Jain Tattva Darshan Part 06

This document is the sixth part of the "Jain Tatva Darshan" (Jain Principle Exposition) curriculum, compiled and published by Vardhaman Jain Mandal, Chennai. It serves as an educational resource for children and aims to impart knowledge about Jainism.

Here's a breakdown of the key sections and their content:

Introduction and Dedication:

• The book is dedicated to "Shri Chandraprabh Swami" (the 8th Tirthankara).
• It highlights the establishment of Shri Vardhaman Jain Mandal, Chennai (Estd. 1991) and Shri Vardhaman Kunwar Jain Sanskar Vatika (Estd. 2006).
• It emphasizes the principle of "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" (Non-violence is the supreme religion).
• A significant portion of the initial pages is dedicated to a tribute to Pandit Bhushan Panditvarya Shri Kunvarjibhai Doshi, a revered scholar and preacher who significantly contributed to spreading Jain knowledge in Chennai for 45 years. His birth, passing, achievements (including titles and awards), expertise in various Jain subjects, his role in conducting consecrations and large-scale religious ceremonies, and his efforts in guiding students towards a spiritual path are highlighted.

Educational Philosophy and Objectives of Sanskar Vatika:

• Understanding Knowledge: The text defines true knowledge as that which fosters conscience and the ability to discern between what should be done and what shouldn't, what to speak and what not to speak, what to think and what not to think, and what to renounce and what not to renounce. True knowledge helps in understanding what is detestable, what is to be discarded, and what is to be adopted (हेय, शेय, उपादेय).
• Holistic Education: It stresses that simply memorizing Jain scriptures is insufficient for a child's development. Children need to learn the meanings, secrets, and practical applications of these scriptures to develop an interest in religious practices.
• Sanskar Vatika's Mission: The "Sanskar Vatika" (Nurturing Garden) was established in 2006 with the aim of imparting Jain knowledge to children from an early age. It has grown significantly and now aims to spread this knowledge globally. The goal is to make Jain children proficient in Jain practices and philosophy, fostering deep faith within them.
• Curriculum Design: The "Jain Tatva Darshan" series (Parts 1-9) is published with the objective of helping students understand and internalize the principles of Jainism according to their age and comprehension level.

Content of the Curriculum (Part 6):

The book is structured into various sections, each covering different aspects of Jainism:

