Jinagnya Achalgacchani Hundi - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jinagnya Achalgacchani Hundi" in English, based on the provided Gujarati text and catalog link:

Book Title: Jinagnya Achalgacchani Hundi (The Scroll of the Lord's Command of the Achal Gacch) Author: Shri Gajlal Gani Researcher/Compiler: Muni Shri Kalaprabhsagarji Publisher: Z_Arya_Kalyan_Gautam_Smruti_Granth_012034.pdf

Overall Purpose and Context:

"Jinagnya Achalgacchani Hundi" is a devotional and doctrinal work by the esteemed Jain monk Shri Gajlal Gani. The title "Hundi" (meaning scroll or deed) suggests it serves as a testament or declaration of adherence to the true teachings and practices of Jainism, specifically those of the Achal Gacch (also known as Vidhipaksh). The book aims to reaffirm and elucidate the correct scriptural basis for various Jain practices, often in contrast to what the author perceives as deviations or misunderstandings within the broader Jain tradition. It emphasizes the importance of following the commandments of the Tirthankaras (Jinas) as the ultimate path to liberation.

Key Themes and Content Breakdown by Dhal (Sections):

The work is structured into four "Dhal" (sections or chapters), each set to a specific musical tune (Deshi) like Kedara, Ashavari, and Dhanashri, indicating its devotional and possibly congregational nature.

Introduction (Editor's Note):

The editor highlights the author's scholarship and firm adherence to Jain commands.
The "Hundi" is presented as a scripturally accurate exposition of the Achal (Vidhipaksh) Gacch's practices.
The author's writing is noted for its simplicity and clarity.
Gajlal Gani's prolific literary output is mentioned, including other works like "Bar Vrat Ri Chopaai" (1597) and "Jinagnya Hundi" (1910).
The present compilation is based on a manuscript from the Jnanbhandar of Kodai, Kutch, from the year 2029 (likely Vikram Samvat).
The "Hundi" was composed in Sirohi, Rajasthan, and the book includes images of the Achalgacchiya Jin Mandir and the primary deity, Lord Adinath, in Sirohi.
The concluding lines of the work, "Muj man mein mane nahi kadagrah, Jinagnya kera daas re" (In my heart, there is no stubbornness, I am a servant of the Lord's command), express the author's deep devotion and submission to Jain principles.

Dhal 1 (Tune: Kedara):

Invocation: Begins with paying homage to the first Tirthankara, Lord Adinath, and emphasizes the joy derived from worshipping the Jinas.
Core Principles: Stresses the importance of worshipping the Jinas, calling out those who are lost in worldly pursuits. It reiterates the foundational Jain beliefs: Arihant (deities), virtuous monks (Sadhus), and the pure Dharma as spoken by Kevali (omniscient beings).
Iconography and Worship: Discusses the scriptural basis for Jin images (Pratima). It explains the concept of 'Nikshetra' (placement) and 'Sthapana' (establishment) in relation to worship, urging readers not to be mistaken about these.
Scriptural Support for Icon Worship: Cites various scriptures like the seventh Anga (Samaysutras or Samayika Sutras), the Ovai Sutra, Bhagavati Sutra, the tenth Anga, and Uttaradhyayana Sutra to support the practice of worshipping Jin images. It mentions the story of Anand and the respect shown to images by Emperor Siddarth, and how even in difficult situations (like in the Asura Kumar's realm mentioned in the text), Jin images provided refuge. It refutes any notion that such worship is a deviation from the scriptures.
Merits of Worship: States that worshipping images leads to the attainment of results like earning the status of a Tirthankara and auspicious destinations, while neglecting them leads to condemnation.
True Gurus: Defines true deities and gurus, emphasizing that any guru not aligned with these principles is a false guru.
Concluding Statement: The section concludes by reiterating the importance of Dharma as defined by the Jinas and the author's adherence to scriptural injunctions.

