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Prakaran Ratnakar Mool

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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First page of Prakaran Ratnakar Mool

Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prakaran Ratnakar Mool" by Mehta Nagardas Pragjibhai, based on the provided catalog link and page contents.

Book Title: Prakaran Ratnakar Mool Author: Mehta Nagardas Pragjibhai Publisher: Mehta Nagardas Pragjibhai Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022320/1

Overall Introduction and Publication Details:

  • The book "Prakaran Ratnakar Mool" is a collection of Jain religious and philosophical treatises.
  • It was published by Mehta Nagardas Pragjibhai and is located at Doshiwada ni Pol, Ahmedabad.
  • The publication date is noted as V.S. 1992 (Vikram Samvat) / 1936 CE, on Vijaya Dashami.
  • It is dedicated to the spiritual lineage of respected Jain Acharyas, including Shasan Samrat Vijay Nemisurishwarji Maharaj, Pujyapada Guruniji Maharaj Saubhagya Shreeji Maharaj, Champashreeji Maharaj, Darshan Shreeji Maharaj, and Labh Shreeji Maharaj, indicating its adherence to the Tapgach tradition.
  • The publication seems to have been supported by generous donations from various individuals and families, as listed on page 3, with contributions ranging from Rs. 5 to Rs. 50. This highlights community involvement in preserving and propagating Jain literature.

Content Summary (Based on the Table of Contents and page samples):

The book is structured into several distinct sections, each focusing on a specific aspect of Jain philosophy, cosmology, and practice. The table of contents reveals the following key sections:

  1. Shri Shatrunjay Laghukalpa: (Pages 1-4)

    • This section likely describes the importance and glories of the sacred Jain pilgrimage site Shatrunjay (Palitana).
    • It appears to discuss the merits of visiting and revering this holy place, potentially including its history, significance, and the benefits derived from such devotion.
    • The sampled pages contain verses in Prakrit (or a related language) praising Shatrunjay, its dimensions, and the spiritual rewards of visiting it.

  2. Shri Laghukshetra Samas: (Pages 37-112, with specific section from page 9 onwards)

    • This is a substantial portion of the book, dedicated to the detailed description of the Jain universe (Lokakasha).
    • It likely elaborates on the various continents (dvipas), oceans (samudras), mountains (kulaparvatas), and Jambudvipa in particular.
    • The text appears to be highly detailed, providing measurements, names of celestial beings, geographical features, and the distribution of landmasses and waters in the Jain cosmological model.
    • The Prakrit verses go into great detail about the dimensions, shapes, and inhabitants of different realms within the Jain universe.

  3. Shri Bruhat Sangrahani: (Pages 81-82, with content starting from page 43)

    • This section seems to be a continuation or a related topic to the description of the universe, possibly providing a broader overview or different classification of the cosmos.
    • The sampled pages discuss the lifespan and characteristics of various celestial beings (Suras, Naraka dwellers, Tiryanchas, Humans) and their respective realms.
    • It delves into the intricacies of time cycles (Kalachakra), their divisions, and the lifespan of beings in different Yugas.
    • Detailed descriptions of various types of heavens (Vaimanika, Jyotisha, Graha) and hells (Narakas) are provided, along with their respective inhabitants, durations, and characteristics.

  4. Shri Abhavya Kulakam: (Pages 82-84)

    • This section likely discusses the concept of "Abhavya" – souls that are incapable of achieving liberation in Jainism.
    • It might explore the reasons for such a state and the philosophical implications.

  5. Shri Punyakulakam: (Pages 84-86)

    • This part focuses on the concept of "Punya" – virtuous actions and their merits.
    • It likely elaborates on actions that generate merit and the positive consequences they bring in this life and future lives.

  6. Shri Punyapap Kulakm: (Pages 86-89)

    • This section discusses both "Punya" (merit) and "Papa" (demerit/sin).
    • It likely explains the nature of these karmic actions, how they are acquired, and their respective effects on the soul.

  7. Shri Gautam Kulakam: (Pages 89-94)

    • This section is likely dedicated to the teachings or a compilation related to Saint Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavira.
    • It may contain ethical teachings, philosophical discourse, or stories illustrating these points. The sampled pages contain verses emphasizing virtues like truthfulness, non-violence, contentment, and the avoidance of negative emotions like anger and pride.

  8. Shri Dan Kulakam: (Pages 94-97)

    • This part focuses on "Dana" – charity and generosity.
    • It likely discusses the importance of giving, the different types of charity, and the virtues associated with it, illustrated with examples of significant charitable acts.

  9. Shri Sheel Kulakam: (Pages 97-99)

    • This section focuses on "Sheel" – virtue, chastity, and righteous conduct.
    • It highlights the significance of adhering to moral principles and the positive outcomes of virtuous living, possibly with examples of exemplary virtuous individuals.

  10. Shri Tap Kulakam: (Pages 99-102)

    • This section is dedicated to "Tapa" – asceticism, penance, and self-discipline.
    • It likely explains the importance of austerities in spiritual progress, different types of penances, and the spiritual achievements attained through them, possibly with illustrative stories of great ascetics.

  11. Shri Bhav Kulakam: (Pages 102-108)

    • This section discusses "Bhava" – mental states, attitudes, and intentions.
    • It likely delves into the importance of cultivating pure mental states and the impact of intentions on one's spiritual journey.

  12. Shri Mithyatva Kulakam: (Pages 103-108)

    • This section addresses "Mithyatva" – false beliefs, wrong views, and delusion.
    • It likely explains the nature of wrong beliefs, their causes, and their detrimental effects on spiritual progress, emphasizing the path to right faith.

  13. Shri Atm Kulakam: (Pages 108-111)

    • This section focuses on the "Atman" or the soul.
    • It likely explores the nature of the soul, its inherent purity, its bondage, and the path to its liberation.

  14. Shri Samavasaran Prakaran: (Pages 111-112)

    • This section describes the "Samavasarana" – the divine assembly convened by a Tirthankara after attaining omniscience.
    • It likely details the structure of the Samavasarana, the arrangement of the divine assembly, and the teachings imparted within it. The sampled pages provide details about the structure, measurements, and the celestial beings present.

  15. Shri Graha Shanti Stotram: (Pages 111-112)

    • This is a hymn or mantra dedicated to appeasing planetary influences for peace and well-being.
    • It lists the associated deities for each planet and suggests remedies for mitigating their negative effects, likely aligning with astrological practices within a Jain context.

Overall Significance:

"Prakaran Ratnakar Mool" appears to be a valuable compendium of Jain knowledge, covering a wide range of topics from cosmology and geography to ethics, spiritual practices, and devotional hymns. The detailed descriptions of the universe in sections like "Laghukshetra Samas" and "Bruhat Sangrahani" suggest a significant focus on the Jain understanding of the cosmos. The inclusion of various "Kulakams" indicates a systematic approach to understanding key philosophical concepts. The book's publication with community support underscores its importance in preserving and disseminating Jain teachings.