Pravachan Saroddhar Part 02 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pravachan Saroddhar Part 02," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Pravachan Saroddhar Part 02 Author(s): Amityashsuri, Vajrasenvijay Publisher: Shiv Jain Shwe Mu. Pu. Jain Sangh Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022023/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Pravachan Saroddhar Part 02" is a Gujarati translation and commentary (Bhavanuvad) of the original work by Acharya Nemichandrasuriji. The text serves as a comprehensive guide to Jain philosophy, principles, and practices, aiming to elucidate the essence of the Jain Agamas. It is particularly aimed at making the profound and vast scriptural knowledge accessible to those with less intellectual capacity (mandabuddhi).

Key Aspects and Structure:

The book is structured around "Dwaras" (gates or chapters) that cover a wide array of Jain doctrines and practices. The text is extensive, with the table of contents alone listing hundreds of these Dwaras, indicating the depth and breadth of the coverage.

Key Themes and Sections:

The summary can be broken down into several major thematic areas covered in the text:

Introduction and Publisher's Note:
- The initial pages (1-5) provide details about the book, including the author of the original work (Acharya Nemichandrasuri), the commentator (Acharya Siddhaseensusurishwari), the translator (Muniraj Shri Amitayashvijayji), and the editor (Pannyas Shri Vajrasenvijayji).
- The publisher's note (Page 4-5) highlights the work of the Shri Harsurishwarji Jain Sangh in Malad, Mumbai, detailing its establishment, various temples and their consecrations, religious activities, and the role of the Sangh in publishing this work. It also expresses gratitude to the economic supporters.
Theological and Philosophical Foundations:
- Pramanas (Sources of Knowledge): Page 6 discusses the four types of valid knowledge in Indian philosophy: Pratyaksha (perception), Anuman (inference), Agama (testimony of trustworthy persons), and Upmana (analogy). It emphasizes Agama as crucial for understanding supersensible truths.
- The Nature of Arihants and Agamas: The text touches upon the path to omniscience, the silence of Arihants until perfection, and the establishment of the Twelve Angas (Dwadashangi) as the foundation of Jain scripture. It mentions the subsequent compilation and preservation of these texts, especially the role of Devardhigani Kshamashramanji in the council at Valabhi to compile the Agamas.
- The Need for Simplified Texts: Page 7 highlights that due to the declining memory power of monks and periods of famine, many scriptures and their meanings were forgotten. This led to the creation of simpler texts and compendiums by previous Acharyas for the less intellectually endowed.
- Pravachan Saroddhar: The text explicitly mentions the creation of "Pravachan Saroddhar" by Acharya Nemichandrasuriji about 800 years prior to its publication, as a compilation of the essence of various Agamas, covering the four Anuyogas (subject categories). The commentary by Acharya Siddhaseensusurishwari is noted as crucial for understanding its depth.
Classification of Knowledge and Practices (Dwaras):
- Index of Dwaras (Pages 13-35): This is a substantial part of the text, listing and categorizing the various topics covered in the "Pravachan Saroddhar." The Dwaras are organized into nine main sections:
  - Vidhi Vibhag (Discipline Section): Covering rituals, penances, pratikraman (confession), pratyakhyan (renunciation), etc.
  - Aradhana Vibhag (Worship Section): Including Vishisthanak (special places), Vinay (humility), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and spiritual practices.
  - Samyaktva and Shravak Dharma (Right Faith and Layman's Vow Section): Dealing with the 66 types of Samyaktva, layman's vows, and their observances.
  - Sadhu Dharma (Monk's Conduct Section): Detailing the conduct of monks, their instruments, virtues, etc.
  - Jiva-Swaroop (Nature of Souls Section): Discussing the 14 types of souls, ajiva, their interrelations, different states of existence (hells, animals, humans, gods), lifespan, and senses.
  - Karma Literature Section: Explaining the eight types of karma, their subdivisions, bondage, fruition, and states.
  - Tirthankar Section: Covering the names of Tirthankaras, their parents, lifespan, physical attributes, departure for salvation, etc.
  - Siddha Section: Describing the 31 virtues of Siddhas, their abode (Siddhshila), and attainment.
  - Dravya-Kshetra-Kala-Bhava Section: Discussing substance, place, time, and mode, which are fundamental concepts in Jain metaphysics, including concepts like Pudal Paravartan, Lok Swarrup, etc.
Detailed Explanation of Specific Concepts:
- Pana-Adhayana 98 (Page 37 onwards): This section delves into the ten types of penance (Prayshchitta), explaining each in detail: Alochana (confession), Pratikraman (returning from sin), Mishr (mixed), Vivek (discrimination/renunciation), Vyutsarga (standing in contemplation), Tapa (austerity), Chhed (cutting off association), Mul (root), Anavasthapya (non-establishment), and Parachitt (final penance). Each is elaborated with its meaning and application.
