Pravachan Sara Tika Athwa Part 02 Charitratattvadipika

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pravachan Sara Tika athwa Part 02 Charitratattvadipika" by Shitalprasad, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Pravachan Sara Tika athwa Part 02 Charitratattvadipika Author: Brahmachari Shitalprasad Publisher: Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia, Surat Context: This is the third volume of the commentary on the "Pravachan Sara" (Essence of Teachings), a significant Jain scripture authored by Acharya Kundakunda. This specific volume focuses on the principles of conduct (Charitra).

Key Aspects and Content:

• Authorship and Lineage: The text is a commentary on the work of Acharya Kundakunda, a prominent yogi and leader of the Mulasangha, who lived around the 1st century CE. The commentary itself is by Brahmachari Shitalprasad, who is also known for translating other Jain works and writing on various topics related to Jainism and social dharma. The text mentions that Jayasenacharya provided a Sanskrit commentary on 97 verses, while Amritchandracharya commented on only 75 verses. Amritchandracharya notably omitted verses 30-40, which discuss whether women can attain moksha, possibly due to their authenticity or content. Jayasenacharya's commentary is described as extensive and filled with spiritual essence.

• Structure and Approach: The current commentary by Shitalprasad provides the original verse (Gatha), explains its basic meaning, then delves into a detailed explanation (Vishesharth) based on the Sanskrit commentary (likely Jayasenacharya's), and finally offers its own interpretation (Bhāvārtha) based on understanding. The aim is to make the profound teachings accessible to those with ordinary intellect.

• Content Focus (Charitra Tattva Dipika): This volume is dedicated to the essence of conduct (Charitra). The table of contents reveals a wide range of topics related to the life and principles of a Jain monk (Shraman) and righteous conduct:

  • Inspiration for Conduct: The foundational aspects of righteous living.
  • Monastic Ordination: The rituals and processes involved in taking monastic vows.
  • Nature of Monkhood: Defining the characteristics of a monk.
  • Hair Plucking Ritual (Lochan): The timing and significance of this practice.
  • Definition of Shraman: The true meaning and role of a Jain ascetic.
  • Qualities of a Monk's Broom (Mayur Pichhi): The virtues associated with the peacock-feather whisk used by monks.
  • The 28 Basic Vows (Moolgunas): The core principles of ascetic discipline.
  • The Five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavratas): The foundational ethical commitments.
  • The Five Restraints (Samiti): Guidelines for right conduct in movement, speech, receiving alms, handling objects, and excretion.
  • 46 Defects in Food (Bhojan dosh): Detailed rules about what constitutes impure food for monks.
  • Reasons for Not Eating: Circumstances under which a monk refrains from taking food.
  • Fourteen Impurities (Mal): Impurities that render food unacceptable.
  • Thirty-two Obstacles (Antaray): Hindrances to taking alms.
  • Control of the Senses (Indriya Nirodh): Mastering the senses.
  • Six Essential Duties (Avashyak): Daily religious practices for monks.
  • Seven Minor Vows (Phutkal Moolgunas): Additional vows or practices.
  • The Role of the Niryapakacharya: The preceptor who guides and disciplines monks.
  • Penance and Expiation (Prayashchitta): The system of atonement for transgressions.
  • Ten Types of Penance: Different forms of expiation.
  • Ten Defects in Confession (Alochan): Flaws in the process of confessing faults.
  • Seven Types of Repentance (Pratikraman): Methods of self-correction.
  • Types of Kayotsarga: Meditative postures and practices.
  • Rules for Monks: Protecting themselves, rules for wandering, detachment from worldly matters, avoiding attachment to food, the role of non-attachment, how delusion hinders the pure soul, the nature of violence and non-violence, the role of effort in violence, constant violence due to negligence, possessions as a cause of bondage, the importance of pure intentions in external renunciation, the impurity of those attached to possessions, the exceptions in the path of exceptions (Apavada Marg), the suitability of monks for specific sustenance and wandering, the reasons monks eat, avoiding fifteen types of negligence, characteristics of a monk who consumes properly, defects in meat, not giving food to others, the cooperative nature of Utarga and Apavada paths, the role of scriptural knowledge in concentration, the unity of scriptural knowledge, faith in principles, and conduct as the path to liberation, self-knowledge as the true path to liberation, the nature of material and spiritual restraint, equanimity as monkhood, and those not absorbed in the pure soul not being eligible for liberation.

• Key Philosophical Concepts Discussed:

  • Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal, achievable through self-knowledge and right conduct.
  • Karma: The principle of action and reaction, influencing one's destiny.
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Emphasized as the supreme principle, encompassing both physical and mental non-violence.
  • Renunciation (Tyaga): The necessity of giving up worldly possessions and attachments.
  • Austerity (Tapas): The practice of self-discipline and self-mortification to burn away karmic residues.
  • Equanimity (Samata): Maintaining a balanced state of mind irrespective of external circumstances.
  • Self-Control (Samyama): Mastering the senses and mind.
  • Pure Consciousness (Shuddhopayoga): The state of being absorbed in one's true self.
  • Utarga and Apavada Margas: The pure, ideal path versus the practical, exception-based path, both ultimately leading to liberation.
  • The Role of Knowledge and Conduct: Highlighting that mere knowledge without conduct is insufficient for liberation, and vice versa.

• Social and Practical Aspects:

  • The Status of Women: The text addresses the debate on women's capacity for moksha, with the commentary suggesting that due to certain biological and psychological factors (like propensity for attachment and certain physical dispositions), women in their current form cannot achieve immediate liberation in the same way as men, although they can progress spiritually.
  • The Importance of the Guru: The text emphasizes the role of a qualified preceptor (Acharya) in guiding disciples.
  • Conduct of Monks: Detailed guidelines on their daily life, including diet, movement, interactions, and penances.
  • The Role of Lay Disciples (Shravakas): While not explicitly detailed in this summary, the context implies the support and adherence of lay followers to the monastic path.
  • The Influence of Association: The importance of associating with virtuous individuals and avoiding negative influences.

• The Commentary's Value: Shitalprasad's commentary aims to clarify complex Jain doctrines in simple Hindi, making them understandable and beneficial for a broader audience. The dedication by Lala Bhagwandasji of Etawah highlights the philanthropic effort behind the publication, making spiritual knowledge accessible.

In essence, "Pravachan Sara Tika: Charitra Tattva Dipika" is a profound exploration of the principles of righteous conduct and monasticism within Jainism. It elaborates on the path to liberation through discipline, self-control, detachment, and the integrated practice of knowledge, faith, and conduct, guided by the teachings of Acharya Kundakunda and commented upon by Shitalprasad.