Jain Gyan Gun Sangraha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Gyan Gun Sangraha" by Saubhagyavijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Gyan Gun Sangraha (Collection of Jain Knowledge and Virtues) Author/Compiler: Muni Saubhagyavijayji Maharaj Publisher: Kavishastra Sangraha Samiti Publication Year: Vir Samvat 2462 / Vikram Samvat 1993 / 1936 AD (First Edition) Price: One and a quarter rupees

Overall Purpose and Structure:

The book "Jain Gyan Gun Sangraha" is a compilation aimed at providing accessible knowledge of Jainism to common people, particularly the householder community (Shravaks and Shravikas). The author, Muni Saubhagyavijayji, recognized the need for such a text in Hindi for the residents of Marwar, as Gujarati books, though available, would not be as useful. The book is divided into two main sections:

First Section (Khand One): Primarily in Hindi prose, this section is based on other Jain texts and covers fundamental Jain principles and practices. It includes some unique articles like "Dharana Gati athva Namajoḍa" and "Rogimṛtyu Jñāna" which are attributed to the compiler as well.
Second Section (Khand Two): This section is primarily in verse and includes compositions by Muni Saubhagyavijayji himself, along with those of numerous other old and new poets. The selection of verses is curated according to the tastes of the Shravak-Shravikas of the region.

The title "Jain Gyan Gun Sangraha" aptly reflects its content, which is a collection of Jain knowledge (Gyan) and virtues (Gun). The language is kept simple and understandable, with the occasional use of locally popular words or pronunciations for better comprehension.

Key Contents and Themes:

The book is structured into various chapters (Prakaran), covering a wide spectrum of Jain teachings and practices. Based on the table of contents and content snippets, the key themes and subjects include:

First Section (Khand One):

