Jain Tattvadarsha Uttararddha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Tattvadarsha Uttararddha" by Atmaramji Maharaj, based on the provided pages. This summary focuses on the content presented, particularly in the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth chapters, which cover key aspects of Jain philosophy and practice for lay followers.

Book Title: Jain Tattvadarsha Uttararddha (The Vision of Jain Principles - Second Part) Author: Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj (also known as Shrimad Vijayanand Surishwarji) Publisher: Shri Atmanand Jain Sabha, Bombay

Overall Objective: The text serves as a comprehensive guide to Jain principles and practices, particularly for lay followers (Shravakas). It aims to explain the core tenets of Jainism in a clear and accessible manner, making the path to spiritual progress understandable. The Uttararddha (second part) builds upon the foundation laid in the Purvarddha (first part).

Key Sections and Themes Covered:

The provided pages focus heavily on Chapter 7 (Saptam Parichchhed), Chapter 8 (Ashtam Parichchhed), Chapter 9 (Navam Parichchhed), and the beginning of Chapter 10 (Dasham Parichchhed).

Chapter 7: Principles of Right Faith (Samayaktva)

Definition of Samayaktva: It is defined as knowledge-based adherence and inclination towards the truths of Jainism.
Three Pillars of Samayaktva: Dev (God - Arhantas), Guru (Saints/Monks), and Dharma (Righteousness/Principles).
Types of Faith:
- Vyavahar Shraddha (Conventional Faith): This includes faith in Arhantas (as revealed in previous chapters) and their worship through various Nakshepas (principles of representation):
  - Namanakshepa: Reciting the mantra "Namo Arihantanam."
  - Sthapananakshepa: Representing the Arhant through idols (pratimas) and recognizing their significance as a reminder of the divine. The text engages in a detailed discourse defending the worship of idols, drawing parallels with the reverence for scriptures, and arguing that just as scriptures remind one of God's words, idols remind one of the Arhant's form and virtues.
  - Dravyanakshepa: Recognizing a soul destined to become a Tirthankar and showing reverence to them in the present.
  - Bhavanakshepa: Devotion to the Arhant in their present state of embodied perfection (like Simandhar Swami).
- Nischay Shraddha (Real/Ultimate Faith): This is the experience of one's own pure soul, which is characterized by infinite qualities like pure consciousness, knowledge, and bliss.
Dharma (Righteousness) and Daya (Compassion):
- Daya (Compassion) is elaborated with eight types: Dravya Daya (action-based), Bhava Daya (mental attitude), Sva Daya (self-compassion), Para Daya (compassion for others), Swarupa Daya (compassion based on one's own nature), Anubandha Daya (compassion with a purpose, even if seemingly harsh), Vyavahar Daya (conventional compassion), and Nischay Daya (ultimate compassion – recognizing the soul's true nature).
- The text emphasizes that genuine compassion involves understanding the principles and acting accordingly.
Samayaktva Duties and Pitfalls (Aticharas):
- Duties: Regular worship, virtuous conduct, specific vows regarding offerings and religious activities.
- Aticharas (Sins/Infringements of Samyaktva):
  - Shanka (Doubt): Doubting the teachings of the Jinas or the authenticity of scriptures. The text addresses potential doubts related to age, geographical locations, and scriptural interpretations.
  - Akanksha (Desire for Other Doctrines): Desiring to follow other religious paths due to their perceived worldly success or superficial practices.
  - Vichikitsa (Self-Censure/Doubt about Practices): Doubting the efficacy of religious practices or finding fault with the appearance of ascetics (e.g., their attire or cleanliness).
  - Mithyadrishti Pransha (Praise of False Views): Praising those who deviate from correct Jain principles.
  - Mithyadrishti Parichay (Association with False Views): Maintaining close association with those holding incorrect beliefs.
Aagaras (Exceptions/Concessions): Six specific exceptions are granted to householders in certain unavoidable circumstances (e.g., royal command, societal pressure, threat of life, natural calamity, parental/guru's insistence, unavoidable livelihood issues) to prevent the complete violation of vows. Four additional exceptions are also mentioned.

Chapter 8: Conduct and Vows (Charitra and Vratas)

