Muhapattina 50 Bolnu Varnan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Muhapattina 50 Bolnu Varnan" by Muni Shri Narvahanvijayji, based on the provided content:

Overall Purpose and Context:

The book, "Muhapattina 50 Bolnu Varnan" (Description of the Fifty Principles of the Muhapatti), authored by Muni Shri Narvahanvijay, aims to explain the profound significance behind the ritual of purifying the Muhapatti (a cloth used by Jain monks to cover their mouth) before performing Sāmāyika (a period of equanimity and meditation). The fifty bols (principles or concepts) are intended to guide the practitioner's mind during this purification process, ensuring that the action is not merely mechanical but deeply infused with spiritual understanding and intention. The text emphasizes that true liberation (moksha) is achieved through the union of knowledge (jnana) and action (kriya), and these fifty principles are the essence of this path within Jainism.

The Importance of Knowledge and Action:

The text begins by highlighting the teachings of Lord Jineshwara, who, after experiencing worldly life and renouncing it, attained Kevaljnana (omniscience) and established the path to liberation. This path, which involves both knowledge and action, remains eternally present. It clarifies that liberation cannot be attained by knowledge alone or by action alone; both must be integrated. Sāmāyika itself is presented as an action that embodies both knowledge and action. The purification of the Muhapatti is therefore not just a ritualistic act but an opportunity for profound contemplation.

The Fifty Principles (Bol): The Essence of Jain Philosophy:

The core of the book is the explanation of the fifty bols that are to be meditated upon during the Muhapatti purification. These principles are presented as the distilled essence of Jain teachings, intended to purify the mind, prevent idle thoughts (ārtadhyāna and rauddhadhyāna), and foster dharmadhyāna (meditation on Dharma). Reciting and contemplating these fifty principles is believed to grant the practitioner a deep understanding of Jain principles and the attainment of equanimity (samata).

The Two Stages of Purification:

The text describes two main stages of purifying the Muhapatti and the body:

Muhapatti Purification: This involves a specific sequence of movements and contemplations, referred to as pakkhoda and akkhoda. The exact interpretation of these terms is a matter of scholarly conjecture, potentially related to folding and unfolding or specific ways of handling the cloth. The key is to perform these actions with mindful attention to the fifty bols.
Body Purification (Drishti Pratilikhana): This involves the physical purification of the body, including the face, head, and chest, using the Muhapatti or other means. The specific steps involve looking at the Muhapatti from all sides, performing pakkhoda (folding/shaking) and akkhoda (further purification) movements, and then extending this to various parts of the body. The text outlines a specific methodology involving hands, shoulders, back, face, and heart.

The Fifty Principles Categorized:

The fifty bols are presented as a comprehensive list, covering various aspects of Jain ethics and philosophy. They can be broadly categorized as:

Accepting and Rejecting: Embracing the true (God, Guru, Dharma) and rejecting the false (non-God, non-Guru, non-Dharma).
Virtues and Vices: Embracing knowledge, perception, and conduct, while renouncing their transgressions.
Mental and Physical Discipline: Accepting control of mind, speech, and body (gupti), while renouncing mental and physical misconduct (danda).
Renouncing Negative Emotions and States: Abandoning anger, pride, deceit, greed, fear, sorrow, ill-will, and negative leshyas (auras of the soul).
Protecting Life: Emphasizing the protection of all forms of life (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied, and mobile beings), particularly highlighting the vow of Jayanā (compassion and carefulness) for śrāvakas (lay followers) versus raksha (protection) for monks.

The Philosophical Underpinnings:

The text delves into several core Jain philosophical concepts:

The Goal of Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death is the ultimate aim.
The Nature of the Soul: The soul is inherently pure, but obscured by karmic particles.
The Role of Mithyātva (False Belief): This is described as a deep darkness and a root cause of suffering, leading to incorrect perception of reality, wrong choices, and perpetual wandering in the cycle of existence. The text uses vivid analogies to illustrate the pervasiveness and danger of mithyātva.
Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Samyak Darśan, Jñān, Chāritra): These are presented as the path to liberation, and the fifty bols are meant to cultivate these qualities.
The Importance of Right Knowledge (Samyak Jñāna): True knowledge leads to detachment, while false knowledge leads to worldly desires.
The Types of Mithyātva: The text categorizes mithyātva into five types: Abhigrahika, Anabhigrahika, Abhiniveśika, Sāṃśayika, and Anābhogika, explaining each with examples.
The Nature of Kashāyas (Passions): Anger, pride, deceit, and greed are identified as the root causes of suffering and bondage. Their detrimental effects are elaborated upon with illustrative examples.
The Significance of Samiti and Gupti: The text emphasizes the importance of these five vows (samitis) and three disciplines (guptis) for monks and, in a modified form, for lay practitioners, for controlling the mind, speech, and body.
The Role of Tapas (Austerities): Austerities are presented as essential for purifying the soul and destroying karma.
The Concept of Leshya: The six types of leshyas (auras) are explained, with an emphasis on the need to cultivate the pure leshyas.
The Dangers of Raga (Attachment) and Dvesha (Aversion): The text highlights the destructive nature of attachment and aversion, particularly in the form of kāmarāga (lustful attachment) and sneharaaga (affectionate attachment), using stories to illustrate their perilous consequences.
The Importance of Samayika and Pausadha: These practices are presented as crucial for lay followers to cultivate equanimity and spiritual progress.
The Distinction between True and False: The text consistently contrasts genuine spiritual practices with superficial or misguided ones, urging practitioners to discern the true path.

Practical Application and Guidance:

The book serves as a practical guide for Jain practitioners. It provides a framework for mindful action during a seemingly simple ritual, transforming it into a profound spiritual exercise. The emphasis on intention, understanding, and the continuous cultivation of virtues underscores the depth of Jain practice. The text also implicitly guides the reader on how to conduct themselves in daily life, making righteous choices, and ultimately working towards liberation.

Concluding Remarks:

"Muhapattina 50 Bolnu Varnan" is a detailed exposition that aims to imbue the practitioner with the fundamental principles of Jainism. By contemplating these fifty bols during the Muhapatti purification, individuals can deepen their understanding, refine their conduct, and progress on the path towards spiritual purity and liberation. The text stresses that the true essence lies not just in the ritual but in the inner transformation it facilitates.