Maro Swadhyaya

Based on the provided text, here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Maro Swadhyaya" (My Self-Study):

Title: Maro Swadhyaya (મારો સ્વાધ્યાય) - My Self-Study

Author/Editor: Pujya Muni Shri Divyaratnavijayji Maharaj (પૂજ્ય મુનિ શ્રી દિવ્યરત્ન વિજયજી મહારાજ)

Publisher: Shri Shraman Seva Parivar (શ્રી શ્રમણ સેવા પરિવાર)

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004960/1

Overview:

"Maro Swadhyaya" is a Jain text that appears to be a compilation of various Jain mantras, stotras (hymns of praise), vidyas (mantric energies), rituals, and philosophical principles related to self-study and spiritual practice. The book aims to provide guidance and resources for Jain followers to deepen their understanding and practice of Jainism.

Key Content and Structure:

The book is meticulously structured, presenting a wide array of Jain spiritual and ritualistic content, including:

• Mantras and Stotras: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the recitation and understanding of powerful Jain mantras and stotras dedicated to various Tirthankaras (especially Parshvanath and Mahavir Swami), key figures like Gautam Swami, and divine energies like Chakreshwari Devi, Padmavati Devi, and Jwalamalini Devi. Examples include:

  • Shri Namaskar Mahamantra (The fivefold Namokar Mantra)
  • Shri Vajrapanjar Stotra (Protection hymn)
  • Shri Jinpanjar Stotra (Protection hymn)
  • Shri Uvāsaggaharaṃ Stotra (Remover of troubles)
  • Shri Chintamani Parshvanath Stotra
  • Shri Mantra-adhiraja Parshvanath Stotra
  • Shri Jiravala Parshvanath Stotra
  • Shri Kalikund Parshvanath Stotra
  • Shri Stambhana Parshvanath Stuti
  • Shri Shukrastava (Praise of Indra)
  • Shri Vardhaman Vidya (Mantra related to Lord Mahavir)
  • Shri Dharmachakra Vidya
  • Shri Paramesthi Mantra
  • Mahavir Stava
  • Shri Namaskar Mantra-adhiraja Stotram
  • Shri Siddha Chakra Stotra
  • Shri Gautamastaka
  • Shri Saraswati Nama Stotra
  • Shri Suryamantra Stotra
  • Shri Tribhuvanaswamini Devi Stotra
  • Shri Devi Stotra
  • Shri Yaksharaj Ganipitaka Stotra
  • Shri Chakreshwari Devi Stotra
  • Shri Padmavati Stotra
  • Shri Shanti Dhara Path (Peace chant)
  • Shri Rishimandal Stotra
  • Shri Gurustuti (Praise of the Guru)
  • Shri Gurupaduka Stotra (Praise of Guru's sandals)
  • Shri Kshetrapala Archana (Worship of Kshetrapala)

• Vidyas (Mantric Energies): The book extensively details various "Vidyas" associated with Tirthankaras and their associated deities. These Vidyas are presented with their specific seed syllables (bijaksharas), mantras, and associated rituals for achieving particular powers or benefits. The "Vardhaman Vidya" section, in particular, is quite extensive, detailing its use in various rituals and practices.

• Rituals and Practices: The text outlines specific rituals for various occasions and purposes, including:

  • Mantravani Vidhi (Rituals for consecrating objects with mantras) for Vasakshep (a mixture for purification), Navkaravali, and Raksha Potli (protective pouch).
  • Installation and use of Yantras (mystical diagrams) on flags, rods, bells, etc.
  • Rituals for Chaturmas entry, housewarming ceremonies, and hoisting flags on temple anniversaries.
  • Detailed guidelines for performing the "Vardhaman Vidya Jap" which involves elaborate purification, visualization, and recitation steps.
  • Practices related to "Jap" (chanting) including different types, methods, and auspicious timing.
  • Mantras and rituals for Navagraha (Nine Planets) Shanti (pacification).

