Jain Jivan Shailee

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Jivan Shailee" by Manitprabhsagar and Nilanjanashreeji, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

"Jain Jivan Shailee" (Jain Life Style) is presented as a comprehensive guide to living according to Jain principles. It is described as a torch for a lifestyle that leads to enlightenment, a guide to the right path for basic living rather than a glamorous one. The book aims to refine the art of living, imbue character with संस्कार (values/culture), and teach the proper way of speaking and behaving. It emphasizes a positive perspective on Jain philosophy and life.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured to cover various aspects of Jain life and philosophy, presented in a simple and accessible manner. The table of contents reveals a wide range of topics:

• Introduction and Acclaim: The initial pages include blessings and acknowledgments from spiritual leaders like Sadhvi Dr. Vidyutprabha Shrim, who hails the book as a unique gift from Muni Manitprabhsagar, encompassing essential aspects of Jainism like conduct, diet, chanting, and philosophical insights. Muni Manitprabhsagar is lauded for his dedication to study, self-discipline, and continuous writing.

• Foundational Jain Principles:

  • Navkar Mantra: Its immense significance, meaning, and the symbolism behind its structure (e.g., why "Namo Arihantanam" is placed first).
  • Tirthankaras and Samavsaran: Information about the Tirthankaras, Mahashraman Mahavir, and the concept of Samavsaran (the divine assembly).
  • Trishashthishalaka Purushas: Introduction to these sixty-three great souls.
  • Siddha Parmatma: The nature of liberated souls.
  • Muni Life: The path and identification of a monk's life.
  • Panch Parmeshthi: A scientific analysis of the five supreme beings.

• Jain Practices and Rituals (Jain Kriya Mimansa):

  • Pratikraman: Detailed explanation of confession and repentance for sins.
  • Samayika: The practice of equanimity and spiritual observance.
  • Vandanak: Reverence and salutations to Tirthankaras and Gurus.
  • Pratyakhyan: The practice of renunciation and vows for controlling actions.

• Jain Philosophy and Tenets (Jain Tattva Mimansa):

  • Tattva Trayi: The three jewels – Right Faith (Sudeva), Right Knowledge (Suguru), and Right Conduct (Sudharma).
  • Ratna Trayi: The three main principles – Right Knowledge, Right Perception, and Right Conduct.
  • Ashta Pravachan Mata: The eightfold path of conduct, including the three Guptis (restraint of mind, speech, and body) and five Samitis (carefulness in conduct).
  • Navatattva: The nine fundamental realities of Jainism.

• Jain Cosmology and Soul (Jain Jiva Mimansa):

  • Journey from Nigod to Moksha: The soul's path from the most basic life forms to liberation.
  • Introduction to the Soul: Understanding the nature of the soul.
  • Naraka and Devaloka: Descriptions of hellish realms and celestial realms.
  • Prana and Paryapti: The vital energies and the means of sustenance and development for living beings.

• Jain Doctrine and Principles (Jain Darshan Mimansa):

  • Definition of Jainism: What Jainism truly is.
  • Nature of the Universe: Understanding the Jain perspective on the cosmos.
  • Utsarpini and Avsarpini: The ascending and descending cycles of time.
  • Lok Swarup: The structure and nature of the universe.
  • Key Principles: Detailed exposition of the major tenets of Jain philosophy.

• Jain Karma Theory (Jain Karma Mimansa):

  • Jain Karma Vada: The theory of karma in Jainism.
  • Types and Subtypes of Karma: Detailed classification of karma.
  • Consequences of Karma: The fruits of karmic actions.
  • Causes of Bondage and Means of Liberation: How souls become bound by karma and the path to freedom.
  • Chaturdash Gunasthanak: The fourteen stages of spiritual development.

• Jain Ethics and Conduct (Jain Vichar Mimansa & Jain Achar Mimansa):

  • Thoughts and Ideologies: Purification of thought, control of passions (Kashayas), avoidance of gossip (Vikatha), understanding of life-force (Leshya), and steps towards enlightenment.
  • Daily Routines: Methods for waking up, visiting temples, listening to discourses, behavior in Upashray (monastic dwelling), charity, and daily self-reflection before sleep.
  • Twelve Vows of a Shravaka: Guidelines for lay followers.
  • Tapas (Austerities): The twelve types of austerities.

