Jainism For Beginners Level 01

This comprehensive summary of "Jainism For Beginners Level 01" by Sadhvi Sayampurnashriji covers the foundational aspects of Jainism, aiming to make the religion accessible to young readers educated in English.

The book begins with essential Jain prayers, including the Navkar Mantra, which is explained as a salutation to the five supreme beings in Jainism (Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus/Sadhvis). It is presented as a tool to diminish negative vibrations and sins. The Chattari Mangalam prayer is also included, emphasizing the auspiciousness of the Arihantas, Siddhas, Sadhus, and the omnisciently explained Dharma. Other prayers like "Darshanam Deva Devasya" and "Shivamastu Sarvajagata" are also presented, along with a prayer for spiritual exercise and internal reflection.

The "Guidelines of Jainism" section clarifies fundamental concepts:

• Jain Dharma: Defined not as a cult or creed but as the essential nature of an object, leading to nobility and spiritual exaltation. It's also referred to as Arhat Dharma and Vitaraga Marg.
• Jin: One who has achieved absolute victory over internal enemies like attachment and hatred, thus conquering the cycle of birth and rebirth.
• Jain: A follower of the path shown by a Jin, irrespective of their origin or background.
• The Jain Dharma: Described as independent, unique, and timeless, with its own philosophy and code of conduct.
• Phases of Time (Aara): The concept of time is cyclical, divided into Utsarpini (progress) and Avasarpini (decline). Each is further divided into six Aras. The present era is identified as the fifth Avasarpini Ara, Dusham (Sorrowful).
• Tirtha and Tirthankara: A Tirth is the fourfold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen), and a Tirthankara is one who establishes and expounds the Jain philosophy.
• Exposition of Philosophy: Jain dharma has remained consistent since Bhagwan Rishabhdev and ultimately leads to Moksha (liberation) through the practice of non-violence and truthfulness (the five great vows). The path can be followed as an ascetic or a householder.

The book then delves into Jain Symbols:

• Om: Represents completeness, infinity, and the eternal. It is a shortened form of the Navkar Mantra, symbolizing the five supreme beings.
• Hrim: A seed mantra representing the invisible sound, infinity, and divine energy of the Tirthankaras.
• Arham: A mantra representing all Sanskrit sounds, meditating on which focuses on the silent sound of the universe.
• Swastika: An auspicious symbol representing the four possible states of rebirth (human, heaven, hell, animal). The three green dots above symbolize the Three Jewels of Jainism (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct).
• Universal Jain Symbol: A combination of symbols adopted during Lord Mahavir's 2500 Nirvana celebration, representing the Universe, Ahimsa (non-violence), the three jewels, and the ultimate goal of liberation (Siddhashila).
• Arati: A ritual of waving lamps, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness (negativity, ignorance) with light (divinity).
• Mangal Deevo: A single wick lamp symbolizing the illumination of the heart with truth and compassion, and also representing infinite knowledge.

Lanchhans (Emblems) are introduced as identifying marks for each of the 24 Tirthankaras, with the lion being the emblem of Lord Mahavir. A table lists all 24 Tirthankaras and their respective emblems.

The section on Dreams of Tirthankara's Mother details the fourteen auspicious dreams interpreted to signify the virtuous and enlightened nature of the child to be born. These dreams include an elephant, bull, lion, goddess Lakshmi, garlands, moon, sun, flag, vase, ocean, lotus lake, celestial plane, smokeless fire, and a heap of jewels.

Jin Darshan explains the importance of revering the Tirthankara's idol as a reminder to become Vitaragi (detached). It outlines the proper way to have Darshan, emphasizing purity of body and mind, respectful conduct, and focused meditation. It also details the significance of the eight materials used in Ashta Prakari Puja (Jal, Chandan, Pushpa, Dhoop, Deepak, Akshat, Naivedya, Fal), emphasizing that these are symbolic offerings for spiritual improvement rather than material exchange. The distinction between Dravya Puja (material worship) and Bhava Puja (internal worship) is made, with an emphasis on the latter for true spiritual progress.

The Karma Section is a core part of the book, explaining the Jain doctrine of Karma.

• The Law of Cause and Effect: The soul is compared to a magnet, and karma to iron particles attracted by passions (kashaya). The goal is to shed old karma and stop attracting new particles through knowledge, equanimity, and other spiritual practices.
• Science of Atma: The soul (Atma) is described with eight inherent qualities: Anantjnani (omniscient), Anantdarshani (all-seeing), Vitarag (non-attached), Anant Shakti (almighty), Arupi (formless), Akshay Sthiti (immortal), Aguru-Laghu (neither high nor low), and Ageless.
• Science of Karma: The eight types of karma are explained with analogies: Jnanavaraniya (conceals knowledge, like a cloth over eyes), Darshanavaraniya (obstructs perception, like a watchman), Mohaniya (conceals truth, like alcoholic drinks), Antaraya (obstructs happiness, like a finance minister), Nam (determines personality, like a painter), Gotra (determines social rank, like a potter), Ayushya (determines lifespan, like a prison house), and Vedaniya (controls pleasure and pain, like a knife smeared with honey).
• Science of Dharma (to discard Karma): This section outlines practices to overcome each type of karma, such as worship of knowledge to discard Jnanavaraniya karma, worship of faith to discard Darshanavaraniya karma, worship of virtues to discard Mohaniya karma, worship of penance for Vedaniya karma, balanced behavior for low Gotra karma, charity for Antaraya karma, and purity for Ashubha Namkarma. It also includes a code of conduct with various vows and daily practices.

The Living Values section uses stories to illustrate key ethical principles:

• Anger/Forgiveness: Anger is a weakness that can be controlled. Forgiveness is essential for personal peace, as holding onto anger is like carrying rotten apples.
• Ego/Humility: Ego is detrimental; humility and cooperation are vital virtues. The story of Bahubali highlights the destructive nature of ego, even in spiritual pursuits.
• Deceit/Honesty: Honesty in thoughts, words, and deeds builds character and trust. The story of the honest woodcutter demonstrates the rewards of truthfulness.
• Greed/Contentment: Greed is the root of dissatisfaction, while contentment brings peace. The story of the spider illustrates the pitfalls of greed.
• Deceit/Honesty (cont.): The story of King Hans emphasizes the importance of truthfulness even in difficult situations.
• Greed/Contentment (cont.): The story of the greedy spider further illustrates the consequence of unchecked desire.
• Kapil Muni: The story of Kapil Muni highlights the dangers of unchecked desires and the importance of detachment for spiritual progress.

The book concludes with Life Sketches of Tirthankaras, providing brief biographies of four important Tirthankaras:

• Bhagwan Adinath (Rishabhadev): The first Tirthankara, who established civilization, agriculture, and the fourfold Jain order.
• Bhagwan Mallinath: The 19th Tirthankara, notable for being a female Tirthankara in the Shvetambar tradition, emphasizing the temporary nature of the physical body and the eternal nature of the soul.
• Bhagwan Neminath: The 22nd Tirthankara, whose compassion for animals led him to renounce his wedding and preach non-violence and freedom from karma.
• Bhagwan Parshwanath: The 23rd Tirthankara, who exemplified non-violence and detachment, even when facing adversity.

Throughout the book, the emphasis is on understanding Jain principles through clear explanations and relatable stories, aiming to provide a solid foundation for beginners in Jainism.