Jivannu Mahamangal Jayna

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jivannu Mahamangal Jayna" (The Great Auspiciousness of Life) by Hansbodhivijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jivannu Mahamangal Jayna (The Great Auspiciousness of Life) Author: Munishri Hansbodhivijayji Inspirational Guidance: Param Pujya Nyasapravar Shri Chandrashekharvijayji Maharaj Saheb

Core Theme: The book emphasizes the Jain principle of Jayna, which translates to care or protection, specifically in the context of Jeevraksha (protection of living beings). It aims to guide individuals, particularly householders (Shravaks), on how to practice non-violence (Ahimsa) in their daily lives by being mindful of the vast diversity of life around them and taking practical steps to avoid causing harm.

Central Concept of "Jayna" as a "Mother": The text equates Jayna to a mother figure for the lay follower (Shravak), just as mothers of Tirthankaras and mothers of ascetics are revered. Jayna is presented as the mother that protects us from the sins of violence and, consequently, from future suffering.

Identifying and Protecting Various Forms of Life:

The book systematically identifies and explains how to protect various types of living beings encountered in daily life. It details their presence and the potential for unintentional harm, along with practical preventative measures:

• Anantakaya (Infinite-bodied beings):

  • Nigoda: Identified as microscopic organisms found in damp areas like moss, algae (green, black, grey) on walls, compound areas, and bathrooms, especially during the monsoon. They are considered "infinite-bodied" because each microscopic particle contains infinite souls. The text stresses avoiding stepping on, sitting on, or placing anything on areas with Nigoda. It advises proactive measures like proper flooring or using tar/paint to prevent its growth. If Nigoda appears, it should not be disturbed until it naturally dries.
  • Fung (Molds): Found on stale food and other items due to moisture, especially during monsoon. Fung is also considered anantakaya. Once food is affected by fung, it becomes inedible (abhakshya). The text advises careful storage of food, avoiding damp environments, and discarding or isolating affected items.
  • Jivas in Vegetables: The book highlights that many vegetables, especially beans, peas, okra, gourds, and gourds like bitter gourd, can harbor tiny worms (iyala) which may be camouflaged. It advises thorough inspection, soaking vegetables before cutting, and cutting certain vegetables vertically to minimize harm.
  • Flour and Grains: Various insects and worms can infest stored grains and flour. The text suggests meticulous cleaning, oiling grains with specific oils (like castor oil), using camphor or neem leaves to deter insects, and carefully sifting grains and flour before use.

• Ekendriya (One-sensed beings):

  • Earth (Prithvi Kay): Mentioned as having life in soil.
  • Water (Apo Kay): Each drop of water is described as containing innumerable microscopic, one-sensed beings. The book strongly advocates for minimal water usage, filtering water before use, preventing leaks, avoiding open water containers, and not wasting water. Using water sparingly like ghee is advised.
  • Fire (Agni Kay): Mentioned as having life.
  • Air (Vayu Kay): Mentioned as having life.
  • Vegetation (Vanaspati Kay): Mentioned as having life.

• Trasa Jiva (Two, three, four, or five-sensed beings):

  • Moving beings in Water: Besides one-sensed beings, water contains microscopic two-sensed (like larvae) and other multi-sensed beings. The text stresses filtering water and avoiding usage of unboiled or un-filtered water, especially from sources like geysers, water coolers, and open tanks. It advises against swimming pools and water parks.
  • Sammurchhim Jiva: These are beings that spontaneously generate in impure substances like excreta, urine, sweat, blood, etc., after about 48 minutes. The book emphasizes prompt cleaning of bodily excretions and waste, ensuring they dry quickly.
  • Ants (Kidi): Described as three-sensed beings, attracted to sweet and sticky substances. The text advises immediate cleaning of spilled food, using natural repellents like turmeric, saffron, or ash, and carefully collecting ants if found.
  • Mosquitoes (Machhar): Known for their nuisance and disease transmission. The primary advice is prevention by keeping surroundings clean, using nets, and natural repellents like neem oil. It strongly discourages the use of mosquito-killing sprays.
  • Flies (Makhi): Found in unclean environments and spreading disease. Similar to mosquitoes, cleanliness and covering food and water are key.
  • Bedbugs (Mankad): These are described as living in furniture and feeding on blood. The book advocates for humane removal and relocation rather than killing, stating that killing them is both cruel and foolish as it can lead to more reproduction.
  • Cockroaches (Vanda): Found in kitchens, bathrooms, and drains, originating from dirt and waste. It strongly advises against using chemical pesticides and "Laxman Rekha" chalk, promoting instead herbal remedies and practical cleanliness.
  • Termites (Udhai): Infest wooden furniture, books, and walls, causing damage. The text suggests preventative measures like using camphor or tar balls in cupboards, proper sealing of structures, and relocating termites carefully if found. It strongly condemns the use of pest control sprays due to their indiscriminate killing.
  • Worms in Grains and Vegetables (Dhanyana Kida, Iyala): Detailed advice is given on cleaning grains, oiling them, using protective items, and carefully inspecting vegetables before consumption.

Practical "Jayna" Equipment: The book lists essential tools for practicing Jayna:

• Savanri (Broom)
• Poonjani (Soft brush)
• Galanu (Water filter)
• Charavalo (A tool with wool for cleaning)
• Charavli (A small stick with wool)
• Morpinchhi (Peacock feather brush) for dusting books and photos.
• Charana (Sieves) for grains and flour.
• Chandarvo (Netting for kitchen)
• Supadi (Dustpan)

Specific Advice and Prohibitions:

• General Principles:

  • Regular cleaning and maintaining hygiene are paramount.
  • Avoid wasting water.
  • Carefully inspect food items before consumption.
  • Do not use harmful chemicals or pesticides.
  • Be mindful of the environment and avoid actions that harm life.

• Prohibited Actions:

  • Using insecticidal sprays or chemicals.
  • Wasting water or leaving taps running.
  • Eating stale food or food prepared the previous day, especially during certain times or seasons.
  • Consuming products made from animal by-products (like some soaps, toothpaste, butter).
  • Discarding food scraps carelessly.
  • Walking or playing in areas with Nigoda.
  • Abortion is strongly condemned as the killing of a five-sensed being.
  • Improper handling of food or water when attending to ascetics.

• Emphasis on Specific Practices:

  • The importance of a monthly course (M.C.) for women and the negative consequences of its non-adherence are highlighted, linking it to mental and physical distress and societal imbalance.
  • The text provides detailed guidelines for offering food (vohoravavu) to Jain monks and nuns, emphasizing mindfulness, purity, and appropriate preparation.
  • A significant portion is dedicated to condemning abortion as a grave sin and a betrayal of motherhood.
  • The importance of respecting elders and parents is conveyed through poignant poetry.
  • The concept of service to humanity (manavseva), especially feeding the poor, is encouraged, aligning with the teachings of Lord Mahavir.
  • The establishment of "Tapovan Sanskar Peeth" and "Vardhman Sadharmik Bhakti Kendra" for education and support of needy children is mentioned.

Overall Message: "Jivannu Mahamangal Jayna" is a practical guide for Jain householders to live a life of non-violence by cultivating a deep awareness of the presence of life in all its forms. It provides actionable advice, starting from simple household practices to more profound ethical considerations, all aimed at minimizing harm and maximizing compassion, thereby leading to a truly auspicious and meaningful life.