Pushpamalaprakaranam - Book Summary

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

Book Title: Pushpamalaprakaranam (also referred to as Upadeshmala and Pushpamala) Author(s): Hemchandracharya (original author), Buddhisagar (commentator) Publisher: Jindattsuri Gyanbhandar

Overview:

The "Pushpamalaprakaranam" is a significant Jain text, primarily authored by the renowned Acharya Hemchandracharya. It is presented here with a concise commentary (Laghu Vritti) by Sadhusomgani. The book serves as a guide for ethical and spiritual conduct, offering profound teachings through narratives and philosophical explanations, all within the framework of Jain principles.

Key Aspects and Content:

Authorship and Lineage:
- Hemchandracharya: The original work, "Pushpamala" (also known as "Upadeshmala"), was composed by Acharya Hemchandracharya of the Maladhar Gachchha. He created it in Prakrit, consisting of 505 gathas. He also wrote a detailed Sanskrit commentary on it, comprising 13,868 verses. This original work was published in 1911.
- Sadhusomgani: The "Laghu Vritti" (short commentary) included in this publication was authored by Sadhusomgani, a disciple of Mahopadhyaya Siddhantaruci and a student of Jinabhadra Suri of the Kharatara Gachchha. Sadhusomgani created this concise commentary, spanning approximately 5,300 verses, based on Hemchandracharya's larger commentary. His intention was to make the teachings more accessible and widely propagated. His commentary was composed in 1512 Vikram Samvat.
- Buddhisagar: The editor of this specific publication is Buddhisagar, a disciple of Mohanlalji Munishwar.
- Other Influences: The text acknowledges the scholarly contributions of Pandit Dalsukh Malvania and Sagarananda Suri.
Purpose and Significance:
- The book is designed as a guide for righteous living, covering various aspects of spiritual and moral development.
- It emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, knowledge, devotion, and detachment from worldly desires.
- The use of illustrative stories (kathas) and examples makes the profound teachings relatable and memorable for a wider audience.
- It highlights the Jain emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence) as the foundational principle of Dharma.
Content and Themes: The text covers a vast range of topics central to Jain philosophy and practice, including:
- Dharma (Righteousness): Explained as having a foundation in Ahimsa (non-violence) and being essential for attaining liberation.
- Abhaya Dana (Fearlessness/Protection of Life): Emphasized as the highest form of charity, illustrating its virtues through stories like that of King Shanti's Vajrayudha incarnation.
- Jnana Dana (Gift of Knowledge): Discusses the importance of acquiring and imparting knowledge, highlighting the various types of Jain knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala).
- Sheela (Chastity/Moral Conduct): Celebrated for its transformative power, exemplified by the stories of Rati, Sriddhi, Buddhi, and Gunasundari, and the ideal character of Sita.
- Tapa (Austerities): Presented as crucial for spiritual progress and the purification of the soul, with examples like Nandi-sena Muni.
- Bhavana (Meditation/Contemplation): Described as the core of spiritual practice, comprising sixteen key elements essential for spiritual growth, including Samyak-tva (Right Faith), virtuous conduct, and control over senses and passions.
- Indriya Nigraha (Control of Senses): Detailed explanation of how to control the senses, crucial for spiritual advancement.
- Kashaya Nigraha (Control of Passions): Discusses the detrimental effects of anger, pride, deceit, and greed and the necessity of overcoming them.
- Guru Seva (Service to the Guru): Highlights the importance of serving one's spiritual teacher, emphasizing the qualities of both a good guru and a devoted disciple.
- Shuddhi (Purity): The text stresses the need for purity in actions, thoughts, and speech.
- Alochana (Confession/Self-Reflection): Explains the process and significance of confessing wrongdoings to a guru for purification.
- Parigraha Parimana (Limitation of Possessions): Discusses the practice of non-attachment and limiting material possessions.
- Nishiddha Karma (Forbidden Actions): Clearly outlines actions to be avoided, such as violence, falsehood, theft, and inappropriate conduct.
- Pancha Samiti and Trigupti: Detailed explanations of the five types of carefulness (Samitis) and the three types of restraint (Guptis) essential for Jain monks.
- Importance of Righteous Action: The text stresses that mere intellectual knowledge is insufficient; practical application of Dharma is key.
- Consequences of Actions: Through numerous stories, the text illustrates the karmic consequences of both virtuous and sinful deeds, emphasizing the cyclical nature of existence and the path to liberation.
- Critique of Worldly Attachments: The text advises against excessive attachment to worldly pleasures, wealth, and relationships, highlighting their impermanent and ultimately sorrowful nature.
Commentary (Laghu Vritti):
- Sadhusomgani's commentary aims to simplify Hemchandracharya's extensive work, making it more accessible to the common follower.
- It maintains the essence of the original teachings while providing clarity and conciseness.
- The commentary is noted for its inclusion of relevant anecdotes and its adherence to the principles of the Kharatara Gachchha.
Structure: The text is organized into chapters or sections, each focusing on a specific virtue or practice. It includes a detailed table of contents ("Sthool Vishayanukramah") outlining the topics covered, such as:
- Mangalacharan (invocation)
- Durlabha Manushya Bhav (rarity of human birth)
- Dana (Charity) - Ahinsa Dana, Jnana Dana, etc.
- Sheela (Moral Conduct)
- Tapa (Austerities)
- Bhavana (Contemplation) - Samyak-tva Shuddhi, Charitra Shuddhi, Kashaya Nigraha, etc.
- Guru Kulavas (Life in a Guru's household)
- Alochana (Confession)
- Bhava Viraga (Detachment from worldliness)
- Vinaya (Humility/Respect)
- Vaiyaavritya (Service to the needy/elders)
- Swadhyaya (Self-study/Scripture study)
- Anayatana Tyaga (Renunciation of false refuges)
- Dharma Sthirata (Steadfastness in Dharma)
- Parigraha Parimana (Limitation of Possessions)
- Ratri Bhojana Parihara (Abstinence from night food)
- Nava Gupiti (The nine restraints)
- Indriya Jay (Victory over senses)
Language:
- The original text by Hemchandracharya was in Prakrit.
- Hemchandracharya's own extensive commentary was in Sanskrit.
- Sadhusomgani's "Laghu Vritti" is in Prakrit (as indicated by the gathas), but the provided text includes extensive commentary and introductory material in Hindi.

Overall Impression:

"Pushpamalaprakaranam" is a comprehensive and practical guide to Jain ethics and spirituality. It's celebrated for its ability to convey complex philosophical concepts through engaging stories, making it an invaluable resource for spiritual aspirants. The inclusion of Sadhusomgani's concise commentary enhances its accessibility, ensuring that the timeless wisdom of Hemchandracharya can reach a broader audience. The text serves as a testament to the Jain tradition's emphasis on ethical conduct, self-discipline, and the ultimate pursuit of liberation.