Jain Ratnasara - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Ratnasara" by Suryamalla Yati, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Ratnasara (जैन-रत्नसार) Author: Jain Guru Pandit Pravar Yati Suryamalla (जैनगुरु प० प्र० यति सूर्य्यमल्छ) Publisher: Motilalji (मोतीलालजी), disciple of Pujya Shri Jinratnasuriji Maharaj Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/010020/1

Overall Purpose and Introduction:

The book "Jain Ratnasara" compiled by Yati Suryamalla is a significant Jain text that aims to provide readers with the essential teachings and practices of Jainism, particularly focusing on spiritual upliftment and ethical conduct. The introductory pages (Praatbha) emphasize the human duty not only to sustain the physical body through food but also to nourish the soul with knowledge. It draws a stark comparison between humans and animals, highlighting that true humanity lies in acquiring knowledge and wisdom, distinguishing humans from mere beasts. The text underscores the importance of adhering to swadharma (one's own duty) for spiritual welfare and salvation.

Core Principles and Philosophy:

The Importance of Knowledge and Action: The book stresses that mere knowledge of scriptures is insufficient; true wisdom comes from kriyavan (one who acts). It encourages active participation in religious practices with love and good intentions.
Jain Dharma as a Path to Moksha: Jain Dharma, described as beginningless and endless, is presented as the ultimate path to moksha (liberation). The 24 Tirthankaras, from Rishabhadeva to Mahavira, are acknowledged as the propagators and guides of this Dharma.
The Five Revered Souls (Pancha Paramesthi): The text details the significance and reverence due to:
- Arihants: Victorious beings who have conquered their passions and achieved spiritual perfection while still in a physical form, possessing divine attributes.
- Siddhas: Souls who have attained liberation from the cycle of birth and death, residing in the uppermost part of the universe with infinite knowledge and bliss.
- Acharyas: Spiritual leaders who guide disciples, impart knowledge of scriptures, and exemplify righteous conduct.
- Upadhyayas: Teachers who expound scriptures and impart knowledge to monks and nuns.
- Sadhus (Munis): Ascetics who practice detachment, austerity, and righteousness, dedicated to the path of liberation.
- These five are considered supreme and are always to be meditated upon. They are revered and are also worshipers of higher beings (Arihants and Siddhas).
The Significance of Aavashyak Kriya: The text places immense importance on Aavashyak Kriya (essential daily religious duties), equating it to the spiritual practices of other religions like Sandhya in Vedic traditions or Namaz in Islam. These duties are described as vital for the soul's sustenance and are categorized into six main types:
1. Samayik: Cultivating equanimity and practicing equal regard for all living beings.
2. Chaturvimsati Stava: Praising the virtues of the 24 Tirthankaras.
3. Vandan: Showing respect and reverence to worthy souls.
4. Pratikraman: Reflecting on and repenting for past faults, with the aim of returning to the right path.
5. Kayotsarg: Meditative practice involving physical stillness and detachment for spiritual progress.
6. Pratyakhyan: Renunciation and vows, either of specific substances (dravya) or of impure intentions (bhava).
Jain Sects: The book briefly mentions the historical division of Jainism into Svetambara and Digambara traditions and their sub-sects, emphasizing that the core tenets remain similar despite these divisions.
The Role of Dharma: Dharma is presented as the protector and sustainer of life, and its proper observance is crucial for ultimate well-being.

