Paap Padal Pariharo

This document is an excerpt from the Jain text "Paap Padal Pariharo" (Meaning: Removal of the Veil of Sins), authored by Prashantvallabhvijay. The publisher is Divya Darshan Trust. The catalog link provided (https://jainqq.org/explore/004961/1) points to this text, which falls under the broader "Shri Samveg Rangshala Granth" and details the nature of the 18 Pap Sthanaks (Centers of Sin/Impurities).

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages, focusing on the content and context:

Overall Purpose: The book aims to educate readers about the eighteen "Pap Sthanaks," which are considered detrimental actions or states of being that hinder spiritual progress in Jainism. The text emphasizes the need to understand, recognize, and ultimately abandon these sins to achieve liberation and spiritual well-being.

Key Themes and Content:

• Inspiration and Guidance: The book is inspired and blessed by Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Jayghoshsurishwarji Maharaj, the Gachhadhipati (Head of the Jain sect). The compilation and presentation are credited to Panyas Pravar Shri Prashantvallabhvijayji Ganivar.

• The 18 Pap Sthanaks: The core of the book is dedicated to explaining each of the eighteen Pap Sthanaks. These are presented with their detailed nature, the severity of their consequences (Vipaka), and the benefits of renouncing them. The text draws heavily from the principles outlined in the "Shri Samveg Rangshala," a significant Jain scripture focused on detachment and renunciation.

• The Nature of Sin: The introduction (Prastavana) highlights the profound impact of sin (Paap) and merit (Punya) on life, influencing every mental, verbal, and physical action. It describes sin as initially attractive but ultimately dreadful in its results, while merit might be perceived as initially difficult but ultimately beneficial. The text likens sin to a serpent, but even more dangerous, as its effects extend beyond this life.

• The "Shri Samveg Rangshala": The book is essentially an excerpt or detailed exploration of the eighteen Pap Sthanaks from the larger "Shri Samveg Rangshala," a work by Acharya Jinachandrasuri. This original text is described as a valuable jewel in Jain literature, filled with nectar of detachment and a spiritual bomb of renunciation.

• Detailed Analysis of Each Pap Sthanak: The provided pages show the beginning of the explanation for each Pap Sthanak, starting with Pranatipat (Violence/Harming Living Beings) and moving through Mrushavad (Falsehood), Adattadan (Theft/Taking the Un-given), Maithun (Lust/Unchaste Conduct), Parigraha (Greed/Possessiveness), Krodh (Anger), Maan (Pride/Ego), Maya (Deceit), Lobh (Greed), Prem (Raga/Attachment), Dvesh (Hatred/Aversion), Kalah (Quarrel), Abhyakhyan (False Accusation), Arati-Rati (Displeasure-Pleasure), Paishunya (Slander/Gossip), Paraparivad (Backbiting), Mayamrushavada (Deceitful Falsehood), and finally Mithyadarshanashalya (False Belief/Wrong View as a Thorn).

• Illustrative Metaphors and Examples: The text uses rich metaphors and analogies to explain the severity of each sin. For instance:

  • Pranatipat: Compared to a devastating frost on flowers, a destructive forest fire, a dangerous abyss, or a steep ladder into hell.
  • Mrushavad: Likened to a terrifying root of distrust, a destructive lightning strike, a poison in food, or a dangerous storm.
  • Adattadan: Described as a stain on a mirror, a deep sea, or a terrible punishment in this life.
  • Maithun: Called the destroyer of wealth, the origin of vices, the cause of disgrace, and a dangerous attraction.
  • Parigraha: Referred to as the foundation of all sins, a deep well of samsara, and an unquenchable thirst.
  • Krodh: Seen as a consuming fire, a destroyer of intellect, and a cause of endless suffering.
  • Maan: Described as the root of downfall, the killer of virtues, and a destroyer of right conduct.
  • Maya: Portrayed as a treacherous path, a snare for the innocent, and a destroyer of all good qualities.
  • Lobh: Depicted as an insatiable fire, a bottomless ocean, and a disease that worsens with every indulgence.
  • Prem (Raga): Compared to a burning fire without fuel, a dangerous intoxication, and a fatal attraction.
  • Dvesh: Seen as a poison, a cause of quarrels, and a destroyer of virtues.
  • Kalah: Likened to a dangerous disease, a catalyst for enmity, and a cause of ruin.
  • Abhyakhyan: Described as a false accusation that creates internal turmoil and leads to severe consequences.
  • Arati-Rati: Explained as states of mind that are subject to external circumstances and can lead to spiritual downfall.
  • Paishunya: Compared to a dog's incessant barking, a slanderer's sharp axe, and a destructive fire.
  • Paraparivad: Called the root of all evil, a destroyer of good qualities, and a path to hell.
  • Mayamrushavada: Identified as deceitful falsehood, a combination of Maya and Mrushavada, leading to spiritual ruin.
  • Mithyadarshanashalya: Portrayed as a poisonous thorn in the heart, the cause of all suffering, and a blinding darkness that prevents one from seeing the truth.

• Inspirational Patronage: The publication is sponsored by the Dilipbhai Mahendrabhai Shah family, who have undertaken significant religious activities, including the consecration of a Jinallaya (temple). This signifies the importance and value placed on such spiritual literature within the community.

• Structure and Translation: The book presents the original Prakrit verses of the "Samveg Rangshala" followed by Gujarati translations and explanations. This makes the profound teachings accessible to a wider audience. The translation is noted as being concise and easy to understand, although the reviewer in the preface suggests even simpler sentences would be beneficial.

• Inclusion of Sajhays: The book also includes "Sajhays" (devotional songs/poems) on the 18 Pap Sthanaks composed by Mahopadhyay Shri Yashovijayji. These add a lyrical and devotional dimension to the text, making the teachings more engaging.

• Emphasis on Renunciation and Awareness: A recurring theme is the need for awareness of the consequences of these sins and the diligent effort required to renounce them. The book aims to instill a sense of disgust (Jugupsa) for sins and cultivate a desire for righteousness.

In essence, "Paap Padal Pariharo" serves as a practical guide for Jain practitioners and anyone seeking to understand the nature of sins and the path to spiritual purification. It is a rigorous, scripture-based explanation of actions and attitudes that lead away from liberation and towards suffering, urging readers to cultivate detachment, righteousness, and the core Jain principles of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possessiveness.