Prakaran Ratnavali - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prakaran Ratnavali" by Vajrasenvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prakaran RatnavAvali (પ્રકરણ રત્નાવલી) Author: Vajrasenvijay (વજસેનવિજય) Publisher: Bherulal Kanaiyalal Kothari Religious Trust (શ્રી ભેરૂલાલ કનૈયાલાલ જેઠારી રીલિજીયસ ટ્રસ્ટ)

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Prakaran Ratnavali" is a collection of Jain philosophical and theological treatises, known as Prakarana, compiled and presented with explanations, commentaries, and visual aids (images and diagrams - yantra). The book aims to make complex Jain teachings accessible to a wider audience, particularly those seeking spiritual knowledge and practice. The compiler, Pandit Shree Vajrasenvijay, has diligently gathered and organized these diverse treatises.

Key Features and Sections:

The book is structured around various Prakaranas, each focusing on a specific aspect of Jain philosophy. The table of contents (pages 10-17) reveals a comprehensive scope, covering topics such as:

Jiva Abhigam Sangrahani (શ્રી જીવાભિગમ સંગ્રહણી): This section, a part of the Jain Agamas (specifically an Upanga), details the different types of souls (jivas) from the most basic (nigoda) to the most complex (panchendriya). It systematically explains the characteristics and classifications of souls across various life forms, including their bodies, lifespans, senses, thought processes, lifespans, geographical distribution (upasarga), and relative quantities (alpa-bahutva). The text delves into the intricate details of each category, from the subtle to the gross, providing an exhaustive classification of living beings. (Pages 20-55).
Nigoda Shat Trishika (નિગોદ ષટ્ ત્રિશિકા): This specialized treatise focuses on Nigodas, the most basic form of life, described as souls residing in a common body. It elaborates on the complex concepts of soul distribution (pradesh), lifespans, and the subtle differences between various types of nigoda lifespans and lifeforces. It highlights the sheer vastness of life forms and their origins. (Pages 56-69).
Samyaktva Stava (સમ્યક્ત્વ સ્તવ): This section is dedicated to the principles of Samyaktva, which refers to right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct – the foundational elements for spiritual liberation in Jainism. It explains how a soul, through various stages and efforts (karanas), progresses from the lowest states of existence (mithyatva) to the attainment of right faith (samyaktva). It discusses the merits of samyaktva, the obstacles to its attainment, and the different types of samyaktva and their stages (gunasthanas). (Pages 55-89).
Kayasthiti (કાયસ્થિતિ): This Prakarana discusses the lifespans (ayu) and the duration of existence in various states of being across different lifetimes (bhavas). It offers detailed explanations on how souls cycle through various forms of life (from nigoda to tirasch, manushya, and deva) and the extent of their existence in each state. It examines the concept of bhavasanchara (the cycle of rebirth) and the intricate calculations involved in lifespans. (Pages 90-107).
Vichar Panchashika (વિચાર પંચાશિકા): This treatise provides an in-depth analysis of various philosophical concepts. It covers the nature of bodies (sharira), the cycle of births and deaths (gati-agari), the distinction between corporeal and non-corporeal entities, the concept of paryapti (development), and the principles of alpa-bahutva (relative quantities of souls). It also explores the characteristics of kadum (a type of mythical plant or phenomenon) and the nature of prithvi (earth) and other elements. (Pages 108-150).
Loka Nalika Dwadashika (લોકનાલિકા દ્વાત્રિશિકા): This section focuses on cosmology, describing the structure of the Jain universe (loka). It details the concept of Loka Nalika (the celestial pillar or axis) and its constituent parts, including suchiriju, pratarranju, and ghanaranju. It provides numerical details about the distribution of souls and celestial elements within the universe, along with visual representations (yantra) to aid understanding. (Pages 174-198).
Shree Kal Saptatika (શ્રી કાળ સપ્તતિકા): This Prakarana elaborates on the Jain concept of time (kala) and the cyclical nature of existence. It explains the twelve aras (epochs) within a Yuga cycle, the lifespans of beings in different epochs, the evolution of human society, the lineage of Shalaka Purushas (exemplary figures), and the characteristics of the coming generations (avatars). It also touches upon the origins of different religious sects and historical events related to Jainism. (Pages 200-247).
Shree Bhava Prakaran (શ્રી ભાવ પ્રકરણ): This treatise focuses on the states of existence (bhava) and their classification. It details the five types of bhava (Aupashamika, Kshavika, Mishra, Audayika, and Parinamika) and their manifestations across the fourteen Gunasthanas (stages of spiritual development). It provides a detailed breakdown of the merits and demerits associated with each state and the conditions under which souls transition between them. (Pages 242-281).
Shree Laghu Pravachan Saroddhar (શ્રી લઘુપ્રવચનસારાેદ્ધાર): This section, often referred to as a summary of essential teachings, delves into the practical aspects of Jain ethics and discipline, particularly focusing on Paryupasan and Pachakkhan (vows and restrictions). It explains the types of Pachakkhan, the rules regarding food and drink (ahar), the permissible and impermissible items (kalpya-akalpya), and the proper conduct during fasts and observances. It provides detailed lists and guidelines relevant to the practice of Jain asceticism. (Pages 254-296).
Shree Siddhapanchashika (શ્રી સિદ્ધપંચાશિકા): This Prakarana focuses on the nature of Siddhas – liberated souls who have attained final salvation. It discusses their location in the Siddhashila, their qualities, the number of liberated souls, their interactions, and the spiritual paths leading to liberation. It also includes detailed classifications based on various criteria like gender, knowledge, and spiritual attainment. (Pages 110-149).
Shree Siddha Dandika Stava (શ્રી સિદ્ધદંડિકા સ્તવ): This section offers a devotional hymn or praise (stava) to the Siddhas. It includes detailed numerical data and classifications related to the liberated souls, possibly referring to specific historical figures or auspicious occasions of liberation, presented in a structured manner known as dandika. (Pages 131-155).

