Jinbhakti Sarita Yane Snatra Pujanu Vishishta Vivechan

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jinbhakti Sarita Yane Snatra Pujanun Vishishta Vivechan" by Padmavijay:

The book, "Jinbhakti Sarita Yane Snatra Pujanun Vishishta Vivechan" (Ganga of Devotion to the Jinas, or a Special Exposition of Snata Puja), authored by Muni Padmavijayji, is published by Jain Aradhak Mandal. The author, Muni Padmavijayji, is a scholar, preacher, and ascetic, a disciple of the esteemed Acharya Shrimad Vijay Premsurishwarji Maharaj and the first disciple of Muni Bhanuvijayji Maharaj.

The book is an exposition on the significance and practice of Snata Puja, a ritualistic worship of the Jinas (Tirthankaras). The author explains that his work was inspired by a request made during a Snata Puja ceremony in Hingan Ghaat during the Chaturmas of Acharya Shrimad Yashodevsuriji Maharaj in 2009. His Guru, Muni Bhanuvijayji Maharaj, was asked to prepare a detailed explanation, and due to his busy schedule, he delegated the task to Muni Padmavijayji. The author expresses deep gratitude to both his Gurus for their blessings and guidance.

Key Themes and Content:

The book delves into the profound importance of devotion to the Jinas, highlighting its ability to lead to spiritual liberation. Here's a breakdown of the key themes:

• The Ineffable Bliss of Devotion: The text begins by emphasizing that the joy derived from devotion to the Jinas is beyond words and descriptions. Even great poets struggle to capture this experience, which is far superior to any worldly pleasure. It draws an analogy to the experience of alchemy (parasa) on gold, suggesting that only those who engage in the devotional act can truly understand its sweetness.

• The Root Cause of Samsara (Cycle of Birth and Death): The book identifies the lack of devotion to the Jinas as the primary reason for the soul's endless wandering through the cycle of births and deaths. It explains that the soul's true nature is obscured by artificial coverings, which can only be removed through devotion, love, faith, service, and obedience to the Jinas.

• The Power of the Jina's Name and Devotion: The author emphasizes the immense power of chanting the Jina's name, citing the example of a snake becoming a Naga King by merely meditating on the divine name. The book provides numerous examples from Jain scriptures of how devotion, faith, and worship have led individuals to attain high spiritual states, including becoming Tirthankaras, deities, and attaining omniscience.

• Overcoming Negative Tendencies (Kusanskar) through Devotion: The text argues that devotion to the Jinas is the most potent means to eradicate deep-seated negative tendencies (kusanskar) and cultivate positive ones (susanskar). In this era (Kalikala), where materialistic pursuits and Western influences are prevalent, devotion to the Jinas provides a shield against spiritual downfall and helps one cultivate virtuous qualities.

• The Science of Sanskar (Tendencies): The book explains how tendencies, both positive and negative, get reinforced through practice. It uses the examples of Chandkaushik (negative tendencies) and Shalibhadra (positive tendencies) to illustrate how deeply ingrained tendencies can lead to vastly different outcomes.

• The Nature of Jinabhakti (Devotion to Jinas): The text elaborates on two main types of devotion:

  • Dravya Puja (Material Worship): This involves the external rituals like offering flowers, sandalwood, incense, lamps, food, etc. It is further divided into Anga Puja (worship of specific body parts of the idol) and Agra Puja (worship offered in front of the idol). Various types of material worship like Panchamrit Abhishek, Chandan Lepan, Pushpa Puja, etc., are mentioned.
  • Bhava Puja (Mental/Inner Devotion): This involves cultivating internal devotion, contemplating the virtues of the Jinas, experiencing joy and repentance for past actions, and ultimately living according to the Jinas' commandments (Virati, Upsham). This is considered the higher form of devotion.

• The Significance of Snata Puja: The book specifically focuses on Snata Puja, explaining its origin in the divine birth ceremonies of the Tirthankaras on Mount Meru, performed by Indra and other deities. The puja is designed to recreate this celestial event, offering immense spiritual benefits, including purification of the mind, acquisition of virtue, and eradication of sins. It is presented as a highly beneficial ritual in this Kali Yuga, requiring minimal resources but offering immense rewards.

• The Process of Snata Puja: The book details the various steps involved in Snata Puja, from removing old flowers and ornaments to performing the Abhishek with pure water and fragrances. It emphasizes the importance of using pure and precious materials for worship, reflecting the reverence due to the Jinas. The author also touches upon the celestial festivities surrounding a Tirthankara's birth, including the role of celestial nymphs (Dikumaris) and Indra's procession to Mount Meru for the Abhishek.

• The Significance of the 14 Mahaswapnas (Great Dreams): The text explains the auspicious dreams experienced by the mother of a Tirthankara during her pregnancy and their symbolic meanings, which foretell the Tirthankara's divine nature and mission.

• The Ultimate Goal: The book encourages the reader to engage in sincere devotion and practice the principles of Jainism to achieve liberation (Moksha) and experience eternal bliss.

In essence, "Jinbhakti Sarita" is a comprehensive guide to understanding and performing Snata Puja, emphasizing its spiritual significance and the profound benefits it offers for the soul's journey towards liberation. It highlights the transformative power of devotion to the Jinas, urging readers to cultivate this devotion in their lives.