Navkar Mantra Ya Panch Parmeshthi Ane Avashyak Ke Pratikramannu Rahasya

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Book Title: Navkar Mantra Ya Panch Parmeshthi ane Avashyak ke Pratikramannu Rahasya Author: Pt. Sukhlal Sanghvi Publisher: Jain Yuvak Seva Samaj

This book, presented as a small collection of essays rather than a formal treatise, delves into the profound meanings and secrets behind the Navkar Mantra (Panch Parmeshthi) and the essential Jain ritual of Avashyak or Pratikraman.

Overview of the Contents:

The book is structured around two main essays authored by Pt. Sukhlal Sanghvi, with an additional piece by him on the authorship of Avashyak.

1. Navkar Mantra Ya Panch Parmeshthi (The Navkar Mantra, or The Five Supreme Beings):

   • Purpose: The primary aim of this essay is to provide the reader with a true understanding of the nature of the Panch Parmeshthi.
   • Definition of "Parmeshthi": The essay begins by defining what constitutes a "Parmeshthi" and distinguishes them from ordinary living beings (Jivas).
   • Nature of the Jiva (Soul): It then explores the nature of the ordinary Jiva from both the absolute (Nishchay) and practical (Vyavahar) perspectives.
   • Comparison with Other Philosophies: A brief attempt is made to compare the Jain understanding of the Jiva's nature with that presented in other philosophical schools.
   • The Soul as an Independent Entity: The essay asserts the soul's indestructible and independent nature, existing from time immemorial. It also touches upon how this concept aligns with modern scientific understanding.
   • Path to Self-Realization: The path of "self-experience" (Swanubhav) is presented as the way to verify the truth of these concepts.
   • Nature of the Panch Parmeshthi: The essay then details the nature of the Panch Parmeshthi, elaborating on the specific states of Arihant and Siddha from Nishchay, Vyavahar, and the perspective of having achieved their ultimate purpose (Krutakrutyata).
   • Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu: The nature of the Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu is also explained with similar meticulousness.
   • Meaning and Purpose of Namaskar: The essay concludes by briefly discussing the meaning of "Namaskar" (reverence), its types, and the purpose behind performing it. It also clarifies why Arhantas are saluted before Siddhas, emphasizing the practical primacy of the former.

2. Avashyak ke Pratikramannu Rahasya (The Secret of Avashyak, or Pratikraman):

   • Purpose: The goal here is to present an understanding of the ritual of Avashyak (Pratikraman) and highlight its ancient origins and devotional essence.
   • Reader's Engagement: The authors urge readers to approach this essay with peace and concentration, reflecting on the content. They are encouraged to compare the progression of the Avashyak ritual with the development of psychological sciences.
   • Ancient Origins: The essay begins by analyzing the Avashyak Karma across the three main Jain sects to establish its antiquity.
   • Definition and Qualifications: It then provides a definition of Avashyak and describes the qualifications of those who perform it.
   • Experiential Understanding: The possibility of experiencing the essence of each Avashyak through deep contemplation and study is left to the reader's experience.
   • Order and Analysis: The essay discusses the sequence of Avashyak rituals and offers a detailed analysis of each.
   • Practical and Spiritual Aspects: It clearly demonstrates how the Avashyak ritual, while religious, is also practical and spiritual.
   • The Term "Pratikraman": The essay then delves into controversial topics, exploring when and how the word "Pratikraman" replaced "Avashyak." It discusses the methodology and the qualified practitioners of Pratikraman, focusing specifically on the fourth Avashyak.
   • Addressing Criticisms: It considers criticisms leveled against Pratikraman and offers counter-arguments, comparing the Jain practice with similar rituals in other religious traditions.
   • Historical Context: The essay also touches upon the "History of Avashyak," acknowledging the author's limited knowledge but offering a glimpse based on available resources.
   • Scriptural Examination: It further examines the original Avashyak Sutras, comparing them and discussing the potential for interpolated sections. This analysis is not intended to diminish the importance of the ritual but rather to present thoughtful considerations based on acquired knowledge.
   • Commentaries and Other Sects: The essay concludes by reviewing commentaries on Avashyak and briefly discussing the Avashyak practices of the Digambara sect.

