Kashay Tyagnu Mahaparv Shree Paryushana

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kashay Tyagnu Mahaparv Shree Paryushana" by Dhurandharvijay, based on the provided pages:

The book "Kashay Tyagnu Mahaparv Shree Paryushana" (The Great Festival of Renouncing Kashays – Shree Paryushana) authored by Pujyapanyasji Maharajshri Dhurandharvijayji and published by Shree Jain Sahitya Vardhak Sabha, Surat, is a detailed exposition on the significance and practice of the sacred Paryushana festival in Jainism. The central theme of the book is the renunciation of "Kashays" – the four cardinal passions: Anger (Krodh), Pride (Man), Deceit (Maya), and Greed (Lobh).

Core Message: The book emphasizes that Paryushana is the foremost of all festivals, celebrated with unique enthusiasm and fervor. Its grandeur and importance are rooted in a profound spiritual purpose: the eradication of Kashays from the soul. The author aims to explain why Paryushana is celebrated grandly, believing that understanding the reasons deepens appreciation and commitment to the festival.

The Analogy of the Jewel Festival: To illustrate the principle that understanding the underlying reason enhances reverence, the book narrates a story. A king, Shatananik of Kaushambi, observed a grand "Jewel Festival" annually, involving significant expenditure. Despite the tradition, the king was unaware of its true purpose and felt a deep curiosity. He even offered his daughter and a reward to anyone who could explain the secret behind the festival.

A scholar named Dhanyakumar stepped forward. He examined the jewel used in the festival and revealed its power: as long as the jewel was worshipped and its festival celebrated with proper rituals, the kingdom was protected from enemy attacks. To prove this, he placed a plate full of grains before caged birds. While the jewel was present, the birds could not touch the grain. However, when the jewel was removed, the birds immediately devoured the entire plate. Dhanyakumar explained that just as the jewel protected the grain from the hungry birds, it protected the kingdom from enemies. Discontinuing the festival would weaken the jewel's influence and expose the kingdom to attacks. The king was greatly satisfied and accepted Dhanyakumar as his son-in-law.

Paryushana as a Spiritual Counterpart: The book draws a parallel between the Jewel Festival and Paryushana. Just as the Jewel Festival protected the kingdom, the grand celebration of Paryushana protects the Jain spiritual kingdom (Jain Shasan). As long as Paryushana is celebrated with devotion, no "enemy" (referring to the Kashays) can harm the Jain dharma. The magnificence of Paryushana's observance disheartens the Kashays, making them feel powerless and aware of the vigilant spiritual power.

The Four Kashays and Their Defeat: The four Kashays (Anger, Pride, Deceit, Greed) desire dominion over every soul. While they often succeed in influencing others, their power weakens and ultimately breaks before the devotees of Paryushana. The festival is presented as a direct assault on these Kashays:

• Anger (Krodh): Paryushana cultivates forgiveness. Even when provoked, devotees practice forbearance and seek forgiveness on Samvatsari, disarming anger. The festival removes the shame associated with asking for forgiveness, making even the proud willing to seek it from those they may have wronged.
• Pride (Man): Through practices like meditation and penance, devotees shed their ego and embrace humility. The act of asking for forgiveness itself is a powerful way to overcome pride.
• Deceit (Maya): The festival encourages sincerity and transparency. Devotees strive to act genuinely, not merely putting on a show of piety. Those who engage in false penances or ostentatious displays are seen through, and their deceit is rendered ineffective. The book cautions against the temptation to appear virtuous when one is not, urging authenticity.
• Greed (Lobh): During Paryushana, the focus shifts from material possessions to spiritual gain. The book warns against the lure of worldly desires that can distract from the purpose of the festival, especially when many charitable activities are taking place. It encourages generous contributions to good causes without hesitation, comparing it to spending on worldly matters without regret.

Avoiding Pitfalls During Paryushana: The book acknowledges that Kashays don't remain passive and can set traps. It identifies specific "danger zones" to be aware of:

1. Crowds and Discomfort: During busy festival days, when amenities are scarce, one should be vigilant against developing resentment (Dvesh).
2. Unpleasant Associations: Encounters with disagreeable people, even if unavoidable, can lead to anger (Krodh) and pride (Man). One must guard against getting offended or feeling superior.
3. False Show of Piety: The temptation to appear virtuous when one is not, driven by envy or the desire for admiration, is a manifestation of deceit (Maya). The book advises against putting on a false spiritual facade.
4. Materialistic Distractions: When engaging in spiritual activities, the Kashays, particularly greed (Lobh), can present worldly temptations. One must resist the urge to prioritize business or material gains over spiritual practices.

Recommended Observances: To effectively conquer Kashays and reap the spiritual benefits of Paryushana, the book strongly recommends undertaking specific duties and vows. These include:

• Observing Jivdaya (compassion for all living beings).
• Practicing Arambh-samarambh tyag (renunciation of harmful activities).
• Abstaining from Asatya (lying) and Chaurya (stealing).
• Observing Brahmacharya (celibacy/continence).
• Renouncing Moochha (attachment/possessiveness).
• Performing Samayik (equanimity meditation).
• Undertaking Paushadh (fasting and renunciation of worldly activities).
• Performing Pratikraman (confession and repentance) twice daily.
• Engaging in Jin Pooja (worship of the Tirthankaras).
• Taking Sankalp (vows), particularly the five key vows: celibacy, daily repentance, Jin Pooja, abstaining from green vegetables (Lileteri), and controlling harmful activities.
• Observing Athhamtap (fasting for three consecutive days).
• Performing Karyotsarg (standing in meditation) for a specific number of breaths.
• Listening to the Shree Kalpa Sutra.
• Practicing Sadharmik Bhakti (devotion to fellow Jains).
• Seeking Kshama (forgiveness) and performing Samvatsarik Pratikraman (annual repentance).

Conclusion: The ultimate aim of meticulously observing Paryushana, the great festival of renouncing Kashays, is to achieve victory over these internal enemies and reclaim one's true spiritual wealth. The book concludes with verses praising Paryushana as an eternal, supreme festival that brings immense peace, bestows auspiciousness, and liberates beings from the fear of rebirth, being adored by gods, demi-gods, and humans alike.