Muni Premvijayji Ni Tip

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Muni Premvijayji ni Tip" by Bhuvanchandravijay, based on the provided Gujarati text:

Book Title: Muni Premvijayji ni Tip Author: Muni Bhuvanchandravijay (Editor) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Original Author of the Tips: Muni Premvijayji

Overall Description and Significance:

"Muni Premvijayji ni Tip" is a collection of self-imposed rules and vows ("niyam" or "tip") undertaken by Muni Premvijayji, a disciple of Jagadguru Vijayhirsūriśvarji. These rules were apparently written by Muni Premvijayji for his own personal use. The manuscript, found in the Hastakbhandar of the Shri Parshwachandgacch Sangh in Khambhat, is written in red and black ink with clear, large script. It comprises five leaves, is in good condition, and is dated Samvat 1639 (Vikram era).

The text is significant as it details the strict adherence to Jain principles by monastic practitioners. It goes beyond the five Mahavratas (great vows) and other essential rules followed by Jain monks, showcasing the voluntary and rigorous self-discipline they embraced. The compilation demonstrates the depth of asceticism possible in a monastic life, but importantly, it's not solely about enduring hardship. The rules also reveal insights into inner awakening, humility, simplicity, and a practical approach to spiritual life. A notable aspect of these rules is the provision for exceptions ("apavada"), indicating a thoughtful and balanced approach to their observance. The language used is also considered useful from a linguistic perspective.

Key Themes and Categories of Rules:

The rules are presented in a structured manner, with each "bol" (section or point) outlining a specific vow or practice. They can be broadly categorized as follows:

• Vows related to Articles of Use and Possessions:

  • Bol 1: Vows concerning the use of a "kalpado" (a type of cloth), "kambali" (woolen blanket), "santhaarid" (bedding), and "cholapatt" (a type of garment).
  • Bol 2: Vows related to the use of three types of vessels, five types of coverings, three types of red objects, and a "jholi" (begging bag).
  • Bol 33: Vows regarding additional bedding beyond the "santhaari" and "utarpatan" (a garment worn during sleep), and placing any item under the head ("usis"). However, exceptions are made for bathing the head or wearing three layers of clothing for bodily reasons.
  • Bol 34: Vow concerning the unintentional leaving of one's own utensils uninspected, with a consequence of reciting the "Naukavali" (a devotional recitation) if it occurs.
  • Bol 36: Vow to abstain from using "padhiharu" (certain types of garments) or "kambalo" (blanket), with an exception for such use when necessary.
  • Bol 38: Vow concerning the daily inspection of nighttime items ("akhoda-pokhada") and not leaving them uninspected, with a consequence of reciting a "Naukavali" if they are left uninspected.
  • Bol 39: Detailed rules for the inspection of various monastic items like "siki" (brush), "upadhi" (secondary possessions), "sthapanā" (idols), "dando" (stick), etc. If these inspections are inaccurate or incomplete, the monk should recite five "Naukara" (Navkar Mantra) or recite five "Pañcānana" (likely referring to recitation of the names of five specific Tirthankaras or saints).
  • Bol 40: Vow concerning the unintentional taking or placement of uninspected "siki," "upadhi," or "dando," with the consequence of reciting a "Naukavali."
  • Bol 44: Vow to avoid placing any item without proper inspection or in a disordered manner, with the consequence of reciting five "Naukara."

• Vows related to Food and Abstinence (Panchkhan):

