Prayaschitt Avashyak Tap Evam Padaropan Vidhi

The Jain text, "Prayaschitt Avashyak Tap evam Padaropan Vidhi," authored by Mokshratnashreejiji and published by Prachya Vidyapith Shajapur, is the fourth volume in a series that translates and elaborates on the "Achar Dinakar" by Acharya Vardhamansuri. This specific volume, translated by Sadhvi Mokshratnashriji under the supervision of Sadhvi Harshyashreeji and edited by Dr. Sagarmal Jain, focuses on four key areas of Jain practice: Penance (Prayaschitt), Essential Duties (Avashyak), Austerities (Tap), and Installation Rites (Padaropan Vidhi).

Here's a comprehensive summary of its contents:

Core Focus:

The book provides detailed methodologies and rituals related to the practical aspects of Jain spiritual life, catering to both ascetics (monks and nuns) and lay followers (householders). It aims to elucidate the correct procedures for purification, essential daily observances, rigorous self-discipline through austerities, and the proper conduct for installing spiritual figures or objects.

Key Sections and Their Contents:

1. Penance (Prayaschitt Vidhi):

   • This section delves into the process of purification from sins committed due to negligence, passion, or ignorance.
   • It emphasizes that penance does not erase the karmic consequences (vipaka) but rather helps in their mitigation or purification of the soul. True karmic exhaustion happens through experiencing consequences in future lives or through severe austerities and meditation.
   • It meticulously outlines the qualifications for both the giver of penance (a learned, virtuous, and knowledgeable Guru) and the receiver (one who is devout, humble, and willing to confess).
   • It describes the appropriate times and circumstances for seeking and performing penance.
   • The text details various types of penance, including Alochana (confession), Pratikraman (repentance), Vivek (discrimination), Kayotsarg (self-reflection/abandonment of body), Tap (austerities), Chhed (excision), Mool (root), Anavsthapya (non-establishment), and Paranchik (highest expulsion).
   • For each type of penance, it specifies the nature of the transgression and the prescribed purification method, often involving specific austerities like fasting (Upvas), eating once a day (Ekasana), eating only unblended food (Ayambil), and consuming food free from six types of indulgences (Nirvikriti).
   • It details the types of faults and their corresponding penances for monks and nuns, and separately for householders, often correlating the severity of the penance with the severity of the transgression and the capacity of the individual.
   • The text references ancient Jain scriptures like JIT KALPA and SHRAVAK JIT KALPA for the detailed exposition of these practices.

2. Essential Duties (Avashyak Vidhi):

   • This section focuses on the six essential daily duties that are fundamental to Jain spiritual discipline:
     • Samayik (Equanimity): The practice of equanimity, achieved through detachment from worldly attachments and passions, leading to self-realization. It describes the strictures for both monks (Sarvavirati) and householders (Deshvirati).
     • Chaturvinshtistav (Praise of the Twenty-four Tirthankaras): This involves the reverent praise and remembrance of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, highlighting their virtues and glorifying their path to liberation.
     • Vandan (Salutation): The prescribed method of respectful salutation to Gurus, elders, and the monastic community, detailing various forms and etiquette.
     • Pratikraman (Repentance): The process of introspection and atonement for transgressions committed during the day and night, a crucial step for purification. It elaborates on various types of Pratikraman like Daivasik (daily), Paakshik (fortnightly), Chaaturmasik (four-monthly), and Samvatsarik (annual).
     • Kayotsarg (Self-reflection/Abandonment of Body): A practice of stilling the body and mind for introspection and spiritual progress. It details the postures and durations for Kayotsarg.
     • Pratyakhyan (Renunciation/Abstinence): The solemn vow of renouncing specific actions or substances, especially food and activities during specific periods, to curb desires and practice self-control. It outlines various types of Pratyakhyan like Navkarshi, Paurushi, Poorvardha, Ekasana, etc.
   • The text meticulously explains the significance, methodology, and philosophical underpinnings of each of these essential duties, emphasizing their role in spiritual advancement and karmic purification.

