Jainism Reader I Pahala Kadam

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jainism Reader I: Pahala Kadam" by Surbhi Sethi, published by Maitree Samooh:

This reader, "Pahala Kadam" (meaning "First Step"), is presented as an introductory guide to Jainism, compiled and edited by Surbhi Sethi, and published by Maitree Samooh in May 2004. It is inspired by Munishree Kshamasagarji.

The text begins by introducing the Namokar Mantra, a fundamental Jain prayer, and lists the five entities it salutes: Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upaadhyay, and Sadhu.

It then outlines the Twenty-Four Tirthankaras of Jainism, each accompanied by their identifying emblem. The reader notes that the current era belongs to the twenty-fourth Tirthankara, Mahaveer Swami.

A significant portion of the reader is dedicated to defining Living Beings. It emphasizes the Jain principle of respecting all life forms, including animals, fish, birds, insects, plants, vegetation, and even the elements of earth, water, fire, and air, all of which are considered to possess consciousness in varying degrees.

The text categorizes living beings into two main types:

• Enlightened Beings: These are pure souls who have attained Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) and are therefore free from suffering. They are further divided into Arihantas (who have a physical body) and Siddhas (who are without a body).
• Worldly Beings: These beings have a physical body and possess one to five sense organs. They experience the cycle of birth and death, pleasure, and pain. The reader details how worldly beings are classified based on their number of sense organs, from one-sensed beings (like plants and elements) to five-sensed beings (like humans and animals). The five sense organs (tongue, touch, nose, eyes, ears) and their functions are explained.

The text also describes Non-Living Things, which are defined as non-sentient (achetan) and lacking sense organs, providing examples like cars, tables, and pens.

The concept of Four Passions (Kashaye) – Anger, Ego, Deceit, and Greed – is introduced, with explanations of how each negatively impacts behavior and relationships. The reader advocates for avoiding these passions and cultivating positive qualities like love, forgiveness, respect, simplicity, and sharing.

Following this, the Five Virtues of Jainism are presented:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): Practicing non-violence in all actions and loving all beings.
• Satya (Truthfulness): Telling the truth.
• Achaurya (Non-stealing): Never stealing.
• Brahmcharya (Chastity/Celibacy): Not letting passions overpower one and maintaining purity in all relationships.
• Aparigraha (Non-possession): Not accumulating excessive possessions and wealth.

The reader then highlights Good Habits, such as going to the temple daily to affirm virtues, drinking filtered water to protect oneself and small organisms, and taking food before sunset to avoid insects falling into it.

Certain practices and observances are also mentioned under the heading "I do not...":

• Not taking honey: To avoid harming bees.
• Not consuming alcohol: Due to its detrimental effects on physical and mental health.
• Not eating Non-Veg: As it involves killing animals.

A section on Daily Activity describes a typical Jain daily routine. This includes reciting the Namokar Mantra nine times upon waking, going to the temple for worship after personal hygiene, taking care not to step on insects, offering rice grains and cloves at the temple, washing hands and feet, bowing to the Arihant, and reciting the Namokar Mantra again before sleeping. The intention behind these actions is to develop the virtues of the enlightened beings.

The text includes a Prayer in Hindi (Bhaavana din raat meri...), expressing a desire for the well-being of the world, the spread of truth, self-control, and righteous conduct, the upliftment of the nation, the development of all beings through knowledge, the eradication of violence through the propagation of Dharma, and the presence of peace and happiness in every home. It also invokes the Paramatma (Supreme Soul) to remove suffering and disease and to illuminate all souls.

Finally, the reader concludes with a heartfelt Maitri Bhavna (feeling of friendship/compassion), expressing a daily commitment to friendship with all living beings, compassion for the suffering, simple and truthful conduct, and making efforts to help others throughout life.

In essence, "Pahala Kadam" serves as a foundational text for understanding the core principles of Jainism, including its revered figures, the classification of life, ethical conduct, and daily practices aimed at spiritual purification and universal well-being.