Kanak Jain Vividh Sangraha

The provided Jain text, "Kanak Jain Vividh Sangraha" by Hariprabhvijay, published by Kanakkirti Harigranth Mala, is a comprehensive compilation of diverse Jain knowledge and principles. The book is structured into various sections or "uday" (sections) covering a vast array of subjects, reflecting the rich and multifaceted nature of Jainism.

Here's a summary of the key themes and content covered in the text:

1. Jain Philosophy and Cosmology:

• Tattva Vichar: The text delves into the fundamental principles of Jainism, including the nine tattvas (essences or realities) such as Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punna (merit), Pap (demerit), Ashrav (influx of karma), Samvar (cessation of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Bandh (bondage of karma), and Moksha (liberation).
• Cosmology: It describes the Jain universe, including the various lokas (realms), dvipas (continents), samudras (oceans), and the structure of the cosmos, particularly focusing on Jambudvipa, Meru Parvat, and the divine abodes of gods (Devlok). The text provides details about the number of Vimanas in different Devlokas and the lifespans of their inhabitants.
• Tirthankaras: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the life stories and genealogies of the Tirthankaras, including their past lives (bhav), their parents, birthplaces, important life events (kalyanak), and their lifespans. It meticulously lists the 24 Tirthankaras and their associated details.
• Karma: The complex doctrine of karma is explained, touching upon the different types of karma (Dhati and Adhati karma) and their effects.

2. Rituals and Practices:

• Navkar Mantra: The importance and significance of the Navkar Mahamantra are highlighted, along with the benefits of its chanting and the auspiciousness associated with each syllable.
• Puja Vidhi: The text outlines various forms of worship and rituals, including Anga Puja, Dravya Puja, and the correct way to perform them.
• Tapas and Vows: Different types of austerities (tapas) and vows (vrat) are described, emphasizing their role in spiritual progress and purification. The text lists numerous specific vratas and their durations.
• Samayik and Pratikraman: The daily observances of monks and nuns, such as Samayik (equanimity practice) and Pratikraman (atonement rituals), are explained in detail, including the correct posture and recitation.
• Upadhan Tapa: The text provides details on Upadhan Tapa, a specific ritualistic practice with its own set of procedures and timings.

3. Knowledge and Sciences:

• Jain Agamas and Literature: The book mentions the 14 Purvas and 45 Agamas, foundational texts in Jainism, and lists their names and contents.
• Various Sciences (Shilpa Shastra, Jyotisha, etc.): A remarkable aspect of this compilation is its breadth of knowledge encompassing various traditional sciences. These include:
  • Jyotisha (Astrology): Details about horoscope reading, the results of birth on specific days, tithis, vars, and Nakshatras are provided. It also touches upon dream interpretation (Svapna Phala) and fortune-telling (Faladesh).
  • Shilpa Shastra and Vastu Vidya: Principles of architecture and auspicious placement for buildings, including considerations for land and construction.
  • Swarodaya Gyan: Knowledge related to the science of breath and its influence on daily activities and outcomes.
  • Hasta Rekha Shastra (Palmistry): An explanation of lines on the hand and their interpretations regarding a person's destiny.
  • Sangeet (Music): Discussion on music, its types, learning process, and the role of a singer. It differentiates between classical and folk music.
  • Mantras: Information on various mantras, particularly those related to Goddess Saraswati for acquiring knowledge, and their efficacy when received through a guru.
  • Ayurveda: Mentions of various diseases and their potential remedies through yogasanas.
• Numerology and Symbolism: The text extensively lists numbers and their associated items, concepts, or classifications within Jainism. For example, it details 24 Tirthankaras, 32 Mahavratas, 33 Devlokas, 34 Atishayas (supernatural powers), 35 qualities of speech, 45 Agamas, 63 Shalakapurushas, 84 types of births, 108 types of things, and so on, up to lakhs and crores of items. This section highlights the Jain tradition of categorizing knowledge based on numerical sequences.
• Drishtanta (Illustrative Examples): The book is stated to contain 900 illustrative stories or examples, likely meant to explain complex philosophical points or ethical lessons.

4. Ethical Teachings and Conduct:

• Achar and Vyavahar: The text likely includes guidelines for conduct (Achar) and worldly dealings (Vyavahar) for lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas) and ascetics.
• Daya (Compassion): The importance of compassion towards all living beings, including the six types of life (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, vegetation-bodied, and mobile beings), is a central theme.
• The concept of "Good Fortune": The text provides interpretations based on birth times, lunar constellations (Nakshatras), and even physical characteristics like hand lines (hastrekha), suggesting a belief in astrological and physiognomic influences on destiny.

5. Spiritual Aspirations:

• Moksha Marg: The ultimate goal of Jainism, Moksha (liberation), and the path to achieve it through right faith, knowledge, and conduct (Samkit Gyan Charitra) is implicitly or explicitly emphasized.
• Gurutva (Importance of Guru): The text repeatedly stresses the indispensable role of a Guru in spiritual learning and attainment of knowledge.

6. Historical and Geographical References:

• Sachor Tirth: A significant portion of the text (starting from page 9) is dedicated to the historical and religious importance of the Jain pilgrimage site of Sachor in Rajasthan. It traces its connection to Lord Mahavir, mentions notable Jain Acharyas born there, and narrates historical events like the destruction and subsequent attempts at preservation of temples.
• Biographies of Acharyas and Munis: The book likely includes brief biographical sketches of the prominent Jain Acharyas and Munis associated with its compilation and publication, such as Acharya Shrimad Vijay Kankaprabh Surishwarji, Muni Shri Kirtiprabh Vijayji, and Muni Shri Hariprabh Vijayji.

Overall Purpose and Style:

"Kanak Jain Vividh Sangraha" appears to be a monumental work aiming to be a comprehensive repository of Jain knowledge. Its purpose is to provide readers with a consolidated and accessible source of information on various aspects of Jainism, from core philosophy and cosmology to practical guidance on rituals, ethical conduct, and even related sciences. The text uses a question-and-answer format in some sections (like music and spiritual practices) and extensive lists and enumerations (especially in the numerical sections), reflecting a desire to be exhaustive and systematic. The inclusion of various stories, anecdotes, and auspicious verses (like the Saraswati mantras and eulogies) adds a devotional and practical dimension to the text. The effort to bring together such a vast amount of diverse information in one place is a testament to the dedication of the author and publishers in promoting Jain knowledge.

The text is rich in detail, particularly in its numerical classifications and lists, which are characteristic of traditional Indian scriptures aiming for comprehensive coverage. It serves as a valuable reference for scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in the depth and breadth of Jain teachings.