Jain Shikshan Pathmala - Book Summary

This document is a Jain educational text titled "Jain Shikshan Pathmala" (Jain Education Path). Published by Jain Pustak Prakashak Karyalaya, Byavar, it is presented as a guide to Jain principles, ethics, conduct, and religious practices.

The book aims to instill good values and shape a virtuous life, especially for young students in Jain schools. It emphasizes that the teachings should not just be read but also practiced in daily life and passed on to others.

The text is structured into several "Path" (lessons or chapters), covering various aspects of Jainism:

Path 1: Niti Bodh (Moral Principles): Focuses on honesty, integrity in business, refraining from deceit, and avoiding false statements or actions.
Path 2: Sadachar (Good Conduct): Advocates for associating with good people, helping the distressed, offering sincere advice, respecting fellow Jains, upholding justice, and practicing compassion even towards wrongdoers. It also encourages charitable activities and responsible use of wealth.
Path 3: Vyasan ka Tyag (Renunciation of Vices): Lists various vices to be avoided, including gambling, consumption of alcohol and meat, illicit relationships, hunting, use of intoxicants (opium, cannabis, etc.), smoking, consumption of tobacco, eating at hotels that serve undesirable food, drinking tea excessively, consuming corrupting substances, organizing or attending dances, playing games of chance, using fireworks, and engaging in horse racing.
Path 4: Bhagwan ki Pehchan (Identification of God/Tirthankara): Describes the characteristics of an enlightened being (Tirthankara) such as freedom from attachment and aversion (raga-dvesha), ignorance, anger, ego, pride, greed, deceit, worldly pleasures, sleep, sorrow, falsehood, impurity, envy, and fear. It highlights qualities like treating all beings equally, having compassion for all, possessing knowledge of past, present, and future, and renouncing sensual desires.
Path 5: Guru ki Pehchan (Identification of a Guru): Outlines the qualities of a true spiritual guide, including non-violence, truthfulness, non-possession, celibacy, abstaining from night meals, avoiding dependence on others, not causing fear, detachment from worldly affairs, absence of attachment and affection, promoting peace, speaking kindly, not being attached to places, and guiding oneself and others towards liberation.
Path 6: Dharma ki Pehchan (Identification of Dharma/Righteousness): Defines dharma as non-violence, truthfulness, not taking what is not given, celibacy, renunciation of possessions, humility towards the wise, politeness, forgiveness, contentment, simplicity, gentleness, control of senses, giving to the deserving, austerity, and mental stability. It also emphasizes following scriptural injunctions, associating with good people, devotion to the Guru, compassion for the poor, and working for the welfare of all.
Path 7: Guru Bhakti (Devotion to Guru): Details the respectful conduct towards a Guru, including offering salutations, going to meet them, walking behind them, listening attentively, responding promptly, speaking respectfully, accepting their commands, refraining from speaking ill of them, providing for their needs, and assisting them in their spiritual pursuits.
Path 8: Dharmasthan Pravesh (Entering a Place of Worship): Lays down rules for entering a Jain temple or place of worship, emphasizing purity of body and clothing, avoiding the entry of young children who might cause impurity, not bringing perishable items like fruits and flowers, maintaining cleanliness within the premises, and respecting the sanctity of the place.
Path 9: Dharmasthan ki Maryada (Decorums in a Place of Worship): Specifies activities that are not permitted in a place of worship, such as bringing or reading secular literature, discussing caste or village matters, engaging in business or financial transactions, playing games, organizing entertainment, eating or drinking, grooming oneself, sewing, consuming tobacco, pan, or supari, smoking, and any other activities that are not conducive to spiritual focus.
Path 10: Dharmasthan mein Bhasha ki Maryada (Language Etiquette in a Place of Worship): Provides guidelines for respectful speech within a place of worship, including avoiding arguments, abusive language, prideful speech, harsh words, gossip, deceitful talk, mockery, and backbiting. It also emphasizes speaking only in respectful greetings like "Jai Jinendra."
Path 11: Dharmasabha mein Pravesh aur Vandan Vidhi (Entry and Salutation Procedure in a Religious Assembly): Describes how to enter a religious gathering and pay respects to the Guru, including bowing with the entire body, touching the Guru's feet, and inquiring about their well-being.
Path 12: Sabha mein Baithne ke Niyam (Rules for Sitting in an Assembly): Outlines proper sitting etiquette in a religious assembly, such as not blocking pathways, maintaining respectful distance from the Guru, sitting with proper posture, and avoiding distractions.
Path 13: Vyakhyan Shravan karne ki Vidhi (Method of Listening to a Discourse): Details how to listen to a religious discourse with full attention and respect, including standing when the speaker arrives and departs, avoiding distractions, not interrupting, and focusing on the teachings.
Path 14: Gyan Maryada (Respect for Knowledge): Emphasizes the proper handling of religious scriptures, including respecting them, not placing them on the ground, not using them improperly, and treating scholars with reverence. It also warns against misinterpreting or mispronouncing scriptures.
Path 15: Asajjhay ki Samajh (Understanding of Asajjhay - Forbidden Times for Study): Lists specific times and circumstances when religious study is considered inauspicious or forbidden, such as during periods of impurity, natural calamities, or eclipses.
Path 16: Abhakshya ka Tyag (Abstinence from Forbidden Foods): Lists various food items that are forbidden for Jains to consume, including alcohol, meat, honey, root vegetables, certain fruits, spoiled food, and processed items.
Path 17: Samayik ki Vidhi (Method of Samayik - Daily Ritual): Explains the process of performing Samayik, a daily ritual of meditation and reflection, including the prescribed attire, equipment, posture, and prayers.
Path 18: Samayik ke 32 Dosh (32 Defects of Samayik): Details various mental, verbal, and physical distractions and faults that can mar the practice of Samayik, emphasizing the importance of focus and mindfulness.
Path 19: Poshadh ki Vidhi (Method of Poshadh - Fasting Ritual): Describes the ritual of Poshadh, a type of fasting with specific rules for diet, attire, and conduct, emphasizing abstinence from all food and drink for a designated period.
Path 20: Poshadh ke 21 Dosh (21 Defects of Poshadh): Lists faults and transgressions that can invalidate the Poshadh ritual, such as improper preparation, impure conduct, and lack of mindfulness.
Path 21: Shravak ke 21 Gun (21 Virtues of a Layperson): Enlists the essential qualities and virtues that a Jain layperson should cultivate, including knowledge of Jain principles, unwavering faith, compassion, generosity, adherence to vows, and control over desires and actions.
Path 22: Grih Vivek (Household Prudence): Provides guidelines for maintaining purity and order within the household, emphasizing cleanliness, proper disposal of waste, and careful handling of food items to avoid harm to living beings.
Path 23: Dincharya (Purush Varg ke Liye) (Daily Routine for Men): Outlines a daily routine for men, including waking up early, performing evening and morning rituals, engaging in family responsibilities with integrity, educating children, and maintaining a disciplined lifestyle.
Path 24: Dincharya (Stri Varg ke Liye) (Daily Routine for Women): Provides a daily routine for women, focusing on household management, respecting elders, maintaining harmonious family relationships, caring for dependents, and instilling moral and religious values in children.
Path 25: Sadhun ko Vohorane ki Vidhi (Method of Offering Food to Monks): Details the proper etiquette and rules for offering food to Jain monks, emphasizing purity, sincerity, and adherence to their prescribed dietary and conduct rules.

The book concludes with a list of other published books by the same publisher and their availability. The overall purpose of "Jain Shikshan Pathmala" is to serve as a comprehensive guide for moral and spiritual development within the Jain tradition.