Jinagam Lakhan Vichar - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jinagam lakhan Vichar" by Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh:

The text, "Jinagam lakhan Vichar" (Thoughts on the Writing of Jinagam), authored by Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh, emphasizes the profound importance of Jain scriptures (Agams) and Jain idols (Pratimas) as the primary means for spiritual upliftment in the current era (Pancham Kaal). It argues that these are the most effective aids for saving the soul from worldly desires and connecting it to spiritual consciousness.

Key Arguments and Themes:

Two Primary Spiritual Aids: The text identifies Jina Pratimas (idols) and Jina Agams (scriptures) as the two most important aids for the soul in the current age.
Importance of Jina Darshan (Seeing the Divine): Those who are aware of their soul and fear the cycle of birth and death see the supreme soul in the idols of Lord Jineshwar. Seeing the Jina idol is considered a paramount tool for self-realization. Devotees find immense joy in seeing Jain temples and idols, far exceeding any pleasure derived from worldly possessions.
The Role of Jina Agams: The text highlights Jinagam as the second vital spiritual aid for the soul. It quotes great souls who stated that without Jinagam in the current difficult era, beings would be "helpless." Jain Agams are presented as unparalleled literature, beneficial in all places and at all times.
Value of Writing, Having Written, and Reverencing Agams: The author stresses that any expenditure of body, intellect, or wealth on writing, having written, preserving, and honoring the sacred Agam literature is highly beneficial.
The 45 Agams: The text mentions that the Agams, originating from the words of Lord Arihant and compiled by Ganadhar Bhagwant, have been preserved by enlightened beings for the benefit of souls in the Pancham Kaal. Currently, the 45 Agams are prevalent in the world.
The "Panchangi" and Ancillary Literature: The core text of these 45 Agams, along with their commentaries (Niryukti, Bhashya, Churni, Vritti), are collectively known as the "Panchangi." The author states that all of this, along with related texts like Tika, Prakaran, Vivechan, Charitra, Rasos, Stavans, etc., are acceptable to soul-conscious beings.
Preservation and Creation of Agams: The text strongly advocates for preserving existing handwritten scriptures and creating new ones, considering it the true welfare of the Jain faith and genuine devotion to the Agams. Old handwritten religious literature found in homes, villages, and cities should be protected, and new literature should be created and disseminated.
Critique of Printed Books: A significant portion of the text focuses on the author's preference for handwritten scriptures over printed ones.
- Purity and Reverence: It is argued that printing diminishes the sanctity of the Agams and leads to many instances of disrespect (Aashatana). The reverence shown to printed scriptures is not the same as that commanded by enlightened beings for scriptural knowledge.
- Spiritual Impact: Handwritten books, upon touching them, create a sense of purity and deep reverence within. The joy derived from seeing a handwritten copy is not experienced with a printed one, based on personal experience.
- Erosion of Culture: The spread of mechanical printing is causing the culture of handwriting and having scriptures written by hand to decline. The author urges for generosity and support to preserve this valuable culture.
- Intellectual Development: While printed books are easy to read, they do not engage the intellect as much as handwritten texts, which require more effort and foster intellectual development due to variations in writing styles.
- Care and Preservation: Printed books are easily replaced, leading to less careful handling and potential neglect. Handwritten books, being unique, are handled with greater care due to their irreplaceable nature.
- Durability: Mill-made paper and mechanical printing shorten the lifespan of religious literature. Handwritten literature on high-quality, handmade paper can last for a very long time.
Role of Monks and Nuns: Ascetics (Sadhus and Sadhvis) who lead a religious life should personally write as much as they can and have scriptures written by scribes rather than relying solely on printing. Reading handwritten texts should be a habit to maintain the tradition.
Spiritual Impact of Ascetics' Writings: Literature written by monks engaged in spiritual practices, detachment, and knowledge of reality evokes renunciation and faith upon touch, due to the spiritual essence contained within.
Critique of Modern Propagation Methods: Relying on mechanical means for propagation fosters materialism, involves attachment (Aarambh), and shows disrespect for the existing culture. It also increases disrespect for knowledge.
Errors in Printing vs. Handwriting: A single error in a printed book is replicated in thousands of copies. Errors in handwritten copies, though present, can be identified and corrected by comparing different manuscripts.
Loss of Guru-Disciple Relationship: The pursuit of propagation through printing can lead to a disregard for the essential Guru-disciple relationship, which was based on deep reverence. Increased availability of books can diminish this relationship, leading to superficial learning and ostentation.
Historical Examples of Reverence for Scriptures: The text cites historical examples of kings and wealthy individuals who invested heavily in writing and preserving scriptures. King Kumarpal commissioned handwritten scriptural repositories throughout his kingdom for its protection. Vast sums were spent by wealthy patrons like Vastupal-Tejpala for writing and preserving scriptural knowledge. The author also points out that writing scriptures is a duty of a householder (Shravak), as mentioned in the "Manh Jinaanu" devotional song.
Value of Handwritten Scriptures: Even if handwritten scriptures cost forty to a hundred times more than printed ones, the effort to have them written should continue. Printed books are considered silver, while handwritten books are gold, pearls, or diamonds.
Benefits of Writing for Learning: Writing a text once provides as much knowledge as reading it ten times. Writing fosters concentration, and revisiting one's own creations cultivates deeper affection.
Joy in Touching Ancestral Manuscripts: Touching manuscripts written by great ancestors brings immense joy and a sense of connection as if meeting those great souls.
Living a Devoted Life with Scriptures: Wealthy householders should have handwritten Agams in their homes, treat them with daily reverence through rituals (worship, incense, lamps), thereby removing obstacles to knowledge and progressing in spiritual understanding.
Need for Continuous Creation: Just as preserving old handwritten literature is crucial, creating new literature is equally, if not more, important. The constant creation of new works ensures the continuation of the faith's tradition.
Strategic Preservation: Wealthy individuals are encouraged to have all 45 Agams written and carefully preserved in a beautiful cabinet at home, offering daily prayers and worship. Even those with lesser means should have one or more Agams written and preserved. Having scriptures distributed in various locations is beneficial.
Mitigating Risk: Concentrating all valuable manuscripts in a single large repository poses a risk of complete loss due to water, fire, political upheaval, or other unforeseen disasters. Therefore, having smaller collections in multiple locations is a wise approach.
Knowledge as the Highest Quality of the Soul: The text reiterates that enlightened beings describe knowledge as the primary quality of the soul, the means to cross the ocean of existence, and the light that dispels the darkness of false beliefs. Therefore, making sincere efforts to write, have written, and properly teach the Agams, which are the ultimate tools for acquiring this knowledge, is the true success of one's capabilities.