Types of Charitra: Sarva Charitra (complete conduct for monks) and Desha Charitra (partial conduct for householders).
Twelve Vows for Householders (Anuvratas and Gunavratas): The chapter details the twelve vows, focusing on the five Anuvratas (minor vows) and the seven Gunavratas (supporting vows).
- Five Anuvratas (Primary Vows):
  1. Prana-atipata Viramana (Non-violence): Abstinence from killing. Elaborated with four types of violence (hurt, inflicted violence, intentional violence, inadvertent violence) and the degrees of compassion a householder can practice.
  2. Mṛṣāvāda Viramana (Truthfulness): Abstinence from lying, with detailed discussion on what constitutes falsehood.
  3. Adattādāna Viramana (Non-stealing): Abstinence from taking what is not given, covering external and internal forms of stealing.
  4. Maithuna Viramana (Celibacy/Chastity): Abstinence from illicit sexual conduct. Differentiates between external and internal aspects.
  5. Parigraha Viramana (Non-possession/Limit on Possessions): Limiting attachment to worldly possessions, both internal (kashayas) and external (wealth, relationships, etc.). The text outlines nine types of external possessions and fourteen internal ones (kashayas, etc.).
- Seven Gunavratas (Subordinate/Enhancing Vows): These vows refine and strengthen the five anuvratas. The text details the first six of these: 6. Dik Parimana Vrata (Limit on Travel/Directions): Restricting movement and travel in specific directions. 7. Bhoga-upabhoga Viramana (Limited Use of Enjoyable Objects): Restricting the consumption of consumables (bhoga) and reusable objects (upabhoga). This section provides an extensive list of 22 forbidden items (Abhakshya) and discusses the ill effects of consuming them, particularly focusing on prohibited foods like certain fruits, honey, milk products, root vegetables, and night-sitting food. It strongly condemns alcohol and meat consumption. 8. Anartha-danda Viramana (Abstinence from Useless Harm/Sinful Activities): Avoiding activities that lead to harm or sin, categorized into four types of mental afflictions (Arta Dhyana) and four types of fierce contemplation (Raudra Dhyana).
- Five Aticharas for each Anuvrata and Gunavrata: The text lists and explains the five infringements associated with each vow, emphasizing the need to avoid them for the vow to remain pure.

Chapter 9: Daily Conduct of a Householder (Shravaka Dinakrutya)

Morning Routine: Waking up early (Brahma Muhurta), contemplating the self, considering the flow of breath (nasika svar) for auspiciousness, understanding the five elements and their significance, and performing religious rituals.
Importance of Nasika Svar (Breath Control/Nadi): Detailed explanation of how the flow of breath through the left or right nostril indicates auspiciousness for certain activities.
Prayer and Mantras: Emphasis on reciting mantras like Namo-kar Mantra (Panch Parameshthi Mantra) with proper concentration and reverence, including visualization techniques (e.g., lotus meditation).
Austerities and Observances: Discussion on the importance of daily vows, introspection (dharma-jagarana), contemplating dreams and their interpretations, and adhering to religious observances.
Cleanliness and Purity: Detailed guidelines on personal hygiene, sanitation (malo-tsarga), dental hygiene (danta-dhawana), bathing (snana vidhi), and the proper way to perform puja (worship).
Puja Rituals: Explaining various aspects of puja, including the use of materials, entering the temple, the nuances of offering worship (dravya puja, bhava puja), and rules related to puja.
Dietary Rules: Discussions on permissible and impermissible foods (Abhakshya), including specific items like onions, garlic, certain fruits, and root vegetables.
Ethical Conduct in Daily Life: Principles of dealing with people, hospitality, the importance of supporting fellow Jains (sadharmi-vatsalya), and ethical business practices.
Rules Regarding Temple Etiquette and Avoidance of Sin (Ashatana): Lists of acts considered offensive within a temple environment (e.g., eating, spitting, wearing shoes, sexual misconduct, playing games) and principles for maintaining the sanctity of the temple.
Financial Ethics: Principles of using wealth responsibly, charity, and not misusing temple funds.
Relationships and Social Conduct: Guidance on proper behavior towards parents, spouses, children, relatives, gurus, neighbors, and others.
Nightly Routine: Conduct before sleeping, including recalling virtuous deeds, contemplating the day's actions, and preparing for the next day.

Chapter 10: Nightly Routine and Observances (Shravaka Ratrikrutya and Parva-krutya)

Nightly Conduct: Adhering to specific routines before sleeping, including proper posture, avoiding lustful thoughts, and contemplating the cycle of birth and death (bhava-sthiti).
Overcoming Desires: Techniques for controlling sensual desires, particularly through contemplation of impurity, remembering the teachings of great saints, and meditating on the impermanent nature of the body.
Meditative Practices: Understanding the nature of suffering in different realms of existence (hell, animal, human, divine) and cultivating religious desires (dharma-manorath bhavana).
Festivals and Observances (Parva-krutya): Emphasis on observing specific auspicious days like Ashtami, Chaturdashi, Purnima, and Amavasya with increased religious devotion and austerities.
Chaturmasik Krutya (Four-Month Period Observances): Special vows and practices during the monsoon season (Chaturmas), which is considered a period of increased vulnerability for living beings. This includes limiting travel, abstaining from certain foods, and increasing devotion.
Samvatsari Krutya (Annual Observances): The most significant annual event, involving introspection, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.
Jatakarma and 18 Forms of Auspiciousness: Discussion on birth rituals and various positive spiritual and worldly endeavors.
Key Concepts: The chapter continues to elaborate on principles like the importance of sincere devotion (bhakti), the impact of intentions, and the adherence to prescribed rituals.

Overall Tone and Style:

The language is devotional and instructional, aiming to guide the reader towards a deeper understanding and practice of Jainism. It balances philosophical explanations with practical advice for daily living, emphasizing adherence to principles while acknowledging the realities of worldly life through concepts like 'aagaras' (exceptions) and 'pariman' (limitations). The text is deeply rooted in scriptural tradition, frequently referencing earlier Jain scriptures and the teachings of great Acharyas.

This summary provides a broad overview of the content covered in the initial pages of the "Uttararddha." The subsequent chapters would likely delve into further details of the remaining vows (like Anarthadanda Viramana), the specific practices of householders during festivals, and the historical lineage of Jain saints and traditions.