Paryushan Parv Mahatmya

This comprehensive Jain text, "Paryushan Parv Mahatmya" by Smita Pinakin Shah, published by Seth Shri Jamnabhai Bhagubhai Religious Trust, serves as a guide to the significance and practices of the Paryushan festival. The book, offered for free, aims to provide a concise introduction to this paramount Jain observance.

Key Themes and Content:

• Introduction to Jainism: The book begins by tracing the ancient roots of Jainism in India, explaining the evolution of its names (Nirgranth, Shraman, Arhat) and highlighting its core tenets: Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession), and Anekantavada (many-sidedness of reality). It emphasizes Ahimsa as the foundation for truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession, and Aparigraha as crucial for establishing societal ideals. The principle of Anekantavada is explained as the ability to see any idea or opinion from all sides, promoting peace and understanding. The text also touches upon the concept of karma being the cause of one's destiny and the veneration of Tirthankaras through their virtues, not just as individuals. The ultimate goal in Jainism is liberation (moksha), achieved through the three jewels: right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

• Paryushan as the King of Festivals: The book declares Paryushan as "the king of festivals" (Parvadhiraj). It explains that unlike worldly festivals focused on indulgence and pleasure, Jain festivals are Lokottar (transcendent), aimed at spiritual elevation through penance and renunciation.

• Meaning and Significance of Paryushan: The text delves into the multiple meanings of Paryushan:

  • Parivasan (to stay near): This implies staying close to one's soul. The book contrasts the modern human tendency to be engrossed in the body and material pursuits with the Paryushan spirit of turning inward, seeking introspection, and self-analysis. It's a period to step away from constant running and focus on purification of mind, heart, and soul.
  • Parupshaman (to pacify all): This refers to the pacification of passions like attachment and aversion, leading to peace and cultivating qualities like friendship and humility in place of ego.
  • Parivasana (to stay in one place): Traditionally, Jain monks observe a period of staying in one place during the monsoon season. This aspect is linked to the meditative practice of settling the mind in its true nature.

• Dushlakshana (Ten Virtues) and Paryushan: The text notes that one sect of Jains, the Digambaras, observe a ten-day festival starting from the day after Samvatsari, known as Dashalakshana. This festival is dedicated to cultivating the ten virtues: Kshama (forgiveness), Mardav (humility), Aarjav (straightforwardness), Tyag (renunciation), Sanyam (self-control), Tap (penance), Satya (truth), Shauch (purity), Akinchanata (non-attachment), and Brahmacharya (celibacy). Another sect, the Sthanakavasis, celebrate Samvatsari one day later.

• Practices and Duties during Paryushan: The book outlines the duties of both monks and laypeople (Shravakas) during Paryushan:

  • Monks: Paryushan is considered one of the ten "kalpas" (rules) for monks, involving staying in one place during the monsoon. This period is also associated with studying the Kalpa Sutra.
  • Laypeople (Shravakas): Eleven duties are prescribed for householders, including Puja (worship), Chaitya Paripati (visiting and venerating temples), devotion to saints, propagation of the faith, worship of knowledge, hospitality to fellow Jains (Sadharmik Vatsalya), listening to the Kalpa Sutra, performing penance, granting fearlessness to beings, performing Samvatsari Pratikraman (annual confession), and mutual forgiveness. In addition, practices like charity, celibacy, meditation (Samayik), fasting (Pausadh), abstaining from household luxuries, giving up certain foods (like green vegetables and root vegetables on certain days), and chanting are encouraged.

• The Kalpa Sutra: The text explains the origin and significance of the Kalpa Sutra, compiled by Shrutakevali Bhadrabahuswami. It highlights how the practice of reading it publicly began to help people overcome grief, and how its popularity grew due to the public's interest in the lives of great men and the conduct of ascetics. The Kalpa Sutra contains the conduct of monks, the lineage of ascetics (Sthaviravali), and the biographies of Tirthankaras, with a special focus on Lord Mahavir's life.

• Five Key Duties for Laypeople: The book details five principal duties:

  • Amaripravartan (Preventing harm to living beings): This is presented as a core tenet, emphasizing "Live and let live." It involves extending compassion and protection to all living beings, inspired by the teachings of Lord Mahavir. Historical examples of King Kumarpal and Emperor Akbar are cited for their promotion of this principle.
  • Sadharmik Vatsalya (Affection for fellow Jains): This goes beyond mere communal meals and involves serving and supporting fellow Jains in their physical and spiritual needs. It emphasizes the importance of universal brotherhood and compassion. The story of Sulsa, a devout Jain woman, is shared to illustrate this virtue.
  • Kshama-apan (Seeking and giving forgiveness): This is considered the culmination of self-realization and spiritual practice. It involves seeking forgiveness for one's own mistakes and forgiving others. The text highlights the importance of facing the person directly to ask for forgiveness, as it helps in shedding ego.
  • Tapa (Penance): Jain penance is divided into external (physical) and internal (mental purification) forms. It is described not just as fasting but as a fire that purifies the senses and mind. The text details various types of penance, including fasting, reduced eating, abstaining from certain tastes, and enduring hardships.
  • Chaitya Paripati (Temple veneration): This involves visiting and venerating Jain temples and holy places, fostering a sense of devotion and connecting with the spiritual essence of the Tirthankaras. It is seen as a way to purify oneself and strengthen one's faith.

• Lord Mahavir's Life and Teachings: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the life story of Lord Mahavir, including his previous births and the karmic influences that shaped his journey. It details his birth, his parents, his renunciation, his unique meditation practices (standing meditation and Kayotsarga), and his profound teachings on Ahimsa, Samata (equanimity), and Anekantavada. The book also recounts various trials and tribulations (Upsargas) he faced, demonstrating his unwavering equanimity and strength. It highlights his compassion, even towards his adversaries, and his ultimate attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience) and Moksha. The text also touches upon the lives of his chief disciples, like Gautam Swami, and the development of Jain philosophy through debates (Ganadhar-vaad).

• The Story of King Gajasingh: A significant narrative thread woven through the text is the story of King Gajasingh. According to the teachings of Lord Mahavir to King Shrenik, King Gajasingh is presented as a prime example of someone who attained immense spiritual merit through the proper observance of Paryushan. His devotion and penance during Paryushan resulted in him eventually becoming a Tirthankara and attaining liberation. The detailed account of King Gajasingh's life illustrates how even ordinary individuals, through righteous conduct and spiritual discipline, can achieve extraordinary spiritual heights. The story showcases themes of courage, righteousness, the consequences of actions, and the transformative power of adhering to Jain principles, especially during sacred festivals like Paryushan.

Overall Message:

"Paryushan Parv Mahatmya" aims to instill a deep appreciation for the Paryushan festival, encouraging readers to understand its profound spiritual significance. It serves as a practical guide for observing the festival with devotion, penance, and a focus on inner transformation, ultimately leading to spiritual purification and the path to liberation. The book emphasizes that Paryushan is not merely a ritual but a period for introspection, self-improvement, and cultivating virtues that benefit not only the individual but also society and the entire world.