1. Tirthankar Parichay (Introduction to Tirthankaras): Provides details about the 24 Tirthankaras, including their birth date, birthplace, initiation date, place of initiation, height, birth constellation, and lifespan. (Page 9-10)
2. Kavya Sangrah (Collection of Poetry):
   • Shri Panch Parmeshthi Prarthana: A prayer to the five supreme beings in Jainism (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu). (Page 10)
   • Prabhu Sanmukh Bolne Ki Stuti: Praises sung in the presence of the Lord. (Page 10)
   • Siddhachalji Ki 5 Stuti: Five verses of praise dedicated to Siddhachalji, a holy pilgrimage site. (Page 10-11)
   • Chaiytavandan: Verses for worshipping the Tirthankaras, with specific examples for Shri Adishwar Bhagwan and Shri Shantinath Jin. (Page 11-12)
   • Stavan: Devotional songs in praise of Tirthankaras, including specific stanzas for Shri Adishwar Jin, Mata Marudevi, and Shri Shantinath Jin. (Page 12-14)
   • Stuti: More devotional praises. (Page 14-15)
   • Sajhjay: Inspirational verses, including one on the transient nature of worldly life and another on the virtues of great souls. (Page 15-16)
3. Jin Mandir Vidhi (Procedures for Jain Temples): Discusses the types of worship (dravya puja and bhav puja), the benefits of worship, why monks don't perform puja, the significance of offering superior substances, the proper way to have darshan of the Lord, and essential practices within a temple. It details "Dash Trika" (ten sets of rules) and "Panch Abhigam" (five approaches to respect and reverence). (Page 16-19)
4. Paanch Gyan (Five Types of Knowledge):
   • Gyan Ki Ashatana (Disrespect towards Knowledge): Discusses how to avoid disrespect towards religious knowledge, the means of acquiring knowledge, and the disrespect towards scholars. It outlines the harms of disrespecting knowledge and the benefits of venerating it. It also emphasizes the correct pronunciation of mantras and scriptures and provides humorous yet instructive stories illustrating the importance of precise wording. (Page 19-27)
   • Gyan Pujan Ki Vidhi (Method of Worshiping Knowledge): Explains how to perform puja for knowledge, both externally (dravya) and internally (bhav). (Page 27)
5. Navpad (Nine Universal Truths): Explains the "Namaskar Mahamantra" and provides detailed explanations of Arihant and Siddha Bhagwan, their distinctions, and the meaning of the Navkar mantra. It uses analogies like a ship and captain to illustrate the roles of Arihant and Siddha. It also clarifies the roles of Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu, their respective virtues, and the significance of respecting them. It details the total number of virtues of the Panch Parmeshthi. (Page 28-35)
6. Nad Ghosh (Chanting/Recitation): Includes various chants related to penance and spiritual practice. (Page 36)
7. Mere Guru (My Gurus):
   • Gochari Ka Labh Lene Ki Vidhi (Method of Receiving Alms): Explains the importance of offering alms (gochari) to monks and nuns, the types of donors, and the proper conduct and precautions to be taken while offering alms, emphasizing the avoidance of various forms of violence (vairadhana). (Page 36-39)
   • Gochari Mein Upyog Rakhne Sambandhi Kuch Batein (Points to Consider During Gochari): Provides further guidance on how householders should conduct themselves when monks and nuns visit for alms, emphasizing charity, support, and respect. (Page 39-41)
8. Dincharya (Daily Routine):
   • Ratri Shayan Vidhi (Method of Sleeping at Night): Offers guidance on sleeping practices, including intentions before sleep, morning awakening, directional preferences for the head, and the importance of limited sleep for spiritual progress. It also suggests remembering certain Tirthankaras for specific benefits. (Page 42-43)
   • Shravak Ke Dainik 36 Kartavya (36 Daily Duties of a Jain Householder): Lists 36 essential daily duties for Jain laypeople, covering adherence to Jain principles, ethical conduct, religious practices, charity, and societal responsibilities. (Page 43-45)
9. Bhojan Vivek (Discrimination in Food):
   • Ratri Bhojan Tyag (Renunciation of Night Meals): Strongly advocates against eating at night, explaining its negative impact on health, digestion, and spiritual practice. It cites scientific, religious, and natural observations to support this abstention. (Page 45-48)
   • Ratri Bhojan - Jainetar Darshan Ki Drishti Se (Night Meals from the Perspective of Non-Jain Philosophies): Cites other religious texts that also discourage night meals. (Page 48-49)
