Maitrina Gulmoharonu Upvan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Maitrina Gulmoharonu Upvan" by Muni Shilchandravijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Maitrina Gulmoharonu Upvan (The Garden of Friendship Gulmohars) Author: Muni Shilchandravijay Publisher: Surendra M Kapadia, Ahmedabad Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001484/1

This book is a collection of eight short essays (nibandhas) focused on the significance and meaning of the Paryushan Parva, a major Jain festival. The essays were originally published in the daily newspaper "Jansatta" in Ahmedabad and are now presented in this book form with financial assistance from Shri Godiji Maharaj Jain Temple and Charities, Pydhuni, Mumbai.

The central theme of the book is to explore the spiritual and practical aspects of Paryushan, encouraging readers to embrace its teachings for personal and collective well-being. The title itself, "The Garden of Friendship Gulmohars," evokes a sense of beauty, positivity, and the flourishing of positive relationships, which are central to the spirit of Paryushan.

Here's a summary of each essay presented in the book:

Page 4: A Poem by Shi. This page contains a short poem reflecting on the transient nature of life. It speaks of life's ups and downs, the presence of hardships and sweetness, and the importance of striving for a higher goal despite facing challenges. It emphasizes that even amidst difficulties, life can be like a fragrant garland if one is virtuous.

Page 5: Table of Contents This page lists the eight essays:

1. The Arrival of the Event Called Paryushan
2. A Warm Welcome to Humanity: A Special Message from Paryushan
3. An Interesting Interview with Paryushan Parva
4. Our Scientific Ignorance!
5. Let Us Recognize Our Soul
6. Are We Theists?
7. The Garden of Gulmohars of Forgiveness

Essay 1: The Arrival of the Event Called Paryushan (Page 6-7) This essay introduces Paryushan as a significant event in the timeline of human life. It likens life to a series of events, both big and small, good and bad. Paryushan is described as a special, independent event that arrives after a long wait or can recur. It emphasizes that this event only finds a permanent place in the lives of those whose destiny is awakened and who await its arrival. It suggests that Paryushan helps in shedding negative events and the dirt of selfish desires, leading to a life of fulfillment. The essay warns readers not to let this event pass by, as it illuminates one's entire life.

Essay 2: A Warm Welcome to Humanity: A Special Message from Paryushan (Page 8-10) This essay, presented as a report of the Paryushan Parva's welcoming ceremony, details how the festival is heartily welcomed by Paryushan lovers who adorn themselves with spiritual practices like fasting and penance. It highlights that Paryushan prefers penance, renunciation, and self-control. The essay explains that Paryushan means nurturing virtue and purging sin. It criticizes the human tendency to foster sinful tendencies, attributing the current decline of humanity to these negative inclinations. It states that the true welcome to Paryushan is the decision to curb sinful behaviors, and that neglecting this will prevent one from receiving the benefits of its worship.

Essay 3: An Interesting Interview with Paryushan Parva (Page 11-13) This essay presents a dialogue where "Paryushan" (personified) addresses humanity. It explains that it was appointed by the Tirthankaras as a special representative for human welfare centuries ago because humanity is deeply mired in attachment, aversion, hatred, and conflict. Paryushan's mission is to save humanity from suffering, misfortune, and wrongdoings and guide it towards the path of ultimate well-being. It stresses that its efforts are only successful with human cooperation, lamenting the lack of it in recent years, which leads to its efforts being largely in vain. It urges humanity to truly desire its own welfare and offer cooperation, assuring that it will take care of the rest. The concluding message is: "Without cooperation, there is no salvation."

Essay 4: An Interesting Interview with Paryushan Parva (Continued) (Page 14-16) This essay continues the interview. Paryushan defines itself as residing well and steadily in one's true self, a state of freedom from external attachments. It asserts the existence of the soul and refers the reader to the Ganadharvada sermon for further proof. It explains that Tirthankaras, who are universal friends, achieve enlightenment by conquering internal enemies like attachment, aversion, and ignorance. They then work for the welfare of all living beings. Paryushan, as a specific spiritual practice instituted by Tirthankaras for universal welfare, thus becomes worthy of worship by all. It refutes the narrow perception of Jainism, stating that its essence is universal friendship and the welfare of all beings, regardless of whether they are Jain or non-Jain. It clarifies that anyone can worship Paryushan by eradicating negative mental tendencies and cultivating positive ones.

Essay 5: Our Scientific Ignorance! (Page 17-19) This essay critically examines modern humanity's ability to maintain contradictory principles and their misuse of scientific advancements. It argues that while science creates material comforts, its misuse leads to ignorance. It highlights the paradox of people knowingly consuming unhygienic food from street vendors and restaurants, despite possessing scientific knowledge about the risks of bacteria and viruses. The essay cites an alarming report about street food in Kampala, Uganda, being more contaminated than sewage water. It concludes that this "scientifically protected ignorance" persists as long as it is shielded by the façade of medicine and science. Paryushan is presented as an opportunity to deeply reflect on this issue and utilize it effectively.

Essay 6: Let Us Recognize Our Soul (Page 20-22) This essay, through a practical explanation by Acharya Shri Vijaynandansuriji Maharaj, delves into understanding the soul. It uses a relatable analogy of what is most dear to humans: wealth, son, body, senses, and finally, life-breath (prana). It argues that if even life-breath is sometimes wished to be given up for a loved one, then the "I" that possesses this life-breath, the "self," is even more cherished. This "self" that is distinct from the physical body and its functions is identified as the soul. The essay emphasizes that this is the day to understand the soul, as Paryushan will feature discourses explaining the existence of the soul, karma, virtue, sin, the afterlife, and liberation.

Essay 7: Are We Theists? (Page 23-25) This essay addresses the generational conflict surrounding belief in God and spirituality. It points out the common stereotypes of the older generation being "non-believers" and the younger generation being "rigid traditionalists." It questions the definition of a theist, contrasting outward religious practices with inner moral conduct. Citing a thought-provoking quote, it defines a theist not just by uttering God's name, but by feeling sorrow for others' suffering and joy in their happiness. This essay argues that such empathy, even without overt religious rituals, signifies theistic belief and is the true link to Paryushan. It suggests that this understanding can bridge the gap between generations and help in recognizing the existence of the soul.

Essay 8: The Garden of Gulmohars of Forgiveness (Page 26-27) This final essay focuses on the core concept of forgiveness, especially as practiced through the Jain mantra "Michha Miji Dukkaḍam." It highlights that admitting one's mistakes is challenging, but the Jain tradition provides a specific utterance for it. "Michha Miji Dukkaḍam" signifies "I made a mistake," "Please forgive me," and "I will not err again." The essay explains that when the practice of Paryushan bears fruit, this phrase spontaneously arises from the heart. Forgiveness is presented as the jewel of the brave. The essay urges readers to cleanse their hearts of envy, hatred, anger, and agitation accumulated through unintentional or intentional negative thoughts, words, or actions. The goal is to clear out this "junk" and create a beautiful "garden of friendship gulmohars" filled with forgiveness, amity, joy, and equanimity. It concludes that the true use of "Michha Miji Dukkaḍam" will fill not only Paryushan but also one's entire life with the sweet smile of forgiveness and friendship.

In essence, "Maitrina Gulmoharonu Upvan" is a guide to understanding and embracing the profound spiritual lessons of Paryushan Parva. It encourages introspection, self-improvement, ethical living, and the cultivation of positive relationships through the principles of forgiveness, self-control, and universal compassion, all within the framework of Jain philosophy.