Pratikramanni Pavitrata

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pratikramanni Pavitrata" (The Purity of Pratikramana) by Bhadrankarvijay and Dhurandharvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Pratikramanni Pavitrata (પ્રતિક્રમણની પવિત્રતા) Authors: Pt. Shri Bhadrankarvijayji Gani, Pt. Shri Dhurandharvijayji Gani Publisher: Jain Sahitya Vikas Mandal Theme: This book delves into the profound significance, origin, and importance of Pratikramana (a key Jain ritual of introspection and repentance) within the Jain tradition. It aims to explain why this ritual is so central to Jain practice and understanding.

Core Argument:

The central thesis of "Pratikramanni Pavitrata" is that the Pratikramana rituals, and indeed the entire framework of Jain scripture, are not mere human creations but are divinely revealed and meticulously compiled. The book emphasizes that the purity and efficacy of these practices stem from their divine origin and their vital role in the path to liberation.

Key Points and Structure:

1. Divine Origin of Jain Scripture:

   • The book begins by quoting the Avasyaka Niryukti, attributed to Shrutakevali Shribhadra Bahu Swami, which states that Tirthankaras (Jinas) expound the meaning of what is knowable and communicable through their omniscience.
   • It explains that the vastness of reality is categorized into the ineffable (anabhilapya) and the effable (abhilapya). Of the effable, there are those that can be taught (prajnaapaniya) and those that cannot.
   • Tirthankaras speak the prajnaapaniya meanings, which are beneficial for the listeners and are also called dravya-shrut (scriptural knowledge derived from speech).
   • This divine knowledge, originating from the Tirthankaras, is then meticulously compiled into sutras by the Ganadharas (chief disciples of the Tirthankaras) for the benefit of the Jain Sangh. The Ganadharas refine the Tirthankara's discourse into a structured form that is easy to understand, retain, and transmit.

2. Authorship of Pratikramana Sutras:

   • The book firmly establishes that the Pratikramana sutras are an integral part of the broader Shrutajnana (scriptural knowledge) that extends from Samayika to the fourteenth Purva (Bindusara).
   • Therefore, the Tirthankaras are the expounders of their meaning, and the Ganadharas are the compilers of the sutras. This is supported by citations from commentaries and Niryuktis, specifically mentioning the contributions of Shribhadra Bahu Swami, Jinabhadra Gani Kshamashraman, and Hemchandrasurishwarji.

3. The Importance and Pervasiveness of Avasyak Sutras:

   • The Avasyak Sutra, which includes Samayika and Pratikramana, holds a paramount position. It is considered the root of the tree of conduct (charan-karan-kriyākalapa).
   • Unlike some other scriptures meant only for monks, Avasyak Sutras are relevant and beneficial to all fourfold Jain Sangh: monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. This broad applicability is a key reason for its central place in the Jain religious curriculum.
   • The book highlights that the practice of Pratikramana is continuously maintained in the Shvetambara tradition, ensuring the Sangh's order and fostering a sense of religious duty.

4. Addressing Common Criticisms/Complaints:

   • Perceived Dryness of Pratikramana: The book addresses the common complaint that Pratikramana sutras seem dry and tedious to students. It argues that the fault lies not in the scriptures but in the student's lack of proper preparation. To appreciate the "nectar" of these scriptures, one needs to cultivate the necessary knowledge (language, structure, meaning) and faith in the authors.
   • Focus on Action vs. Pure Knowledge: The book defends the emphasis on ritualistic action (kriya) in Jainism. It argues that knowledge without practice (charitra) is futile and even harmful, leading to pride or inertia. True liberation is achieved through knowledge-infused action. Pratikramana is presented as a vital action that purifies the soul and leads towards liberation.
   • The Role of Pratikramana in Different Stages of Spiritual Progress (Gunasthana): The text elaborates on the concept of gunasthanas (stages of spiritual development). It explains that as long as one is subject to mithyatva (wrong belief), avirati (non-restraint), and pramada (carelessness), one needs the practices like Pratikramana to move upwards. These practices are the antidotes to these defilements.

5. The Nature of "Pratikramana":

   • Pratikramana is defined as returning to one's own true state (swasthan) after having deviated into a lower state (parsthan) due to carelessness (pramada).
   • It's a process of purifying oneself from sins and strengthening virtues.

6. Pratikramana and "Dhyana" (Meditation):

   • The book clarifies that in Jainism, "dhyana" is not just abstract contemplation but also includes diligent and pure activities of mind, speech, and body.
   • For those in the pramatta stage, kriya (action like Pratikramana) is itself the "dhyana" that helps purify and progress. Neglecting these essential actions in favor of mere contemplation is seen as a delusion.

7. The Necessity of Rituals for Purification:

   • The text explains that the Jain tradition is structured to provide specific rituals for purification, analogous to a third physician whose medicine removes existing ailments and strengthens health, rather than merely preventing future ones.
   • Human beings, especially those in the current era (kāla) and region (kshetra), are prone to mistakes. Pratikramana is the essential means to rectify these errors and prevent them from compounding into severe karmic consequences.

8. The Meaning of "Pratikramana" in Practice:

   • The core intention behind Pratikramana is to cease harmful (savadyā) activities and engage in harmless (nirvadyā) ones, ultimately leading to self-realization.
   • The book addresses common doubts:
     • Intent vs. Action: Even if the mind falters during vows, the act of repentance and reaffirmation through Pratikramana can still purify and fulfill the vow.
     • Repetition of Sins: Repenting a sin and then committing it again is not inherently hypocrisy unless the intention is to repeat it with the same mindset or to use repentance as an excuse. Consistent repentance leads to a stronger resolve not to sin.
     • Past, Present, and Future Sins: Pratikramana can address past sins through repentance, present sins through restraint (samvara), and future sins through renunciation (pacchakkhana).
     • Samayika during Pratikramana: Taking Samayika (a state of equanimity) during Pratikramana is essential as Pratikramana is a means to achieve the state of Samayika, which is the ultimate goal of practice.
     • Who Needs to Perform Pratikramana: Anyone who has committed even minor deviations from the path of right faith, knowledge, or conduct needs to perform Pratikramana for purification.

9. The Holistic Approach of Jainism:

   • The book emphasizes that true spirituality in Jainism encompasses both knowledge (jnana) and action (kriya). Neither alone is sufficient for liberation.
   • The six Avashyaka (daily rituals including Samayika, Pratikramana, Vandana, Stuti, Kāyotsarga, and Pachchakkhana) work synergistically to purify the soul's inherent qualities (knowledge, perception, conduct, etc.), which are called the five acharas (conducts).

10. Addressing the Need for the Book:

    • The authors acknowledge the existence of previous commentaries but highlight the need for a contemporary interpretation in simpler language to counter the decline in understanding of the original languages and the rising influence of materialistic philosophies.
    • This book is presented as an effort to re-ignite interest and understanding in the vital Pratikramana ritual.

Conclusion:

"Pratikramanni Pavitrata" is a scholarly work that aims to reaffirm the divine origin, profound meaning, and indispensable nature of Pratikramana in Jainism. It asserts that these rituals are not merely ceremonial but are practical, essential tools for spiritual progress, designed to purify the soul from accumulated karmas and guide the practitioner towards liberation. The book underscores the importance of correct understanding and sincere practice, rooted in faith and guided by scriptural authority.