   • Ratri Bhojan - Jainetar Granthon Ke Aadhar Par (Night Meals Based on Non-Jain Texts): Further elaborates on the stance of other traditions regarding night meals. (Page 49-50)
   • Ratri Bhojan - Doctor/Vaidyon Ki Drishti Se (Night Meals from the Perspective of Doctors/Healers): Discusses the health implications of night meals. (Page 50)
   • Ratri Bhojan - Sarva Samanya Ki Drishti Se (Night Meals from a General Perspective): Provides a general overview of the harmfulness of night meals, citing observations of birds and animals. (Page 50-51)
10. Mata-Pita Upkar (Obligations to Parents):
    • Mata-Pita Ke Charan Sparsh Karna (Touching Parents' Feet): Emphasizes the importance of respecting parents and seeking their blessings. It details the immense sacrifices and efforts parents make for their children's well-being, both physically and spiritually. (Page 51-57)
    • Anath Ashram Ki Mulakat Lena (Visiting Orphanages): Suggests visiting orphanages to understand the value of parental care and love. (Page 57-58)
    • Upkar Ko Bhoolna Nahi (Not Forgetting Favors): Reinforces the idea of remembering and repaying parental kindness. It highlights inspirational stories of devotion to parents from various traditions. (Page 58-59)
11. Jeev Daya - Jayna (Compassion for Living Beings - Vigilance):
    • Swayogya Paryaptiyaan (Appropriate Fulfillments): Explains the concept of soul's stages of development and the different types of beings. (Page 59-60)
    • Jeevan Mein Acharan Yogya Jayana Ki Samajh (Understanding Jayana to be Practiced in Life): Emphasizes practicing vigilance and compassion towards all living beings, including micro-organisms. (Page 60-61)
    • Jayana Ke Sthan (Places of Jayana): Details specific precautions to be taken regarding different elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Plants) to practice Jayana. (Page 61-68)
    • Sachitt-Achitt Ki Samajh (Understanding Living and Non-Living Substances): Explains the distinction between animate and inanimate substances and their usage in Jain practices. (Page 68-69)
    • Ekindriya ke 22 Bhed (22 Types of One-Sensed Beings): Lists various categories of one-sensed beings. (Page 69)
    • Beindriya, Teindriya, Chaurindriya (Two, Three, and Four-Sensed Beings): Provides examples and rules related to these beings. (Page 69-70)
    • Sammurchim Panchindriya Tiryanche (Completely Developed Five-Sensed Animals): Describes these beings. (Page 70)
    • Sammurchim Manushya (Completely Developed Humans): Explains the concept of spontaneously generated humans and their characteristics. (Page 70)
    • Manushya ke 14 Ashuchi Sthan (14 Impure Places of Humans): Lists the impure parts or excretions of the human body, emphasizing the need for care to avoid harming subtle organisms. (Page 70-71)
    • Jayana Ke Niyam (Rules of Jayana): Provides specific rules for daily conduct related to Jayana. (Page 71)
    • Garbhja Tiryanche Panchindriya Ki Jayana (Protection of Five-Sensed Animals Born from Wombs): Offers rules to protect animals. (Page 71)
    • Garbhja Manushya (Humans Born from Wombs): Discusses human reproduction and the need for Brahmacharya (celibacy). (Page 71)
12. Vinay - Vivek (Respect - Discretion):
    • Savdhan! Aap Devdravya Ke Karzdar To Nahi Hai Na...? (Beware! Are you not indebted to God's Wealth?): A cautionary tale about the severe consequences of misusing or misappropriating temple wealth, emphasizing the importance of respecting and contributing to temple maintenance and construction. (Page 71-73)
    • Jeev Ka Shuddh-Ashuddh Swaroop (Pure-Impure Form of the Soul): Explains the concept of karma and its impact on the soul, with a diagram illustrating the soul's original pure state and its conditions due to karmic bondage. (Page 74-75)
13. Samayg Gyan (Right Knowledge):
    • Karma ke Bhed-Prabhed Ki Pehchan (Identification of Types and Subtypes of Karma): Explains the eight types of karma (Jnanavarniya, Darshanavarniya, Mohaniya, Antaray, Vedaniya, Ayushya, Gotra, Nama) and their various classifications and effects. (Page 75-78)
    • Nav Tattva (Nine Universal Truths): Although the heading is "Nav Tattva," the content primarily focuses on explaining the nature of Ajeev (non-living) elements like Dharma, Adharma, Akash, Pudgala, and Kala, and their properties. It also touches upon the concept of 'skandh', 'desh', 'pradesh', and 'paramanu' (forms of matter). (Page 84-88)
    • Kal Ka Swaroop (Nature of Time): Details the Jain concept of time (kala), including units of time (avalika, shwasochvas, etc.) and the cycle of time (Avasharpini and Utsarpini). (Page 88-90)