Dev Darshan Vidhi (Method of Devotion/Temple Visit): This extensive chapter details the proper etiquette and spiritual attitude required when visiting a Jain temple.
- Importance of Daily Temple Visits: Emphasizes the duty of every Jain to visit the temple daily.
- Purity: Stresses the importance of both external (washing hands and feet) and internal purity.
- Spiritual Benefits of Temple Steps: Quotes a verse illustrating the progressive spiritual rewards of each step taken towards the temple.
- Proper Conduct in the Temple: Discusses maintaining peace, avoiding worldly conversations, refraining from arguments, not going too close to the idol, standing respectfully, and reading scriptures internally if others are chanting loudly.
- Dignity of Jain Temples: Contrasts the sanctity of temples with secular places, highlighting the welcoming nature of God's abode.
- Ashatāsanā (84 acts of disrespect/impropriety in the temple): A detailed list of actions to be avoided in a Jain temple. This is further categorized into:
  - Utkṛṣṭa Ashatāsanā (Excellent/Major): 84 specific prohibitions.
  - Madhyam Ashatāsanā (Medium): 40 prohibitions.
  - Jaghanya Ashatāsanā (Minor): 10 prohibitions.
- Jin Pooja Vidhi (Method of Idol Worship):
  - General Instructions: Highlights the significance of Jin Pooja as the primary duty of a Jain householder, leading to purity of faith and ultimate liberation.
  - Need for Idol Worship: Argues for the necessity of worshipping the Tirthankaras' idols as representations of their virtuous qualities, especially in their absence.
  - Qualities of Tirthankara Idols: Cites verses describing the peaceful, forgiving, and detached nature reflected in the idols.
  - Primary Duties: Outlines the morning routine, including chanting the Navkar mantra, meditation (Samayik), and bathing with purified water.
  - Preparation for Pooja: Stresses the use of clean, unblemished clothes and following specific rituals for performing the worship.
  - Dravya Pooja (Material Worship): Describes the eight types of offerings (water, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamp, unbroken rice, food offering, fruit).
  - Bhavana (Inner Feelings during Pooja): Emphasizes the importance of devotional thoughts while making offerings.
  - Temple Entry and Procedures: Details the adherence to "Abhigam" (rules for approaching) and "Trik" (groups of three rules) for entering the temple and performing worship, including the concept of "Avagrah" (space from the deity).
  - Nine-Angled Worship: Describes worshipping specific parts of the idol (fingers, knees, hands, shoulders, head).
  - Importance of Mulnayak (Main Idol): Explains why the main idol is worshipped first, citing tradition and the immediate attention it draws.
  - Flower Worship: Details the types of flowers to use and avoid, emphasizing freshness and fragrance, and the importance of offering them whole.
  - Agra Pooja (Worship of Offerings): Describes the rituals for incense, lamps, unbroken rice ( Ashtamangal), sweets, and fruits, along with the associated inner feelings.
- Shravak Dwadash Vrat (The Twelve Vows of a Jain Layperson): This is a significant portion of the book, detailing the vows undertaken by Jain householders. Each vow is explained with its core meaning, motivations, and exceptions (Atichar).
  - Samyaktva (Right Faith): The foundation of Jainism, based on faith in the Tirthankaras (Sudev), their teachings, and the Jain path (Sudharma). It also discusses the five Atichars (transgressions) and six Apavadas (exceptions).
  - Aņuvarata (Minor Vows):
    - Sthula Prana-atipata Viramana: Abstinence from gross violence.
    - Sthula Mrushavada Viramana: Abstinence from gross falsehood.
    - Sthula Adattadana Viramana: Abstinence from gross theft.
    - Swa-dari Santosh / Para-stri Viramana: Celibacy and contentment with one's own spouse.
    - Sthula Parigraha Parimana: Limitation of possessions.
  - Guna Vrat (Augmenting Vows):
    - Dik Parimana Vrat: Limitation of movement in different directions.
    - Bhogopabhoga Parimana Vrat: Limitation of consumables (food, objects). This includes a detailed list of 22 types of forbidden foods (Abhakshya) and 32 types of infinitely-lived beings (Anantkay).
    - Anartha Danda Viramana: Abstinence from causeless or sinful activities.
  - Shiksha Vrat (Training Vows):
    - Samayika Vrat: Meditation for a fixed period (48 minutes).
    - Deshavakashika Vrat: Temporary restriction of one's area of activity.
    - Paushadha Upavasa Vrat: Observance of fasting and vows on specific days (like Paryushana).
    - Atithi Samvibhaga Vrat: Offering food to ascetics (Alms).
- Tapasya Vidhi (Methods of Austerity): This section describes various fasting and austerity practices in Jainism, including:
  - Vīśasthānaka-tapa Vidhi
  - Ashtakarma Oli (Karmasudan Tap)
  - Rohiṇī Tap Vidhi
  - Vardhamana Oli (Vardhamana Ayambil Tap)
  - Laghu Panchami Tap
  - Jnana Panchami Tap
  - Agama Tap
  - Pakhwada Tap Vidhi
  - Paushadashami Tap Vidhi
  - Pancharangi Tap Vidhi
  - Dashapachchhana Vidhi
  - Jinakalyanaka Tap Vidhi
- Vividha Vichar (Miscellaneous Thoughts): This chapter contains various informative articles:
  - Vartaman Jain Agama Parichaya: Introduction to the present Jain scriptures.
  - Shalaka Purusha Vichar: Discussion about the 63 illustrious personages in Jain tradition.
  - Bolka Naksha: A chart or diagram of "Bols" (Jain doctrines/principles).
  - Dharana Gati athva Namajoḍa: (Likely relating to astrological or numerological connections based on names or birth details).
  - Ghar Kahan aur Kaisa Banana Chahiye?: Advice on selecting a location and building a house.
  - Sutak Vichar: Rules and considerations regarding ritual impurity due to birth or death.
  - Rogi-Mṛtyu Jñāna: Knowledge related to predicting the outcome of illness, likely involving astrological charts like "Trinadi Chakra."

Second Section (Khand Two):

Chaitya Vandan Sangraha: A collection of devotional verses recited in temples, including 24 Chaitya Vandans in Sanskrit.
Stuti Sangraha: A collection of hymns and praises dedicated to various Tirthankaras and Jain deities.
Stavana Sangraha: Another collection of devotional songs and praises.
Swadhyay (Self-Study/Recitation): This likely refers to the practice of studying and reciting Jain scriptures, possibly including "Pad Sangraha" (collection of verses).

Appendices:

Golnagariya Parshvanath Pratishtha Prabandh: A detailed account of the consecration ceremony of the Parshvanath temple in Golnagar. This section is quite extensive and provides information about the planning, execution, finances, and key figures involved in the event.
Paushadha Vidhi: A detailed manual on how to observe the Paushadha vow, including its different types, procedures, and associated rules.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Gyan Gun Sangraha" appears to be a valuable resource for Jains seeking to deepen their understanding of their religion. Its emphasis on accessible language, practical guidance on rituals and vows, and the inclusion of specific details about a major temple consecration make it a significant contribution to Jain literature. The book serves as a guide to both the theoretical knowledge and the practical application of Jain principles in daily life.