Jainism For Beginners Level 03

This comprehensive Jain text, "Jainism For Beginners Level 03" by Sadhvi Sayampurnashri, serves as an introductory guide to Jain principles and practices. The book is structured to provide a foundational understanding of Jainism for beginners, covering essential concepts and narratives.

Key Themes and Content:

• Jain Prayers: The book begins with traditional Jain prayers like "Tubhyam Nama," "Aadimam Pruthivinath," "Upsargah kshayam," and "Sarva Mangal," emphasizing devotion and seeking spiritual guidance.
• Path to Liberation (Moksha): A central theme is the Jain path to liberation, outlined by the "Ratna-Traya" or Three Jewels:
  • Right Perception (Samyag Darshan): Understanding and having faith in the teachings of the Tirthankaras and scriptures.
  • Right Knowledge (Samyag Jnan): Possessing accurate and relevant knowledge of the universe and its fundamental principles, particularly the six substances (Shad Dravya) and nine principles (Nav Tattva).
  • Right Conduct (Samyag Charitra): Practicing ethical codes, vows, and discipline, culminating in freedom from attachment and aversion.
• Six Universal Substances (Shad Dravyas): The book systematically explains the six eternal and indestructible substances that constitute the universe:
  • Soul (Jiva): The conscious, living substance with inherent qualities of knowledge, bliss, and power.
  • Matter (Pudgal): Non-living substance with physical form.
  • Medium of Motion (Dharmastikaya): Assists movement.
  • Medium of Rest (Adharmastikaya): Assists rest.
  • Space (Akashastikaya): Provides room for all substances.
  • Time (Kal): Measures changes.
• Living Beings (Jiva): It details the classification of souls, including:
  • Liberated Souls (Siddha): Souls that have achieved complete freedom from karma.
  • Worldly Souls (Sansari): Souls bound by karma and undergoing the cycle of birth and death.
  • Non-mobile Souls (Sthavar Jiva): One-sensed beings (earth, water, fire, air, plants).
  • Mobile Souls (Trasa Jiva): Beings with two to five senses (insects, animals, humans, celestial beings).
  • Paryapti and Prana: Concepts related to the development of a living being's capabilities and vitality.
• Non-living Beings (Ajiva): The five categories of non-living substances are elaborated.
• Nav Tattvas (Nine Principles): The book delves into the nine fundamental principles that explain the nature of reality and the soul's journey:
  • Jiva (Soul)
  • Ajiva (Non-soul/Matter)
  • Punya (Merit/Good Deeds)
  • Pap (Demerit/Bad Deeds)
  • Ashrav (Influx of Karma)
  • Bandha (Bondage of Karma)
  • Samvar (Stoppage of Karma Influx)
  • Nirjara (Eradication of Karma)
  • Moksha (Liberation)
• Punya and Pap: The book differentiates between meritorious (Punya) and sinful (Pap) deeds, emphasizing the importance of intention and the consequences of actions. It includes stories like that of Shalibhadra and the butcher and King Shrenik to illustrate these concepts.
• Sources of Sins (Pap): A detailed list of eighteen sinful activities (e.g., violence, untruth, theft, anger, greed) is provided, with explanations of their nature and impact on the soul.
• Cardinal Virtues and Life Principles: The text outlines twenty-one cardinal virtues essential for character development and thirty-five "Marganusari Gun" (virtues that guide one's life), providing practical guidance for ethical living and social conduct.
• Leshyas (States of Mind): The six Leshyas (Krishna, Neel, Kapot, Tejo, Padma, Shukla) are explained as states of mind that influence one's karmic outcomes, with Shukla being the most beneficial and Krishna the most detrimental.
• Six Essentials (Avashyak): The book describes the six essential daily observances for Jains: Samayika (equanimity), Chauvisattho (praise of Tirthankaras), Vandana (service to Guru), Pratikraman (repentance), Kayotsarga (non-attachment to body), and Pratyakhyan (vows).
• Anekantavada (Non-absolutism): This core Jain principle is explained through the parable of the blind men and the elephant, highlighting that truth is relative to perspective and that multiple viewpoints are necessary for a complete understanding.
• Living Values: The book shares inspiring stories about determination and self-reliance, such as the story of Dr. Glenn Cunningham and the butterfly in the cocoon, emphasizing the power of inner strength and perseverance.
• Stories from Bhagwan Mahavir's Life: The text recounts numerous anecdotes from the life of Lord Mahavir, featuring individuals like Meghakumar, Aimutta Muni, Anand Shravak, Punia Shravak, Shalibhadra, King Shrenik and Queen Chelna, Abhaykumar and Rohineya, and Vajrakumar. These stories illustrate Jain principles in action, emphasizing karma, renunciation, compassion, and the pursuit of liberation.
• Stories After Bhagwan Mahavir: This section includes historical accounts of significant Jain figures and events, such as King Samprati (the Jain Ashok), the construction of the Delwada temples, and the stories of Vimalsha and Vastupal-Tejpal, highlighting devotion, architectural contributions, and the spread of Jainism.

In essence, "Jainism For Beginners Level 03" aims to provide a structured and accessible understanding of Jain philosophy, ethics, and history, encouraging readers to integrate these teachings into their daily lives for spiritual growth and eventual liberation.