Mangal Mandir Kholo - Book Summary

This Jain text, "Mangal Mandir Kholo" (Open the Temple of Auspiciousness) by Devratnasagar, published by Shrutgyan Prasaran Nidhi Trust, is a spiritual guide focused on cultivating virtues for a righteous and spiritually elevated life, particularly for householders aiming for progress on the path to liberation (Moksha).

The book is structured around the concept of Marganusari, which translates to "following the path." This describes an individual who is inclined towards and actively moving on the spiritual path towards Moksha. The text emphasizes that true humanity is not merely about having a human body but about embodying qualities of compassion, righteousness, and self-control.

The core of the book is the detailed exposition of thirty-five virtues that a Marganusari individual should cultivate. This summary will cover the key themes and the first few virtues discussed:

Overall Themes:

Humanity (Manavta): The book stresses the importance of developing true humanity, which transcends physical existence and lies in spreading the fragrance of humaneness and the light of morality.
Spiritual Progress: It outlines a gradual path of spiritual upliftment, starting with the foundational steps of becoming a Marganusari.
Virtue Cultivation: The primary focus is on understanding and practicing specific virtues that lead to inner purity and spiritual growth.
The Role of Jain Dharma: The text highlights the teachings of Lord Mahavir and the Jain scriptures as the ultimate guide for achieving true humaneness and liberation.
Overcoming Negative Tendencies: A significant portion of the book addresses the dangers of worldly attachments, desires (vasana), and negative emotions like greed, anger, and ego, and provides guidance on how to overcome them.
Importance of Righteous Conduct: The book emphasizes that external rituals are secondary to internal purity and righteous actions.

Key Virtues Discussed (partial list based on the provided pages):

The book systematically introduces and elaborates on these virtues, often using stories, parables, and philosophical explanations. Here are some of the virtues discussed in the provided pages:

Nyay-Sampanna Vaibhava (Justice-filled Prosperity): This is presented as the first virtue. It stresses the importance of acquiring wealth through righteous and ethical means (justice and policy). Wealth is a tool, not an end in itself. Misusing wealth or acquiring it unethically leads to downfall. The text distinguishes between different types of individuals based on their goals and adherence to dharma (Sarvavirati Dhar, Desh Virati Dhar, Samyag-drishti, Marganusari, Mithya-drishti) and explains how wealth should be managed within the framework of dharma. It strongly cautions against prioritizing wealth over righteousness.
Shishtachar Prashansa (Appreciation of Good Conduct): This virtue encourages the admiration and emulation of the conduct of virtuous and respected individuals (Shishta Purush). It highlights that true "Shishta" are those who uphold dharma and possess knowledge and good character. The text criticizes the modern tendency to value wealth over true virtue and emphasizes that appreciating good conduct helps in developing similar qualities within oneself. It also touches upon the importance of cultural traditions and the potential pitfalls of blindly adopting foreign customs.
Uchit Vivah (Appropriate Marriage): This section discusses the significance of choosing a life partner wisely, emphasizing the importance of matching qualities like lineage (kul), character (sheel), and shared beliefs and values. It underscores that marriage is not merely for physical pleasure but a foundation for spiritual growth and the nurturing of future generations. The text cautions against unions that lead to spiritual decline and highlights the role of a virtuous spouse in supporting one's spiritual journey. It uses anecdotes to illustrate the consequences of ill-suited marriages.
Paap Bheeruta (Fear of Sin): This virtue advocates for a deep-seated aversion to sin. It explains that true bravery lies not in fearing humans but in fearing sinful actions. The text emphasizes that all suffering originates from sin and advises avoiding even minor transgressions. It uses vivid examples, like the fear of a snake or a scorpion, to illustrate the intensity of fear one should have towards sin. The story of Fulchand Seth and his aversion to papaya due to a past medical experience is used to convey the idea of developing an extreme aversion to something that can lead to suffering.
Prasiddh Deshachar Palan (Following Established Customs of the Land): This virtue stresses the importance of adhering to time-tested customs and traditions that are beneficial and have stood the test of time, especially those that uphold dharma and societal well-being. It warns against the blind rejection of traditions simply because they are old, using examples like the wisdom behind certain restrictions on women's freedom in ancient India for the sake of preserving chastity and societal values. The text also highlights the importance of living in communities with good neighbors who uphold similar values.
Ninda ka Tyag (Abandonment of Slander/Criticism): This virtue strongly condemns the act of speaking ill of others, whether virtuous or sinful. It explains that slander originates from ego and jealousy and ultimately harms the speaker more than the spoken of. The text uses analogies, like a dirty mouth that spews foulness, and stories of saints and individuals who suffered due to slander or its opposite (praise), to illustrate its detrimental effects. It advocates for constructive criticism, when necessary, to be done privately and with compassion.
Uchit Ghar (Appropriate Home): This section provides guidance on selecting and maintaining a dwelling. It emphasizes choosing a location that is safe, conducive to spiritual practice, and surrounded by good influences. It warns against places with potential dangers (supernatural or criminal), scarcity, or negative social environments. The text also stresses the importance of internal home aesthetics that promote peace and spirituality, rather than worldly materialism. Proximity to temples and monasteries is also considered beneficial.
Satsang (Good Company): This virtue highlights the profound impact of associating with virtuous people and spiritual guides. It explains that good company can purify the mind, inspire good deeds, and guide one away from sinful paths. Conversely, bad company (kusang) leads to spiritual downfall. The text uses compelling stories of individuals who were transformed by the influence of saints and good association.
Mata-Pita ki Puja (Worship of Parents): This virtue emphasizes the immense and irreplaceable gratitude owed to parents. It describes parents as the first teachers and providers of life and well-being, comparing their kindness to the vastness of the sky. The text stresses that honoring and serving parents, especially in their old age, is a foundational aspect of dharma. It contrasts this with the growing trend of abandoning parents in old age homes, which is seen as a deviation from true Indian culture.
Upadrav-grast Sthan ka Tyag (Abandonment of Troubled Places): This virtue advises individuals to avoid living in or frequenting places that are prone to danger, violence, crime, or negative influences. This includes areas with frequent natural calamities, political unrest, or environments that foster immoral behavior. The reasoning is that such environments can impede spiritual progress and negatively influence oneself and one's family, especially children.
Nindaniya Pravrittiyon ka Tyag (Abandonment of Blameworthy Practices): This section delves into avoiding detrimental habits and vices that are considered blameworthy in society and detrimental to spiritual well-being. It specifically details the "seven major vices" (Sapt Vyasan) – intoxication, meat-eating, gambling, stealing, illicit sexual relationships, participation in sensual entertainment, and dishonest business practices. The text elaborates on the destructive consequences of each vice with illustrative stories and philosophical reasoning, urging readers to abstain from them.
Uchit Vyay (Appropriate Spending): This virtue focuses on the responsible management of finances. It advocates for living within one's means, avoiding unnecessary expenditure, and prioritizing essential needs and charitable contributions over ostentatious displays of wealth or excessive indulgence. The text stresses that wealth is a means to an end, not an end in itself, and should be used for spiritual growth and the welfare of others. It warns against the pitfalls of greed and the corrupting influence of wealth.

In essence, "Mangal Mandir Kholo" provides a practical and comprehensive roadmap for Jains (and indeed anyone seeking spiritual betterment) to lead a virtuous life, starting with the fundamental cultivation of positive qualities and the avoidance of negative tendencies. The book serves as a guide to building a "temple of auspiciousness" within oneself by embracing these virtues.