Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha Part 07

This is a comprehensive summary of "Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha Part 07" by Bhairodan Sethiya, published by Jain Parmarthik Sanstha Bikaner. The text is a detailed exposition of Jain principles, presented as a collection of "bols" (points or topics). This seventh volume covers "bols" 31 to 57, encompassing topics numbered 661 to 1012.

Key Aspects and Content:

The book is a significant contribution to Jain literature, providing a structured and detailed explanation of various Jain doctrines and practices. Based on the provided pages, the content can be categorized as follows:

• Foreword and Acknowledgments (Pages 4-5):

  • The book expresses gratitude to various Jain Acharyas and Munis, including Shri Ganeshilalji Maharaj, Shri Chandmalji Maharaj, Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj, and Muni Shri Pannalalji M.S. for their guidance, review, and valuable suggestions that helped in making the book authentic and useful.
  • It also acknowledges the contribution of Pt. Munishri Laxmichandji M.S. for his review of the first edition.
  • The dedication is to Shri Hansraj Bachhraj Nahata of Sardarshahar, gifted to Jain Vishva Bharti, Ladnun.
  • The publisher is Jain Parmarthik Sanstha, Bikaner.
  • The preface mentions that this is the second edition, the first being published in Samvat 2000 (Vikram Samvat). The high demand for the first edition led to the publication of the second.
  • A note about errata is included, acknowledging potential printing errors due to oversight and requesting readers to use the corrigendum.
  • The increased cost of the second edition is attributed to the rising prices of paper, printing, and other materials.
  • The publication committee members are listed, including Shri Danveer Seth Bherodandas Sethia as President and Shri Jethmalji Sethia as Secretary.
  • The editorial board comprises esteemed scholars like Shri Indrachand Shastri, Shri Roshanlal Jain, Shri Shyamlal Jain, and Shri Ghevarhand Bathia.

• Table of Contents (Pages 7-23): The table of contents reveals a vast array of topics covered, indicating the encyclopedic nature of the "Bol Sangraha" series. Some of the prominent topics (bols) covered in this volume include:

