Jain Sukta Sandoha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Sukta Sandoha," based on the provided pages:

Title: Jain Sukta Sandoha (A Compilation of Jain Sayings/Verses)

Author(s): Kailassagarsuri, with contributions and compilations potentially by others like Bhavsagarji and Jiteendrasagarji, as indicated by the dedications and acknowledgments. The text mentions "Sangrahak Yoganishth Shastra Visharad-Acharya Bhagwan Shrimad Buddhisagar Surishwar Pattadhar-Shantmurti-Acharyadev Shrimad Kirtisagar Surishwar Vineryaratna Tapasvi Muni Raj Shrimad Jiteendrasagar-Antishad G.A.Bh. Shrimad KailasSagar Surishwarji M.Sa." as being involved in its compilation.

Publisher: Shri Kailas-Kanchan Bhavsagar Shraman Sangh Seva Trust, Mumbai.

Overall Purpose: The book is a compilation of Jain verses (suktas) and sayings, drawn from various Jain scriptures and texts. It serves as a collection of wisdom and teachings intended for the study and practice of Jain principles. The catalog link suggests it's a significant work in Jain literature.

Content Overview (Based on the Index):

The "Jain Sukta Sandoha" is a vast compilation covering a wide range of Jain philosophical concepts, ethical principles, and spiritual practices. The index reveals a structured approach, categorizing verses by subject matter. Here's a breakdown of the key themes and topics covered:

Core Jain Principles and Practices:

• Right Faith (Samagdarsana): The text emphasizes the importance of right faith, defining it as correct belief in God (Deva), Guru, and Dharma. It quotes various sources to explain its nature, merits, and the faults that undermine it.
• Theological Concepts: It includes verses on God (Deva), acknowledging the liberated souls (Siddhas), Acharyas, and Upadhyayas as supreme beings (Parametthis).
• Conduct and Ethics:
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is a foundational principle, with numerous verses dedicated to its various facets and importance.
  • Mahavratas (Great Vows): The five great vows of Jainism (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, non-possession) are extensively covered, including their implications and ethical dimensions.
  • Samitis (Carefulness): The five samitis (carefulness in movement, speech, eating, handling objects, and excretion) are detailed.
  • Guptis (Restraints): The three guptis (restraint of mind, speech, and body) are also included.
  • Virtues: Truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), chastity (Brahmacharya), non-possession (Aparigraha), and other virtues like forgiveness (Kshama), contentment (Santosha), purity (Rijuta), and equanimity (Samata) are elucidated through verses.
  • Ethical Conduct: Topics like avoiding night meals (Ratri bhojan), controlling desires (Parigraha), abstaining from forbidden foods (Abhakshya tyag), and renouncing anger (Krodha), pride (Mana), deceit (Maya), and greed (Lobha) are covered.
• Spiritual Practices:
  • Penance (Tapa): The text includes verses on various forms of penance, both external and internal, as a means of spiritual purification.
  • Meditation (Dhyana): Both auspicious (Dharmadhyana) and inauspicious (Ashubhadhyana) meditation are discussed.
  • Self-discipline: The importance of controlling senses (Indriya Nigraha) and mind (Mana Shuddhi) is highlighted.
  • Liberation (Moksha): Various practices and principles leading to liberation are discussed.
• The Soul (Atman): The nature of the soul and its different aspects are explored through verses.
• The Universe (Loka): Concepts related to the structure and nature of the Jain universe are present.
• The Cycle of Birth and Death (Samsara): The impermanence of worldly existence, the suffering in the cycle of rebirth, and the concept of karma (Karma Vipak Chintan) are discussed.
• Cultivating Virtuous States: Verses on cultivating positive mental states like friendliness (Maitri), compassion (Karuna), sympathetic joy (Mudita), and equanimity (Upeksha) are included.
• Renunciation: The importance of renouncing worldly attachments and possessions is emphasized.
• Devotion and Worship: The text includes verses related to the worship of Jinaganesha (Lord Mahavir) and other Tirthankaras, as well as the reverence for Gurus.

Structure and Compilation:

• The book is organized thematically, with an extensive index listing various subjects covered by the verses.
• Each subject is accompanied by a count of the verses (Shloka Sankhya) and the page number where they begin.
• The verses are drawn from a wide array of Jain canonical and non-canonical literature, as indicated by the references to various texts like "Yogashastra," "Uttaradhyayana Sutra," "Suryaprajnapati," "Tattvartha Sutra," "Bhagavad Gita," and many others. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the compilation.
• The presence of Sanskrit and Prakrit verses, along with their translations or commentaries, is evident.

Key Figures and Institutions:

• The publication is associated with Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri and the Shri Kailas-Kanchan Bhavsagar Shraman Sangh Seva Trust, Mumbai.
• The dedication and acknowledgments mention other revered Jain monks like Bhavsagarji, Kanchansagarji, Buddhisagar Surishwar, and Kirtisagar Surishwar, indicating a lineage of spiritual scholarship.
• The book seems to be a significant publication from the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra and Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Sukta Sandoha" appears to be a monumental work that aims to provide a readily accessible collection of the core teachings and wisdom of Jainism. It acts as a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and anyone seeking to understand and deepen their knowledge of Jain philosophy and way of life. The sheer breadth of topics covered, supported by references from numerous texts, signifies its encyclopedic nature within Jain literature. The dedication to spiritual leaders and institutions further underscores its importance in the Jain tradition.