Dhal 2 (Tune: Kedara):

Types of Dharma: Lord Vira is quoted as stating there are two types of Dharma: that of monks (Yati) and that of lay followers (Shravak), as found in the Ovai Sutra.
Following Scriptures: Urges readers to abandon dogmatic views and follow the Dharma based on scriptural authority, likening it to not missing the wish-fulfilling gem (Chintamani).
Dharma of Monks vs. Lay Followers: Differentiates between the five Mahavratas for monks and the twelve Vratas for lay followers, questioning why anyone would consider their practices identical.
Monastic Attributes vs. Lay Practices: Mentions the 'rajoharan' (feather broom) and 'muh patti' (mouth cloth) as symbols of monks, as stated in the Mahanishi Sutra. It questions why lay followers would adopt these.
Monastic Practices and Their Misinterpretations: Discusses practices like 'Uttarasaang' and their correct application during religious observances like 'Aavashyak' and 'Paushadh'. It criticizes the practice of 'upadhan' performed by lay followers, suggesting it may lead to further cycles of birth and death.
Distinction in Worship: States that the scriptures do not prescribe material worship for monks. It also clarifies that monks do not perform the consecration of deities (Pratishtha), which is a practice for lay followers (Shravaks).
Joy in Following Commands: Concludes by stating that actions performed with devotion to the Jinas' commands are joyful. The author, Gajlalabh, expresses his happiness in following the Lord's will and advises against anger.

Dhal 3 (Tune: Ashavari):

Shravak's Twelve Vratas: Lord Vira's teachings on the twelve vratas for lay followers are discussed, specifically focusing on the ninth vrata, 'Samayika' (meditative equanimity).
Importance of Samayika: Emphasizes that Samayika should be performed twice daily.
Scriptural Basis for Samayika: Advocates for pure conduct and following the scriptures.
Correct Practice of Samayika: Warns against performing Samayika for longer than prescribed fifteen days, referring to the 'Avashyak' scripture.
'Chaupari' and Observances: Discusses the concept of 'Chaupari' (observing certain days like eighth, fourteenth, and full moon), and questions practices that deviate from these scripturally defined periods, implying that all days should not be treated the same.
'Chovihar Paushadh': Mentions 'Chovihar Paushadh' (fasting from evening till dawn) as prescribed in the Agam Sutras. It criticizes the consumption of certain food items during this period.
Joy in Observances: Concludes by stating that performing Samayika and Paushadh with devotion leads to happiness. Gajlalabh advises readers to approach these practices with a joyful heart and warns against anger.

Dhal 4 (Tune: Dhanashri):

Calendar and Observances: Refers to the Jambudvipa Pannatti which mentions specific auspicious days for observances (13 days in a year). It notes that 29 days are mentioned in six months.
Correct Observances: States that auspicious days are observed for half a month, and the eighth day is considered significant. It advises following the eighth day ('Aatham Pakhi').
Prohibited Days: Clarifies that the tenth, eighth, and fifth days are not prescribed for certain practices according to the scriptures, and the thirteenth and sixteenth days are also not mentioned in the context of certain rituals.
Critique of Incorrect Practices: Criticizes the practice of observing the fourteenth day and questions why the thirteenth day is observed, accusing those who do so of abandoning correct understanding and adopting wrong practices.
Pajusana Parva: Mentions the five-day Pajusana festival, observed universally. It attributes its origin to Kalikacharya, implying a deviation from the original, perhaps earlier, scriptural practice.
Questioning Current Practices: Raises questions about the reasons behind current practices, suggesting that those who ignore the eternal words of the Jinas are engaged in questionable deeds.
Additional Month (Adhik Maas): Mentions the practice of observing religious duties during an 'Adhik Maas' (extra month) as per the Kalpaniruyukta, but questions why, by dropping certain days (20 and 25), the practices are reduced to 80.
Scriptural Authority: Emphasizes that the true teachings are those that are 'Nishaiyakiya' (unquestionable) as proclaimed by Lord Vira in the Bhagavati Sutra.
Consequences of Disobedience: Warns that those who abandon these scriptural words and follow their own commands will not attain the fruits of their penance and will continue to wander in the cycle of birth and death.
Author's Dedication: Reaffirms the author's commitment to not harboring stubbornness and to being a servant of the Lord's commands, stating that his heart is filled with the true and natural essence of Jainism.

Concluding Remark (End of the Scroll):

The text concludes with a declaration that this "Jinagnya Hundi" (Scroll of the Lord's Command), embodying the true form of Jinagnya (Lord's Command), has been written by Muni Kalaprabhsagar, disciple of the Achalgacchadhipati Shrimad Gunsagar Surishwarji, with the grace of Lord Adinath, for the benefit of others.
It is dated Veer Samvat 2499, Vikram Samvat 2029, Maha Sud 1.

In essence, "Jinagnya Achalgacchani Hundi" is a significant work for understanding the doctrinal stance and practices of the Achal Gacch. It champions a return to and strict adherence to scriptural interpretations, particularly regarding the veneration of Jin images, the distinct practices of monks and lay followers, and the correct observance of various religious festivals and fasts, while gently critiquing what it perceives as deviations in broader Jain traditions.