Prabhavana - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prabhavana" by Ramanlal C. Shah, based on the provided pages:

Title: Prabhavana (પ્રભાવના) Author: Ramanlal C. Shah Publisher: Z_Jintattva_Granth_1_002039.pdf and Jintattva_Granth_2_002040.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/249483/1

The text "Prabhavana" by Ramanlal C. Shah delves into the multifaceted concept of "Prabhavana" within Jainism.

Understanding the Term "Prabhavana":

Common Usage: The term "Prabhavana" is widely used in Jainism, particularly in temples and religious gatherings. It typically refers to the distribution of sweets, coconuts, money, or other gifts to participants or attendees after religious ceremonies like Snatra Puja, large pujas, or other devotional rituals. It's also common after lectures, chants, or pratikraman in upashrayas (monastic dwellings), and on auspicious occasions at a householder's home.
Etymological Meaning: The word "Prabhavana" is derived from "Pra + Bhavana," meaning a special or elevated state of mind or contemplation. It signifies something that increases the influence or glory of the Dharma, attracting others towards it. While the common usage is focused on material distribution, the underlying meaning is deeper.
Alternative Derivation: Another interpretation suggests "Prabhavana" originates from "Prabha," meaning special radiance or light. "Prabhav" means a special effect. Therefore, "Prabhavana" can be understood as an action that enhances the radiance of the soul.

Two Types of Prabhavana:

The text distinguishes between two main categories of Prabhavana:

Nishchay Prabhavana (Real Prabhavana): This is the inner or spiritual Prabhavana. It is described as:
- Illuminating the soul through the influence of the three jewels: Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
- The soul, mounted on the chariot of self-knowledge, traversing the path of knowledge, thereby glorifying the Omniscient One's knowledge.
- The effort to destroy the enemy of delusion (moha) and reach progressively purer states of the soul, making it even purer.
- In essence, it is the continuous enhancement of one's own knowledge and spiritual realization.
Vyavahar Prabhavana (Conventional Prabhavana): This is the outer or practical Prabhavana. It refers to religious actions and practices that increase the influence of Dharma, attracting many people towards it. This is the more commonly understood meaning involving external actions.

The Foundation of Effective Prabhavana:

True Faith and Understanding: Effective Prabhavana requires a deep, true faith and understanding of Dharma. Only a person with genuine conviction can effectively present the teachings of Dharma to others. Someone lacking faith cannot convey the message convincingly, and any impact will be fleeting.
Connection with Samyak Darshan: Therefore, Prabhavana is intrinsically linked to Samyak Darshan (Right Faith). It is considered a subject within Darshanachar (Code of Conduct related to Faith).

Prabhavana within the Panchaacharas (Five Codes of Conduct):

Jainism is an action-oriented religion, detailing what should and should not be done in various aspects of life. The path to liberation is supported by the three jewels (Darshan, Jnana, Charitra), with Tapas (Austerity) and Virya (Energy/Effort) also emphasized. The Panchaacharas (Five Codes of Conduct) are crucial for the pure growth of these principles:

Jnanaachar: Acquiring knowledge correctly and without flaws.
Darshanachar: Worshipping true faith without doubts, desires for other paths, or disgust.
Charitraachar: Strictly observing the five samitis (carefulness in movement, speech, eating, handling objects, and excretion) and three guptis (control of mind, speech, and body).
Tapachar: Performing the twelve types of austerities for self-welfare and the shedding of karma.
Viriyachar: Exerting as much energy as possible in religious deeds.

Eight Types of Darshanachar:

Within Darshanachar, eight specific virtues are outlined, one of which is Prabhavana:

Nissankita: Freedom from doubt in the teachings of Jinas.
Nikkankshita: Absence of desire for other false paths.
Nirvichikitsa: Not being disgusted by the faults of Sadhus or doubting the fruits of Dharma.
Amudhta: Not being swayed by the powers or grandeur of learned individuals of other sects.
Upabruhana: Praising and approving the virtues of fellow Jains and supporting their growth.
Sthirikarana: Re-establishing those who are faltering in the Dharma onto the right path.
Vatsalya: Honoring fellow Jains with food and clothing, and sincerely caring for their welfare.
Prabhavana: Increasing the influence of Dharma through lectures, religious discourses, debates, difficult austerities, etc., so that others are inspired to praise, approve, and adopt Dharma.

