Jain Vidhi Vidhan Sambandhi Sahitya Ka Bruhad Itihas Part 1

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jain Vidhi Vidhan Sambandhi Sahitya ka Bruhad Itihas Part 1" by Saumyagunashreeji, based on the provided text:

This book, "Jain Vidhi Vidhan Sambandhi Sahitya ka Bruhad Itihas Part 1" (A Comprehensive History of Jain Literature Related to Rituals and Ordinances, Part 1), authored by Sadhvi Saumyagunashreeji (Vidhyavarya, Vidhiprabha), with editing and direction by Dr. Sagarmal Jain, is a monumental work published by Prachya Vidyapith Shajapur and Shri Jinkushalsuri Badmer Trust, Malegaon. It aims to provide a detailed historical overview of Jain literature pertaining to rituals, ordinances, and practices.

The book is dedicated to the eternal principles of Jainism: Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekant (multiplicity of viewpoints), and Aparigraha (non-possession), illuminating the Jin Shasan (teachings of the Jinas) with their perpetual light. It pays homage to significant spiritual preceptors like Dadashri Jinachandrasuriji, Jinadattasuriji, Jinkushalsuriji, and respected monastic figures like Ganadhish Kailashsagariji, Vichakshansuriji, Upadhyay Maniprabhasagarji, and Sadhvi Shashiprabhaji.

Core Theme and Objective: The fundamental goal of religious practice, particularly in the ascetic Jain tradition, is self-purification and the eradication of karma. While the ultimate aim is spiritual liberation (Moksha), achieved through the shedding of karmas, the text acknowledges that internal purification is intrinsically linked to external practices and rituals. The book aims to fill a void in understanding the history and development of Jain ritualistic literature, highlighting how these practices evolved over time.

Evolution of Jain Rituals and Literature: The book traces the development of Jain rituals from the early monastic codes found in Jain Agamas, which primarily focused on the daily conduct of monks and nuns. It then expands to include the ordinances and practices related to lay followers (Shravakas and Shravakikas).

• Early Agamic Literature: Primarily focused on the discipline and daily routine of ascetics, outlining rules for their lives.
• Development for Lay Followers: As the Jain community grew to include householders, the need arose for prescribed rituals and practices for them, leading to the development of literature on Shravakachar (conduct of lay followers).
• Introduction of Six Essential Duties (Shat-Avashyakas): This forms a crucial part of Jain practice and includes:
  1. Samayik: Cultivating equanimity and mindfulness.
  2. Stuti and Stavan: Praise and hymns.
  3. Guruvandan: Reverence for spiritual preceptors.
  4. Pratikraman: Confession and expiation of faults.
  5. Kayotsarg (Dhyan-Sadhana): Meditation and self-observation.
  6. Pratyakhyan (Tapasya and Sanyam): Vows, restraints, and commitment to asceticism.
• Influence of Other Traditions: The text notes that with the construction of temples and the development of idol worship, specific rituals and ceremonies emerged. The influence of contemporary religious traditions is acknowledged in the adaptation and integration of certain rituals.
• Inclusion of Deities: The Jain pantheon expanded beyond Tirthankaras to include other deities, leading to the development of their associated worship practices.

Historical Development and Influences: The book emphasizes that the development of Jain rituals and the related literature is a historical process. While some textual references can be found before Acharya Haribhadra, significant works flourished between the 10th and 15th centuries. The author highlights the importance of comparative study to understand the origin, adaptation, and refinement of these rituals, noting that while Jain acharyas attempted to assimilate external practices into their tradition, external influences remained evident.

The Role of External Influences: The text points out the interplay between Vedic (Indic) and Shraman (Buddhist and Jain) traditions. While Vedic culture is described as "pravrittimargi" (action-oriented) focusing on material well-being and celestial attainment, Shraman traditions are "nivrttimargi" (renunciation-oriented), aiming for liberation through knowledge and detachment. However, over time, there has been mutual influence. The Indic tradition incorporated elements of renunciation and liberation (from Shraman traditions), while Jainism, particularly after the 3rd-4th century CE, saw the introduction of temple construction, idol worship, and associated rituals, possibly influenced by Indic traditions. This led to the adoption of practices like yajnas (sacrifices) in Jain temples and the invocation and dissolution rituals for Tirthankaras, mirroring Indic practices.

Key Aspects of Jain Ritual Literature: The book meticulously categorizes and describes various types of ritual literature:

• Shravakachar (Lay Conduct): This section (Chapter 2) lists numerous works detailing the duties, vows (like Anuvratas), daily routines, and ethical guidelines for Jain householders, including specific works on sacraments like vrataropan (taking vows).
• Sadhavachar (Ascetic Conduct): Chapter 3 delves into the literature concerning the conduct of monks and nuns, including monastic rules, daily practices, disciplinary measures, and ascetic disciplines as found in works like Acharaanga Sutra, Dashavaikalika Sutra, Nishedha Sutra, and Brihatkalpa Sutra.
• Shat-Avashyak (Six Essential Duties/Pratikraman): Chapter 4 focuses on literature related to these core practices, including Samayik, Chaturvinshtistava, Vandana, Pratikraman, Kayotsarg, and Pratyakhyan. It discusses various commentaries and works elaborating on these rituals.
• Various Fasting and Austerities (Tapasya): Chapter 5 provides an extensive catalog of texts detailing the methodologies and significance of diverse Jain austerities (Tapasya), including Anantavrata, Akshayanidhi Tap, Ekadashi Vrata, Karma Chudha Tap, Paryushana, Navapad Oli, and others, highlighting their ritualistic aspects.
• Sacraments and Vow Ceremonies: Chapter 6 categorizes literature related to important life-cycle sacraments and the formal initiation into vows for both laypeople and ascetics, such as initiation ceremonies, vow-taking rituals, and purification rites.
• Samadhi-Maran (Peaceful Death/Sallekhana): Chapter 7 explores literature dedicated to the ritualistic preparation and philosophical understanding of intentional, peaceful fasting unto death (Sallekhana), a significant practice in Jainism.
• Purity and Expiation (Prayashchitta): Chapter 8 lists texts that prescribe methods for purifying oneself from transgressions and the rituals associated with them. This includes works on the confession of faults (Alochana) and the prescribed penances (Prayashchitta) for monks and laypeople.
• Worship and Consecration (Puja and Pratishtha): Chapter 10 examines the vast literature on various forms of worship (Puja) and the consecration (Pratishtha) of idols and temples, detailing practices like Abhishek, different types of Pujas, and the rituals involved in temple establishment.
• Mantras, Tantra, and Esoteric Knowledge: Chapter 11 delves into literature related to the use of mantras, tantric practices, and various forms of spiritual knowledge and their ritualistic application within Jainism.
• Yoga, Mudra, and Meditation: Chapter 12 explores the Jain philosophical and practical approaches to yoga, including specific postures (Asana), hand gestures (Mudra), and meditation techniques (Dhyana) aimed at spiritual advancement.

Methodology and Scope: The author's approach is comprehensive, involving the thorough study and classification of existing literature. The book meticulously lists authors, approximate dates, and the subject matter of each text. It aims to provide a systematic and historical understanding of how these ritualistic practices and the literature supporting them evolved within the Jain tradition. The work also acknowledges the need for further research and highlights the vastness of this subject matter.

Significance and Contribution: This work is considered a significant contribution to Jainology, offering scholars, practitioners, and general readers a structured and detailed historical account of Jain ritualistic literature. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the practical application of Jain principles throughout history and across different traditions within Jainism. The effort to bring this knowledge to a wider audience, particularly through the inclusion of Hindi translations and explanations, is a key aspect of its value.