Jain Shikshavali Adarsh Gruhastho

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Shikshavali Adarsh Gruhastho" (Jain Education Manual: Ideal Householder), authored by Dhirajlal Tokarshi Shah:

This book is part of a twelve-part series, "Jain Shikshavali," aiming to present Jain philosophy and conduct in a simple and accessible style. "Adarsh Gruhastho" (Ideal Householder) is the fifth book in the first series.

Core Purpose: The primary goal of the "Jain Shikshavali" series is to make the profound knowledge and practices taught by Jain sages easily understandable for everyone. This particular book focuses on the principles and conduct expected of an ideal householder in Jainism.

The Ideal Householder: The text asserts that a person who merely eats, sleeps, and indulges in comforts is no better than an animal. However, by improving their character and adhering to vows and disciplines as much as possible, any individual can become an ideal householder and find meaning in their human existence.

Two Categories of Householder Dharma:

The book outlines two main categories of householder dharma:

1. Common Householder Dharma (Samanya Gruhastha Dharma): This section details thirty-five principles that contribute to character refinement. These principles are considered universally accepted ethical guidelines and are also known as the "Thirty-five Qualities of a Markanugari" (follower of the path). The order presented follows the teachings of Pujya Upadhyay Shrimanvijayji Ganivare in his "Dharma Sangrah."

   • Key Principles from the Common Householder Dharma:
     • Just Acquisition of Wealth: Earn wealth through honest means, avoiding any profession that is considered sinful (e.g., theft, fraud, gambling, etc.). Honesty and integrity in business are paramount.
     • Suitable Marriage Partner: Emphasizes marrying someone of similar lineage (family background), character, prosperity, appearance, and language. Marrying within the same gotra (lineage) is discouraged due to potential genetic issues.
     • Respect for the Virtuous: Appreciate and emulate the conduct of knowledgeable and well-behaved individuals. This includes praising good people, remaining calm in adversity, practicing forgiveness, speaking judiciously, avoiding false arguments, fulfilling commitments, upholding family traditions, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and prioritizing important tasks.
     • Conquering Inner Enemies: Cultivate detachment from desires like lust (kama), anger (krodha), greed (lobha), pride (mana), conceit (mada), and excessive joy (harsha).
     • Control of Senses: Keep the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) under control, as unchecked senses lead to suffering and even loss of life, illustrated by examples of animals easily trapped by their desires.
     • Avoiding Hazardous Places: Steer clear of locations that are prone to danger due to enemies, disease outbreaks, famines, or natural disasters.
     • Choosing a Suitable Residence: Live in a well-located area with good neighbors. The home itself should be in a balanced location – not too public, not too secluded, and ideally without too many entrances to ensure security.
     • Fear of Sin: Develop a healthy fear of sin, akin to the fear one has of snakes, fire, or poison, to avoid falling into sinful actions.
     • Adhering to Local Customs: Follow established and widely accepted societal customs and practices.
     • Speaking No Ill of Others: Avoid speaking disparagingly or backbiting, especially concerning respected figures like rulers or leaders.
     • Financial Prudence: Maintain expenses in accordance with income to avoid financial hardship.
     • Appropriate Attire: Dress according to one's status and social standing, maintaining neatness and cleanliness.
     • Serving Parents: Show utmost respect and service to parents, acknowledging their sacrifices.
     • Associating with the Virtuous: Seek the company of righteous and ethical individuals, as association has a profound impact on one's character.
     • Gratitude: Remember and reciprocate acts of kindness received.
     • Wise Eating Habits: Avoid eating when the stomach is unsettled. Eat only at appropriate times, food that agrees with one's constitution, and without excessive craving.
     • Respecting the Elderly and Virtuous: Serve and learn from those who have good conduct and possess wisdom.
     • Avoiding Blameworthy Actions: Refrain from engaging in activities that are considered ignoble or condemned by society.
     • Supporting Dependents: Provide for parents, spouse, children, and other dependents.
     • Foresightedness: Plan and act with a long-term perspective, considering potential consequences.
     • Listening to Religious Discourses: Regularly listen to religious teachings to gain spiritual insight and strengthen virtuous conduct.
     • Cultivating Compassion: Develop empathy for the suffering of others and strive to alleviate it.
     • Developing Intellect: Cultivate the eight qualities of intellect: eagerness to listen, attentive listening, comprehension, retention, contemplation, analysis, understanding, and definitive knowledge.
     • Appreciating Virtues: Admire, respect, and support individuals who possess good qualities.
     • Avoiding Stubbornness: Be open-minded and avoid rigid adherence to one's own opinions.
     • Becoming Knowledgeable: Strive to understand the merits and demerits of things and situations.
     • Serving Guests, Ascetics, and the Needy: Offer hospitality and assistance to guests, ascetics, and those in need according to one's capacity.
     • Balancing Dharma, Artha, and Kama: Pursue religious duties, material prosperity, and worldly pleasures in a balanced manner, ensuring they do not conflict with each other.
     • Adapting to Time and Place: Conduct oneself in accordance with the prevailing customs and traditions of the time and region.
     • Acting Prudently: Undertake actions only after carefully considering one's capabilities and the potential outcomes.
     • Understanding Public Sentiment: Act with consideration for popular opinion and prevailing trends.
     • Being Helpful to Others: Excel in performing acts of altruism and helping others.
     • Maintaining Modesty and Humility: Possess a sense of shame for wrongful actions and respect for elders and tradition.
     • Having a Serene Demeanor: Maintain a calm and pleasant facial expression, which fosters goodwill and popularity.

