Prakaran Ratna - Book Summary | JainGPT

Based on the provided text from "Prakaran Ratna" by Nagardas Pragjibhai, here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Prakaran Ratna (Collection of Jewels of Prakaranas/Treatises)

Author/Publisher: Nagardas Pragjibhai, Ahmedabad.

Edition: Second Edition, published in Samvat 1988 (1931 CE).

Contents and Overall Purpose:

"Prakaran Ratna" is a compilation of various important Jain treatises (Prakaranas), seemingly aimed at providing foundational knowledge of Jain philosophy and practices to the laity and potentially as study material for monks and nuns. The title itself suggests a collection of "jewels" of knowledge. The book covers fundamental concepts, ethical guidelines, and practical aspects of Jainism.

Key Sections and Their Summaries:

Shri Veetaraagay Namah & Shri Prakaran Ratna: This is the introductory invocation and title page, indicating devotion to the Jinas (the liberated ones) and presenting the book's identity. It also mentions the sources of inspiration, such as the teachings of Anopshriji, disciple of Anandshriji, disciple of Pujyapada Guruniji Maharaj Devshriji Maharaj of the Tapagachha lineage.
Jaher Khabar (Public Notice): This section lists other Jain books published by the same publisher, Nagardas Pragjibhai, along with their prices. This indicates the publisher's commitment to propagating Jain literature. Books listed include:
- Shri Shripal Rajano Ras (a narrative poem with illustrations)
- Chaityavandanaadi Parvatirthano Sangrah (Collection of Chaityavandanas and related rituals for pilgrimage sites)
- Puja Sangrah (Collection of Worship rituals)
- Devavandanmala (Garland of Devotional Praise)
- Panchapratikraman (Five types of atonement rituals)
- Sthapanaji (Installations of Jain deities)
- Lokethbook (Likely a book with pictures)
- Ratnakar Panchishi (A collection of 25 verses)
- Sajhayan Sangrah (Collection of devotional songs)
- Navapad Ohline Vidhi (Rituals for the Navapad - the nine supreme entities)
- Noankarwali (A string of praises for the Noankar mantra)
List of Donors (Maher Purusthona Nam): This section gratefully acknowledges individuals who contributed to the publication of the book, indicating community support for Jain literary endeavors.
Anukramanika (Table of Contents): This is a crucial section outlining the detailed structure of the book. The main treatises included are:
- Shri Shatrunjay Laghukalpa: A treatise on the pilgrimage to Shatrunjay hill, likely detailing its significance and merits.
- Jeev Vichar (Consideration of Souls): This section deals with the different types and classifications of souls (Jivas) in Jainism, their characteristics, and their existence in various life forms.
- Nav Tattva Dandak (The Nine Fundamentals): This is a core text in Jainism, explaining the nine fundamental truths or categories of existence: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punya (merit), Papa (demerit), Asrava (influx of karma), Samvara (cessation of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), and Moksha (liberation).
- Laghu Sanghayani (Abridged Compendium): A concise summary or classification of Jain teachings.
- Chaitya Vandana Bhashya: Commentary or explanation on the rituals of Chaitya Vandana (worship of temples and idols).
- Guru Vandana Bhashya: Commentary on showing reverence to spiritual preceptors.
- Pachchakkhan Bhashya: Commentary on the vows of abstention and renunciation.
- Karma Granth (Treatises on Karma): A series of six books dedicated to the complex doctrine of Karma:
  - Pratham Karma Granth (First Treatise on Karma)
  - Karma Stava (Praise of Karma)
  - Bandha Swamitva (Ownership of Bondage)
  - Shat Riti (Eighty-six Principles/Types) - This seems to be the likely reference for the 86 mentioned in the index, which is a significant number in Jain karma theory.
  - Shatak (A collection of hundred verses/principles)
  - Saptatika (A collection of seventy principles/verses)
- Ratnakar Panchishi: As mentioned earlier, a collection of 25 verses, possibly devotional or philosophical.
- Dashavaikalik ni Sajhayo (Devotional Songs on the Dashavaikalika Sutra): Songs based on the Dashavaikalika Sutra, which outlines ascetic conduct.
- Pancha Mahavratani Sajhayo (Devotional Songs on the Five Great Vows): Songs elaborating on the five core vows of Jainism.
- Parchuran Sajhayo, Chaityavandano Vigere (Miscellaneous Devotional Songs, Chaityavandanas, etc.): A collection of various devotional pieces.
- Dashavaikalika Sutra, Mool (Original Dashavaikalika Sutra): The fundamental text itself.
- Dashavaikalika Sutra Chulika (Appendices to the Dashavaikalika Sutra): Supplementary texts related to the Dashavaikalika Sutra.

Detailed Breakdown of Key Treatises:

Jeev Vichar: This section appears to be a detailed classification of living beings (Jivas) based on the number of senses and their mode of origination (from womb, egg, or spontaneously generated). It categorizes them into Ekendriya (one-sensed, such as earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, and plant-bodied souls), Beindriya (two-sensed), Teindriya (three-sensed), Charindriya (four-sensed), and Panchindriya (five-sensed) souls, further differentiating them into hellish beings, sub-humans, humans, and celestial beings. It also discusses their physical forms, lifespans, and sensory capabilities.
Nav Tattva Dandak: This is a fundamental exposition of the nine categories of existence essential for understanding Jainism. It would cover the nature of souls, non-souls, the accumulation of merit and demerit, the channels through which karmic matter enters the soul, the means to stop this influx, the process of shedding accumulated karma, the bondage caused by karma, and the ultimate state of liberation.
Karma Granths: The inclusion of a series of six books on Karma indicates the importance of this doctrine in Jainism. These texts would delve into the types of karma, their duration, intensity, effects, the causes of karmic influx and bondage, and the methods for their eradication (Nirjara). The mention of "Shat Riti" (Eighty-six) suggests a detailed classification within karma theory.
Dashavaikalika Sutra and its Chulikas: The Dashavaikalika Sutra is a significant scripture dealing with the conduct of ascetics. Its inclusion, along with supplementary texts (Chulikas) and devotional songs (Sajhayo), highlights its importance for understanding the strict ethical and disciplinary rules followed by Jain monks and nuns. The Sajhayo format suggests that the complex teachings of the Sutra are presented in an accessible, song-based format.

Overall Themes and Significance:

"Prakaran Ratna" serves as a compendium of essential Jain literature, covering:

Metaphysics: The nature of the soul, karma, and the universe (Jeev Vichar, Nav Tattva).
Ethics and Conduct: The five great vows, rules of asceticism (Dashavaikalika), and general ethical principles.
Rituals and Devotion: Chaitya Vandana, Guru Vandana, Puja, and devotional songs (Sajhayo).
Spiritual Path: The cycle of birth and death, the causes of bondage (karma), and the path to liberation (Moksha).

The book's publication and distribution by Nagardas Pragjibhai, with contributions from various donors, underscores the community's dedication to preserving and spreading Jain knowledge. It appears to be a valuable resource for individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of core Jain principles.