Victorious Jin Shasan (Sada Jayavantu Jin Shasan): This section delves into various aspects of protecting and promoting the Jain faith:

  • Protection of the Shasan (Shasan Raksha): Discussing the importance of safeguarding Jain principles and institutions.
  • Gross and Subtle Aspects (Sthul ane Sukshma Parishrama): Differentiating between external practices and internal spiritual development.
  • The Subtle Lord (Sukshma no Swami): Exploring the subtle nature of the soul.
  • Establishment of the Shasan (Samagra Shasan Sthapna): How the Jain tradition was established and maintained.
  • Five Limbs of the Shasan (Shasan vage Panch Anga): Likely referring to core tenets or practices.
  • Majority Rule vs. Scripture (Shastramati: Bahumati): The primacy of scriptural authority over popular opinion.
  • The Goal of Dharma (Dharma: Uddesh): The ultimate aim of religious practice, likely liberation.

• The Auspicious Jin Shasan (Kalyankar Jin Shasan): Further exploration of the benefits and principles of Jainism.

• The Value of Human Life (Manav Gati nu Mulya): Comparing human life to other forms of existence (celestial, hellish, animal) and highlighting its unique potential for spiritual progress.

  • Terror in the Celestial Realm (Devgati ma Tras): The drawbacks of celestial existence.
  • The Ruin of Human Life (Manav Jivan ni E Rite Barbadi): Warning against the misuse of human life.

• Six Ashtakais (Six periods of eight days of observance) - Introduction: Explaining the concept and purpose of these devotional periods.

  • Meaning of Paryushan (Paryushan Shabd na Arth): Deeper understanding of the festival's name.
  • Practical Application of Principles (Jin Siddhanto nu Vyavaharikaran): How Jain principles are put into practice.
  • The Essence of Jin Puja (Jin Puja nu Hard): The inner meaning of worshipping the Tirthankaras.
  • The Essence of Boiled Water (Ukalele Pani nu Hard): The Jain principle of consuming purified water.
  • The Essence of Swami Vatsalya (Swamivatvatsalya nu Hard): The importance of compassion and communal meals.
  • The Essence of the Sangha (Sangh nu Hard): The significance of the monastic community.
  • The Essence of Upadhan (Upadhan nu Hard): The spiritual benefits of intense devotional practices.
  • The Essence of Ujamna (Ujamna nu Hard): The significance of celebrating the completion of vows.

• Syadvada: A detailed exploration of the Jain doctrine of conditioned predication, emphasizing the relativistic and multi-faceted nature of truth.

  • Syadvada in Ahimsa (Ahimsa ma Syadvada): How Syadvada helps understand Ahimsa in its various aspects.
  • The Hunter's Example (Pardhi nu Drushtant): An illustration of how different perspectives (Syadvada) can change the perception of an act.
  • Different Perspectives (Judi Judi Apeksha): The core idea of Syadvada.
  • The Metaphor of Six Leshyas (Chha Leshya nu Rupak): Using the concept of six types of mental states to illustrate different perspectives.
  • The Baba's Cart (Babaji ni Gadi): An anecdote to explain Syadvada.
  • "I am that..." (Mand hu chu): The ego and its role in perception.
  • Naya, Drishti, Pramana (Naya, Drishti, Pramana): The Jain epistemological tools for understanding reality.
  • Einstein's Relativity (Einstein ni Sapeksvad ni Samajhan): Drawing parallels between scientific relativity and Syadvada.
  • P. Max Werne's Relativity (P. Max Werne ni Sapeksvad ni Samajhan): Another reference to scientific understanding of relativity.
  • Monism in Syadvada (Syadvada ma Ekantavad): Examining how Syadvada can sometimes appear to lean towards monism.
  • Various Examples (Vividh Udaharan): Numerous illustrations to clarify Syadvada.
  • The Firewood-Embers Example (Rakh-Angara nu Drushtant): An example illustrating the concept of paradox and multifaceted truth.
  • Nothing Reaches Syadvada (Syadvada ne Kai na Pahonche): The unparalleled nature of Syadvada in comprehending reality.

Introductory Discourse (Ashtahika Pravachan Bhumika): The introductory part of the discourse focuses on "Faith in the Person and Faith in the Word." It stresses that unwavering faith in the Tirthankaras (the "persons") leads to faith in their teachings (the "words"). It argues that the Tirthankaras, being free from attachment, aversion, and delusion, speak the absolute truth, which should be accepted on their authority, even if it defies immediate logical comprehension or scientific validation. The discourse uses examples like the existence of souls in potatoes and the sin of night-time eating to illustrate how Tirthankara's pronouncements, though sometimes seemingly illogical, are based on profound spiritual knowledge and should be accepted with faith. It also discusses the importance of discerning a person's truthfulness through facial analysis and the consistent representation of their image in scriptures and art.

Key takeaways from the summaries of the chapters:

• The importance of faith and acceptance of scriptures: The book emphasizes that true understanding of Jainism comes through faith in the Tirthankaras' teachings, even when they surpass ordinary human logic.
• Practical application of Jain principles: The discourses highlight how Jain philosophy is meant to be lived, not just understood intellectually. The concept of "theory in practice" is central, with practices like Samayik, Jin Puja, and Swami Vatsalya serving as practical embodiments of core principles.
• The superiority of human life for spiritual advancement: Human birth is considered precious and the most conducive for achieving liberation, unlike celestial, hellish, or animal existences, which have their own limitations and suffering.
• The multifaceted nature of reality (Syadvada): The book dedicates a significant portion to explaining Syadvada, the Jain doctrine of "perhaps" or "maybe," which posits that truth is relative and can be viewed from multiple perspectives. This doctrine is crucial for understanding Jain philosophy and resolving apparent contradictions.
• The significance of Paryushan and other observances: The text details the structure and purpose of the Paryushan festival and other devotional practices like Ashtakais and Upadhan, emphasizing their role in spiritual purification and progress.
• The enduring strength of the Jin Shasan: Despite challenges and attempts to undermine it, the Jain tradition is portrayed as inherently resilient and self-protected, its strength lying in its subtle spiritual core rather than external defenses.
• The power of subtle force (Sukshma bal): The book contrasts the effectiveness of subtle spiritual power (embodied by renunciates) with the superficiality of external propaganda and worldly influence, arguing that true spiritual progress and societal well-being stem from inner development.
• The value of detachment and renunciation: The exemplary lives of Tirthankaras and saints are presented as ideals, showing how detachment from worldly pleasures and possessions leads to spiritual power and the ability to guide others.
• The importance of righteous intent and the consequences of actions: The text stresses that the intention behind an action (anubandh) is as crucial as the action itself, determining whether it leads to merit or demerit.
• The ultimate goal of Moksha: The overarching aim of all Jain practices is liberation from the cycle of birth and death and the attainment of the ultimate bliss of Moksha.

The book serves as a guide for spiritual seekers, encouraging them to understand and practice the profound teachings of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of faith, detachment, and the subtle power of the soul.