  • Bol 3: Vows of lifelong abstinence from medicine, or in case of bites from snakes etc., or heatstroke, or injury.
  • Bol 4: Vow of abstinence from five types of "vigai" (foods that are enhanced or prepared with special ingredients).
  • Bol 5: Vow of abstinence from a long list of specific items including coconut, "goto" (a type of sweet), "yepar" (possibly a type of herb), dried dates, dates, grapes, cloves, cardamom, dry ginger, black pepper, and long pepper.
  • Bol 6: Vow of abstinence from "kheer" (sweet rice pudding) and "nivi" (likely referring to milk with added ingredients).
  • Bol 7: Vow of abstinence from dry lentil soup, all types of blue-colored foods, all dried items, all salty soups, etc.
  • Bol 8: Vow of lifelong abstinence from "gathasina" (a specific type of food), with a provision that if one is unwell, they can have "chauvihar" (abstinence from food after sunset). If, after recovery, the "gathasina" vow is remembered, and the consumed amount is not fully "used up" (meaning it's not entirely consumed in the current eating period), the vow is not broken. If the consumed amount is not utilized, the monk should eat the food and then perform "chauvihar" again. This bol also mentions the vow of reciting a thousand "sajhay" (devotional songs).
  • Bol 10: Vow of taking only two meals a day ("biyasana") with three "vihars" (periods of not eating). There's also a provision for taking medicine when necessary.
  • Bol 14: Vow of abstinence from ghee from a "sajyatar" house (a house where a monk has received alms), oil, "gakar" (possibly a type of preparation), and the fourth meal.
  • Bol 15: Vows concerning taking food and water without the presence of "kshetra" (place), "kala" (time), or "marga" (path) being transgressed. Also, vows related to taking food and water while crossing a river, and exceptions are made if travelling three "kos" or four to five "javo" (units of distance) and no such village is encountered.
  • Bol 16: Vow to eat only at the designated time ("tivār") and to recite seventeen verses from the "Dasavaikālik Sūtra." If this is not possible, then recite one "Naukavali."
  • Bol 17: Vow of lifelong abstinence from "vigai" (enhanced foods) exceeding a "ser" (a unit of weight), or if it increases, then a more extensive abstinence.
  • Bol 18: Vow regarding accepting something that has been "ghāṇavā" (processed) three times by a new person.
  • Bol 20: Vow to refrain from speaking ill of others. If this is done habitually, then abstinence from soup on the following day is prescribed.
  • Bol 22: Vow of abstinence from various items including "bhairav," "salu" (types of cloth), "mahimadi," "bahadari," "jhuno," "godiūm," "atāṇ," "shribāp," and silken garments.
  • Bol 25: Vow to abstain from using "agalyam pani" (likely unfiltered or impure water). If it is repeatedly used, then one "Naukavali" should be recited.
  • Bol 27: Vows related to travel, emphasizing not to say "khapsaru" (meaning not to complain or express difficulties).
  • Bol 41: Vow to undertake "ambil tap" (a type of fast) if one's body becomes cold unexpectedly at night. If the "sajyatar" house is not prepared (meaning no food is available), even then, "ambil tap" should be performed to compensate.
  • Bol 42: Vow to recite five "Naukara" if food and water are taken after the "Iriyāvahī" (a specific type of penitence).
  • Bol 43: Vow to compensate for "thābaḍaī bhāgaī" (a specific spiritual offense) by performing "chhaṭa-tap" (a type of fast). "Ambil," "navi," and a thousand "sajhay" are also mentioned as compensatory practices.
  • Bol 45: Vow to refrain from speaking harshly or complaining ("khāem-khāṭuṁ") for one's own benefit. If done out of habit, a penalty of one "Naukavali" is prescribed. If harsh language is spoken to monks or householders from one's own mouth, then ten "Naukavali" should be recited.

• Vows related to Devotional Practices and Recitations:

  • Bol 9: Vow of reciting "Biyasana" (two meals) with three "vihars" (periods of not eating) for life.
  • Bol 11: Vow to perform "devadarshan" (worship of deities) daily. If this is not possible, then "salana" (abstinence from soup) is prescribed for the following day.
  • Bol 12: Vow to worship the deities at all three times of the day. If this is not possible, then standing and reciting one "Naukavali" is prescribed for the following day.
  • Bol 13: Vow to recite three thousand "sajhay" daily. However, exceptions are made for days of fasting, breaking fasts, travel, yoga, writing, speaking, special service ("veyavachcha"), preparing medicinal pastes ("lep"), penitence recitations ("ālochanāni sajhay"), for bodily needs, or for hair-plucking ("locha"). Without such reasons, at least a thousand "sajhay" should not be missed. If three thousand are not completed, the remaining should be recited on the following day. This bol also lists ten specific "Naukavalis" to be recited daily in honor of various saints and spiritual figures.
  • Bol 19: Vow not to speak ill of others. If this happens habitually, then "salana" is prescribed for the following day.
  • Bol 21: Vow to inspect the "thandiil" (a place for meditation or a clean spot) daily. If it cannot be inspected, then "nivi" (likely referring to milk) should be taken on the following day.
  • Bol 23: Vows related to keeping one book, two white texts ("patha"), and one "vitaagan" (likely a type of scripture or collection).
  • Bol 24: Vow to keep one "sutrani naukavali" (recitation related to a scripture) or even one "patrajivani" (recitation related to a living being on a leaf).
  • Bol 26: Vow for monks to take rest daily, without any specific reason.
  • Bol 29: If any item for travel is lost or discarded, one "Naukavali" should be recited.
  • Bol 30: If one speaks in a state of mental disorder ("udhad mudha"), twenty "Naukara" should be recited. If one speaks ill of others while eating, one "Naukavali" should be recited.
  • Bol 32: Vows not to speak while performing "vadilehan" (a ritualistic cleansing) or "padikamanu" (penitence). If asked to speak by the guru, it is permissible. Otherwise, if speaking occurs, one "Naukavali" should be recited.
  • Bol 37: Vow to abstain from anointing the body with oil or other substances for beautification. If this is done under duress, a penalty of one "Naukavali" is prescribed for the following day.
  • Bol 46: (This bol is incomplete in the provided text)

In essence, "Muni Premvijayji ni Tip" provides a detailed and profound glimpse into the stringent spiritual discipline adopted by Jain monks. It highlights their commitment to self-control, their reverence for vows, and their practical approach to navigating the complexities of monastic life with a balance of strictness and considered exceptions.