Panchvastuk Prakaran Part 03 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panchvastuk Prakaran Part 03" based on the provided Gujarati text:

Book Title: Panchvastuk Prakaran Part 03 (Meaning: Exposition of Five Entities, Part 3) Author: Pravinchandra K. Mota Publisher: Gitarth Ganga Original Text Author: Acharya Shri Haribhadra Surishwarji Maharaj Original Text: Panchvastuk Granth (specifically, the second section dealing with 'Pratidin Kriya' - Daily Conduct) Commentator/Analyst: Pandit Pundit P. K. Mota

Overview:

This book is the third volume of a word-by-word commentary (shabdashah vivechan) on the "Panchvastuk Granth" authored by the esteemed Jain scholar Acharya Shri Haribhadra Surishwarji Maharaj. This particular volume, Part 3, focuses on the second section of the original text, titled "Pratidin Kriya" (Daily Conduct), which details the meticulous daily routines and prescribed practices of Jain monks and nuns.

The commentary is presented by Pandit Pundit Pravinchandra Khimji Mota, with blessings and inspiration from prominent Jain Acharyas, including the late Acharya Shri Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji Maharaj and the late Muni Shri Mohjitvijayji Maharaj, as well as the current esteemed Acharya Shri Vijay Yugbhushan Surishwarji Maharaj. The publication is a project of Gitarth Ganga, aiming to make profound Jain philosophical and practical teachings accessible.

Key Content and Focus of Part 3:

The core of this volume, as indicated by the commentary and the table of contents, is the detailed explanation of the "Spandil Dwar" (Gateway to Spandil) within the "Pratidin Kriya" section. This section elaborates on the proper conduct and considerations for monks and nuns when attending to natural bodily needs (like excretion).

Detailed Breakdown of the "Spandil Dwar" (Gateway to Spandil):

The commentary meticulously explains the original text's verses (Gathas) which prescribe the detailed guidelines for this aspect of monastic life. The key elements covered include:

Definition and Importance of Spandil: The text defines Spandil as a clean and pure section of land, free from living beings, that a monk should use for bodily necessities without causing harm. The meticulous description aims to uphold the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and samiti (careful conduct) in the most basic of human needs.
Ten Specifications of Pure Land (Shuddha Bhumi): The text outlines ten essential qualities that a piece of land must possess to be considered pure and suitable for Spandil. These specifications are crucial for avoiding harm to various forms of life and maintaining the sanctity of the monastic practice. The commentary likely delves into the meaning and significance of each of these ten specifications.
Calculation of 1024 Variations (Bhangas): Based on the ten specifications, the text calculates 1024 possible combinations or "variations" (Bhangas) of these qualities. The commentary explains the methodology for this calculation, illustrating how different combinations arise from the presence or absence of these specifications. It is emphasized that only one of these 1024 variations is considered perfectly pure, while the rest are impure and must be avoided.
Detailed Explanation of Specific Specifications: The commentary then proceeds to explain the specific meaning of these ten specifications, likely covering aspects such as:
- Lack of Passage/Flow (Anapat/Avasamlok): The land should not have passages where water or other substances flow, nor should it be easily visible to others.
- Absence of Obstruction/Harm (Anupaghata): The land should be free from anything that could cause harm to the monk or others.
- Evenness (Same): The ground should be even, not uneven or sloped, to prevent accidents.
- Absence of Polarity/Cavities (Ashushira): The land should not have holes or cavities where creatures might reside.
- Recent Purity (Achirakalakrit): The land should have been recently purified.
- Expansive (Vistirna): The area should be sufficiently large.
- Depth (Duravagadhe): The depth of the soil should be considered.
- Absence of Proximity to Public Areas (Anasann): It should not be too close to gardens or other public spaces.
- Absence of Holes/Burrows (Bilvajita): It should be free from burrows of animals.
- Absence of Living Beings (Trasa-Prani-Bijarahita): It must be free from mobile (trasa) beings and seeds of stationary (sthvara) beings.
Types of Impurity and Conduct: The text further categorizes Spandil areas based on their suitability and the conduct expected. This includes discussions on:
- Apat (Passage/Opening): Differentiating between land with open passages and those without.
- Swapaksha and Parapaksha: Considerations regarding the presence of one's own community members or outsiders.
- Types of Beings: Differentiating between human and animal presence, and further subdividing humans by gender (male, female, eunuch) and status (noble, common, impure).
- Conditions of Land: Discussing land that is soiled or clean, occupied by animals, or disturbed.
- Time and Purity: Elaborating on how the purity of land can change over time and the specific times for its use.
- Specific Prohibitions: Mentioning areas like gardens, places of worship, and fire altars as unsuitable for Spandil due to potential harm or religious impropriety.
Detailed Daily Rituals (Pratidin Kriya): Beyond Spandil, the commentary likely touches upon other daily rituals of monks, as indicated by the term "Pratidin Kriya" and the table of contents, which includes topics like:
- Pratikraman: The process of confession and repentance.
- Swadhyaya: Study and contemplation of scriptures.
- Vandana: Showing respect and reverence.
- Pachchakkhan: Vows and restraints.

Commentary Style:

Pandit P. K. Mota's commentary is described as "shabdashah vivechan," meaning a word-by-word analysis. This suggests a deep dive into the meaning of each word and phrase in the original text, explaining the subtle philosophical and practical implications of Acharya Haribhadra Surishwarji's verses. The commentary aims to make these profound teachings accessible not only to scholars but also to those who may not be deeply familiar with Sanskrit and Prakrit languages, by providing guidance and clarity.

Purpose and Audience:

The publication aims to provide comprehensive knowledge of Jain scriptures and practices to the Jain community and seekers of spiritual truth. It is dedicated to aiding in the understanding and practice of Jain principles, contributing to the overall spiritual development of individuals.

In essence, this volume provides an authoritative and detailed exposition of a crucial aspect of Jain monastic discipline – the meticulous daily conduct and the underlying principles of ahimsa and samiti that govern even the most mundane aspects of a monk's life, as elucidated by the original text and meticulously explained by the commentator.