Jinvani Sangraha - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jinvani Sangraha" based on the provided pages:

Title: Jinvani Sangraha (Collection of Jain Teachings) Authors: Satish Jain, Kasturchand Chavda Publisher: Jinvani Pracharak Karyalaya, Kolkata Edition: Second Edition Purpose: A compilation of Jain principles and scriptures.

Overall Content and Structure:

The "Jinvani Sangraha" is a comprehensive collection of Jain literature, aiming to provide a repository of knowledge for Jain followers. The book is structured to cover various aspects of Jain philosophy, practices, and devotional literature. The initial pages focus on introductory materials, acknowledgments, and publisher information, followed by a detailed presentation of various Jain texts and hymns.

Key Sections and Texts Included:

Introduction and Publisher Information:
- Pages 1-8 provide standard introductory material, including a Fair Use Declaration by The Free Indological Collection (TFIC) regarding the sourcing and distribution of the book for educational purposes.
- Publisher details, editors' names (Satish Jain, Kasturchand Chavda), and publication information (Jinvani Pracharak Karyalaya, Kolkata) are given.
- A preface (प्रकाशकीय वक्तव्य) from the publishers expresses gratitude for the warm reception of the first edition and mentions the inclusion of new topics like "Arhantpasha," "Kevali," "Shikhar Mahatmya," "Vidyavati Krit Aneak Pad," "Sansar Dukh Darpan," and "Athrah Nate Ki Katha" in the second edition.
- A note on the "Manager" highlights a benefit for members: receiving all published books at half price upon paying a one-rupee entry fee.
- A dedication is made to Brahmachari Shitalprasadji, editor of "Jainmitra and Veer."
- Advertisements for Kesar (saffron), Skatic (crystal) necklaces, and Dashang Dhoop (incense) are included.
Core Jain Texts and Principles:
- Namokar Mantra (णमोकार मंत्र): The fundamental Jain mantra is presented, explaining its structure (35 letters, 58 matras) and its significance as a remover of sins, a source of pure knowledge, and a giver of happiness and liberation.
- Mahatmya of Namokar Mantra (णमोकार मन्त्रका माहात्म्य): Verses extolling the virtues of the Namokar mantra, describing its power to destroy sins, grant wealth and happiness, and its efficacy in various situations.
- Names of the Five Supreme Beings (पञ्च परमेष्टीके नाम): Lists the five supreme beings: Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu. It also mentions the connection of "Asi, Asi, Au, Sa" (असि आ उ सा) to the five supreme beings and the 24 Tirthankaras.
- Names of the 24 Tirthankaras (चौविस तीर्थकरोंके नाम): A complete list of the 24 Tirthankaras from Rishabhdeva to Vardhaman.
- Shri Ratnakarand Shravakachar (श्रीरत्नकरण्ड श्रावकाचार): This is a significant section, likely containing a substantial portion of the Ratnakarand Shravakachar, a foundational text on the conduct of laypersons (Shravakas) in Jainism. The included verses detail:
  - Definition of Right Faith (Samyaq Darshan - सम्यग्दर्शन): Emphasizes belief in the supreme reality, achieved through the teachings of liberated souls (Aptas) and scriptures, free from three types of delusion (Trimudha).
  - Qualities of an Apt (आप्त): Describes an Apt as one who is free from defects (like hunger, thirst, old age, disease, birth, death, fear, ego, passion, hatred, and delusion), all-knowing, and free from the cycle of birth and death.
  - Qualities of a Shastra (शास्त्र): Defines a scripture as that which leads to the path of truth, is free from contradictions, and is beneficial to all.
  - Qualities of a Tapasvi (तपस्वी): Praises those who are detached from worldly desires, free from possessions, engaged in meditation and penance.
  - Principles of Right Conduct (Samyaq Charitra - सम्यक् चारित्र): Discusses concepts like freedom from doubt, faith in the right path, aversion to impure things, understanding the true nature of the body, and practicing virtues like compassion and non-violence.
  - Vows (Vrat - व्रत): Details various vows undertaken by Shravakas, including Mahavratas (Great Vows) and Anuvratas (Minor Vows), and the importance of adhering to them without transgression. It also describes the practice of Sallekhana (voluntary fasting unto death).
  - The Six Dravyas (छः द्रव्य): Introduces the fundamental Jain ontological categories: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Dharma (principle of motion), Adharma (principle of rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
  - The nature of Jiva (जीव): Explains the soul as conscious, capable of experiencing, and the doer and enjoyer of actions.
  - The nature of Pudgala (पुद्गल): Describes matter as having qualities like color, taste, smell, and touch, and being the cause of karma.
  - The concept of Asrav (आसव): The influx of karmas into the soul due to activities of mind, speech, and body, influenced by passions.
  - Bandha (बन्ध): The binding of karmas to the soul.
  - Samvara (संवर): The stopping of karma influx.
  - Nirjara (निर्जरा): The shedding of accumulated karmas through penance.
  - Moksha (मोक्ष): Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Devotional and Exaltation Texts:
- Mokshashastra (मोक्ष शास्त्रम्): Several chapters of Mokshashastra are included, discussing categories like:
  - Deities (Deva - देव): Describing the four classes of celestial beings.
  - The Universe (Lok - लोक): Discussing the structure of the cosmos, including Jambudweepa and Mount Meru.
  - Substances (Dravya - द्रव्य): Elaborating on the characteristics of soul, matter, space, time, motion, and rest.
  - Karma (कर्म): Detailing the process of karma, its influx (Asrava), bondage (Bandha), stoppage (Samvara), shedding (Nirjara), and liberation (Moksha).
- Jin Sahasranam (श्री जिन सहस्रनाम): A section containing a thousand names of Jin, likely a devotional hymn listing the attributes and epithets of the Tirthankaras. This section is extensive and covers various aspects of the divine nature.
- Kalyan Mandir Stotra (कल्याणमन्दिरस्तोत्र): A well-known Jain devotional hymn in praise of the Tirthankaras, described as a "temple of well-being" that removes suffering. The text includes both Sanskrit verses and a Hindi translation.
- Nirvan Kand (निर्वाणकांड): Likely a text related to the path to liberation or the state of Nirvana.
- Mahavir Ashtak Stotra (महावीराष्टकस्तोत्र): An eight-verse hymn in praise of Lord Mahavir, presented in both Sanskrit and Hindi.
- Akalank Stotra (अकलंक स्तोत्र): A hymn in praise of Akalank, a prominent Jain philosopher, likely focusing on his teachings and purity.
- Various other prayers and hymns: The collection includes numerous smaller devotional pieces, such as "Doulatram Krit Stuti," "Budhjan Krit Stuti," "Namokar Mahima Prabhati," and "Panchparameshti Ki Aarti," which are essential for daily worship and meditation.

