Panch Bhavnadi Sazzaya Sarth - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panch Bhavnadi Sazzaya Sarth" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Panch Bhavnadi Sazzaya Sarth (पंच भावनादि सज्झाय सार्थ) Author(s): Agarchand Nahta, Bhanvarlal Nahta Publisher: Bhanvarlal Nahta Part of: Shrimad Devchand Sazzayamala, Part 2 Theme: The book is a collection of devotional songs (Sazzayas) related to five key spiritual sentiments or contemplations (Bhavanas) as described by the revered Jain Acharya Shrimad Devchandji. It also includes other related Sazzayas and biographical sketches of ascetics.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The book aims to disseminate the spiritual teachings of Shrimad Devchandji, particularly his insights on the "Five Bhavanas" (sentiments/contemplations). These Bhavanas are presented as essential for spiritual progress, especially for monks (Sadhus), but are also relevant for lay followers (Shravaks). The text emphasizes the importance of knowledge (Shrut), austerity (Tap), fortitude (Sattva), solitude (Ekatva), and understanding of principles (Tattva) for spiritual liberation.

Key Components and Content:

Introduction (Prveshika):
- Highlights the significant influence of Shrimad Devchandji's works within the Shvetambar Jain community.
- Mentions the earlier efforts to collect and publish his works, acknowledging the need for Hindi translations to reach a wider audience.
- Indicates that this publication aims to fulfill that need by providing Hindi translations and explanations of important Sazzayas.
- Emphasizes the profound impact of the "Panch Bhavana" Sazzaya in awakening consciousness.
Dedication:
- The book is dedicated to the memory of Shri Manohar Lal Nahta, described as a "death-conquering" (Mrityunjayi) and virtuous young man whose life exemplified spiritual dedication and service.
Table of Contents (Anukramanika):
- Panch Bhavana Sazzaya Sarth (Five Sentiments/Contemplations):
  - Shrut Bhavana (Contemplation of Knowledge)
  - Tap Bhavana (Contemplation of Austerity)
  - Sattva Bhavana (Contemplation of Fortitude/Inner Strength)
  - Ekatva Bhavana (Contemplation of Solitude/Oneness)
  - Tattva Bhavana (Contemplation of Principles/Essence)
- Bhavana Mahatmya (Glory of Bhavana): Discusses the importance of these sentiments.
- Appendices (Parishisht):
  - (A) Brihatkalpa and the Five Bhavanas: Explains the connection to the Brihatkalpa Sutra.
  - (B) Five Improper Sentiments: Discusses negative or detrimental sentiments to be avoided.
  - (C) Methods of Austerity (Tapascharya Vidhi) mentioned in Tap Bhavana.
  - (D) Biographies of Ascetic Monks (Tapasvi Munis): Includes biographies of various monks, such as Dhundhan Kumar, Khandak Muni, Kurudatt Muni, Metarya Muni, Kirtidhar Sukosal, Gajasukumal Muni, Sanatkumar Chakravarti, each-buddha munis, Karakandu, Nami Rajarshi, Naggai, Dummuhi, Mrugaputra, Harikeshi, Chilatiputra, Anathi Muni, Bharat Chakravarti, Ilaputra, Amatya Tetliputra.
- Other Sazzayas and Padas:
  - Prabhanjana Sazzaya (प्रभंजना सज्झाय)
  - Sadhu Bhavana Pad (साधु भावना पद)
  - Sadhu Bhavana Sajjay (साधु भावना सज्झाय)
  - Sajjayas of Dhundhan Muni, Samyak darshan, Gajasukumal Muni, Dhyani Nirgranth.
Detailed Summary of the Five Bhavanas:
- Shrut Bhavana (Contemplation of Knowledge):
  - Focuses on the importance of constantly studying Jain scriptures and understanding their true meaning.
  - Emphasizes avoiding errors in pronunciation and understanding the grammar and meaning of texts.
  - Discusses the principles of Nayas (standpoints) and how they help understand the essence of reality.
  - Highlights that Shrut knowledge is the only means to understand the subtle, unseen truths of the universe and is equal to Keval (omniscience) in its essence.
  - States that diligent study of scriptures leads to liberation.
- Tap Bhavana (Contemplation of Austerity):
  - Presents austerity as a means to overcome past karma and control desires.
  - Explains that through the intensity of austerity, one can control the senses and conquer inner enemies like Kama (lust).
  - Mentions specific rigorous penances (like Ratnavali, Kanakavali, Muktavali) and their difficulty.
  - Highlights the role of detachment (Vairagya) and strong will in undertaking austerity.
  - Encourages embracing austerities with courage and equanimity, comparing the fading of negative karma to the melting of snow in the sun.
- Sattva Bhavana (Contemplation of Fortitude/Inner Strength):
  - Emphasizes courage and resilience in the face of life's dualities (joy/sorrow, gain/loss).
  - Stresses that all experiences are a result of past karma and should be faced with equanimity.
  - Advises detachment from impermanent worldly possessions, relationships, and the body itself.