3. Austerities (Tap Vidhi):

   • This extensive section discusses the various forms of austerities (Tap) that are central to Jain practice for purifying the soul and burning away karmas.
   • It categorizes Tap into six external (Bahya Tap) and six internal (Aabhyantar Tap).
     • External Taps: Include fasting (Anashan), reduced intake (Unoadari), limited eating times (Vritti Sankshipt), taste renunciation (Ras Tyag), physical hardship (Kayaklesh), and solitary living (Salinta).
     • Internal Taps: Include penance (Prayaschitt), humility/obedience (Vinay), service (Vaiyaavritya), study of scriptures (Swadhyay), meditation (Dhyan), and detachment/renunciation (Utsarg).
   • The book describes numerous specific types of Taps, often named after Tirthankaras or auspicious events, and details their prescribed durations, methodologies, and even the specific times of year or lunar phases for their commencement. Examples include:
     • Kalyanak Tap: Performed on the auspicious days of a Tirthankara's life events (birth, initiation, enlightenment, nirvana).
     • Vardhaman Tap: Associated with the perseverance of Lord Mahavir.
     • Muktavali Tap: Aimed at attaining liberation.
     • Rupavali Tap: Related to controlling sensory desires.
     • Amritashthami Tap: Performed on auspicious Ashtami days.
     • Nandivatarta Tap: Dedicated to the worship of Nandi-Ishwar deities.
     • Bhadratap, Mahabhadratap, Sarvatobhadratap: Austerities associated with auspiciousness and overall well-being.
     • Dasvidha Yati Dharma Tap: Taps related to the ten essential duties of ascetics.
     • Panch Parmeshthi Tap: Taps dedicated to venerating the five supreme beings.
     • Upadhan: A significant preparatory austerity for undertaking major vows or spiritual endeavors.
   • It also provides guidance on the qualifications for undertaking Taps and the benefits derived from them.

4. Installation Rites (Padaropan Vidhi):

   • This section details the rituals for installing various individuals into specific roles of spiritual or social importance within the Jain tradition.
   • It covers the installation of:
     • Gachchhadhipati/Acharya: The spiritual leader of a monastic order.
     • Upadhyay: A teacher or scholar who imparts scriptural knowledge.
     • Sthanapati: An administrator or custodian of a religious establishment.
     • Karmadhikari: Officials responsible for managing temple or monastic affairs.
     • Kshatriya Kings (Nripati): Though detailed, the focus remains on the righteous conduct expected of a Jain ruler, emphasizing dharmic principles in governance.
     • Queens (Ragni): Their roles and responsibilities.
     • Samantas (Feudatories): Lesser rulers or nobles.
     • Mandaleshwara, Deshamandaladhipati, Gramadhipati: Various levels of administrative heads.
     • Senapati (Commander): Responsible for military affairs.
     • Ministers and various officials.
     • Brahmins: Though Jain tradition generally does not have a caste-based Brahminical system in the same way as Hinduism, this section likely discusses individuals who traditionally performed priestly or ritualistic duties within a Jain context, often referred to as Jain Brahmins, and their installation.
     • Pashu (Animals): Even auspicious animals like elephants and horses used in royal processions or religious ceremonies have installation rituals.
     • Sanghpati: The leader of a religious congregation or pilgrimage.
   • The text describes the specific mantras, offerings, rituals, and appropriate auspicious timings for each installation. It also outlines the expected conduct and duties of those being installed. The emphasis is on righteous action, adherence to Dharma, and the elevation of spiritual and social order.
   • The section also includes a detailed explanation of Mudra (hand gestures) used in various rituals, highlighting their significance and application.

Overall Significance:

"Prayaschitt Avashyak Tap evam Padaropan Vidhi" is a vital text for understanding the practical application of Jain principles. It bridges the gap between abstract philosophical teachings and the daily lives of followers and ascetics, providing a comprehensive guide to the observances and ceremonies that form the backbone of Jain spiritual practice. The detailed exposition of penances, duties, austerities, and installation rites reflects the meticulousness and emphasis on discipline within the Jain tradition, aiming for the purification of the soul and the eventual attainment of liberation (Moksha). The influence of the author and the lineage (like the Khartar Gachchha mentioned) is evident in the traditional practices described.