3. Aavashyak na Karta Sambandhi Mara Vicharo nu Punaravartan (My Thoughts on the Author of Avashyak: A Reiteration):

   • Reflections on Previous Work: This section is a reconsideration of Pt. Sukhlal Sanghvi's earlier Hindi work on "Panch Pratikraman."
   • Popularity vs. Success: While acknowledging the demand and numerous reprints of his Hindi work, he expresses dissatisfaction with its ultimate success, defining success by his own internal contentment.
   • Innovations and Introductions: He highlights that his previous work introduced novelties, including the first scholarly and vernacular discussions on the significant daily ritual of "Avashyak" and its associated literature.
   • Goals of the Hindi Preface: The author reiterates his initial goals: to explain the core principles of Avashyak, consider the historical context of the Avashyak Sutras and their authors, and compare Jain Avashyak rituals with those of non-Jain traditions using a comparative methodology.
   • Self-Correction and Criticism: He admits that his views have evolved slightly and acknowledges criticisms from some readers. He emphasizes that he does not claim absolute truth but remains open to re-evaluation with new insights.
   • Two Points of Contention: He identifies two main areas of disagreement among traditionalists: his opinion on the authorship of the Avashyak Sutras and his method of comparing Jain Avashyak rituals with those of other religions.
   • Defense of Comparative Study: He defends the comparative approach, stating that it is not to be feared and allows for the demonstration of Jainism's superiority. He draws parallels with ancient Jain practices of comparison and the spirit of inclusivity inherent in Jain philosophy.
   • Authorship Debate: The author presents his arguments and evidence supporting the view that the complete Avashyak Sutras were not composed by Ganadhar (the direct disciples of Mahavir Swami) but by ancient and respected Sthaviras (elders or senior monks). He meticulously analyzes scriptural references from Umaswati's Tattvartha Sutra Bhashya and its commentaries, as well as the Sen Prashna, to support his conclusion.
   • Critique of Counter-Arguments: He also critically examines arguments presented by those who believe the Avashyak Sutras are by Ganadhar, refuting them based on scriptural interpretation and the weight of evidence.
   • Historical Dating: He proposes a timeframe for the composition of the Avashyak Sutras, suggesting between the 5th century BCE and the first quarter of the 4th century BCE.
   • Nature of the Avashyak Sutras: He argues that the Avashyak Sutras were not composed by Tirthankaras (as they primarily taught the essence/meaning) or solely by Ganadhars, but rather by later Sthaviras, classifying them as Angabahya (outside the main canon).
   • Original Sutras and Later Additions: The author emphasizes the need to distinguish between the original Avashyak Sutras and later additions or modifications, noting the evolution of language and rituals over time.
   • Digambara vs. Shvetambara Practices: The book discusses the differences in the observance of Avashyak rituals between the Shvetambara and Digambara sects, noting the continuity in Shvetambara tradition and the comparative scarcity in Digambara literature.
   • Comparative Analysis with Other Religions: The appendix provides comparative insights into daily rituals in Buddhism (Tripitaka), Vedic traditions (Sandhya), and Zoroastrianism (Khordeh Avesta), highlighting common themes of spiritual practice and self-purification.

Overall Significance:

This book is a valuable resource for understanding the foundational practices of Jainism, particularly the Navkar Mantra and the Avashyak ritual. It encourages deep reflection, critical analysis of scripture, and an appreciation for the historical and philosophical underpinnings of these essential Jain observances. Pt. Sukhlal Sanghvi's scholarly approach, coupled with his willingness to engage with diverse interpretations and historical evidence, makes this a significant contribution to Jain literature.