Padimadhari Shravak Ek Parichay - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Padimadhari Shravak Ek Parichay":

Book Title: Padimadhari Shravak Ek Parichay (An Introduction to Statue-Observing Lay Followers) Author: Sadhvi Jatankumarishreeji (Disciple of Yugapradhan Acharya Shri Tulsi) Publisher: Z_Kesarimalji_Surana_Abhinandan_Granth_012044.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/211311/1

This Jain text introduces the concept of Pratimadhari Shravaks, a specific and elevated category of lay followers in Jainism. It begins by stating that some householders' vows and restraint are superior and unparalleled compared to those of some monks. A Mahavrati (one who observes the great vows) abstains from unrighteous conduct through three means of action, speech, and thought, and three yogas (modes of activity). A Shravak (lay follower) is one who makes exceptions to these rules.

The text then delves into the various levels of Shravaks, highlighting the Pratimadhari Shravak. A Pratima is defined as a special renunciation or a specific vow taken. There are twelve such Pratimas, each observed for a specified period, with the first Pratima's principles continuing throughout the observance of subsequent ones. The total duration to observe all twelve Prati mas is five years and six months.

Here's a breakdown of each of the twelve Prati mas:

Darshan-Pratima (Right Faith Pratima):
- Duration: One month.
- Observance: Maintaining right faith (Sammyaktva) without any flaws like doubt, desire, or confusion for one month. This involves understanding all worldly religions but remaining steadfast in true Jain faith, avoiding the defects of false faith. A person with right faith bows only to the divine, the spiritual guides, and the religion, and not to anyone else, even in worldly interactions like greetings with relatives.
Vrat-Pratima (Vow Pratima):
- Duration: Two months.
- Observance: Strictly observing the minor vows (Anuvratas), vows of restraint (Gunavratas), and vows of self-discipline (Shikshavratas) without any faults.
Samayik-Pratima (Equanimity Pratima):
- Duration: Three months.
- Observance: Performing pure Samayik (meditation and equanimity) and Deshavakashik (limitation of activities within a specific area) during the morning, noon, and evening. The practices of Navkarsi (fasting until noon) and Paurasi (fasting until the first quarter of the day) are also continued.
Paushadh-Pratima (Fasting Pratima):
- Duration: Four months.
- Observance: Observing a complete Paushadh (fasting and religious observance) on the eighth, fourteenth, new moon, and full moon days.
Kayotsarga-Pratima (Body-Abandonment Pratima):
- Duration: Five months.
- Observance: In this Pratima, the lay follower practices Kayotsarga (standing still with detachment from the body) at night. They also observe additional rules:
  - No bathing.
  - No eating at night.
  - No rinsing the mouth with a dhoti (implied: no ritualistic cleansing).
  - Observing celibacy during the day.
  - Restraining from sexual intercourse at night.
Brahmacharya-Pratima (Celibacy Pratima):
- Duration: Six months.
- Observance: In addition to the previous rules, the lay follower observes complete celibacy.
Sachitta-Pratima (Uncooked Food Pratima):
- Duration: Seven months.
- Observance: Complete abstinence from consuming uncooked foods (foods containing living organisms like vegetables, roots, etc.).
Arambha-Pratima (Undertaking Pratima):
- Duration: Eight months.
- Observance: The lay follower completely renounces all worldly activities and undertakings. They cannot even touch living earth, water, fire, or air.
Preshya-Pratima (Service Pratima):
- Duration: Nine months.
- Observance: The lay follower does not engage others (like servants) in any undertakings or activities.
Uddishta-Varjak-Pratima (Designated Food Abstinence Pratima):
- Duration: Ten months.
- Observance: Similar to monks, this lay follower abstains from designated food (food prepared specifically for oneself). They shave their head with a razor or keep a shikha (tuft of hair). When asked about household matters, they respond with no more than "I know" or "I don't know."
Shramanbhut-Pratima (Monk-like Pratima):
- Duration: Eleven months.
- Observance: If capable, the lay follower pulls out their hair (or shaves with a razor if not). They renounce sinful activities through the three means of action, speech, and thought. They wear a Mukhapatti (mouth cloth) and Rajoharan (feather duster) like monks, but the handle of the Rajoharan is kept open. They strictly observe the great vows, disciplines (Samitis), and self-restraints (Guptis) of monks. They also practice Gochari (alms-seeking) like monks, but their emotional attachment to family members remains, so they seek alms within their own community. While fully adhering to Eshana Samiti (careful selection of alms) and avoiding the 42 defects, they accept alms. The text states that due to performing actions like Padilehana (inspection of alms) and the alms-seeking method similar to monks, this eleventh Pratima is called Shramanbhut (monk-like) in Jain scriptures. They are akin to monks but not actual monks.
(Implied Twelfth Pratima - although not explicitly numbered, the description continues to the full course of 12 months as per the overall 5 years and 6 months duration, and the principles of the first Pratima are carried through. The following section discusses general principles.)

General Principles of Pratima Observance:

Those who observe these Prati mas are called Pratimadhari Shravaks.
The primary focus is on inner renunciation rather than mere external display. As the verse suggests: "If renunciation is real, it holds great significance. If renunciation is merely outward and superficial, it has no importance. Inner renunciation is supremely special." (From Vardhaman Shiksha Saptashati by Shri Chandan Muni).
During the period of observing these Prati mas, the aspirant faces various hardships and challenges (upasarga) from gods, humans, animals, and birds. They must endure these with self-control and equanimity, remembering that "suffering of the body yields great fruits."

In essence, the book "Padimadhari Shravak Ek Parichay" outlines a progressive path of spiritual discipline for lay Jains, allowing them to gradually shed worldly attachments and move closer to the ideals of monasticism, even while remaining householders. Each Pratima represents a deepening commitment to Jain principles of non-violence, truth, self-control, and detachment.