• Jain Diet (Jain Ahar Mimansa):

  • Principles of Eating: How to eat correctly.
  • Forbidden Foods (Abhakshya): Foods that are prohibited and their consequences.
  • Seven Deadly Sins (Sapt Vyasan): The seven vices leading to hell.
  • Forbidden Categories: Discussion on "Dvidal" (split pulses), night meals, "Chalitra Ras" (juices that ferment), "Anantkay" (foods with infinite life), and "Mazedar (?) Padartho" (pleasurable but detrimental foods).
  • The Principle of Jayana: Emphasizing that more caution (Jayana) leads to more peace (Shata).

• Jain Life and Spirituality (Jain Jeevan Mimansa):

  • Living a Joyful Life: Making life a garden of happiness.
  • Wisdom and Peace: The application of understanding for peace.
  • Ethical Business: Conducting business with integrity and justice.
  • Ideal Home and Society: Creating a desirable living environment.
  • Death as a Celebration: Reinterpreting death as a spiritual event.

• Jain Festivals (Jain Parva Mimansa):

  • Festival Sadhana: Practices during Jain festivals.
  • Do's and Don'ts: What to do and not to do on festival days.
  • How to Celebrate Festivals: Guidelines for celebrating festivals.

• Jain History (Jain Itihas Mimansa):

  • Wisdom of the Jineshwar: The teachings of the Tirthankaras.
  • Shining Stars of Jainism: Biographies of prominent figures in Jain history.
  • Golden History of Khartargachha: A historical account of a specific Jain lineage.

• Jain Meditation and Chanting (Jain Dhyan Mimansa):

  • Japa (Chanting): How chanting destroys sins.
  • Using a Mala: Techniques for chanting with beads.
  • Hasta Anguli Japa: Hand-finger chanting methods.
  • Dhyana Vidhi: Methods of meditation.
  • Navkar Mantra Sadhana: Dedicated practice of the Navkar mantra.
  • Remedies for Navagraha (Nine Planets) Doshas: Astrological remedies through mantra.

• Health and Well-being (Swasthya Mimansa):

  • Pranayama: Breathing exercises.
  • Mudras: Hand gestures and their benefits.
  • Dhyana Asana: Meditation postures.
  • Bandhas, Nadis, and Chakras: The subtle energy systems of the body.

• Appendices: Includes a glossary of technical terms.

Key Philosophical Concepts Highlighted:

• Jainism as a Way of Life: The book consistently promotes Jainism not just as a religion but as a complete lifestyle that impacts all spheres of life.
• Simplicity and Self-Discipline: Emphasis on a natural, balanced lifestyle over ostentation.
• Karma and Liberation: A core focus on understanding karma and the path to liberation through right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The pervasive principle of non-violence in thought, word, and deed.
• Jayana (Caution): The importance of carefulness in actions to minimize harm and maximize well-being.
• Self-Control and Renunciation: The role of discipline and detachment in spiritual progress.
• Importance of Gurus and Scripture: The guidance of learned monks and the study of scriptures are presented as essential for understanding and practicing Jainism.

Target Audience:

The book is intended for all followers of Jainism, from children to adults, seeking to understand and implement the principles of Jain living in their daily lives. It is particularly aimed at those who want to live a life aligned with spiritual values.

Publisher and Publication Details:

• Publisher: Jahaj Mandir Prakashan
• Authors: Muni Manitprabhsagar, Nilanjanashreeji
• Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004444/1
• Publication Year: 2012 (First Edition)
• Price: Rs. 100 (selling price)

Overall Tone and Message:

The book is written with an encouraging, guiding, and deeply respectful tone. It aims to demystify Jain principles and make them practical for modern living, emphasizing that following the Jain lifestyle leads to a balanced, peaceful, and ultimately enlightened existence. The numerous forewords and acknowledgments from esteemed Sadhvis and Munis attest to the book's value and significance within the Jain community.