Kevali Prabhuno Sath Volume 01

Certainly! Here's a comprehensive summary of "Kevali Prabhuno Sath Volume 01" based on the provided table of contents and introductory pages.

Book Title: Kevali Prabhuno Sath Volume 01 (The Company of the Omniscient Lord, Volume 01) Author: Saryu Rajani Mehta Publisher: Shreyas Pracharak Sabha, Mumbai Publication Year: 2007 ISBN: 978-81-87111.98-6

Overall Theme: This book, "Kevali Prabhuno Sath Volume 01," is a Jain text authored by Saryu Rajani Mehta and published by Shreyas Pracharak Sabha. The title itself, "The Company of the Omniscient Lord," suggests a focus on the teachings and presence of omniscient beings (Kevali) in the Jain tradition, particularly in guiding the reader towards spiritual development and liberation. The book is presented as a path to understanding and experiencing the divine presence throughout one's spiritual journey.

Key Concepts and Structure (from the Table of Contents):

The book is structured into four main chapters, each delving into significant aspects of Jain philosophy and spiritual practice:

1. Chapter 1: Stuti of the Twenty-Four Tirthankara Prabhus (Praise of the Twenty-Four Omniscient Lords)

   • Focus: This chapter is dedicated to praising the twenty-four Tirthankaras of the current era, starting from Lord Adinath (Rishabhdev) to Lord Mahavir Vardhaman.
   • Content: It appears to explore the spiritual journey and developmental stages leading up to the omniscient state, possibly in relation to the individual soul's progress. Each Tirthankara's praise likely highlights their specific contributions and spiritual insights, connecting them to the reader's own path of self-improvement and seeking divine connection. The introduction mentions seeking the "company of the Lord" and connecting with the "Supreme Being."

2. Chapter 2: Samyakattva Parakram (Effort for Righteousness/Correct Perception)

   • Focus: This chapter centers on "Samyakattva," a fundamental concept in Jainism, which refers to right perception, faith, and understanding. The word "Parakram" implies effort, struggle, or great endeavor, suggesting that attaining and maintaining Samyakattva is a significant spiritual achievement requiring dedicated effort.
   • Content: The table of contents indicates a deep dive into the stages and processes involved in attaining Samyakattva, likely involving the destruction of ignorance and the development of virtuous qualities. It mentions concepts like:
     • The soul's state in the cycle of birth and death.
     • The importance of the Panchaparamesti (the five supreme beings).
     • The glory and effort required for Samyakattva.
     • The interplay of "Upadan" (inherent potential) and "Nimitta" (external causes/guidance).
     • The purification of the soul.
     • Stages of spiritual progress (e.g., Antarvṛtti Sparś, Samyak Darshan, Kshayo-psham, etc.).
     • Detailed explanations of the stages of karma destruction (e.g., Adhahkaran, Apurvakaran, Anivṛttikaran).
     • The significance of a true Guru.
     • The essence of Dharma (righteousness).
     • The importance of prayer, forgiveness, and mantra remembrance.
     • Overcoming specific karmic obstacles (e.g., dealing with infinite passions and delusion).
     • The ultimate goal of attaining the Sixfold Conduct and then the state of Kevali (omniscient).
     • The path leading to the soul's perfect state (Siddha).
     • The text seems to draw upon scriptures like the Uttaradhyayana Sutra.

3. Chapter 3: Ashtakarm (The Eight Karmas)

   • Focus: This chapter provides a detailed exploration of the eight types of karma in Jainism, which are central to understanding the soul's bondage and liberation.
   • Content: It covers:
     • The soul (Jiva) as the bearer of karma.
     • The ten vitalities (Pranas) that sustain life.
     • The five causes of karma bondage (Mithyatva, Avirati, Pramad, Kashay, Yoga).
     • The four aspects of karma bondage (Prakriti, Sthiti, Ras, Pradesh).
     • A comprehensive breakdown of the eight main karmas:
       • Jnanaavaran (Knowledge-obscuring karma) and its five types.
       • Darshanavaran (Perception-obscuring karma) and its nine types.
       • Vedaniya (Feeling-producing karma) and its two types.
       • Mohaniya (Delusion-producing karma) and its types (Darshan Mohaniya and Charitra Mohaniya, with further sub-divisions).
       • Ayushya (Lifespan-determining karma) and its four types.
       • Naam (Body-determining karma) and its numerous types (mentioned as 93 or 103).
       • Gotra (Status-determining karma) and its two types.
       • Antaraay (Obstruction karma) and its five types.
     • The sequence of karma types.
     • The ten main states of karma.
     • Mention of 42 positive karma natures and 82 negative karma natures.
     • The remedies for overcoming the blockage caused by each karma.

4. Chapter 4: Adhar Paapsthanak (Eighteen Abodes of Sin/Vices)

   • Focus: This chapter identifies and explains the eighteen negative tendencies or actions (Paapsthanak) that lead to karma bondage.
   • Content: It connects the eight karmas and their sub-types to these eighteen abodes of sin. It elaborates on:
     • The underlying causes of karma bondage (reiterating Mithyatva, Avirati, Pramad, Kashay, Yoga).
     • The eight types of Pudgala Varganas (matter streams).
     • The concept of Pradeshbandh (bondage of karmic matter).
     • Detailed explanations of each of the eighteen Paapsthanas, linking them to the types of karma they generate (e.g., Hinsa leads to Darshanavaran karma, Mrushavada leads to Jnanavaran karma, etc.).
     • The text emphasizes the development of virtues to overcome these negative states, such as developing forgiveness to break free from Darshanavaran karma, or cultivating detachment to overcome the bondage of attachment.
     • It also touches upon the vows taken in Jainism, noting the difference between five great vows in the time of the first and last Tirthankaras versus four vows for the intermediate ones.

Introductory Sections:

• Dedication (Page 19): The book is dedicated to Shri Rajprabhu (likely referring to Lord Mahavir or another revered Tirthankara), who has experienced and conveyed the excellence of the path of the soul's development.
• Foreword (Page 20-27): The foreword, written by Dr. Kala Shah, provides a personal narrative of the author's spiritual journey, her deep connection with the teachings of Shrimad Rajchandra, and how this book evolved from her spiritual experiences and divine guidance. It highlights the author's intention to reveal spiritual secrets not fully detailed in existing scriptures and to follow the path shown by the Lord. She expresses her gratitude to her parents, husband, and other spiritual companions and helpers.
• The Journey of Self-Development (Page 28-33): This section, possibly an introduction or preface by Dr. Kala Shah, sets the stage by emphasizing the need for self-knowledge in the modern world and introduces the book's structure. It discusses the significance of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, the nature of Samyakattva, the role of the eight karmas, and the eighteen Paapsthanas as interconnected elements in the spiritual path. It also praises the author's simple, profound, and devotional writing style.

Key Message: The book aims to guide spiritual seekers by systematically explaining fundamental Jain principles, the nature of karma, the path to righteousness (Samyakattva), and the ways to overcome sins (Paapsthanas). It emphasizes the importance of divine guidance, sincere effort, and the cultivation of virtues for achieving spiritual liberation.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the book's content and structure based on the provided information.