Prashnottar Vakya Ratna Sangraha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prashnottar Vakya Ratna Sangraha" by Sadhvi Charushilashreeji, based on the provided Gujarati text:

Book Title: Prashnottar Vakya Ratna Sangraha (A Collection of Jewel-like Question-Answer Sentences) Author: Sadhvi Charushilashreeji Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Source: The text is a reproduction of a manuscript found in the collection of Shri Munibhaktvijayji (Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar). The original manuscript was obtained from Param Pujya Acharya Vijayashilachandrasuriiji and bears a note indicating it was written in Samvat 1959. The author notes that the questions and answers, though brief, are poignant and simple, serving as a source of spiritual knowledge.

Overall Theme: The "Prashnottar Vakya Ratna Sangraha" is a collection of wisdom presented in a question-and-answer format. It distills complex spiritual and ethical principles into concise and easily understandable pronouncements. The text covers a wide range of topics related to the Jain path, focusing on what is to be accepted, rejected, pursued, avoided, and understood for spiritual progress and a virtuous life.

Key Themes and Concepts Explored:

• Guidance and Knowledge:

  • What is to be accepted in the world? The Guru's word.
  • What is to be rejected? Worldly activities.
  • Who is a Guru? One who has realized the truth and is devoted to compassion for living beings.
  • What is to be heard? Good advice.
  • What is the root of greatness? Not begging.

• Spiritual Practices and Goals:

  • What is the seed of the tree of liberation? Active right knowledge.
  • What is the provision for a soul traveling to the next world? Earned spiritual practice (Dharmaradhan).
  • What is true living? Living while working for the welfare of others.
  • What is true happiness? Self-restraint.
  • What is truth? Working for the welfare of all beings.
  • What is precious? That which is useful at the time.
  • Where should effort be made? In the study of knowledge, good medicine, and charity.
  • What should be remembered day and night? The impermanence and essence-less nature of the world.

• Qualities of a Virtuous Person:

  • Who is a pure person? One with a pure mind.
  • Who is a wise person? One who abandons all bad company.
  • Who is a courageous person? One who is not pained by the glances of women.
  • Who is honorable? One who practices virtuous conduct.
  • Who is worthy of worship? One who practices virtuous conduct.
  • Who controls beings? Those who speak truth and pleasant words, and are humble.
  • Where should a good person stand firm? In the path of righteousness, leaving aside thoughts of profit and loss.

• Negative Qualities and Hindrances:

  • Who is asleep? The unintelligent person.
  • What is poison? Disbelief in the Guru.
  • What is intoxication? The arising of infatuation.
  • Who is a thief? The objects of the five senses.
  • What is the vine of the world? Desire/Thirst.
  • Who is an enemy? Indolence.
  • What is to be feared in the world? War.
  • Who is truly blind? One attached to worldly affairs.
  • What is unparalleled? A woman's character.
  • Who is clever? One who remains unaffected by a woman's character.
  • What is poverty? Discontentment.
  • What is small/low? Begging.
  • What is ignorance? Being unintelligent despite having intelligence and not studying.
  • What is sleep? Ignorance/Foolishness.
  • What is hell? Dependence on others.
  • What is unlikable? To be kept with the wicked, with another's wife, and with another's wealth.
  • Who does not develop detachment even until death? The foolish, the lustful, the proud, and the ungrateful.
  • Who is the lowest? One who abandons their vows.
  • What yields undesirable results? A restless mind.
  • Who is blind, deaf, and mute? One who does not do what they should, does not listen to beneficial words, and does not speak appropriately.
  • What is death? Extreme foolishness.
  • What is lamentable? Stinginess/Avarice.
  • What is commendable in the wealthy? Generosity.
  • What is commendable in the defeated and the poor? Patience.

• Metaphors and Observations:

  • What is youth and lifespan like? Like water droplets on a lotus.
  • What is cool like the moon? The company of good people.
  • What is like lightning? Bad company and the affection of young women.
  • In which era does even a good person's mind become inclined to misconduct? In the Kali Yuga.

• Acts of Virtue:

  • What is true charity? Granting fearlessness to living beings.
  • Who is a friend? One who dissuaves from sin.
  • What is adornment? Good conduct.
  • What is decoration? Truthful speech.
  • What is praise-worthy in the rich? Generosity.

• Victories and Overcoming:

  • Who has conquered the world? The patient and truthful person.
  • Who is worshipped by gods? One who fully practices the dharma of compassion.
  • From whom does the intelligent person fear? From the wilderness of the world.

The book concludes with auspicious wishes for well-being and prosperity. The overall tone is didactic, offering practical guidance on cultivating virtues and avoiding vices on the spiritual journey according to Jain principles.