Panchakparihani Tatha Aalochanavidhan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panchakparihani tatha Aalochanavidhan" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

This document, titled "Panchakparihani tatha Aalochanavidhan" (meaning "The Five Types of Decreases and the Method of Confession") is a critical edition by Samyam Vijayashilchandra Suri. It is based on a palm-leaf manuscript (number 103) from the Shri Shantinath Prachin Jain Tadpatri Bhandar in Khambhat. The manuscript contains 181 leaves and includes texts like Jithakalpa.

The document presents two primary Jain texts:

1. Panchakparihani (The Five Types of Decreases):

• Nature of the Text: This is a treatise on the procedure of penance (prayaschitta). It concisely and clearly describes who should perform penance, for which faults, when, by whom, and what kind of penance should be administered.
• Attribution: The text identifies itself as the "Panchak Parihani Prakaran" in its second stanza and in the concluding colophon.
• Author: According to stanza 61, the author is Jayasingh Suri, Ganapati (Acharya Jayasingh Suri, the head of the Gaccha). The colophon also confirms this name.
• Historical Context: The exact Gaccha and time period of this Acharya are unknown, as historical records mention Acharyas with similar names in various Gacchas (Vadgaccha, Maldharagaccha, Krishnashigaccha, Anchalgaccha) between the 11th and 13th centuries, some of whom were Gaccha leaders. However, pinpointing the specific author is difficult. The text is not mentioned in "A Concise History of Jain Literature." It is estimated that the Acharya lived in the 12th or 13th century.
• Content:
  • The first stanza is described as very striking, reflecting the author's poetic and creative power. It describes different types of Mahavir (the last Tirthankara) with specific epithets.
  • The text details various faults (doshas) that require penance. These are categorized into:
    • Sixteen types of "Uggama Doshas" (faults of origin/acquisition).
    • Sixteen types of "Utpaddana Doshas" (faults of production/creation).
    • Ten types of "Esana Doshas" (faults of livelihood/sustenance).
    • Five types of "Sanyojana" (faults of association/combination).
    • Numerous other specific faults related to various actions, materials, and intentions.
  • The text outlines the severity of penance, ranging from "Laghu" (light) to "Guru" (heavy), and how it should be applied based on the nature and context of the fault.
  • It explains the process of confession (aalochanā) – how to admit faults, what to confess, and to whom.
  • The text emphasizes the importance of following the teachings of the Jinavaras (Jinas) for purification.
  • It discusses the conditions for performing penance, such as the right time and the role of the guru.
  • The author highlights that understanding this chapter makes a monk a "Geetartha Muni" (a monk who has mastered the scriptures).
  • The text also mentions that while some penances are explicitly stated, others are implied or understood through context.
  • It warns against revealing the secrets of penance to unqualified individuals, as it can lead to more faults.

2. Aalochanavidhan (Method of Confession):

• Nature of the Text: This is a treatise detailing the method of confession (aalochanā), which is an integral part of the penance system.
• Attribution: It is highly probable that this text is also by the author of Panchakparihani, as it follows immediately after the discussion of penances in mixed Prakrit and Apabhramsa languages, with interspersed verses.
• Content:
  • It explains who is eligible for penance, what time (muhurta) is appropriate for giving or receiving penance, and how confession of faults should be made.
  • It outlines the timing of confession, suggesting it should be done fortnightly or seasonally (Chātumās).
  • It discusses the qualities of a person fit to confess and the qualities of a guru who receives the confession, emphasizing knowledge, conduct, patience, humility, and sincerity.
  • It explains what should be confessed, how it should be confessed (honestly and openly), and the process of receiving confession from the guru.
  • It details the sins (doshas) that require confession and the benefits of confession, including liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
  • The text lists various factors to consider during confession, such as the nature of the substance involved (pure or impure), the place, time, and mental state.
  • It emphasizes that confession should be made with humility and sincerity, without pride or arrogance, to overcome attachment and delusion.
  • The text states that confession is a means to purify oneself from errors and to attain spiritual liberation.

Overall Significance:

The document provides a valuable insight into the practical aspects of Jain asceticism, specifically the procedures for admitting and atoning for faults through confession and penance. The "Panchakparihani" lays out the framework of faults and their corresponding penances, while the "Aalochanavidhan" details the crucial process of confessing these faults to a spiritual guide. The scholarly introduction by Vijayashilchandra Suri highlights the importance of these texts within Jain tradition and the scholarly effort in bringing this manuscript to light. The publication of these texts in 1991 is a cause for celebration.