Content Structure (Indicative based on Table of Contents):

The table of contents reveals a vast and comprehensive scope, indicating the book covers a wide range of Jain literature and practices:

Sutra Vibhag (Section on Sutras): This section seems to contain various Jain mantras and invocations like the Namokar Mantra, Khama Samana Sutra, Irriyavahiyam Sutra, Logassa Sutra, and many others, which are fundamental in Jain rituals and meditation. It also includes details on Ang Padilehan (cleansing of the body and utensils) and other procedural prayers.
Vidhi Vibhag (Section on Rituals and Procedures): This extensive section details the correct methods for performing various Jain practices, including:
- Daily rituals (morning and evening Samayik).
- Specific practices like Pratikraman (daily, nocturnal, fortnightly, quarterly, and annual), Kutsarga, and Pratyakhyan (vows and renunciations).
- Detailed explanations of various types of Upvas (fasts) and their associated procedures.
- Rituals related to temple worship, including Panchkalyanak Puja.
Pooja Vibhag (Section on Worship): This part covers various forms of worship, including Snan Pooja (ritual bath for deities), Ashta Prakari Pooja (worship with eight substances), Argh Pooja, Vastra Pooja (worship with clothes), Dhup Pooja (incense), Deep Pooja (lamps), Akshat Pooja (rice), Phal Pooja (fruit), and various other devotional offerings. It includes specific pujas for different Tirthankaras and governing deities.
Aarti Vibhag (Section on Aarti): This section contains numerous devotional songs and hymns performed with lamps (aarti) for various Tirthankaras, deities, and revered spiritual leaders.
Chaitya Vandan Vibhag (Section on Temple Worship): This section likely details the specific prayers and verses recited when worshipping the idols of Tirthankaras in Jain temples. It includes Chaitya Vandans for all 24 Tirthankaras, as well as for significant sites like Siddhachal.
Stavan Vibhag (Section on Devotional Songs): This is a substantial section featuring a collection of Stavans (devotional hymns) dedicated to various Tirthankaras, Jain principles (Navpad), spiritual preceptors (Gurus), and sacred places. The diversity of styles suggests a rich tradition of Jain devotional music.
Ras Tatha Sajjan Vibhag (Section on Narratives and Devotional Songs): This section appears to include Ras (narrative devotional poems) and Sajjhays (devotional songs, often with moral or narrative content) that recount the lives of saints, historical events, or explain Jain philosophy.
Stotra Vibhag (Section on Hymns/Psalms): This part contains various Stotras (hymns), including well-known ones like Bhaktamar Stotra and Kalyan Mandir Stotra.
Parishisht (Appendix): This section is quite diverse, covering fundamental Jain philosophical concepts like Syadvada, Saptabhangi (sevenfold predication), Chara Nikshepa (fourfold classification), Murtivada (idol worship), the concept of Ishwar Kartrutva (God's role), and brief biographies of Tirthankaras and revered Gurus like Dada Gurudev. It also includes information on Jadunathji, auspicious timings (Muhurta), and the properties of 84 jewels.

Key Features and Significance:

Comprehensive Coverage: "Jain Ratnasara" appears to be an exhaustive compilation, covering mantras, rituals, prayers, philosophical explanations, historical accounts, and devotional literature.
Accessibility: The use of contemporary Hindi in many parts, as noted in the preface, makes the text more accessible to a wider audience, overcoming potential difficulties with archaic language.
Practical Guide: The detailed explanations of rituals like Pratikraman and Pooja Vidhi suggest the book serves as a practical guide for Jain laypeople.
Preservation of Tradition: The preface mentions the effort to preserve traditional texts, including instances where minor inaccuracies from ancient scripts were retained for historical accuracy, encouraging readers to use discernment.
Specific Inclusions: The preface highlights unique contributions like the detailed treatment of Swa-purush Santosh (contentment in one's own spouse) for women and the inclusion of Poshadh Sajjhay with explanations, which are noted as being particularly valuable. The inclusion of Panchkalyanak Pooja by Jinachandra Suriji adds to its traditional and devotional value.
Historical Context: The publication details (Vikram Samvat 1968, Veer Samvat 2466, Eswi San 1941) place the book in the early to mid-20th century, a period when the preservation and dissemination of religious texts were crucial.

In essence, "Jain Ratnasara" is a treasure trove of Jain religious knowledge and practice, offering a detailed roadmap for spiritual growth and adherence to the principles of Jainism, compiled with scholarly dedication by Yati Suryamalla.