Paryushan Parva Ek Vivechan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Paryushan Parva: Ek Vivechan" by Prof. Sagarmal Jain, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Paryushan Parva: Ek Vivechan (Paryushan Festival: A Discourse) Author: Prof. Sagarmal Jain Source: Jain Vidya ke Aayam Khand 5, 1998 Publisher: Z_Shwetambar_Sthanakvasi_Jain_Sabha_Hirak_Jayanti_Granth_012052.pdf

This book provides a detailed examination of the Paryushan festival, one of the most significant spiritual observances in Jainism. It delves into its history, etymology, various names, rituals, and its place within different Jain traditions.

1. History and Antiquity:

Ancient Roots: The history of Paryushan appears to be over two thousand years old, based on information available in Agam literature.
Vagueness in Early Texts: While ancient texts indicate its significance, they don't specify exact dates or the number of days. A general mention exists about not transgressing Bhadra Shukla Panchami.
Differences in Observance: The festival is celebrated on different dates by various Jain traditions:
- Śvetāmbara Murtipujak: Bhadra Krishna Dwadashi to Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi (8 days).
- Sthanakavasi & Terapanthi: Bhadra Krishna Trayodashi to Bhadra Shukla Panchami (8 days).
- Digambara: Bhadra Shukla Panchami to Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi (10 days), also known as Dashalakshan Parva.
Agamic References: The festival is mentioned in significant texts like the Kalpasutra and Nishitha. The Brihad-kalpa Bhashya, Moolachar (Digambara), and Bhagavati Aradhana (Yapaniya) also refer to "Paryushan Kalpa" as one of the ten specific monastic codes. The Acharadasha (Dashashrutaskandha) is particularly important as its eighth chapter is named "Paryushan Kalpa," which served as the basis for the later Kalpasutra.

2. Meaning of the Word "Paryushan" (Pajjusavan): The term "Pajjusavan" (the Prakrit form of Paryushan) has multiple interpretations in Agamic texts:

Paryushan Kalpa: It refers to special rules of conduct to be followed during the Vashavas (monsoon retreat).
Specific Day: In Nishitha, it refers to a particular day where even minimal food consumption incurs significant penance. This suggests it's not the entire monsoon period but a specific observance day.
Residence (Vasavas): It also signifies the act of staying in one place for the monsoon period (Vasavas). The decision to stay in a particular location for four months is implied. It seems to have been a specific day for the monastic community to undertake fasting, hair-pulling (keshloca), annual introspection (samvatsarik pratikraman), and reciting the Paryushan Kalpa.

3. Synonymous Names of Paryushan: The text lists several synonyms, revealing the festival's multifaceted nature:

Pajjusavna (Paryupshamana): Derived from "pari" (completely) and "upshaman" (to pacify), it signifies the complete suppression of passions (kashayas) and worldly attachments.
Pajjusavana/Parivasana (Parivasana): Derived from "pari" (completely) and "vasana" (to reside), it means to reside specially. This refers to monks staying in one place for the four months of the monsoon, engaging in self-realization.
Pajjusana (Paryushan): From "pari" and the root "ush" (to burn), it implies completely burning away karmic impurities and passions, revealing the soul's pure nature.
Vasavas (Varshavas): Refers to the monsoon retreat where monks and nuns stay in one place for spiritual practice.
Pagaiya (Natural): Derived from Sanskrit "prakritika" (natural), it signifies the return to one's true, natural state from corrupted states (vikruti), shedding vices like anger and desire for virtues like forgiveness and peace.
Padhamasamosaran (First Samavasaran): Refers to the beginning of the New Year, which traditionally started from Shravana Krishna Pratipada. It is linked to Lord Mahavir's first sermon on this day.
Pariyaythavana/Pariyavalthana (Paryaya Sthapana): Relates to the re-establishment of a monk's spiritual lineage. It involves penance for past year's transgressions, determining seniority and juniority based on the number of Paryushans completed.
Thavana (Sthapana): Refers to establishing oneself in one place during the monsoon. It also signifies the establishment of the Chaturmas period.
Jetthovagg (Jyeshthavagraha): Signifies a longer stay in one place, as monks remain for four months during Paryushan, unlike other seasons.
Ashtahnik Parva: Known as the eight-day festival, reflecting its current duration in some traditions.
Dashalakshan Parva: The popular name in the Digambara tradition, where ten virtues are observed over ten days.

