Jivan Vyavahar - Book Summary | JainGPT

This document is a Gujarati-language Jain text titled "Jivan Vyavahar" (Life Conduct), authored by Dhirajlal T. Shah and published by Shri Muktikamal Jain Mohan Granthmala. It is part of the "Dharm Bodh Granthmala" series. The book focuses on providing guidance for a righteous and ethical life, particularly within the framework of Jainism.

The core of the book is a detailed exposition of 35 virtues or qualities ("gunas") of a "Marganusari" (one who follows the path). The text emphasizes that true religious practice and spiritual progress are built upon a foundation of ethical and moral conduct. It argues that for the common person, a gradual approach to religious education and practice is necessary, akin to how a sick person or a child is introduced to food or learning step-by-step.

The book outlines three stages of religious practice:

Vyavahar Shuddhi (Purity of Conduct) or Marganusaran (Following the Path): This is the foundational stage, focusing on ethical behavior in daily life.
Deshavirati (Partial Renunciation) or Shravak Dharma (Layperson's Vow): This is the intermediate stage, involving adherence to vows and principles as a householder.
Virati (Complete Renunciation) or Sadhu Dharma (Ascetic's Vow): This is the highest stage, practiced by monks and nuns.

The text then elaborates on each of the 35 virtues, providing explanations and often citing scriptural references or proverbs to illustrate their importance. Here's a summary of some of the key virtues discussed:

Earning wealth with justice (Dravya Nyayathi Melavavu): Emphasizes honest and ethical means of acquiring wealth, citing scriptures and ethical principles. It discusses the importance of continuing ancestral professions if they are righteous and warns against unethical practices for financial gain.
Praising good conduct (Shishtachar ni Prashansa Karvi): Highlights the importance of appreciating and emulating virtuous individuals and their actions. It describes the characteristics of a virtuous person.
Marrying within suitable lineage and character (Vivah Saman Kul-Shiladivalu panu Anyagotari sathe karva): Discusses the importance of considering family background, character, financial status, and compatibility when choosing a life partner. It also touches upon the traditional prohibition of marrying within the same gotra.
Fearing sin (Pap thi Darata Rehvu): Stresses the need to be mindful of and avoid sinful actions, listing major sins like gambling, consuming meat, drinking alcohol, illicit relations, hunting, theft, and adultery.
Following established customs of the land (Prasiddh Deshachar nu Palan Karvu): Advises adhering to socially accepted and ethical customs of a region to maintain social harmony and popularity.
Not speaking ill of others (Koine Avarnavd Bel Nahi): Emphasizes refraining from gossip, criticism, and backbiting, promoting the practice of focusing on others' positive qualities.
Building a home in a suitable location (Yogya Sthanma Ghar Bandhine Rehavu): Discusses the importance of choosing a safe, auspicious, and well-located place for a home, considering factors like neighborhood and potential hazards.
Associating with the virtuous (Sadachari ne Sang Karva): Highlights the influence of company and advises seeking the association of righteous individuals.
Devotion to parents (Mata-Pita ni Bhakti Karvi): Underscores the profound duty of respecting, serving, and honoring one's parents, emphasizing their invaluable contribution to life.
Avoiding troublesome places (Upadravaala Sthan ne Tyag Karvo): Advises staying away from places prone to disease, crime, natural disasters, or unjust rulers.
Not engaging in condemned activities (Nindit Karyama Pravrutti Karvi Nahi): Lists various unethical and immoral actions that should be avoided, such as violence, deceit, theft, adultery, and disrespect to elders.
Spending according to income (Avak Pramane Kharch Karvo): Stresses the importance of financial prudence, living within one's means, and avoiding debt.
Dressing according to wealth and status (Dhanadi Anusare Vesh Rakhva): Advises maintaining a dignified appearance that reflects one's financial standing and social context.
Cultivating the eight qualities of intellect (Buddhi na Aath Gunone Sevva): Details the components of intellectual development, including listening, understanding, retaining, reasoning, and discerning truth.
Listening to Dharma daily (Nitya Dharma Sambhalvu): Emphasizes the importance of regular spiritual discourse for mental purification and spiritual growth.
Not eating when indigestion is present (Ajirna Thata Bhojan Karvu Nahi): Advises against eating when the digestive system is already compromised.
Eating at appropriate times according to nature (Prakrutine Anukul Avsare Bhojan Karvu): Recommends eating at regular intervals that suit one's body and digestion.
Pursuing Dharma, Artha (wealth), and Kama (desire) harmoniously (Dharma, Artha ane Kama ne Paraspar Badha Na Aave te Riten Sadhva): Stresses the need to balance these three aspects of life without compromising one another.
Serving deities, guests, and the needy (Dev, Atithi ane Deen-jane ni Seva Karvi): Highlights the importance of devotion, hospitality, and compassion.
Not being stubborn (Kadagrahi Thavu Nahi): Encourages open-mindedness and the willingness to change one's views based on reason and evidence.
Showing partiality towards virtues (Guna ne Vishe Pakshpat Rakhva): Advises appreciating and supporting those who possess good qualities.
Not acting against time and place (Desh ane Kal thi Viruddh Chalvu Nahi): Recommends adapting behavior to suit the time and location while remaining true to religious principles.
Undertaking tasks according to one's capacity (Potani Shakti Anusare Kamna Aarambh Karva): Stresses the importance of realistic planning and assessing one's abilities before starting any endeavor.
Supporting dependents (Bharanposhan Karva Yogya nu Bharanposhan Karvu): Emphasizes the responsibility of providing for one's family and those who depend on them.
Serving the virtuous and the learned (Sadachari ane Gyanvruddhoni Seva Karvi): Recommends respecting and learning from morally upright individuals and wise scholars.
Being far-sighted (Deerdarshi Thavu): Encourages foresight and consideration of future consequences in decision-making.
Becoming discerning (Visheshadnya Thavu): Advises developing the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, beneficial and detrimental.
Being grateful (Krutadnya Thavu): Emphasizes remembering and appreciating favors received.
Being likable (Lokpriya Thavu): Suggests cultivating pleasant speech and helpfulness to gain popularity.
Being modest (Lajjavan Thavu): Promotes having a sense of shame regarding improper actions.
Being compassionate (Dayalu Thavu): Highlights the importance of kindness and empathy towards all beings.
Maintaining a pleasant countenance (Akriti Samya Rakhvi): Recommends having a cheerful and approachable demeanor.
Being benevolent (Paropkari Thavu): Encourages actively helping others.
Conquering the six inner enemies (Antarna Chh Shatrune Jitva): Identifies and advises overcoming inner vices like lust, anger, greed, ego, envy, and infatuation.
Controlling the senses (Indriyo ne Vash Rakhvi): Stresses the importance of self-control over the five senses.

The book emphasizes that adhering to these virtues leads to a life of integrity, respect, and spiritual advancement. It serves as a practical guide for householders in the Jain tradition, outlining the path to a meaningful and righteous life.