Pavitratane Panthe Yane Adhar Papsthanakthi Nivrutt Thavano Marg

This document is the first part of a Jain text titled "Pavitratane Panthe Yane Adhar Papsthanakthi Nivrutt Thavano Marg" (On the Path of Purity, or the Way to Abstain from Eighteen Vices/Sinful States), authored by Manilal Nathubhai Doshi and published by Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar.

The book aims to guide readers towards a pure life by explaining and advocating for the abandonment of eighteen specific sinful tendencies or "papsthanaks" as described in Jain scriptures.

Here's a breakdown of the content covered in the provided pages:

Key Themes and Structure:

• The Nature of Purity and Sin: The book begins by emphasizing that purity is the soul's true nature, characterized by truth, love, compassion, friendship, and altruism. It explains that sinful tendencies (papsthanaks) are unnatural inclinations that obstruct the soul from manifesting its inherent potential of knowledge, power, and bliss. These tendencies arise from attachment (raag), aversion (dwesh), passions (kashays), ego (ahankar), and possessiveness (mamta).
• The Eighteen Papsthanaks: The text systematically outlines the eighteen categories of sinful actions or states. The table of contents (Page 4) lists them as:
  1. Pranatipaat Viraman (Abstinence from taking life)
  2. Mrushavada Viraman (Abstinence from false speech)
  3. Adattadan Viraman (Abstinence from stealing/unjust acquisition)
  4. Maithuna Viraman (Abstinence from sexual misconduct)
  5. Parigraha Viraman (Abstinence from excessive attachment/possessions)
  6. Krodh Viraman (Abstinence from anger)
  7. Maan Viraman (Abstinence from pride/ego)
  8. Maya Viraman (Abstinence from deceit/maya)
  9. Lobh Viraman (Abstinence from greed)
  10. Raag Viraman (Abstinence from attachment/liking)
  11. Dwesh Viraman (Abstinence from aversion/dislike)
  12. Kalah Viraman (Abstinence from quarrel/strife)
  13. Abhyakhyan Viraman (Abstinence from false accusation/slander)
  14. Vaishunya Viraman (Abstinence from malicious gossip/slander)
  15. Rati-Arati Viraman (Abstinence from pleasure and displeasure)
  16. Par Parivaad Viraman (Abstinence from backbiting/slandering others)
  17. Maya Mrushavada Viraman (Abstinence from deceitful falsehood)
  18. Mithyatva Shalya Viraman (Abstinence from false belief/delusion)
• The Power of the Soul: The book repeatedly emphasizes the inherent, infinite power, knowledge, and bliss of the soul. It uses analogies to explain that just as clouds obscure the sun, these negative tendencies obscure the soul's true nature. The text encourages readers to realize and tap into this inner power to overcome these faults.
• Practical Guidance: For each papasthanak, the book aims to explain its nature, its negative consequences, and the mental attitudes and behaviors required to abstain from it. It suggests cultivating opposing virtues. For example, to overcome anger, cultivate forgiveness; to overcome deceit, cultivate simplicity.
• Emphasis on Ahimsa (Non-violence): The first chapter, "Pranatipaat Viraman," is extensive and elaborates on the concept of non-violence, extending it beyond physical killing to include mental and verbal harm, overworking animals, and even the consumption of meat. It highlights the profound impact of non-violence, citing examples of how it can pacify even fierce animals.
• The Importance of Truthfulness: The second chapter, "Mrushavada Viraman," discusses the pervasive nature of untruthfulness and its detrimental effects on trust, reputation, and personal integrity. It encourages honesty in speech as a foundation for spiritual progress.
• The Ethical Basis of Wealth: The third chapter, "Adattadan Viraman," addresses the sin of taking what is not given, emphasizing the importance of earning wealth ethically. It discusses how honesty in financial dealings builds trust and contributes to inner peace.
• The Discipline of Celibacy/Chastity: The fourth chapter, "Maithuna Viraman," explores the significance of celibacy and marital fidelity as crucial for spiritual development. It delves into the power of controlled desire and the benefits of channeling sexual energy into higher pursuits.
• The Nature of Possessions and Greed: The fifth chapter, "Parigraha Viraman," defines possessions and the attachment to them as a source of suffering. It explains that true contentment comes from limiting desires and understanding the transient nature of material wealth.
• The Impact of Passions: The subsequent chapters (6-10) detail the four cardinal passions (kashays) that fuel sinful actions: Anger (Krodh), Pride (Maan), Deceit (Maya), and Greed (Lobh). These chapters explain the nature of these passions, their destructive consequences, and the virtues needed to counteract them (e.g., forgiveness for anger, humility for pride, straightforwardness for deceit, contentment for greed).
• The Role of Attachment and Aversion: Chapters 10 and 11 focus on Raag (attachment/liking) and Dwesh (aversion/dislike), explaining how these fundamental dualities create suffering and obscure the soul's true nature. The distinction between harmful attachment (raag) and beneficial love (prem) is also discussed.
• The Destructive Force of Conflict and Falsehood: Chapters 12, 13, and 14 deal with Kalah (quarrel), Abhyakhyan (false accusation), and Vaishunya (malicious gossip/slander). These chapters highlight how verbal and mental negativity creates discord and harms individuals and society.
• The Illusion of Pleasure and Displeasure: Chapter 15, "Rati-Arati Viraman," addresses the cycle of pleasure and displeasure that keeps the soul bound to worldly experiences. It encourages equanimity and detachment from fleeting sensations.
• The Perils of Slander and Deceit: Chapters 16 and 17, "Par Parivaad Viraman" and "Maya Mrushavada Viraman," further delve into the sins of slandering others and engaging in deceptive practices, emphasizing the damage they cause to one's own character and relationships.
• The Root of Ignorance: The final chapter provided, "Mithyatva Shalya Viraman," discusses the most fundamental flaw – Mithyatva (false belief or delusion). It explains that incorrect understanding of truth, deities, scriptures, and spiritual paths is the root of all other vices, as it leads to wrong actions and a distorted worldview. It categorizes Mithyatva into various forms, including those based on wrong perception, false vows, doubts, and adherence to worldly or non-Jain practices for worldly gains.

Overall Message:

The book "Pavitratane Panthe" serves as a comprehensive guide for Jains seeking to live a more virtuous and spiritually advanced life. It breaks down complex ethical principles into understandable categories, offering practical advice on how to cultivate positive qualities and eradicate negative ones. The underlying message is that true happiness and liberation are achieved through self-purification and adherence to the teachings of the Tirthankaras, particularly the principles of non-violence, truthfulness, and detachment.