Prayaschitt Vidhan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prayaschitt Vidhan," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prayaschitt Vidhan (प्रायश्चित विधान) Author(s): Acharya Aadisagar Aankalikar (Virachita), Vishnu Kumar Chaudhari (Editor) Publisher: Aadisagar Aakanlinkar Vidyalaya

Core Theme and Purpose:

"Prayaschitt Vidhan" is a significant Jain text that elaborates on the concept and practice of Prayaschitt (expiation or atonement) within the Jain tradition. The book emphasizes that Prayaschitt is crucial for the purification of vows, moral conduct, and ultimately for progress on the path to liberation (moksha). It aims to provide guidance for both ascetics (munis and their female counterparts, aryikas) and lay followers (shravaks and shravikas) on how to rectify transgressions and maintain spiritual purity.

Key Concepts and Principles:

• The Foundation of Jainism - Syadvada and Anekantavada: The introductory sections highlight the fundamental Jain principles of Syadvada (the doctrine of conditioned predication) and Anekantavada (non-absolutism or multi-facetedness of reality). These principles are presented as the bedrock of the Jain faith, enabling a nuanced understanding of reality and preventing rigid, one-sided viewpoints that can lead to conflict. The text asserts that a true understanding of truth is impossible without embracing Syadvada.

• The Nature of Truth and Perception: The book discusses how our understanding of reality is often limited by our individual perspectives and experiences. What appears to one person might seem different to another based on their proximity or understanding. This is illustrated with examples of a tree appearing differently to someone near versus someone far, or the substance Sankhya being seen as poison by the common folk and a medicine by physicians. This emphasizes the need for a broader, non-exclusive understanding.

• The Importance of Prayaschitt:

  • Internal Austerity (Antarang Tap): Prayaschitt is identified as the first of the six internal austerities (bahya tap) for ascetics, alongside Vinay (reverence), Vaiyavritya (service), Swadhyaya (study), Vyutsarga (renunciation), and Dhyana (meditation). These austerities are the means to shed karmas and achieve liberation.
  • Purification of Vows: The text explicitly states that Prayaschitt texts were created to purify vows and eliminate faults (dosha) that may arise during practice, even when one has committed to following the scriptures and the teachings of the Āchāryas.
  • Acceptance and Repentance: Acknowledging one's mistakes and repenting for them is considered a great austerity in itself.

• Types of Prayaschitt: The book outlines nine types of Prayaschitt:

  1. Alochanā: Confessing one's faults to a guru without deceit.
  2. Pratikraman: Expressing remorse and asking for one's fault to be nullified.
  3. Tadubhaya: The combination of Alochanā and Pratikraman.
  4. Vivek: Separating contaminated food, water, or possessions.
  5. Vyutsarga: Renouncing attachment to the body or performing Kayotsarga (standing still, dedicating one's body to the divine).
  6. Tapa: Performing austerities like fasting or Baudarya (partial fasting).
  7. Chheda: Temporarily suspending initiation or vows for a period (e.g., days, months).
  8. Parihāra: Temporary exclusion from the monastic community.
  9. Upasthāpanā: Re-initiation.

• The Role of the Āchārya: The text emphasizes that the authority to prescribe Prayaschitt rests primarily with the Āchārya (spiritual preceptor). The qualities and qualifications of an Āchārya are detailed, highlighting their role as guides, teachers, and dispensers of penance. It is stressed that one should only accept Prayaschitt from a qualified Āchārya who understands the scriptures and the principles of Prayaschitt.

• Specific Prayaschitt for Laypersons (Shravaks and Shravikas): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to providing detailed guidelines for lay practitioners. This includes:

  • Dietary Transgressions: Specific penances are prescribed for unknowingly consuming forbidden items like alcohol, meat, honey, certain fruits, and for eating food from individuals of different castes or those deemed impure.
  • Contact with Impurity: Guidelines are given for purifying utensils and oneself after contact with impure substances or individuals.
  • Violation of Vows and Conduct: Procedures for rectifying lapses in daily routines, dietary restrictions, and ethical conduct are outlined.
  • Cases of Death and Pollution: Specific penances are prescribed for dealing with situations involving death in the family or household, including the concept of Sutak (ritual impurity) and its purification.
  • Specific Occurrences: Penances are detailed for accidental ingestion of bone fragments, contact with impurities, loss of purity due to dreams, and unintentional harm to living beings (from one-sensed to five-sensed).
  • The Importance of Purity: The text reiterates that purity of body, mind, and speech is essential for spiritual progress and that Prayaschitt is the means to achieve this.

• The Significance of Rituals and Practices: The book describes various ritualistic practices as part of Prayaschitt, including:

  • Fasting (Upavasa)
  • Partial fasting and taking food once a day (Ekāsan, Avamaudarya)
  • Abhisheka (ritual bathing of idols) with specific numbers of pots and offerings.
  • Worship (Pujā) with various substances like flowers, sandalwood, etc.
  • Recitation of mantras, especially the Namokar Mantra.
  • Pilgrimages (Tirtha Yatra).
  • Donations (Dāna) to worthy individuals and institutions.
  • Kayotsarga (meditative posture).

• The Role of Sutak and Purification: The text delves into the concept of Sutak (ritual impurity) related to birth and death, detailing different periods of impurity for various relationships and situations. It emphasizes the importance of purification rituals for regaining ritual purity, which is considered essential for engaging in religious practices and temple worship.

• Distinguishing Monk and Lay Practices: While the core principles of Prayaschitt apply to both, the book differentiates between the practices and severity of penance for ascetics and householders. It clarifies that the Āchārya has the discretion to assign Prayaschitt based on the individual's capacity, the nature of the offense, and the prevailing time, place, and circumstances.

• The Author's Contribution: Acharya Aadisagar Aankalikar is presented as a significant figure of the 20th century who revived the Jain ascetic tradition. His work on Prayaschitt Vidhan is considered an invaluable contribution to the Shraman (ascetic) society, providing a structured approach to maintaining purity of conduct. The book's translation into Sanskrit and Hindi, along with commentary, makes it accessible to a wider audience.

Overall Message:

"Prayaschitt Vidhan" is a comprehensive manual that underscores the Jain commitment to ethical living and spiritual discipline. It provides a practical framework for individuals to acknowledge their shortcomings, perform atonement, and strive for continuous self-improvement, ultimately leading to the eradication of negative karma and the attainment of ultimate bliss. The book emphasizes that Prayaschitt is not merely about punishment but about purification, self-reflection, and reaffirmation of one's spiritual path.