    • Chhah Dravyon Ki 23 Dwaron Se Vicharana (Consideration of Six Substances from 23 Perspectives): Analyzes the six fundamental substances of the universe (Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Akash, Kala) from various philosophical viewpoints like parinami (transforming), aparinami (non-transforming), sakriya (active), akriya (inactive), nitya (eternal), anitya (transient), etc. (Page 90-92)
    • Sadachar Gun (Virtues of Good Conduct): Elaborates on essential virtues for a good life, including choosing good friends, respecting elders and deities, practicing charity, adhering to moral principles, controlling senses, maintaining purity of mind and speech, practicing penance, and upholding Jain traditions. It lists 18 types of good conduct. (Page 92-94)
14. Jain Bhugol (Jain Geography):
    • Kya Prithvi Ghoomti Hai? (Does the Earth Rotate?): Argues against the modern scientific theory of the Earth's rotation, using analogies and observations (like flags on a chariot and the behavior of birds) to support the belief that the Earth is stationary. (Page 94-95)
    • Prithvi Phirti Hoti Toh? (What if the Earth Rotated?): Further elaborates on the supposed consequences of Earth's rotation. (Page 95-96)
    • Prithvi Ghoomti Nahi Hai (The Earth Does Not Rotate): Continues to present arguments and examples supporting a geocentric model, questioning the visibility of the North Star and the apparent lack of wind direction changes if the Earth rotated. (Page 96-97)
    • Raat Din Kaise Hote Hai (How Day and Night Occur): Explains the Jain perspective on day and night, suggesting that the sun revolves around Jambudweep (the central continent) and its light illuminates only a portion at a time, creating day and night. It dismisses the idea of Earth as a planet. (Page 97-98)
15. Sutra evam Vidhi (Scriptures and Procedures):
    • Provides examples of Jain sutras and their meanings, along with recitation methods for specific rituals like Pratikraman (repentance) and Pachakkhan (vow-taking). (Page 98-99)
16. Kahani (Stories):
    • Shri Vajraswami: The story of Vajraswami, an influential Jain Acharya, highlighting his wisdom, piety, and impact on spreading Jainism, including an episode where he skillfully handles a situation involving his mother and a disciple. (Page 99-104)
    • Shri Nagketu: The story of Nagketu, who, through his strong adherence to vows and penance, overcomes worldly difficulties and achieves liberation. It illustrates the power of fasting and devotion. (Page 105-108)
    • Shri Samprati Maharaja: The story of Emperor Samprati, who, after being a beggar in a past life, becomes a great patron of Jainism and builds numerous temples, emphasizing the importance of gratitude towards gurus. (Page 108-110)
    • Ratri Bhojan Tyag Ka Kathanak (The Tale of Renouncing Night Meals): A detailed narrative of Hans and Keshav, two brothers who vow to give up night meals, and the trials they face, showcasing the immense benefits and power of this vow. (Page 110-117)
    • Nirdosh Sitaji Par Kalank Kyon Aaya? (Why Did Blame Fall on the Innocent Sita?): Explains the Jain concept of karma and cause-and-effect, using the story of Sita to illustrate how actions from past lives, even if unintentional, can have repercussions in the present. (Page 118-119)
17. Prashnottari (Questions and Answers): A comprehensive list of questions covering all the topics discussed in the book, designed to test the reader's understanding. (Page 120-122)
18. Samanya Gyan (General Knowledge):
    • Game - 24 Tirthankaron Ka Parichay: A quiz format for learning about the 24 Tirthankaras. (Page 123)
    • Chitrawali (Picture Gallery): Encourages drawing and coloring pictures of pilgrimage sites. (Page 124)
    • Munhpatti tatha Sharir Ki Pratilekhna Ke 50 Bol Ka Sachitra Saral Gyan (Simple Knowledge with Pictures of 50 Principles of Mouth Cloth and Body Examination): Provides illustrated instructions on the proper method of performing Pratilekhna (cleaning the path of a monk/nun) with a mouth cloth. (Page 125-131)

Overall Purpose:

"Jain Tatva Darshan Part 06" aims to be an educational tool for young Jains, fostering a strong foundation in their religion's philosophy, history, practices, and ethical principles through clear explanations, stories, and interactive elements. It emphasizes the importance of knowledge, devotion, compassion, and adherence to Jain way of life from a young age.