Prakaranmala - Book Summary | JainGPT

This document is a comprehensive summary and table of contents for the Jain text "Prakaranmala" (प्रकरणमाला), authored by Harishankar Kalidas Vadhvanwala. Published by Bhogilal Tarachand Shah, the book is presented as a valuable resource for the Jain community.

Here's a breakdown of the key information and content:

Book Details:

Title: Prakaranmala (प्रकरणमाला)
Author: Harishankar Kalidas Vadhvanwala (हरिशंकर कालीदास वढवाणवाळा)
Publisher: Bhogilal Tarachand Shah (भोगिलाल ताराचंद शाह)
Publication Year: Samvat 1965 (1909 AD)
Edition: First Edition (आवृत्ति १ जी)
Place of Publication: Ahmedabad (अमदावाद)
Printer: Shri Lakshmi Printing Press (श्री लक्ष्मि प्रिन्टिंग प्रेस)
Price: Rs. 1-8-0

Purpose and Content:

The preface (प्रस्तावना) highlights that while many Jain religious books have been published, there are few that offer the essence of many books in a single volume, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of wealth. "Prakaranmala" is designed to fulfill this need. The book includes 27 chapters (प्रकरण), arranged in a way that progresses from fundamental concepts to more advanced spiritual and ethical teachings.

The introduction emphasizes the compiler's (प्रसिद्ध कर्त्ता) intention to provide a collection of profound spiritual principles for the benefit of the Jain community, suitable for understanding and reading.

Key Chapters (As per the Table of Contents - विषय / अनुक्रमणिका):

The book is structured into a series of chapters (प्रकरण) covering various aspects of Jain philosophy and practice:

Jiv Vichar (जीव विचार): Discussion on the nature and classification of souls.
Navatattva (नवतत्व): Explanation of the nine fundamental principles of Jainism.
Dravya (द्रव्य): The nature of substances.
Sangrahani (संग्रहणी): Principles of collection or accumulation.
Chaityavandan Vidhi (चैत्यवंदन विधि): Rituals and rules for worshiping at temples.
Guruvandan Vidhi (गुरुवंदन विधि): Etiquette and practices for venerating spiritual preceptors.
Pancharkhan Bhashya (पंचखाण भाष्य): Commentary on the fourfold renunciation.
Indriya Jayashatak (इंद्रियजयशतक): A century of verses on conquering the senses.
Vairagya Shatak (वैराग्य शतक): A century of verses on detachment.
Punyakulak (पुण्यकुलक): On meritorious deeds and their consequences.
Papakulak (पापकुलक): On sinful deeds and their consequences.
Punyapapakulak (पुण्यपापकुलक): On the interplay of merit and demerit.
Gautamkulak (गौतमकुलक): Tales and teachings related to Gautam Swami.
Dankulak (दान कुलक): On the virtues of charity.
Sheelkulak (शील कुलक): On ethical conduct and chastity.
Tapkulak (तप कुलक): On austerities and their spiritual benefits.
Bhavkulak (भाव कुलक): On inner spiritual states and intentions.
Upadesh Ratnakosh (उपदेशरत्न कोश): A treasury of advice and teachings.
Shashvat Jin Namadi Sankhya Stavan (शाश्वताजिन नामादि संख्या स्तवन): Invocation and enumeration of eternal Jinas.
Trilok Chatryatimb Sankhya Yantra (त्रिलोक चैत्यत्रिंब संख्या यंत्र): Numerical diagrams related to Jina images in the three worlds.
Shatrunjay Laghukalpa (शत्रुंजय लघु कल्प): A concise guide to Shatrunjay Tirth.
Ratnakar Pachoshi (रत्नाकरपचोशी): A collection of twenty-five verses from Ratnakar.
Samadhishatak (समाधिशतक): A century of verses on equanimity.
Sataun Chittvalan (सजुन चित्तवलन): A work on controlling the mind.
Shri Veer Jin Stavan (श्रीवीरजीन स्तवन): An ode to Lord Mahavir.
Shri Shrimandhar Swami nu Stavan (श्रीमंधरस्वामी नुंस्तवन): An ode to Lord Shrimandhar Swami.
Gurupadakriya (गुरुप्रदक्षणा): Rituals and steps related to Gurus.
Jivanushashstri Kulak (जीवानुंशास्त्री कुलक): A discourse on the scientific aspects of souls.

The text includes detailed explanations and verses for chapters like "Jiv Vichar" and "Navatattva," illustrating the Jain understanding of the soul, its states, and the fundamental principles of the universe. It appears to be a scholarly and devotional compilation aimed at spiritual upliftment and knowledge.