2. Special Householder Dharma (Vishesh Gruhastha Dharma) or the Twelve Vows of a Shravak: This section delves into the more rigorous practices for those seeking higher spiritual attainment, primarily focusing on the twelve vows taken by a Shravak (a lay follower). These vows are considered a foundation for advanced spiritual practice and are collectively called Deshavirata Dharma (renunciation to a certain extent).

   • Foundation: Samyakattva (Right Faith): The basis for taking vows is Samyakattva, which involves firm belief in Arhats as deities, Siddhas as enlightened beings, Arihant teachings as truth, and adherence to the principles of Right Faith.
   • The Twelve Vows:
     1. Vow of Abstinence from Gross Violence (Sthula Pranati-pat Viraman Vrata): This involves avoiding the intentional killing of any sentient being, particularly innocent mobile (moving) creatures. It emphasizes protection and compassion.
     2. Vow of Abstinence from Gross Falsehood (Sthula Mrushavada Viraman Vrata): Renouncing major lies, particularly those related to marriageable individuals, animals, land, and false testimony. It promotes truthful and beneficial speech.
     3. Vow of Abstinence from Gross Unrighteous Stealing (Sthula Adattadan Viraman Vrata): Strictly avoiding any form of theft or taking what is not freely given, even the smallest item without permission.
     4. Vow of Abstinence from Gross Sexual Misconduct (Sthula Maithun Viraman Vrata): This encompasses celibacy for monks and contentment with one's own spouse for householders, avoiding adultery and other forms of illicit sexual relations.
     5. Vow of Limited Possession (Parigraha Parimana Vrata): Setting limits on the acquisition and ownership of material possessions, recognizing that excessive attachment is a source of suffering.
     6. Vow of Limited Direction (Dika Parimana Vrata): Defining specific boundaries for travel and movement to avoid unnecessary worldly engagements.
     7. Vow of Limited Enjoyment of Objects (Bhogopabhoga Parimana Vrata): Restricting the consumption and use of objects, particularly consumables and items of pleasure, and abstaining from certain forbidden items.
     8. Vow of Abstinence from Useless Undertakings (Anartha Danda Viraman Vrata): Avoiding harmful thoughts, giving bad advice, providing weapons for violence, and indulging in activities born of idleness or negligence.
     9. Vow of Equanimity (Samayika Vrata): Maintaining equanimity and observing one's spiritual duties for a specific period daily, focusing on meditation and contemplation.
     10. Vow of Temporary Renunciation (Deshavakashika Vrata): Temporarily giving up certain worldly activities or occupations for a limited period.
     11. Vow of Observance (Poshadha Vrata): Observing periods of fasting, meditation, and adherence to stricter religious disciplines, typically on specific holy days.
     12. Vow of Charity (Atithi Vibhag Vrata): Sharing food and resources with monks, ascetics, and the needy with devotion and respect.

Daily Conduct of a Shravak: The ideal householder follows a structured daily routine that includes remembrance of sacred mantras, contemplation of Dharma, performing the six essential daily duties (Shad Avashyak), worshipping deities, honoring spiritual teachers, listening to religious discourses, engaging in ethical worldly activities, and ending the day with devotion.

Conclusion: The book concludes with a benevolent aspiration for individuals to lead ethical lives, for householders to progress on the path of the Shravak, and for all beings to attain ultimate well-being and liberation. The text emphasizes that living by these principles leads to a fulfilling and spiritually beneficial life.