Pind Niryukti - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pind Niryukti" by Jaysundarsuri, published by Divyadarshan Trust, based on the provided pages. The text focuses on the principles and practices of obtaining food (Bhiksha) for Jain monks and nuns, adhering strictly to non-violence and ethical conduct.

Core Title and Authorship:

Title: Pind Niryukti (पिण्डनिर्युक्तिः)
Original Author: Acharya Bhadrabahuswami (श्रीमद्भद्रबाहुस्वामिप्रणीता)
Commentary (Bhashya): Initiated by Yakini Mahattarasunu Shri Haribhadrasuri (याकिनीमहत्तरासूनु श्री हरिभद्रसूरिप्रारब्ध)
Completion of Commentary (Vartika): By Shri Viracharya (श्री वीराचार्यपूर्णीकृतवृत्तिका)
Inspiration and Guidance: Acharya Shrimad Vijay Jayasundarsuri (संघशासनकौशल्याधार पूज्यपाद आचार्यदेव श्रीमद् विजय हि अस जयसुन्दरसूरीश्वराः)
Publisher: Divyadarshan Trust, Dhokha, Gujarat (दिव्यदर्शन ट्रस्ट कलिकुंड, धोका, गुजरात)

Central Theme:

The "Pind Niryukti" is a foundational Jain text that meticulously details the guidelines for monks and nuns regarding the acquisition of food (Pind-eshanā). It emphasizes the concept of "Asavajja Vitti" (असावज वित्ती), meaning a pure and blameless way of sustenance that causes no harm to any living being. The text is primarily concerned with the ethical and spiritual aspects of monastic life, particularly the practice of begging for alms (Bhiksha).

Key Concepts and Teachings:

Asavajja Vitti (Pure Sustenance): The core principle is to obtain food in a manner that is entirely free from violence or any fault (dosha) towards living beings. This includes strict adherence to rules regarding the types of food, the places from where it can be accepted, the method of acceptance, and the condition of the food and the donor.
Importance of Bhiksha: The text highlights that the practice of Bhiksha (begging for alms) is not merely about sustenance but is a crucial spiritual discipline. It is a means for monks to remain detached, non-violent, and to practice equanimity.
Classification of Food and Doshas: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to classifying different types of food and the potential flaws or "doshas" associated with their acquisition and consumption. This detailed classification is essential for monks to meticulously avoid any transgression.
Types of Doshas (Flaws): The text outlines numerous types of doshas that can be incurred during the process of obtaining food. These are categorized and explained extensively in the index (Anukram). Some of the major categories include:
- Ādhākarma: Doshas related to the actions of the householder or the food itself before it is given.
- Audeshika: Doshas related to the intention or specific intention behind preparing or offering food.
- Pūti: Doshas related to the spoilage or impurity of food.
- Mishra Jāta: Doshas related to mixed substances or intentions.
- Sthāpanā: Doshas related to improper placement or offering of food.
- Prābhritika: Doshas related to items offered as gifts or tributes.
- Prāduṣkaraṇa: Doshas related to making the act of giving or receiving visible or ostentatious.
- Krīta Kr̥ta: Doshas related to purchased or acquired items.
- Pramiti: Doshas related to measuring or estimating portions.
- Parivartita: Doshas related to exchange or substitution.
- Abhyāhr̥ta: Doshas related to bringing or carrying alms from specific places or conditions.
- Udbhinn: Doshas related to food obtained through digging or breaking.
- Mālāpahṛta: Doshas related to offerings obtained through a garland or similar means.
- Āchchhedya: Doshas related to the act of cutting or dividing food.
- Anisṛṣṭa: Doshas related to offerings not explicitly given or permitted.
- Adhyavapūraka: Doshas related to filling up or topping up food.
- Utpādanā: Doshas related to the production or preparation of food.
- Dhātrī: Doshas related to the person offering the food (the nurse or feeder).
- Dūtī: Doshas related to the intermediary or messenger.
- Nimitta: Doshas related to omens or divinations concerning food.
- Ājīvanā: Doshas related to the profession or livelihood of the donor.
- Vanīpaka: Doshas related to the act of begging or making oneself pitiable.
- Chikitsā: Doshas related to obtaining food through pretending illness or offering medical aid.
- Krodha, Māna, Māyā, Lobha: Doshas arising from negative emotions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed in the context of obtaining food.
- Saṁstava: Doshas related to excessive association or flattery to obtain food.
- Vidyā-Mantra: Doshas related to obtaining food through occult powers or incantations.
- Chūrṇa-Yoga-Mūlakarma: Doshas related to obtaining food through specific formulations, rituals, or medicinal practices.
Detailed Analysis of Doshas: The text provides elaborate explanations and examples for each dosha, often citing scriptural references and traditional stories to illustrate the subtle nuances of these practices. The goal is to ensure that monks maintain a high level of vigilance and purity in their daily alms-round.
Authorship and Commentary: The text acknowledges the original work of Acharya Bhadrabahuswami and highlights the significant commentary initiated by Acharya Haribhadrasuri and completed by Viracharya. The current publication is inspired by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Jayasundarsuri. The publishers, Divyadarshan Trust, are commended for bringing this valuable and previously unpublished commentary to light.
Emphasis on Intention (Bhava): Beyond the external actions, the text also stresses the importance of the monk's internal state and intentions. A pure intention (bhava) is paramount, even when the external act of obtaining food appears simple.
Spiritual Significance: The meticulous adherence to these rules is presented as essential for the monk's spiritual progress, leading towards liberation (Moksha). It is seen as a path to purify oneself and minimize karmic accumulation.

Context and Publication:

The publication of this commentary is noted to be during the birth centenary year of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Bhuvan Bhanusuri, highlighting a lineage of spiritual scholarship and dedication to disseminating Jain teachings. The publication is a testament to the extensive research and effort involved in bringing together and editing ancient manuscripts.

Overall Message:

"Pind Niryukti" serves as an essential guide for Jain ascetics, providing a comprehensive framework for ethical and non-violent sustenance. It underscores the profound spiritual discipline required in the daily life of a monk, where every action, especially concerning the acquisition of food, is scrutinized for its potential to cause harm or incur demerit. The text emphasizes purity of action, intention, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation through strict adherence to the principles of Jainism.