Pind Niryukti Parag

This document is the "Pind Niryukti Parag" (પિંડનિયુક્તિ પરાગ), a Jain text authored by Muni Nityanandvijay and edited by Acharya Vijay Kirtiyashsuri. Published by Sanmarg Prakashan, it is part of the Shasanashirtaaj Suri Ramchandra Diksha Shatabdhi Granthamala series.

Core Subject:

The book focuses on the meticulous rules and guidelines for Jain ascetics (munis and sadhvis) regarding the acceptance and consumption of food, known as Pind Shuddhi (પિંડ શુદ્ધિ) or Pind Niryukti. It delves deeply into the various doshas (flaws or impurities) associated with food and the conduct of ascetics in obtaining and consuming it.

Key Themes and Concepts:

1. Importance of Pure Food (Pind Shuddhi): The text emphasizes that pure and untainted food is essential for the spiritual progress and liberation of Jain ascetics. It is a cornerstone of Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct).
2. Doshas in Food (Ashuddhi): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to detailing the numerous ways food can become impure or flawed. These are categorized and explained in great detail:
   • Udgama Doshas (ઉદ્ગમના દોષો): Flaws related to the origin or creation of the food, which are considered to be primarily the responsibility of the householder (Gṛhastha) but which the ascetic must be aware of. There are 16 such doshas mentioned, including:
     • Adhakarma (આધાકર્મ): Food prepared with the specific intention of offering to ascetics.
     • Uddeshika (ઉદ્દેશિક): Food prepared for a general group of ascetics or beggars.
     • Pootikarma (પૂતિકર્મ): Mixing pure with impure food.
     • Mishra (મિશ્ર): Food prepared for both householders and ascetics.
     • Sthapana (સ્થાપના): Setting aside food for ascetics.
     • Prabhṛutika (પ્રાભૃતિકા): Altering the timing of religious ceremonies for the sake of offering food.
     • Pradushkarana (પ્રાદુષ્કરણ): Creating light or opening passages to offer food.
     • Kṛta (ક્રીત): Food purchased for ascetics.
     • Prāmitva (પ્રામિત્ય): Food obtained on credit for ascetics.
     • Paravartita (પરાવર્તિત): Exchanging food items for ascetics.
     • Abhyāhata (અભ્યાહત): Bringing food from outside to the ascetic's location.
     • Udbhinna (ઉભિન્ન): Opening sealed containers or breaking into locked cupboards.
     • Mālāpaharata (માલાપહત): Obtaining food from elevated places or inconvenient locations.
     • Āchchhedya (આચ્છેદ્ય): Forcibly taking food from someone.
     • Anisṛṣṭa (અનિસૃષ્ટ): Taking food without the proper owner's permission.
     • Adhyavapūraka (અધ્યવપૂરક): Adding to food already prepared for oneself.
   • Utpādana Doshas (ઉત્પાદના દોષો): Flaws related to the process of obtaining or preparing the food, which are considered to be the ascetic's responsibility to avoid. There are 16 such doshas, including:
     • Dhātrīpinda (ધાત્રીપિંડ): Acting like a wet nurse or caretaker for children to obtain food.
     • Dūtipinda (દૂતીપિંડ): Acting as a messenger to obtain food.
     • Nimitta-pinda (નિમિત્તપિંડ): Using predictions or omens to obtain food.
     • Ājīvika-pinda (આજીવિકાપિંડ): Revealing one's caste, lineage, or profession to obtain food.
     • Vanīpaka-pinda (વનૌપકપિંડ): Acting like a beggar, lamenting poverty, or praising others to get food.
     • Chikitsāpinda (ચિકિત્સાપિંડ): Offering or suggesting medical treatments to obtain food.
     • Krodha-pinda (ક્રોધપિંડ): Obtaining food through anger or intimidation.
     • Māna-pinda (માનપિંડ): Obtaining food through pride or displaying false status.
     • Māyā-pinda (માયાપિંડ): Obtaining food through deception or disguise.
     • Lobha-pinda (લોભપિંડ): Obtaining food through excessive greed or desire.
     • Samstava-pinda (સંસ્તવપિંડ): Obtaining food through flattery or false praise.
     • Vidyā-pinda (વિદ્યાપિંડ): Using occult knowledge or charms to obtain food.
     • Mantra-pinda (મંત્રપિંડ): Using mantras or spells to obtain food.
     • Chūrṇa-pinda (ચૂર્ણપિંડ): Using powders or herbs for magical purposes to obtain food.
     • Yoga-pinda (યોગપિંડ): Using yogic powers or skills to obtain food.
     • Mūlakarma-pinda (મૂલકર્મપિંડ): Using rituals, spells, or actions for material gain to obtain food.
   • Eṣaṇā Doshas (એષણા દોષો): Flaws related to the act of collecting and accepting alms. These are further divided into:
     • Gaveṣaṇā Eṣaṇā (ગવેષણા એષણા): The process of searching for pure food.
     • Grahaṇa Eṣaṇā (ગ્રહણ એષણા): The act of accepting the food.
     • Grāsa Eṣaṇā (ગ્રાસ એષણા): The act of consuming the food. The text details various doshas within these categories, such as suspicion (Shankita), impurity from contact (Prakṣipta), improper placement (Nikṣipta), concealment (Pihita), mixing (Samhata), wrong giver (Dāyaka), adulteration (Unmiśra), unripeness (Aparīṇata), contamination (Lipta), and ejection (Chardita).
3. Conduct of Ascetics: The text outlines the proper behavior for ascetics, including:
   • Caution and Vigilance: The importance of being constantly aware and vigilant about the potential for impurities in food and the actions of householders.
   • Discernment: The ability to discern between acceptable and unacceptable offerings based on the rules.
   • Non-attachment: Avoiding excessive desire for particular types of food or flavors.
   • Adherence to Guru's Teachings: Following the guidance of their preceptors (Gurus) and senior ascetics.
4. Dṛṣṭānta (Illustrative Stories): The text is rich with illustrative stories and examples from Jain scriptures and lore to explain complex concepts and doshas. These stories often highlight the consequences of violating the rules of conduct.
5. Relevance for Householders: While primarily for ascetics, the text also provides insights for householders (Śrāvak/Śrāvikā) on how to properly offer food and support the monastic community with pure intentions and actions.

Structure and Content:

The book systematically categorizes and explains each dosha with detailed descriptions and often includes illustrative examples (dṛṣṭānta). The structure is logical, moving from broader categories of flaws to specific types of impurities and problematic situations. The table of contents (Anukramaṇikā) at the beginning provides a comprehensive overview of the topics covered.

Overall Purpose:

The "Pind Niryukti Parag" serves as a crucial guide for Jain ascetics to maintain the highest standards of purity in their food intake, which is directly linked to their spiritual discipline and the efficacy of their practices. It underscores the Jain emphasis on meticulous adherence to ethical principles in all aspects of life, especially for those on the path to liberation. The text also serves as a reminder to the laity about the importance of offering pure and wholesome food with the right intentions to support the spiritual journey of the ascetics.