- Samachari (Conduct Rules): Chapters 101-102 discuss various rules of conduct for monks, including Ichhakara (asking permission), Mithyakara (confessing errors), Tahakara (acceptance of instruction), Avashyaki (necessary duties), Nishedhiki (prohibitions), Apucchha (asking for permission to go out), Pratipucchha (re-asking), Chhandana (offering food), Nimantran (invitation), and Upsampada (initiation in another lineage). It also covers daily routines like Pralekhana (cleaning), Pramarjana (sweeping), Bhiksha (alms), Irpathiki (careful walking), Alochana (confession), Bhajan (eating), Patrovasan (cleaning vessels), Vichar (contemplation), and Samachari in general.
- Types of Jivas and their Lifespans: Pages 155-177 discuss the classification of souls, including Jivas (living beings) and Ajivas (non-living beings). It details the fourteen types of souls, the states of hellish beings, the lifespan of various beings, their senses, and migrations. It also covers the classification of lifeforms based on senses and mentions the different lifespans of beings in various realms.
- Karma Theory: Pages 215-221 provide a detailed explanation of the eight Karmas (Jnanavaraniya, Darshanavaraniya, Vedaniya, Mohaniya, Ayushya, Nama, Gothra, Antaraya) and their numerous subdivisions (Uttar Prakruti). It explains their nature, effects, and how they bind the soul.
- Cosmology and Geography: Pages 143-148, 151-157, 172-174, 178-180, 194-198, 210-211, 225-236, 262-267, 300-303, 444-458, 465-481, 506-518 discuss the Jain cosmological structure, including the Jambu-dvipa, continents, oceans, hells (Naraka), heavens (Devas), their realms, lifespans, the concept of Pudal Paravartan (cycle of matter), and the measurement of space (Raju). It covers the celestial bodies like the Sun and Moon, their movements, and the presence of various types of beings in different realms.
- Dasha Vidha Anuyoga (Tenfold Subject Categories): The text systematically covers various aspects of Jain philosophy, categorizing them for better understanding.
- Abhavya and Bhavya: Discussions on beings who can attain liberation (Bhavya) and those who cannot (Abhavya).
- Samyaktva (Right Faith): Pages 348-414 extensively cover the nature of Samyaktva, its 66 types, its importance, its causes, and its characteristics. It elaborates on how it is attained and maintained, the types of faith, virtues associated with it, and the conduct required.
- Six Bhavas (States of Existence): Pages 348-354 explain the six Bhavas: Audayika (fruition), Paushamika (suppression), Kshayika (destruction), Kshayopashamika (suppression and destruction), Parinamika (transformation), and Sanpatika (combination). It details their subdivisions and how they relate to karmic influx.
- Six Sthanas of Virtues: Pages 376-389 explain the sixfold increase/decrease in virtues, elaborating on the process of spiritual progress and the associated states.
- Tapas (Austerities): Pages 483-505 detail various types of austerities (tapas) prescribed in Jainism, such as the twenty-four types of austerities, including those named after Tirthankaras and celestial beings. It explains their rituals, durations, and benefits.
- Various Types of Death: Pages 157-181 discuss seventeen different types of death (mishras, maranas), their characteristics, and the spiritual implications of each.
- The Concept of Punya and Papa (Merit and Demerit): Implicitly covered throughout the text, especially in the context of karma.
- Samyak Kriya (Right Action): Pages 818-835 list thirteen types of actions (kriya) with detailed explanations, covering right conduct, wrong action, sinful action, accidental action, false vows, etc.
- Pancha Samiti and Trigupti (Five Careful Conducts and Three Restraints): These are fundamental Jain ethical principles for monks, discussed in relation to conduct rules.
Laddhis (Supernatural Powers): Pages 475-480 describe various types of supernatural powers attained through rigorous spiritual practices, such as Amshuladhi, Vipula Mati, Charana, etc.
The Importance of Correct Knowledge and Conduct: The text consistently emphasizes the need for right knowledge (Samyaktva), right faith, and right conduct (Ahimsa, celibacy, non-possession) for spiritual liberation.
Erudition of the Authors: The detailed index of Dwaras and the extensive explanations provided within the text indicate the profound scholarship of Acharya Nemichandrasuri, Acharya Siddhaseensusurishwari, and Muni Amitayashvijayji.

Overall Summary:

"Pravachan Saroddhar Part 02" is a voluminous Jain text that meticulously explains the core tenets of Jainism, from the fundamental philosophical principles like soul and matter to the intricate details of karma, cosmology, ethics, and spiritual practices. It serves as a comprehensive encyclopedia of Jain teachings, aiming to guide practitioners on their path to spiritual liberation by illuminating the teachings of the Tirthankaras and subsequent Acharyas. The Gujarati translation and commentary make this vast knowledge accessible to a wider audience. The book is a testament to the rich tradition of Jain scriptural exegesis and the dedication of the Jain community to its propagation.