4. Timing of the Paryushan (Samvatsari) Festival and its Significance:

Original Observance: Based on Kalpasutra and Nishitha, Paryushan was initially a festival for establishing the monsoon retreat (Vasavas). Key activities included fasting, keshloca, samvatsarik pratikraman, penance, seeking forgiveness, and reciting the Paryushan Kalpa. It was originally a one-day festival.
Nishitha Churni's View: According to Nishitha Churni, observing a "tela" (three-day fast) was mandatory during Paryushan. This implies preparatory practices might have begun before the main day.
Jivabhigama Sutra: This text describes Paryushan as an eight-day festival (Ashtahnik Mahotsav), observed by deities in Nandishwar Dwip. This practice continues in the Digambara tradition during certain full moon days.
Shift in Date: Initially, Paryushan was celebrated on Ashadha Purnima. Later, it shifted to Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi/Panchami.
Samavayanga Sutra & Nishitha: These texts mention performing samvatsarik pratikraman on Bhadra Padas (Bhadra Shukla Panchami), one month and twenty nights after Ashadha Purnima. Nishitha advises not to transgress the fiftieth night.
The Question of Date Shift: The practice of performing samvatsarik pratikraman on Bhadra Shukla Panchami is questioned as it doesn't align with the year-end concept. Traditionally, Ashadha Purnima marked the end of the year, with the New Year beginning on Shravana Krishna Pratipada.
Nishitha Churni's Explanation: Nishitha Churni states that performing Paryushan on Ashadha Purnima is the "utsarga" (primary) rule, while other times are "apavada" (exceptions). The exception period extends only up to Bhadra Shukla Panchami.
Kalakaacharya's Story: The shift to Bhadra Shukla Chaturthi is linked to the story of Acharya Kalaka. To accommodate a royal festival in Ujjain, he agreed to perform Paryushan on Chaturthi instead of the scheduled Panchami. This narrative is cited in Nishitha Churni and Kalpasutra commentaries.
Digambara Tradition and Paryushan/Dashalakshan: While Digambara texts mention "Paryushan Kalpa," their engagement with the core concept seems less pronounced. The Moolachar and Bhagavati Aradhana refer to it, but the commentaries suggest a potential lack of understanding of its original meaning. The Dashalakshan festival, focusing on ten virtues, is a more prominent and possibly later development. The observance on Bhadra Shukla Panchami aligns with the "Kshama Dharma" (forgiveness) aspect, similar to the Śvetāmbara Samvatsari.

5. Harmonizing Traditions and Unity:

Ashadha Purnima as Ideal: The text argues that Ashadha Purnima is the most appropriate time for Samvatsari/Paryushan, being the "utsarga" (primary) date. This aligns with the original purpose of establishing the monsoon retreat and avoiding unnecessary exceptions.
Importance of Bhadra Shukla Panchami: If exceptions are to be made, the text suggests that Bhadra Shukla Panchami is a suitable alternative, accepted by Sthanakavasi and Terapanthi communities, and not in conflict with Murtipujak traditions.
Dispute Resolution: The text proposes that agreeing on either Ashadha Purnima or Bhadra Shukla Panchami would help resolve disputes regarding "two Sharavan" or "two Bhadrapad" and foster unity within the Jain community.

6. Agam Texts to be Read During Paryushan:

Śvetāmbara Murtipujak Tradition: Recitation of the Kalpasutra is a significant practice. Originally, the eighth chapter of Dashashrutaskandha ("Paryushan Kalpa") was recited. The Kalpasutra, a compilation of this chapter, Mahavira's life, and other events, has been read for about 1500 years. The tradition of reading it to the public began during the reign of King Dhruvasena.
Sthanakavasi and Terapanthi Tradition: Instead of the Kalpasutra, these traditions recite the Antakrit Dashanga Sutra, a practice that emerged with the Sthanakavasi movement (around 400 years ago). This choice is attributed to a desire for distinction from Murtipujaks, the text's eight sections mirroring the eight days, and its emphasis on austere practices suitable for their tradition.
Digambara Tradition: The tradition involves reciting the ten chapters of Tattvartha Sutra, aligning with the ten-day duration of Dashalakshan. Discourses on the ten virtues are also customary for moral awakening.

7. Essential Duties During Paryushan (Samvatsari):

Tapasya/Self-Control: Fasting and abstaining from even minimal food were considered essential. The Nishitha Churni mentions severe penances for those who didn't observe these austerities. Lay followers also traditionally observed fasts. The core purpose is to control the senses.
Samvatsarik Pratikraman/Annual Penance: This is a crucial duty where individuals introspect, confess, and accept penance for transgressions and faults committed during the past year. It is incumbent upon monks, nuns, and lay followers.
Suppression of Passions/Seeking Forgiveness: Paryushan is a time to shed the "knots" of anger and desire, rising above attachment and aversion. It involves seeking and granting forgiveness, cultivating peace, and practicing equanimity, which is the essence of monastic life. The Nishitha Churni emphasizes that if forgiveness was not extended at other times, it must be done during Paryushan.

In essence, "Paryushan Parva: Ek Vivechan" provides a scholarly exploration of this vital Jain festival, tracing its origins, explaining its diverse interpretations, and advocating for a unified approach that respects its core spiritual values and historical development across different Jain traditions.