Key Themes and Teachings:

The Path to Liberation (Moksha): The central theme is the attainment of liberation from the cycle of birth and death through the practice of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
Ahimsa (Non-violence): As a fundamental tenet of Jainism, Ahimsa is implicitly and explicitly emphasized throughout the text, guiding ethical behavior towards all living beings.
Detachment (Vairagya): The importance of detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and pleasures is highlighted as a crucial step towards spiritual progress.
Karma Theory: The intricate workings of karma, its accumulation through actions, and the methods for its eradication (Nirjara) are discussed.
Devotion (Bhakti): The collection is rich in devotional content, encouraging reverence for the Tirthankaras, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus, and the chanting of mantras and stotras.
Conduct of Laypersons (Shravakachar): The "Ratnakarand Shravakachar" section specifically outlines the duties and ethical guidelines for Jain householders.
Knowledge and Scripture: The text emphasizes the importance of studying Jain scriptures (Agamas) and acquiring spiritual knowledge as a means to understand the truth and practice the path correctly.

Overall Significance:

The "Jinvani Sangraha" serves as a valuable resource for Jains seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of their faith. It consolidates a wide range of spiritual and ethical teachings into one volume, making them accessible for study and devotion. The inclusion of diverse texts, from foundational mantras and philosophical treatises to devotional hymns and ritualistic procedures, reflects the comprehensive nature of Jainism.