Jain Prashnottarmala - Book Summary

This document is a Jain religious text titled "Jain Prashnottarmala" (Jain Question and Answer Collection), authored by Dhirajlal Dahyalaal Mehta and published by Jain Dharm Prasaran Trust, Surat. It is presented as "Part One" of a series. The catalog link provided leads to a digital copy of the book.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Content:

The book is structured as a question-and-answer guide to Jain philosophy, principles, and practices. The author's intention is to provide clear and concise answers to common questions, aiming to help readers understand the true essence of Jainism, achieve self-welfare, and follow the path to liberation (Moksha). The author acknowledges that the compilation is based on various Jain scriptures and seeks forgiveness for any inaccuracies.

Key Themes and Sections:

The "Jain Prashnottarmala" covers a wide range of topics within Jainism, organized into several chapters as indicated by the index:

General Questions and Answers: This section likely covers fundamental concepts about Jainism.
Agam Chapter: Discusses the Jain scriptures (Agamas), their origin, composition, languages, and the differing views on their number among various sects. It details the Angas (main scriptures) and Upangas (subsidiary texts).
Aavashyak Chapter: Focuses on the six essential daily duties (Aavashyaks) for Jains: Samayik (equanimity), Chaturvimsati-stava (praise of the 24 Tirthankaras), Vandana (salutation), Pratikraman (confession and atonement), Kayotsarg (self-reflection/meditation), and Pratyakhyan (renunciation/vow). It elaborates on the meaning of each Aavashyak, the tools required for Samayik, the reasons for the 48-minute duration, and the various types of Pratikraman (Pakhkhi, Chaumasi, Samvatsari). It also delves into the concept of "Agara" (permissions) in Kayotsarg and the 19 faults to avoid.
Navatattva Chapter: Explains the nine fundamental principles of Jainism (Jiva, Ajiva, Punya, Pap, Ashrava, Samvara, Bandha, Nirjara, Moksha). It provides detailed explanations of each Tattva, including the nature of the soul (Jiva), the concept of different sensory beings (Indriyas), the nature of Karma, and the process of liberation. It also discusses the different philosophical viewpoints on the soul and the universe.
Anekantavada Chapter: Explores the core Jain principle of Anekantavada (non-one-sidedness or manifold aspects) and Syadvada (the doctrine of conditional predication). It explains how things can be viewed from multiple perspectives and that absolute truth is beyond limited human perception. It discusses the concepts of permanence (Dravya) and change (Paryay), and the role of different "Nayas" (standpoints or perspectives) in understanding reality. It also clarifies the relationship between upadana (material cause) and nimitta (instrumental cause) and the different schools of thought on this.
Dravya-Guna-Paryay Chapter: Delves into the essence of Jain ontology, explaining the concepts of Dravya (substance), Guna (attribute), and Paryay (modification/state). It details the attributes of the six substances (Jiva, Ajiva, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala) and the different categories of special and general attributes.
General Questions: This likely includes miscellaneous questions not covered in the specific chapters.

Author's Background and Motivation:

Dhirajlal D. Mehta states that he taught Jain religious principles in various Jain centers in America and London from 1991 to 1993. The positive response and the numerous questions that arose from these sessions inspired him to compile this book. He mentions that his own religious studies were conducted at Shri Yashovijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala in Mehsana. The book is dedicated to promoting true Jain knowledge and spiritual welfare.

Key Jain Concepts Discussed:

Tirthankaras: The establishment of the "Tirth" (path of liberation) by Tirthankaras.
Karma Theory: The intricate workings of Karma and its influence on the soul.
Aavashyaks: The six daily religious duties essential for spiritual progress.
Navatattvas: The nine fundamental principles guiding Jain philosophy.
Anekantavada & Syadvada: The principles of non-absolutism and multi-faceted reality.
Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra: The three jewels of Jainism.
Vows (Vrata): Mahavratas for monks/nuns and Anuvratas/Gunavratas/Shikshavratas for lay followers.
Sects: It touches upon the differences between Svetambara (including Murtipujak, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi) and Digambara traditions, particularly regarding scriptures and practices.
Time Cycles: The concepts of Avsarpini (descending) and Utsarpini (ascending) time cycles.
Cosmology: Descriptions of Jambu Island and other geographical divisions of the Jain universe.
Spiritual Progress: The stages of spiritual development (Gunasthanas) and the path to liberation.

Structure and Presentation:

The book uses a clear question-and-answer format, making it accessible for learners. The author aims for clarity and simplicity, referencing various Jain philosophical texts. The inclusion of a table of contents provides a good overview of the topics covered.

In essence, "Jain Prashnottarmala" is a foundational text designed to educate individuals on the core tenets and practices of Jainism through an accessible question-and-answer format, aiming to foster spiritual growth and understanding.