Prashamrati - Book Summary | JainGPT

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prashamrati" by Acharya Shri Bhadraguptasuri, as presented in the provided text:

Book Title: Prashamrati Author: Acharya Shri Vijay Bhadraguptasuri (also referred to as Bhadraguptavijay) Publisher: Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra Koba Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008922/1

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The text describes "Prashamrati" as a "Sanjeevani" (life-giving elixir) for dormant consciousness, capable of bestowing eternal youth, supreme happiness, and ultimate bliss. It is presented as a vital spiritual text that complements the "Tattvarthsutra" by the great scholar Bhagwan Umashwati, who is considered a beacon of the Jain tradition. "Prashamrati" is seen as a comprehensive compilation of Jain principles, offering profound guidance for the spiritual journey.

Author and His Work:

Acharya Shri Vijay Bhadraguptasurishwarji Maharaj (originally Mulchandbhai) was born in Pudgam, Gujarat, in 1989 (V.S.). He was initiated into the Jain monastic order at the age of 18 in Ranpur, Saurashtra, in 2007 (V.S.) and became a disciple of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Premsurishwarji Maharaj.
His life was dedicated to the study and teaching of the 45 Agamas, exploring philosophical concepts from Indian and Western traditions, and engaging with poetry and literature.
His writing journey began at the age of 20 with "Mahapanthano Yatri" and continued tirelessly until his final days. He authored a diverse range of original works including philosophical treatises, commentaries, long narratives, short stories, and guidance-oriented literature through letters.
He was known for his loving, cheerful disposition, and a pleasant, gentle personality. He had a deep interest in the character building of the youth and children within the Jain community.
His spiritual personality was elevated through discourses, dialogues, spiritual camps, meditation practices, and devotional programs.
He was honored with the title of Acharya in Kolhapur on July 4, 1987.
Despite facing prolonged illnesses in his later years, he continued his literary pursuits until his passing on November 19, 1999, in Shyamal, Ahmedabad.

Re-publication of Prashamrati:

The Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Koba, has undertaken the re-publication of the works of Acharya Shri Vijay Bhadraguptasuri (Priydarshan).
This decision was motivated by the desire to ensure that his profound literature remains accessible to the public, especially after the dissolution of the Vishwakalyan Prakashan Trust, which had previously published his works.
The Kendra obtained the re-publication rights from Vishwakalyan Prakashan Trust with the consent of Rashtrasant Acharya Shri Padmsagarsuriji, acknowledging the close spiritual bond between the two Acharyas.

Content and Structure of Prashamrati:

Original Work: "Prashamrati" by Vachak Shreshth Bhagwan Umashwati.
Structure: The text contains 22 chapters and 363 verses, offering an extraordinary compilation of Jain philosophical substances.
Key Themes:
- Victory over passions (Kashays).
- Victory over senses.
- Living in a Gurukul.
- Twelve Bhavnas (contemplations).
- Dashvaikalik Dharma (twelve aspects of the renunciate's duty).
- Samyakdarshan (right faith).
- Meditation and Yoga.
Overall Aim: The essence of the entire text is to guide the seeker's soul towards Prasham-bhav (a state of equanimity, tranquility, and detachment), leading to spiritual purification and progress on the path to liberation (Moksha).
Appreciation of the Text: The text highlights that studying and contemplating "Prashamrati" can lead to an increase in one's "Prasham-bhav" and facilitate spiritual progress towards liberation. It is considered an invaluable guide for spiritual development.

Foreword and Editorial Notes:

The re-publication is dedicated to the memory of Shri Niranjan Narottam bhai by the Seth Shri Narottam bhai Lal bhai family, with the generosity of Seth Shri Samveg bhai Lal bhai.
The publication details the second edition: Kartik Vad-13, V.S. 2065, November 25, 2008.
The Kendra expresses gratitude for the financial support and acknowledges the proofreading and typesetting contributions.
A humble request is made to readers to share this inspirational literature to promote knowledge.
The hope is expressed that the book will guide readers on their life journey and bring equanimity amidst difficulties.
The text concludes with a prayer for forgiveness in case of any unintentional errors or deviations from the author's intent or Jain teachings.

The commentary ("Vivechan") by Acharya Shri Vijay Bhadraguptasuri:

The Acharya begins by paying homage to Vachak Shreshth Bhagwan Umashwati, the author of "Prashamrati," through a verse from an unknown commentator.
He reflects on his personal experience of memorizing and contemplating "Prashamrati" during his early monastic life, finding immense inner peace and bliss. He considers "Prashamrati," along with "Gnansar" and "Bhaktaparigyan Patra," as books that revitalized his spiritual essence.
He expresses a strong desire for all monks and nuns to internalize and contemplate these texts for the spiritual strengthening of the monastic order and for experiencing unprecedented peace.
He initiated writing this commentary after completing the commentary on "Gnansar" and began "Prashamrati" later.
He mentions that the writing process was initially slow due to various responsibilities but gained momentum due to the persistent encouragement of his friend Munivar Pannyas Shri Sthulbhadravijayji and the repeated requests of Pravinbhai Amarchand Zaveri from Mumbai.
He recounts his first experience of discoursing on "Prashamrati" during a Chaturmas in Patan in V.S. 2014, where he read the commentary by Shri Haribhadrasuriji (not the son of Yakini Mahattara, but another Haribhadrasuriji). He also found another commentary from the Patan library, printed in V.S. 1966 by Shri Jain Dharmapracharak Sabha, Bhavnagar, without the commentator's name.
The idea to write his own commentary originated during the Patan Chaturmas after studying "Prashamrati" with the help of both commentaries.
He utilized both available commentaries for his exposition, finding the unknown commentator's work particularly guiding for his "Tattva-anupreksha" (contemplation of principles).
He outlines the 22 primary topics covered in "Prashamrati," followed by 22 appendices where philosophical subjects are discussed separately for clarity.
He states that each verse's meaning has been determined based on the commentaries, aiming to aid those who have memorized the original verses.
The book is published with the intention that all beings may find peace, tranquility, and unconditional joy.

Key Aspects of "Prashamrati" as Described:

It is a text that contains the essence of Jain philosophy, covering fundamental principles in 22 chapters and 363 verses.
The book's objective is to stabilize the seeker's soul in a state of "Prasham-bhav" (tranquility), guiding them towards spiritual purity and liberation.
The text is praised for its profound philosophical content, even though it is small in size.

This summary captures the essence of the provided pages, highlighting the significance of "Prashamrati," the life and contribution of Acharya Bhadraguptasuri, and the textual content as described in the foreword and by the Acharya himself.