Prashnottarmala - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prashnottarmala" by Karpurvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prashnottarmala (प्रश्नोत्तररत्नमाला - Jewel Garland of Questions and Answers) Author: Shrimad Chidanandji Maharaj (also known as Kapoorchandji Maharaj) Commentator (Vivechak): Muni Shrimad Sannmitra Karpurvijayji Maharaj Publisher: Shree Vardhaman-Satya-Niti-Harshsuri Jain Granthmala Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/035213/1

Overall Nature of the Text:

"Prashnottarmala" is a significant Jain scripture presented in a question-and-answer format. It aims to elucidate fundamental Jain principles, philosophy, and ethical conduct in a concise and accessible manner. The commentary by Karpurvijayji Maharaj further elaborates on the profound meanings within the original verses, making the text more comprehensible for a wider audience. The book is praised for its ability to impart deep spiritual knowledge through simple language and structure.

Key Aspects and Themes:

The Author (Shrimad Chidanandji Maharaj):
- He was a prominent spiritual figure of the 20th century, deeply devoted to Jainism.
- Like Anandghanji Maharaj, he was a learned scholar and devotee of spiritual philosophy.
- His other notable works include "Chidanand Bahottari," "Swaroday," "Pudgal Gita," and various scattered verses.
- His compositions are characterized by simplicity of language yet profound depth of meaning, making them easily accessible to the heart.
- He was a practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga and is believed to have possessed extraordinary yogic powers and siddhis.
- He was known to reside in sacred pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjaya and Girnar, with certain caves and places being identified with his name.
- He is said to have attained nirvana at Sametshikara.
- His life was one of detachment and humility, rarely disclosing his spiritual attainments.
The Commentator (Muni Sannmitra Karpurvijayji Maharaj):
- He provided a detailed commentary (Vivechan) in Gujarati on the original work.
- This commentary aims to clarify the profound meaning contained within each question and answer, which can be extensive enough to form individual volumes.
- His intention was to help seekers gain spiritual benefit and enhance their self-interest.
The Structure and Content:
- The book is structured as a series of questions (114 in total, as indicated by the text) followed by their concise answers.
- The questions cover a vast range of topics essential to Jain philosophy and practice, including:
  - Theology and Spiritual Hierarchy: Definition of Dev (God), Dharm (Religion), and Guru (Spiritual Teacher).
  - Dualistic Concepts: Sukh (Happiness) vs. Dukh (Sorrow), Gyan (Knowledge) vs. Ajnan (Ignorance), Dhyan (Meditation) vs. Dhyeya (Object of Meditation) vs. Dhyata (Meditator), Maan (Pride) vs. Apmaan (Dishonor).
  - Metaphysical Principles: Jiv (Soul/Living Being) vs. Ajiv (Non-living matter), Punnya (Merit) vs. Pap (Demerit), Ashrav (Influx of Karmas), Samvar (Cessation of Karmas), Nirjara (Shedding of Karmas), Bandh (Bondage of Karmas), Moksha (Liberation).
  - Ethical Classifications: Hey (To be abandoned), Gey (To be known), Upadey (To be adopted), Bodh (Wisdom) vs. Abodh (Ignorance), Vivek (Discretion) vs. Avivek (Lack of Discretion).
  - Social and Personal Attributes: Chatura (Clever) vs. Murkh (Foolish), Raav (King) vs. Rank (Poor), Gunvant (Virtuous) vs. Avgunvant (Vicious), Yogi, Jati, Sant, Mahant.
  - Character and Behavior: Shoorveer (Brave) vs. Kayar (Cowardly), Pashu (Animal), Manav (Human), Dev (Divine Being), Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, Athir (Unsteady) vs. Thhir (Steady), Tap, Jap, Sanjam (Restraint), Chor (Thief) vs. Sadhak (Practitioner).
  - Worldly Phenomena and Concepts: Durgay (Difficult to conquer), Kapata (Deceit), Nisch, Uch, Uttam (Low, High, Best), Prachand Agni (Fierce fire), Matang (Elephant), Vishvalli (Poisonous creeper), Sagar (Ocean), Turang (Horse).
  - Guidance on Conduct: Whom to fear, whom to approach, whose company increases virtues, whose leads to downfall, what is transient vs. permanent, what is essence vs. non-essence, what is hell-gate.
  - Human Nature and Relationships: Andh (Blind), Badhir (Deaf), Muk (Mute), Mat-Pita (Parents), Ripu (Enemy), Mitr (Friend), Pandit (Wise), Muroh (Ignorant), Sukhi (Happy), Dukhi (Unhappy), Abheet (Fearless).
  - Existential Questions: The nature of Kalpavruksha (Wish-fulfilling tree), Chintamani (Wish-fulfilling jewel), Kamadhenu (Wish-fulfilling cow), Chitravalli. What cures suffering? The ornaments of ears, eyes, mouth, hands, arms, heart, throat, and forehead. Causes of sin, disease, and sorrow. Pure vs. impure objects. Amrit (Nectar) vs. Vish (Poison). Sang (Good company) vs. Kusang (Bad company).
- The text provides answers that define these terms and concepts within the Jain framework, often using analogies and direct spiritual advice.
Philosophical Underpinnings:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Emphasized as the root of dharma and essential for spiritual progress.
- Detachment and Renunciation: The text highlights the importance of detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and desires (Moha, Maya, Mamata).
- Self-Realization (Atma-bodh): The ultimate goal is understanding the true nature of the soul and its inherent qualities, free from karmic impurities.
- Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Samyak Darshan, Gyan, Charitra): These are presented as the path to liberation.
- The Nature of Reality: Distinguishing between the eternal soul (Jiv) and transient, material objects (Ajiv).
- The Path to Liberation (Moksha): Achieved through controlling the mind and senses, practicing austerity (Tapas), and adhering to virtuous conduct.
Ethical and Moral Guidance:
- The book strongly advocates for ethical behavior, distinguishing between virtuous and non-virtuous actions, people, and associations.
- It stresses the importance of truthfulness, contentment, humility, and compassion.
- It warns against negative qualities like anger (Krodh), pride (Maan), deceit (Maya), greed (Lobh), and sensual desires (Vishay).
- The text provides guidance on distinguishing true friends from false ones and the detrimental effects of bad company.
The Commentary's Value:
- Kapurvijayji Maharaj's commentary serves to expand on the philosophical depth of Chidanandji's verses.
- It aims to make the teachings practical and applicable to daily life, bridging the gap between abstract philosophy and lived experience.
- The commentator's humble admission of his limited intellect while striving to clarify the profound meanings underscores the reverence and dedication involved.
Sponsorship and Publication:
- The book was published by the Shree Vardhaman-Satya-Niti-Harshsuri Jain Granthmala.
- The "first edition" was printed in Veer Samvat 2466 / Satya Samvat 240 / Vikram Samvat 1996.
- Notable contributors included Seth Mohanlal Sankalchand Sherdalal, who supported the publication, and Seth Devchand Damji, the printer.
- The publication also highlights the philanthropic activities of Seth Mohanlal Sankalchand, who supported the Jain tradition and welfare activities.

In essence, "Prashnottarmala" is a didactic work that systematically explains core Jain doctrines and ethical principles through a Q&A format. It serves as a guide for spiritual seekers to understand the path to liberation by distinguishing between the eternal self and the ephemeral world, cultivating virtues, and renouncing vices, all with the ultimate aim of achieving spiritual purity and eternal bliss.