Prayaschitta Samucchaya - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prayaschitta Samucchaya" by Pannalal Soni, based on the provided catalog link and pages.

Title: Prayaschitta Samucchaya (A Collection of Penances)

Author: Acharya Gurudas (with Hindi commentary by Pandit Pannalal Soni)

Publisher: Shri Bharatiya Jain Siddhant Prakashini Sanstha, Calcutta

Year of Publication: Bhadrapada, Vir Samvat 2453 (corresponding to approximately 1897 CE)

Overview:

"Prayaschitta Samucchaya" is a significant Jain text that systematically outlines the principles and practices of prayaschitta (penance or expiation) within the Jain tradition. The text, commented upon by Pandit Pannalal Soni, serves as a guide for monks and lay Jains to understand and rectify transgressions of religious vows and observances. It emphasizes the importance of penance for purification, spiritual progress, and maintaining the sanctity of the Jain path.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured into several adhikaras (chapters or sections), each dealing with a specific aspect of prayaschitta. The commentary provides explanations and elaborations on the original verses.

Invocation and Purpose:
- The text begins with an invocation to the Pancha Parameshthi (the Five Supreme Beings) as the source of ratnatraya (the three jewels: right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct), which is essential for purification.
- The author states the purpose of the book: to expound the Prayaschitta Samucchaya, which has been transmitted through tradition, to purify the ratnatraya.
- It highlights that prayaschitta is a potent form of penance that quickly eradicates past sins, thus emphasizing the need for its diligent practice.
- The text asserts that without prayaschitta, religious conduct (charitra) is futile, and without conduct, spiritual liberation (moksha) is unattainable.
Nomenclature of Penance:
- The text lists various names for prayaschitta, including rahasya (secrecy), chhedana (cutting off), danda (punishment), malapanayana (removal of impurity), naya (policy/rule), vyavahara (conduct/practice), and vishodhana (purification).
Types of Observances and Penances:
- Panchakalyana: The text details the Panchakalyana (Five Auspicious Observances), listing its names as swasthana, masika, mulaguna, mula, and gurumasa. These are described as performing five types of observances—pancha achamla, pancha nirvikriti, pancha gurumandala, pancha ekasthana, and pancha upavasa—in succession.
- Laghu-masa and Guru-masa: These terms refer to modified or less severe forms of prayaschitta compared to the full Panchakalyana or Guru-masa. Laghu-masa involves reducing the number of days or types of observances from the prescribed Guru-masa.
- Bhinn-masa: Another variation of penance, involving a reduction in the scope or duration of the prescribed observances.
- Kayotsarga and Upavasa: The text defines the relationship between kayotsarga (standing in meditation, abstaining from movement) and upavasa (fasting), stating that nine repetitions of the Pancha Namaskara mantra constitute one kayotsarga, and twelve kayotsargas equate to one upavasa. It also mentions various durations for kayotsarga based on daily, fortnightly, monthly, or yearly observances.
- Impact of Dietary Practices on Penance: The text explains how certain dietary practices like consuming achamla (food without souring agent), purumandala (a specific type of meal), ekasthana (eating in one place), and nirvikriti (food without certain enhancers) can affect the intensity of an upavasa (fasting) penance, reducing its severity.
Adhikaras (Chapters): The book is broadly divided into six main adhikaras:
- Pratiseva Adhikara (Chapter on Service/Transgression): This chapter details various transgressions (doshas) based on the nature of the object of transgression (sachitta, achitta, mishra), the circumstances, and the perpetrator's intent. It categorizes transgressions into those caused by motives (nimitta) and those without motives (animitta), with detailed classifications and permutations to understand their severity.
- Kala Adhikara (Chapter on Time): This section discusses how the season (cold, heat, monsoon) influences the type and duration of penance. Different levels of penance are prescribed for different seasons, with more severe penances in colder months and less severe ones in warmer months.
- Kshetra Adhikara (Chapter on Place): This chapter addresses how the location of the transgression affects the penance. Various types of regions (kshetras) are described (e.g., anupa—watery regions, jangala—arid regions), and the penance is adjusted based on the nature of the place.
- Aharalabdhi Adhikara (Chapter on Availability of Food): This section focuses on how the ease or difficulty of obtaining food influences the penance. If food is readily available and of good quality, the penance might be more intense, while scarcity or poor quality might lead to a lighter penance.
- Purusha Adhikara (Chapter on the Person): This crucial chapter analyzes the characteristics of the individual performing the penance, including their spiritual maturity, knowledge of scriptures (gitartha, ageetartha), strength of character (dhriti), physical strength (bala), adherence to vows, and their status (monk, layperson). It also discusses how pride (garva) in one's learning or asceticism affects the penance. Different types of individuals are described (e.g., shradhdha, mridu, gambhir, alpavit, durbal, garvita), and the penance is tailored to their specific dispositions and capacities.
- Chheda Adhikara (Chapter on Severing/Excision): This chapter details more severe forms of penance, including expulsion from the monastic order (chheda), loss of status, and complete re-initiation (mula). It outlines the criteria and procedures for these drastic measures, often linked to significant transgressions, repeated offenses, or a complete loss of spiritual commitment. This chapter also defines terms like parihara (banishment) and upasarpana (re-initiation).
Specific Transgressions and Their Penances:
- The text meticulously details transgressions related to various Jain vows, including:
  - Ahimsa (Non-violence): Transgressions against various life forms (one-sensed, two-sensed, etc.) and their specific penances (often involving kayotsarga and upavasa).
  - Satya (Truthfulness): Penalties for lying, categorized by intent and severity.
  - Asteya (Non-stealing): Penances for taking what is not given.
  - Brahmacharya (Celibacy): Transgressions related to sensual thoughts, desires, and actions, with detailed penances, including those related to dreams.
  - Aparigraha (Non-possession): Penances for attachment to possessions, including monastic requisites.
  - Other Vows: The text also covers penances for transgressions of ancillary vows and practices.
Chulika (Appendix/Supplement):
- The Chulika section further expands on certain aspects, particularly focusing on the penances for monks and lay Jains.
- It elaborates on the penances for violating minor vows and practices, including specific dietary restrictions, use of prohibited items, and conduct towards others.
- It also details penances for lay followers (shravakas and shravikas), often with lighter forms of penance compared to monks.
- The Chulika reinforces the principles of tailoring penance based on the severity of the transgression, the individual's capacity, and external factors like time, place, and availability of resources.

Key Concepts Highlighted:

Ratnatraya: The importance of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct as the foundation for spiritual purity and the effectiveness of penance.
Ahimsa: The central tenet of Jainism, with a detailed analysis of transgressions against different life forms and the corresponding penances.
Purity of Intent: The text emphasizes that the intent behind an action significantly influences the nature and severity of the penance.
Graded Penances: The Prayaschitta Samucchaya presents a sophisticated system of graded penances, ranging from minor expiations like kayotsarga and light fasting to more severe ones like chheda and mula (re-initiation), tailored to the specific offense and the individual.
Role of the Acharya: The text underscores the authority and wisdom of the Acharya (spiritual teacher) in determining and administering the appropriate penance.

Significance:

"Prayaschitta Samucchaya" is a crucial text for understanding the practical application of Jain ethical principles. It provides a detailed framework for self-discipline, atonement, and spiritual renewal, ensuring the continuation of the Jain path through the rectification of errors and the cultivation of virtuous conduct. The commentary by Pandit Pannalal Soni makes this complex text accessible and relevant for contemporary readers.