  • Bols related to Siddhas (Liberated Souls): Bol 661 discusses the 31 virtues of Siddha Bhagwan, elaborated with various perspectives and scriptural references (e.g., from Acharanga Sutra, Uttaradhyayan Sutra). It explains the qualities that arise from the shedding of karmas.
  • Bols related to Monks (Sadhus): Bol 662 lists 31 analogies describing the conduct and virtues of a Sadhus, drawing comparisons with natural elements and phenomena. Bol 682 discusses the 36 virtues of an Acharya.
  • Scriptural Discussions: Bols 663, 672, 673, 676, 681, 683, 685, 686, 687, 688, 689, 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012 cover specific studies and interpretations of various chapters and verses from key Jain scriptures like Sutrakritanga, Uttaradhyayan, Acharanga, Bhagwati, Nandi Sutra, and others. This includes detailed discussions on:
    • The 31 Gathas of the fourth chapter of Sutrakritanga (Stri Parignya).
    • The 35 virtues of a householder.
    • The 36 Gathas of the ninth chapter of Sutrakritanga (Dharmadhyayan).
    • The 37 Gathas of the tenth chapter of Uttaradhyayan Sutra (Drumpatraka).
    • The 38 Gathas of the eleventh chapter of Sutrakritanga (Margadhyayan).
    • The 40 types of Kharbadar Prithvikaya (earth elements).
    • The 41 Prakritis (tendencies/natures) that arise without Udurna (direct experience).
    • The 42 defects of food and drink.
    • The 42 Prakritis of Namakarma.
    • The 42 types of Ashrava (influx of karma).
    • The 42 Punyaprakritis (meritorious karmic tendencies).
    • The 45 Gathas of the 25th chapter of Uttaradhyayan Sutra.
    • The 46 types of calculation-worthy time periods.
    • The 46 Brahmi Lipi Matraksharas (alphabets).
    • The 47 defects of food.
    • The 48 types of human beings.
    • The 48 types of meditation.
    • The 49 types of renunciations by householders.
    • The 50 types of Prayashchitta (atonement).
    • The 51 Uddeshas (sections) of the first Skandha of Acharanga Sutra.
    • The 52 types of Vinaya (respectful conduct).
    • The 52 virtues of a Sadhus.
    • The 54 superior men.
    • The 55 types of Darshan Vinaya (respect for right perception).
    • The 56 types of Antardweep (islands between continents).
    • The 57 types of Samvara (restraint of karma).
  • Philosophical and Doctrinal Discussions: The volume delves into complex philosophical questions, including:
    • Why Arihants are greeted before Siddhas in Namaskar Sutra.
    • The origin of Namaskar and its causes.
    • The nature of Namaskar (owner or object of reverence).
    • The question of whether Parmavadhigyani (those with supernormal knowledge of distant events) are always Charam Shariri (those who complete their lifespan in the current birth).
    • The scope of Manahparyaya Gyan (mind-reading knowledge).
    • The role of senses like hearing in perception, similar to sight.
    • The necessity of Pakshis (renunciations) for those practicing Samayika (meditation).
    • Whether a Sadhus's truthfulness requires discretion.
    • The obligation of Sadhus to serve sick Sadhus.
    • The rebirths of beings in Anuttar Vimanas (highest heavens).
    • The ultimate destination of Abhavya (incapable of liberation) beings.
    • The sequence of bondage and fruition of karmas.
    • The concept of subtle and gross mind.
    • The distinctions between Oushamik and Kshayik Samyaktva (types of right faith).
    • The purpose of differentiating Samayika and Chhedopasthapaniya Charitra (conduct).
    • Why Tirthankaras describe four Mahavratas and four Mahadharmas separately.
    • The process of becoming light or heavy for a soul.
    • Whether all humans perform similar actions.
    • The nature of worldly and spiritual contemplation.
    • The relationship between the soul and mind.
    • The intricacies of cause, place, time, and mode (Dravya, Kshetra, Kala, Bhava).
    • The types of languages spoken by deities.
    • The significance of Pushya Nakshatra in Jain scriptures.
    • The description of 32 "Kathia" (specific points).
    • The concept of Punyasbandha (accumulation of merit) for beings in Dhanu (bow-shaped) regions.
    • Whether "Mahana" can also refer to a householder.
    • The implication of offering pure or impure food to the Avirati (non-restrained).
    • The meaning of Abhayadan (offering fearlessness).
    • The 42 defects of food.
    • The 42 Prakritis of Namakarma.
    • The 42 types of Ashrava.
    • The 42 Punyaprakritis.
  • Specific Virtues and Practices: The volume details the significance and practice of various virtues and practices:
    • 31 Virtues of Siddhas (Bol 661): Explaining the qualities acquired by liberated souls.
    • 31 Analogies of a Sadhus (Bol 662): Illustrating the ideal conduct of ascetics.
    • 33 Ashtapraptis (33 Ascetic Practices) (Bol 677): (Although this is listed as 33, the text refers to 'Teetis' which means 33, and then lists 33 items). These are practices that a Sadhus should adhere to or avoid.
    • 34 Atishayas of Tirthankaras (Bol 677): Divine attributes of Tirthankaras.
    • 35 Virtues of a Householder (Bol 671): Guidelines for lay followers.
    • 36 Gathas of Dharmadhyayan (Bol 681): Precepts of righteous conduct.
    • 39 Types of Kulaparvatas (Bol 686): Mountains defining geographical divisions in Jain cosmology.
    • 40 Types of Kharbadar Prithvikaya (Bol 687): Detailed classification of earth elements.
    • 41 Prakritis without Udurna (Bol 688): Karmic tendencies that manifest without direct experience.
    • 42 Defects of Food (Bol 660): Rules for the pure consumption of food by ascetics.
    • 42 Prakritis of Namakarma (Bol 661): Specific karmic factors related to physical characteristics and name-giving.
    • 42 Ashravas (Bol 662): Causes for the influx of karma.
    • 42 Punyaprakritis (Bol 663): Virtuous karmic inclinations.
    • 45 Gathas of the 25th Chapter of Uttaradhyayan Sutra (Bol 672): Discussing the nature of desire and its consequences.
    • 46 Mathematical Caluclations of Time (Bol 668): Astronomical and chronological calculations.
    • 46 Brahmi Lipi Matraksharas (Bol 669): The alphabet of the Brahmi script.
    • 47 Defects of Food (Bol 1000): Further detailed rules regarding food consumption.
    • 48 Types of Tiryanch (Jivas in the animal kingdom) (Bol 1001): Classification of living beings.
    • 48 Types of Meditation (Bol 1002): Different forms of contemplative practices.
    • 49 Vows of a Shravak (Householder) (Bol 1003): Specific renunciations and commitments for lay followers.
    • 50 Types of Prayashchitta (Bol 1004): Atonement for transgressions.
    • 51 Uddeshas of Acharanga Sutra (Bol 1005): Sections of a foundational Jain text.
    • 52 Types of Vinaya (Bol 1006): Etiquette and respectful conduct.
    • 52 Virtues of a Sadhus (Bol 1007): Qualities and characteristics of ascetics.
    • 53 Types of Mohaniya Karma (Bol 1008): Karmas related to delusion and passion.
    • 54 Superior Men (Bol 1009): Descriptions of exemplary individuals.
    • 55 Types of Darshan Vinaya (Bol 1010): Respectful conduct related to right perception.
    • 56 Types of Antardweep (Bol 1011): Islands mentioned in Jain cosmology.
    • 57 Types of Samvara (Bol 1012): Methods to prevent karmic influx.

• Mala Charan (Invocation) (Page 24): The book begins with a mangalacharan (auspicious invocation) in Sanskrit, paying homage to Lord Jinendra, the omniscient, the supreme being, the destroyer of enemies, and the bestower of liberation.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha Part 07" is a scholarly work that meticulously explains complex Jain philosophical concepts, ethical guidelines, and scriptural interpretations. It serves as a valuable resource for students, scholars, and practitioners of Jainism seeking a deep understanding of the Jain path to liberation. The systematic organization and detailed explanations of numerous topics make this volume an essential part of the larger "Bol Sangraha" series. The book emphasizes the importance of right conduct, knowledge, and faith as the means to overcome suffering and achieve spiritual liberation.