• Philosophical and Ethical Teachings: Interspersed within the mantra and ritualistic content are verses and sections that expound on core Jain philosophical concepts and ethical conduct:

  • Karma Sutra: Explaining the nature and bondage of karma.
  • Sanyam Sutra: Discussing self-control and restraint.
  • Apramada Sutra: Emphasizing vigilance and diligence in spiritual practice.
  • Atm-Moksha Sutra: Detailing the nature of the soul and liberation.
  • Ratnatraya Sutra: Explaining the three Jewels of Jainism (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct).
  • Samiti-Gupti Sutra: Discussing the five categories of careful conduct and three types of restraints.
  • Tapa Sutra: Describing various forms of austerity.
  • Dhyana Sutra: Explaining meditation.
  • Anupreksha Sutra: Reflecting on universal truths.
  • Samlekhana Sutra: Discussing the art of ritualistic fasting unto death.
  • Nirvana Sutra: Describing the state of liberation.
  • Sansara Sutra: Discussing the cycle of birth and death.
  • Raga-Parihara Sutra: Advising on the avoidance of attachment and aversion.
  • Dharma Sutra: Discussing the essence of Dharma.
  • Chirantanacharya krit Shri Panchasutre: Ancient teachings on the path of liberation.
  • Muninam Apramada Yantra - Upamiti: A section on the vigilance of ascetics.
  • Shri Shatrunjay Laghukalpa: A concise description of the significance of Shatrunjay pilgrimage.
  • Emphasis on detachment from worldly pleasures, even while living a householder's life (as highlighted in descriptions related to Lord Mahavir).

• Mudra (Hand Gestures): The book provides detailed descriptions and illustrations (implied by the text and potentially in the original physical book) of various mudras used in Jain rituals and sadhanas, such as Avahan Mudra, Sthapan Mudra, Sannidhan Mudra, Sanrodh Mudra, Avaguntan Mudra, Anjali Mudra, Saubhagy Mudra, Parameshti Mudra, Padma Mudra, Garud Mudra, Dhenu Mudra, Vajra Mudra, Ankush Mudra, Mudgar Mudra, Astra Mudra, Parvat Mudra, Kurma Mudra, Matsya Mudra, Shankh Mudra, Chakra Mudra, Pravachan Mudra, Parshva Mudra, Shakti Mudra, Yoni Mudra, etc.

• Mantra Classification and Principles: The text includes sections on:

  • Mantra Parampara: The lineage of mantras.
  • Mantra Linga: The gender of mantras.
  • Mantra Shastron ki Nidhi: Treasures of mantra scriptures.
  • Jap ke 3 Prakar: Three types of chanting (Vachik, Upamshu, Manas).
  • Mantra Anushthan Arembh ke Samay: Auspicious times for starting mantra rituals.
  • Mantra Phal: The fruits of reciting mantras.
  • Mantra Vidya Sadhana Prakar Kram: Methodical approach to mantra sadhana.

Purpose and Significance:

"Maro Swadhyaya" appears to be a comprehensive guide for Jain practitioners seeking to engage in devotional practices, understand the power of mantras and Vidyas, and cultivate spiritual discipline. The emphasis on detailed procedures, philosophical underpinnings, and the collection of various important texts suggests it serves as a valuable resource for spiritual growth and the preservation of Jain traditions. The inclusion of specific rituals for community events like Chaturmas entry and temple anniversaries indicates its relevance for collective religious observance.

Contributors:

The book acknowledges contributions from various esteemed Jain scholars and spiritual leaders, including:

• Researcher: Param Pujya Acharya Munechandra Surishwarji M.S.A., Param Pujya Acharya Jayasundara Surishwarji M.S.A.
• Blessings: Pujya Pandit Jayatilakji M.S.A.
• Editor: Pujya Muni Shri Divyaratnavijay (disciple of Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Kalapurnasurishwarji Maharaj and Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Kalaprabh Surishwarji Maharaj).
• Support: Various revered Sadhus and Sadhvijis Maharaj.
• Financial Support: Shri Krishnanagar Jain Shwetamber Murti Pujak Sangh, Ahmedabad, and Shri Suvidhinath Jain Shwetamber Murti Pujak Sangh, Satara, Maharashtra.

In essence, "Maro Swadhyaya" is a rich repository of Jain spiritual knowledge, designed to empower individuals with the wisdom and practices needed for a dedicated spiritual journey.