  - Uses analogies like children playing with sandcastles or travelers meeting at an inn to illustrate the temporary nature of worldly connections.
  - Highlights that true strength lies in remaining steadfast in one's spiritual practice despite suffering.
- Ekatva Bhavana (Contemplation of Solitude/Oneness):
  - Advocates for detachment from worldly relationships, even within the monastic order (Gachha).
  - Promotes embracing solitude and self-reliance, emphasizing that one is ultimately alone in their journey of liberation.
  - Argues that friendships and enmities are transient and ultimately insignificant in the face of the soul's true nature.
  - Stresses that the soul performs and experiences karma alone, making attachment to others pointless.
  - Encourages recognizing the inherent oneness of all souls and transcending the illusion of separateness.
- Tattva Bhavana (Contemplation of Principles/Essence):
  - Focuses on realizing the true, pure, and eternal nature of the soul.
  - Explains that the soul is intrinsically pure, formless, and blissful, distinct from the physical body and worldly attachments.
  - Emphasizes the importance of discrimination (Viveka) to differentiate the soul from non-soul (Pudgala).
  - Highlights that through right faith (Samyak Darshan), knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and conduct (Samyak Charitra), one can achieve the ultimate state of liberation.
  - Explains that the soul, in its essence, is eternal, unchanging, and possesses infinite attributes.
Biographies of Ascetics:
- The book includes detailed accounts of the lives of various Jain monks who exemplified these Bhavanas. These biographies serve as inspirational examples of detachment, austerity, fortitude, and spiritual realization. Notable figures include:
  - Dhundhan Muni: His story highlights perseverance through extreme hardship and the breaking of karmic obstructions.
  - Khandak Muni: His conversion from a worldly ascetic to a Jain monk after seeking answers to profound questions.
  - Kurudatt Muni: His steadfastness in the face of torture and his attainment of liberation through equanimity.
  - Metarya Muni: His demonstration of immense fortitude and detachment, even sacrificing his life for the principle of Ahimsa.
  - Kirtidhar and Sukosal: Father and son who both attained spiritual realization through renunciation.
  - Gajasukumal Muni: His attainment of Kevala Gyan while performing feats on a pillar, demonstrating extreme detachment from the body.
  - Sanatkumar Chakravarti: His renunciation and attainment of Kevala Gyan after realizing the impermanence of worldly power and possessions.
  - Chilatiputra Muni: His transformation from a criminal to an ascetic who achieved liberation.
  - Anathi Muni: His realization of the soul's inherent orphanhood and finding refuge only in the self.
  - Bharat Chakravarti: Son of Rishabhdev, who renounced his vast empire to attain spiritual liberation.
Other Sazzayas:
- Prabhanjana Sazzaya: Narrates the story of a princess named Prabhanjana who, through the teachings of a Jain nun, realizes the futility of worldly pleasures and chooses the path of spiritual practice.
- Sadhu Bhavana Pad & Sazzaya: Discusses the qualities and practices of an ideal monk, emphasizing inner reflection, detachment, and adherence to Jain principles.
- Samkit Sazzaya: Focuses on the importance of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) as the foundation for spiritual progress.
- Gajasukumal Muni Sazzaya: A detailed account of Gajasukumal Muni's life and his spiritual realization.
- Dhyani Nirgranth Sazzaya: Highlights the practices and virtues of a meditating, detached ascetic.
Appendices:
- Brihatkalpa and the Five Bhavanas: Explains how Shrimad Devchandji's concept of the five Bhavanas is rooted in the Brihatkalpa Sutra, noting slight variations in names and order.
- Five Improper Sentiments: Details negative mental states like mockery, slander, deceit, anger, and delusion, which are to be avoided for spiritual growth.
- Methods of Austerity: Provides specific details about various types of penances mentioned in the Tap Bhavana.
- Biographies of Ascetics: As mentioned above, this section offers detailed life stories of monks who embodied the principles discussed.

In essence, "Panch Bhavnadi Sazzaya Sarth" is a profound Jain text that delves into the spiritual journey of an individual, particularly an ascetic. It provides a roadmap for achieving liberation through the cultivation of knowledge, austerity, fortitude, solitude, and a deep understanding of the soul's true nature, all illustrated through the teachings of Shrimad Devchandji and the inspiring lives of Jain ascetics.