Purvaseva Dvantrinshika - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Purvaseva Dvantrinshika" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Purvaseva Dvantrinshika Author: Acharya Yashovijay Upadhyay (original text), Pandit Pravinchandra Khimji Mota (commentary) Publisher: Gitarth Ganga

Overall Purpose and Context:

"Purvaseva Dvantrinshika" is the 12th treatise (bātrīśī) within the larger work "Dvātrinśadvātrinśikā" by the esteemed Jain scholar Acharya Yashovijay Upadhyay. This particular treatise focuses on the "Purvaseva" (preparatory service or foundational practices) for Yoga. The commentary is provided by Pandit Pravinchandra Khimji Mota, aiming to elucidate the profound philosophical concepts embedded in Acharya Yashovijay's original work. The publisher, Gitarth Ganga, is dedicated to making such profound Jain scriptures accessible for deeper understanding.

Core Concept: Purvaseva for Yoga

The central theme is that just as any endeavor requires preparatory steps for success, the path of Yoga (a spiritual discipline aimed at liberation) requires foundational practices known as "Purvaseva." These practices prepare the aspirant for the rigorous journey of Yoga.

The Four Pillars of Purvaseva for Yoga:

The treatise identifies four key components of Purvaseva for Yoga:

Worship of Gurus, Deities, etc. (Gurudevadi Pujan): This involves showing respect and reverence to spiritual guides, divine beings, and other revered figures.
Right Conduct (Sadachar): This encompasses ethical behavior, moral discipline, and virtuous actions in daily life.
Austerities (Tapa): This refers to various forms of self-discipline and ascetic practices undertaken to purify the mind and body.
Dislike for Liberation (Muktyadvesha): This is a crucial and nuanced concept. It refers to cultivating a detachment from worldly pleasures and an aversion to continued involvement in the cycle of birth and death, rather than a dislike for liberation itself. This dislike is rooted in a misunderstanding or lack of proper knowledge about the true nature of liberation.

Detailed Breakdown of the Treatise's Content (as per the provided text):

The treatise systematically explains these four pillars:

Gurus and Deities Worship (Shlokas 2-12):
- Who Constitutes a Guru: The text defines "Guru" broadly to include not only spiritual preceptors but also parents, artists, learned individuals within one's community, and elders who impart religious teachings.
- The Act of Worship: Worship involves various acts of reverence such as bowing, attentive service, avoiding gossip about Gurus, praising their names appropriately, and offering them seats. It also extends to remembering them mentally when physically absent.
- Conduct Towards Gurus: It is advised to always act in accordance with the Guru's preferences and avoid their dislikes, without compromising one's own primary spiritual pursuits (dharma, artha, kama). If the Guru's injunctions hinder spiritual progress, one should prioritize spiritual goals with discretion.
- Post-Mortem Conduct: After a Guru's passing, their wealth should be dedicated to holy places (like temples), their belongings should not be misused, and their images should be installed and worshipped to honor their memory and cultivate gratitude.
- Worship of Deities: The worship of deities should be performed with purity of body and mind, faith, and devotion, using offerings like flowers, perfumes, incense, and food, accompanied by hymns of praise.
- Universality in Deity Worship (for beginners): For those who are new to spiritual practices and haven't yet understood the specific qualities of different deities, it is recommended to show respect to all deities. This fosters an impartial and balanced perspective, preventing dogmatism and prejudice towards a particular deity. This practice helps in developing a neutral intellect.
- The Benefit of Universal Worship: Showing respect to all deities helps individuals progress on the spiritual path by preventing an exclusive attachment to one deity based on limited understanding.
- Distinguishing Deities: Once an understanding of the superior qualities of deities like Arihants is developed, one should focus on their worship while continuing to respect other deities without developing aversion or hatred towards them.
Right Conduct (Sadachar) (Shlokas 13-16):
- Core Virtues: The treatise outlines several key virtues that constitute right conduct:
  - Sugestiveness/Kindness (Sudakshinya): Being thoughtful and considerate in actions.
  - Compassion (Dayaluta): Having a genuine desire to alleviate the suffering of others.
  - Uplifting the Helpless (Dino'ddhar): Actively helping the poor and distressed.
  - Gratitude (Krutadnyata): Remembering and appreciating the help received from others.
  - Fear of Social Disgrace (Janapadavabhiruta): Avoiding actions that would bring shame or discredit from society.
  - Affection for the Virtuous (Rago Gunini): Developing affection and respect for virtuous individuals.
  - Abstinence from Slander (Nindatyaga): Refraining from speaking ill of others, regardless of their spiritual or social standing.
  - Resilience in Adversity (Adainya): Not succumbing to despair or helplessness during difficult times.
  - Fidelity to Vows/Promises (Satpratijnatvam): Adhering to one's commitments and vows.
  - Humility in Prosperity (Namrata Sampattavapi): Maintaining humility and not becoming arrogant even when prosperous.
  - Respect for Tradition (Aviruddh Kulachar): Following the righteous customs of one's lineage and society.
  - Measured Speech (Mitabhashita): Speaking sparingly and only what is beneficial.
  - Abstinence from Reprehensible Acts (Garhitapravritti Varganam): Avoiding actions that are condemned by society, even at the risk of one's life.
  - Focus on Important Tasks (Pradhankarya Nirbandh): Prioritizing significant tasks and endeavors.
  - Rightful Expenditure (Savyaya): Using wealth for beneficial purposes.
  - Abstinence from Wrongful Expenditure (Asavyaya Ujjhanam): Avoiding wasteful or harmful spending.
  - Proper Social Interaction (Lokamulavrutti): Engaging with society in a way that is consistent with dharma.
  - Abstinence from Negligence (Pramada Varganam): Avoiding heedlessness and lack of attention.
Austerities (Tapa) (Shlokas 17-21):
- Types of Austerities: The treatise discusses various austerities suitable for beginners, including:
  - Chandrayana: A fasting ritual where intake is gradually increased during the waxing moon and decreased during the waning moon, culminating in a fast on the new moon.
  - Krchhra: Austerities involving varying degrees of fasting or restricted eating, such as Santanapa Krchhra, Pada Krchhra, and Sampurna Krchhra.
  - Mṛtyughna (Death-Conquering Austerity): A month-long fast performed with recitation of specific mantras (like Mṛtyuñjaya Japa) and adherence to strict disciplines, aimed at overcoming the cycle of death.
  - Pāpasūdana (Sin-Destroying Austerity): Austerities performed with specific mantras and intense repentance for past sins, aimed at purifying the soul.
Dislike for Liberation (Muktyadvesha) (Shlokas 22-32):
- Nature of Liberation: Liberation (Moksha) is described as the destruction of karma, free from the suffering associated with worldly enjoyments (bhoga) and intense passions (sanklesha).
- Causes of Aversion to Liberation:
  - Deep Ignorance (Dṛḍha Ajñāna): A fundamental misunderstanding of liberation's true nature.
  - Misconception of Liberation as Undesirable (Aniṣṭa Pratipatti): Due to ignorance, liberation is perceived as lacking in the pleasures and sensory experiences that worldly life offers, leading to a perception of it as undesirable.
- Worldly Attachment as a Root Cause: Individuals who are attached to worldly pleasures (bhavābhinandī) and have an intense desire for them (bhavaśarmotkaṭechechyā) find liberation, which is devoid of such sensory enjoyments, undesirable. This aversion is reflected in both common discourse and some scriptural interpretations.
- The Role of Subtle Karmic Dispositions (Sahajamala): The treatise posits that the gradual reduction of subtle karmic tendencies (sahajamala), which are related to the soul's propensity for karma binding (yogakashāya), leads to a diminished attachment to worldly pleasures (bhāvānutkaṭarāgeṇa) and consequently fosters a disinclination towards continued worldly existence.
- The Distinction Between Dislike and Love for Liberation: The text distinguishes between a mere absence of dislike (adveṣa) and a positive inclination or love (rāga) for liberation.
  - Muktyadveṣa (Dislike for Liberation): Arises from a lack of intense worldly attachment and the presence of ignorance, but doesn't necessarily imply a strong desire for liberation. It is characterized by an absence of aversion.
  - Muktirāga (Love for Liberation): Develops from a reduction in karmic tendencies and a clearer understanding of the soul's true nature. This love for liberation manifests in various degrees (mild, medium, intense) as described by the concept of nine types of yogis.
- Gradual Path to Liberation: The treatise suggests a progression where the absence of aversion (adveṣa) is a foundational step, leading to a growing inclination (rāga) towards liberation. This progression is supported by the gradual reduction of karmic obstacles and the development of spiritual understanding.
- Nuances of Desire for Liberation: The intensity of the desire for liberation is linked to the degree of one's spiritual progress and the effectiveness of the spiritual practices undertaken.

Overall Significance:

The "Purvaseva Dvantrinshika" serves as a vital guide for aspiring yogis and spiritual seekers within the Jain tradition. It emphasizes that a strong foundation in ethical conduct, reverence for spiritual authority, and disciplined practices, coupled with a detachment from worldly desires, are essential prerequisites for successfully embarking on the path of Yoga and ultimately attaining liberation. The commentary by Pandit Pravinchandra Mota aims to make these intricate philosophical points understandable and actionable for practitioners.