Prati Gram Nagar Me Samayik Mandal Avashyak

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prati Gram Nagar me Samayik Mandal Avashyak" by Sadhvi Maniprabhashreeji:

The text emphasizes the crucial need for establishing "Samayik Mandals" (groups dedicated to practicing Samayik) in every village and town. The author, Sadhvi Maniprabhashreeji, argues that in the current era, while numerous forms of entertainment exist, they often instill negative samskaras (tendencies or impressions) in the soul. Therefore, religious activities are deemed essential.

The core argument is that wherever there are 20-25 or more Jain families, a Samayik Mandal should be formed. The author notes that while such mandals are prevalent in Gujarat and other regions, the practice is less developed in Marwar and Malwa. She observes that even existing mandals may not be yielding the desired spiritual results due to a lack of understanding of their true purpose and format, and places without them are entirely unproductive.

Understanding Samayik:

The text delves into the essence of Samayik, defining it as an observance dedicated to the adoration of knowledge (jnana), perception (darshana), and conduct (charitra).

• Jnana Aradhana (Adoration of Knowledge): This includes self-study of scriptures, reading religious books, listening to or reciting verses (gatha), and teaching others.
• Darshana Aradhana (Adoration of Perception): This involves counting prayer beads (mala), reciting the Chowvishi (a devotional text), and contemplating auspicious qualities like right faith (samyaktva).
• Charitra Aradhana (Adoration of Conduct): This encompasses performing Kamotsarga (a posture of detachment), offering Khama-samana (a gesture of repentance), properly using the Muhpatti (mouth covering) and Charavla (a cloth for cleaning), and approving (anumodana) the conduct of monks and nuns, as well as confessing one's past wrongdoings.

The significance of Samayik is highlighted by a verse stating that in Samayik, a lay follower (shravak) becomes like a monk. It offers a taste of monastic life, even for those who cannot formally renounce the world.

The Two Core Vows of Samayik:

The text details the two fundamental vows within the "Karemi Bhante" (the opening mantra of Samayik):

1. "Savajjam Joga Paccakkhāmi" (I renounce sinful activities): This vow signifies the abstention from all harmful actions. It involves renouncing 32 types of defects related to:
   • Manadosha (Mental Defects): Anger towards enemies, gossip, boredom, desire for fame, fear, thoughts of business or cooking, doubt about the results of dharma, and yearning for its fruits.
   • Vachandosha (Verbal Defects): Abusive language, ordering sinful acts, inquiring about the well-being of householders in an inappropriate manner, abusive speech, useless talk (vikatha) about women, food, country, or kings, and mockery.
   • Kayadosha (Physical Defects): Frequent changing of posture, looking around aimlessly, engaging in sinful work, stretching lazily, sitting improperly, leaning against walls, removing dirt from the body, scratching, sitting with one leg crossed over the other, sexual desires, and sleepiness.
2. "Jāva Niyamaṁ Pajjavāsāmi" (I shall remain in this observance until the prescribed time): This vow signifies the commitment to practice the three jewels of Jainism (knowledge, perception, and conduct) during Samayik.

The author stresses that without a proper understanding of these two vows, pure Samayik cannot be achieved.

Practical Guidelines for Samayik Mandals:

The text provides practical advice for the functioning of Samayik Mandals:

• Financial Contributions: Members should contribute financially for travel with their own means. There should be no greed in collecting funds for the mandal. If someone wishes to facilitate Samayik, they can do so according to their capacity, but no demands should be made.
• Puniya Shravak's Example: The author recounts the story of Punia Shravak, who sold his entire kingdom to buy one Samayik from Lord Mahavir. This illustrates the immense value of Samayik, which is described as being worth more than offerings equivalent to a crore gold coins. The text encourages the practice to become like that of Punia Shravak, leading to the attainment of equanimity (samabhava).
• Discipline (Danda): A system of penalties (danda) is suggested for members who cannot attend due to unavoidable reasons. This is to prevent the breakdown of the system and to discourage others from abandoning the practice due to laziness. The penalty can be a financial fine or undertaking specific penances like fasting or performing Khama-samana.
• Attendance (Hajiri): This is for the sake of organization, not for enforcing strictness.
• Appreciation (Prabhavna): This is about appreciating the practitioners, not forcing them. Those who wish for greater spiritual benefit can make donations for appreciation.
• Travel (Yatra): If travel is organized by the mandal, utmost care should be taken to ensure everyone travels on their own tickets, and money should not be collected for the mandal during such trips.
• No Disputes: There should be no arguments over attendance, appreciation, travel, or penalties.

The ultimate goal of these mandals should be to inspire and foster the practice of Samayik, leading to the purity of perception and conduct. The text concludes by urging the establishment of such sensible Samayik Mandals in all Jain communities, which can act as propagators and enhancers of the three jewels of Jainism. It also suggests that communities can choose specific days like the eighth day of the lunar month, Chaturdashi, or Shukla Panchami for observing Samayik.