Prakaran Bhashya Sar

This document is the Prakaran Bhashya Sar, a Jain text compiled by Tapasvi Shri Akalankvijay Maharaj and edited by Pu. A. Chidanandsuri Maharaj. It was published by Shri Mahendrabhai J. Shah.

The text is a comprehensive guide to various aspects of Jain philosophy and practice, presented in a structured and accessible manner. Here's a breakdown of its key components and themes:

Core Jain Principles and Concepts:

• The Importance of Knowledge (Samayak Gyan): The book strongly emphasizes the paramount importance of right knowledge as the source of all happiness and the means to improve one's spiritual journey across lifetimes. It highlights how knowledge reveals hidden powers within the soul and leads to self-realization, ultimately enabling the soul to become divine.
• Knowledge as Foundation: Just as a building's longevity depends on its foundation, right knowledge protects the soul from karmic bondage and leads to eternal liberation. Knowledge is described as a hidden treasure that grows when shared and provides strength and peace in difficult times.
• Three Pillars of Liberation: The text reiterates the Jain path to liberation (moksha) as being through the combined force of Gyan (Knowledge), Tapa (Austerity), and Sanjam (Self-control). It clarifies that knowledge helps understand the nature of karma, austerity helps shed past karma, and self-control prevents the accumulation of new karma.
• Karma Theory: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to explaining the intricate theory of karma. It details how actions driven by passions (attachment and aversion) lead to karmic bondage. The book elaborates on the different types of karma, their causes, their effects, and how they influence one's destiny, including rebirth and suffering. It also touches upon how external events like accidents are linked to past karma.
• The Nature of the Universe (Lok Prakaran): The text provides a foundational understanding of the Jain cosmology, describing the different realms of existence: the lower realms (Naraka), the middle realm (Manushyaloka), and the upper realms (Devlok). It mentions the geographical divisions within the universe, such as Jambudvipa and other continents and oceans.
• The Nine Tattvas (Navatattva): The book explains the nine fundamental principles of Jainism (Jiva, Ajiva, Punya, Pap, Ashrava, Samvara, Nirjara, Bandha, and Moksha). It describes Jiva (soul) as the essence of consciousness and Ajiva (non-soul) as inert matter. The remaining tattvas explain the process of karma and liberation.
• The Dandak Chapters: These chapters delve into the characteristics, qualities, and powers of beings in different realms and life forms. It systematically explains the subtle details of the universe, including the number of senses, lifespan, and various classifications of living beings.
• The Importance of Devotion and Respect: The text emphasizes the significance of revering the Tirthankara Mahatmas, their teachings (Dharma), and the spiritual guides (Gurus). It stresses the importance of devotion through daily worship and Chaityavandan (venerating temples and images of Jinas).
• Vandana (Salutations): The book extensively discusses various forms of salutation and veneration, particularly towards Gurus and Jina temples. It details the etiquette, steps, and significance of these practices, highlighting the role of humility, devotion, and sincerity. It also explains the different types of Namaskara, Chaityavandana, and Guru-vandana, including their associated merits and demerits.
• Panchakkhan (Vows/Abstinence): The text strongly advocates for the practice of Panchakkhan, explaining it as a crucial step towards liberation. It differentiates between material (dravya) and mental (bhava) Panchakkhan and stresses that without the latter, true liberation is impossible. The importance of taking vows with the right intention and understanding the 'Agara' (exceptions) is also discussed.
• The Purpose of Rituals: The book explains that rituals like Chaityavandan are not mere empty gestures but are meant to foster humility, discipline, and a deeper connection with the divine principles. It highlights how devotion to Gurus can accelerate spiritual progress, even surpassing the Guru in spiritual advancement.
• The Power of Faith and Discipline: The text illustrates through examples of historical figures like King Kumarpal and King Shrenik how devotion, following vows, and respecting spiritual leaders can lead to immense spiritual and worldly benefits.
• Cosmic Details: The book presents detailed astronomical and geographical information about the Jain universe, including the dimensions of Jambudvipa, the arrangement of continents and oceans, the existence of various types of celestial beings (Devas), and the structure of the cosmos. It also provides classifications of different types of souls based on their senses, lifespans, and realms of existence.
• The Nature of Living Beings: It discusses the classification of living beings into different categories based on their number of senses (ekendriya to panchendriya), their mode of existence (sthavar - immobile, and trasa - mobile), and their life forms (Jalchar - aquatic, Sthalchar - terrestrial, Khechar - aerial). The text provides detailed descriptions of various beings within these categories, including their physical attributes and lifespans.
• Measurement Systems: The text includes explanations of Jain measurement systems for length, time, and quantities, such as 'Angul', 'Yojan', 'Palya', and 'Sagaropam', and their relative values.
• The Subtle Nature of Existence: The book touches upon the subtle existence of atoms and microorganisms, suggesting that what science is still discovering, Jain philosophy has known for millennia. It highlights the vastness and complexity of the universe as understood within Jainism.

Structure and Compilation:

The book is a compilation of various "Prakaranas" (chapters or sections), including:

• Jiv Vichar Prakaran (Chapter on the Soul): This section focuses on the nature of the soul, its characteristics, different states of existence, and classifications of living beings.
• Navatattva Prakaran (Chapter on the Nine Tattvas): This covers the foundational principles of Jainism.
• Dandak Prakaran (Chapter on Classification/Categories): This section systematically categorizes various types of souls and their attributes based on different criteria.
• Laghu Sangrahani (Brief Compendium): This likely provides a concise overview of cosmic geography and the universe.
• Chaityavandan Bhashya (Commentary on Temple Salutation): This chapter focuses on the practices and significance of visiting and venerating Jina temples.
• Guruvandan Bhashya (Commentary on Saluting the Guru): This section details the importance, methods, and etiquette of showing respect to spiritual teachers.
• Pachakkhan Bhashya (Commentary on Vows/Abstinence): This chapter elaborates on the practice of taking vows and its spiritual benefits.
• Shuddhipatrak (Errata): A list of corrections to errors found in the printing.
• Parishisht (Appendix): Includes information on various measurements, Jain numerals, and details about the celestial realms and their inhabitants.

Overall Tone and Purpose:

The "Prakaran Bhashya Sar" is presented as a text that is:

• Instructive and Educational: It aims to impart essential Jain knowledge to practitioners and interested individuals.
• Accessible: The language is intended to be easily understood by both those who study Jain texts and those who may not.
• Beneficial for Spiritual Growth: The ultimate goal is to guide individuals towards spiritual upliftment, the eradication of karma, and the attainment of liberation.
• Authoritative: It draws upon the teachings of ancient Jain scriptures and the traditions of esteemed Acharyas.

In essence, the book serves as a foundational text for understanding key Jain doctrines, practices, and the structure of the Jain universe, with a strong emphasis on ethical conduct, spiritual discipline, and the ultimate goal of liberation.