Prabhavana and Tirthankara Namakarma:

Prabhavana is considered a cause for Tirthankara Namakarma (Karma that leads to becoming a Tirthankara). The compassionate impulse that drives one to lead all beings towards the Dharma is the root of this karmic accumulation.

Distinction between "Prachar" (Propagation) and "Prabhavana":

Prachar: While it's natural to want to spread one's religion and find joy in others accepting it, the term "prachar" has become somewhat negative, especially after World War II, due to its association with propaganda and manipulation.
Negative Aspects of Prachar: Historically, some religions have spread through force, coercion, bribery, or deception. This type of propagation, even if widespread, lacks depth and leads to superficial practice.
"Prasar" (Dissemination): For honest religious spread, "prasar" is a better term than "prachar." However, even this can sometimes compromise core principles in the pursuit of numbers.
Prabhavana Superiority: "Prabhavana" is superior to both "prachar" and "prasar." In Prabhavana, people are naturally attracted to the Dharma due to their direct experience of its excellence. They embrace it willingly and are inspired to practice it. Prabhavana is based on truth, justice, ethics, honesty, compassion, and the welfare of all beings, without resorting to falsehood, unethical means, deception, or temptation.

Eight Types of Prabhavaka (Those who spread Prabhavana):

The Jain tradition identifies eight types of individuals who effectively spread the Dharma through their unique strengths:

Pravachan Prabhavaka: Those who are adept at delivering lectures or discourses.
Dharmakatha Prabhavaka: Those who narrate religious stories effectively.
Vadi Prabhavaka (or Nirvada Prabhavaka): Those skilled in debate and philosophical argumentation.
Nimitta-Vetta Prabhavaka (or Trikalajna Prabhavaka): Those knowledgeable in omens, astrology, and the past, present, and future.
Tapasvi Prabhavaka: Ascetics who practice severe austerities.
Vidya Prabhavaka: Those knowledgeable in various sciences and arts.
Siddha Prabhavaka (or Vratacharana Prabhavaka): Those who have attained spiritual powers through vows and practices.
Kavi Prabhavaka: Poets whose verses inspire and uplift others.

The text further elaborates on these categories:

Pravachan Prabhavaka: Holds immense importance, as they attract not only children but also intelligent beings through logical reasoning and deep spiritual insight. To be a Pravachan Prabhavaka requires strict adherence to vows, purity of faith, and a profound understanding of the scriptures.
Dharmakatha Prabhavaka: Those who use stories to instill faith and deep understanding of Dharma. Religious narratives are categorized into:
- Akshepani: Narratives that describe conduct.
- Vikshepani: Narratives that explain rival doctrines or refute false ones.
- Samvegni: Narratives that evoke detachment by explaining the transient nature of the world.
- Nirvedani: Narratives that generate disinterest in worldly pleasures.
Vadi Prabhavaka: Masters of debate who can skillfully present arguments and counter-arguments, winning over opponents through logic and reason.
Nimitta-Vetta Prabhavaka: Individuals who can predict future events based on various signs and omens, thereby influencing people towards Dharma.
Tapasvi Prabhavaka: The text highlights the rigorous austerities practiced by Jains, emphasizing their ability to overcome desires, reveal hidden powers, increase inner strength, and shed karma.
Vidya Prabhavaka: Individuals possessing knowledge of various sciences and arts, often aided by divine assistance, who can perform miracles and guide people towards Dharma.
Siddha Prabhavaka: Those who have achieved spiritual perfection and possess extraordinary abilities through their practices.
Kavi Prabhavaka: Poets whose eloquent and inspiring verses deeply affect listeners, making them receptive to Dharma. Many renowned Jain scholars and saints were also great poets.

Modern Means of Prabhavana:

The text acknowledges that in the current era, the availability of modern media like newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and films allows for the rapid dissemination of messages to millions. While these can be effective for spreading Dharma, they require continuous content, numerous disseminators, and careful handling to avoid misrepresentation or superficial promotion. Ultimately, the most impactful Prabhavana comes from individuals whose lives embody the Dharma.

Conclusion:

The core message is that true Prabhavana stems from genuine spiritual realization (Nishchay Prabhavana) and manifests through actions that inspire others towards Dharma without coercion or deception. It is deeply connected to Right Faith and is a vital aspect of Jain spiritual practice, contributing significantly to the propagation and glory of the teachings of the Jinas. Those who embody Prabhavana should strive to maintain and share the light of their faith with others, ensuring its lasting impact.