Key Figures Mentioned:

The book highlights the importance of lineage and spiritual succession in Jain tradition. Several prominent Acharyas and spiritual guides are mentioned with great reverence, including:

Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Ramchandrasurishwarji Maharaj (આચાર્યદેવ શ્રીમદ્ વિજયરામચંદ્રસૂરીશ્વરજી મહારાજા)
Gyani Shrimad Vijay Krushnasurishwarji Maharaj (જ્ઞાની શ્રીમદ્દ વિજયકૃષ્ણસૂરીશ્વરજી મહારાજા)
Panyas Shree Bhadrakarvijayji Ganivarya (પંન્યાસશ્રી ભદ્રંકરવિજયજી ગણિવર્ય)
Panyas Shree Vajrasenvijayji Ganivarya (પંન્યાસશ્રી વજસેનવિજયજી ગણિવર્ય) – the compiler and editor.
Other revered Gurus like Shrimad Vijay Premsurishwarji Maharaj, Shrimad Vijay Gyanatusurishwarji Maharaj, and Shrimad Vijay Pradyotan Surishwarji Maharaj are also mentioned with respect.

Publisher's Note (Prakashakiy):

The publisher, Bherulal Kanaiyalal Kothari Religious Trust, expresses gratitude for the divine grace and blessings of Tirthankar Paramatma and the guidance of Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Ramchandrasurishwarji Maharaj. They mention their commitment to publishing valuable scriptures annually from the proceeds of their educational activities. The note specifically acknowledges the editorial work of Panyas Shree Vajrasenvijayji in compiling ancient Prakaran texts and grammar books, listing several previously published works like "Visheshavashyak Bhashantar," "Siddhahem Shabdānushasan," and "Lokaprakash." They express joy in releasing "Prakaran Ratnavali," which contains fourteen Prakaranas with their meanings, commentaries, and diagrams. They encourage further such scholarly endeavors.

Editor's Note (Sampadak ki Kalam):

Pandit Shree Vajrasenvijayji, in his note, explains the origin of Prakaranas as a response to the gradual loss of deeper scriptural understanding over time. He highlights how Acharyas simplified complex concepts into accessible Prakaranas for the benefit of young disciples. He shares the personal journey of compiling "Prakaran Ratnavali," mentioning how he encountered the "Prakaran Ratna Sangrah" during a religious retreat and how, with the inspiration and blessings of his Guru, he undertook the task of refining and re-publishing it. He explains the process of selecting and organizing 14 key Prakaranas from the original 27, improving the language, and adding meanings and diagrams for clarity. He expresses gratitude to the publisher for their support and the printer, Kantilal D. Shah of Bharat Printry. He concludes with a wish for the readers' spiritual benefit through the study of this work.

Overall Impression:

"Prakaran Ratnavali" is a significant scholarly and devotional work that aims to preserve and disseminate critical Jain literature. The inclusion of explanations, commentaries, and visual aids underscores a commitment to making profound spiritual knowledge understandable and applicable. The meticulous compilation and editorial efforts of Pandit Shree Vajrasenvijayji, supported by the religious trust, make this volume a valuable resource for Jain scholars, students, and practitioners. The book reflects a rich tradition of Jain scholarship and a dedication to spiritual upliftment.