Pushpvati Vichar Tatha Sutak Vichar - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pushpvati Vichar tatha Sutak Vichar" by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek:

Book Title: Pushpvati Vichar tatha Sutak Vichar (Thoughts on Pushpvati and Sutak) Author: Shravak Bhimsinh Manek Publisher: Shravak Bhimsinh Manek Key Focus: The book deals with two primary aspects: the conduct and observances for women experiencing Pushpvati (menstruation) and the rules and implications of Sutak (ritual impurity due to birth or death).

Overall Purpose: The book aims to educate the Jain community, particularly women, on specific observances related to menstruation and impurity. It draws upon scriptural authority to explain the reasons behind these rules and the consequences of adhering to or violating them. The underlying principle is to maintain purity, respect the sacred, and avoid actions that lead to spiritual degradation.

Summary of "Pushpvati Vichar" (Thoughts on Pushpvati):

Introduction to Purity and Impurity: The book begins by emphasizing the importance of purity (Shuchi) and impurity (Ashuchi) in Jainism. It states that impurity arises from impure thoughts, speech, and actions, which lead to the binding of inauspicious karma, resulting in lower births.
Definition of Impurity: Impurity is categorized into two types:
- Dravya Ashuchi (Material Impurity): This is the cause of impurity.
- Bhava Ashuchi (Internal/Mental Impurity): This is the effect of impurity, stemming from impure thoughts, senses, and kashayas (passions). The book describes the impurity associated with impure thoughts as being infinitely more foul than the smell of decaying flesh or dead animals.
The Root Cause of Great Impurity: The text identifies a significant cause of great impurity and a primary source of all sins and transgressions as the condition of Pushpvati (menstruation) in women, also referred to as Rutudharma in common parlance.
Guidelines for Women Experiencing Pushpvati: A substantial portion of the book is dedicated to detailing specific rules and prohibitions for women during their menstrual cycle. These are presented as a series of verses (Sajjay) offering strict guidance. Some key directives include:
- Avoidance of Contact: No contact with others' clothes, no going out at night or in the evening, no sitting in the sun during the day.
- Restrictions on Religious Activities: Avoid visiting temples or religious places, do not participate in darshan (viewing deities), puja (worship), devavandan (salutations), samayik (meditation), poshad (fasting), or any religious discourses, katha, or stotras.
- Prohibition of Household Chores: Do not cook, do not touch grains, do not clean grains, do not grind, do not touch water vessels. Avoid contact with raw grains.
- Dietary Restrictions: Do not consume food cooked by others, do not offer food with one's own hands, do not prepare food for religious offerings. Avoid certain fruits, vegetables, and tastes.
- Personal Hygiene and Appearance: Do not use perfumes, oils, or decorative items. Avoid looking in mirrors, wearing garlands, bathing, or applying sindoor. Do not comb hair.
- Social and Communal Restrictions: Do not participate in gatherings, ceremonies like weddings or simant (a baby shower). Avoid singing or dancing. Do not touch animals or milk them.
- Spiritual Consequences: The text emphasizes that adhering to these rules leads to good fortune, auspicious offspring, and ultimately, liberation. Conversely, violating them leads to loss of wealth, intellect, and can result in rebirths in hellish realms or as lower life forms.
Consequences of Interaction: The book details the negative consequences of interacting with a woman in this state, including:
- Spiritual Loss: Loss of faith, downfall in religious practices.
- Material Loss: Loss of wealth and intellect.
- Physical Ailments: Diseases, infertility, or having children with defects.
- Sin Accumulation: Performing actions with or by a menstruating woman incurs significant sin.
Stages of Purity: The text outlines a gradual process of purification, typically over a few days, culminating in bathing and rejoining normal activities and religious observances. The seventh day is often mentioned as when religious participation becomes permissible again.
Impact on Offspring: A significant focus is placed on how conception occurring during certain days of a woman's cycle can affect the characteristics of the child, including lifespan, temperament, and spiritual inclination.

Summary of "Sutak Vichar" (Thoughts on Sutak):

Definition of Sutak: Sutak refers to a period of ritual impurity following a birth or death.
Duration of Sutak: The book specifies different durations for sutak based on the event:
- Birth: 10 days for the birth of a son, 11 days for the birth of a daughter.
- Death: 12 days of sutak.
- Death of a Slave/Maid: 1 to 3 days of sutak.
- Death of an Infant: 11 months (as indicated by "Yavanu").
Impact of Sutak: During the period of sutak, families are prohibited from:
- Religious Observances: Performing Jain pujas, visiting temples, or offering food to monks (Sadhus).
- Household Purity: The fire and water used in the house are considered impure.
Specific Prohibitions: The text elaborates on specific actions to avoid during sutak, such as participating in religious events or touching those who are part of the sutak period.
Animal Sutak: It also touches upon sutak related to animals like camels, cows, and goats, and the duration of impurity associated with their death or calving.
Sammurchim Jiva: The text discusses the concept of sammurchim jiva (creatures born from conjugation, without distinct parents, like insects) and the sutak associated with them in various substances like cow urine, milk, and goat milk.

Overall Message and Conclusion:

The book, "Pushpvati Vichar tatha Sutak Vichar," serves as a practical guide for Jain laypeople to uphold religious principles in daily life. It stresses the importance of understanding and diligently following the scriptural injunctions related to menstrual purity and ritual impurity due to birth and death. The author, Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, compiles these teachings to promote spiritual welfare and guide individuals towards righteous conduct, ultimately leading to liberation. The text emphasizes that adherence to these rules is a sign of a virtuous and knowledgeable individual and is crucial for spiritual progress and auspicious outcomes in life and beyond.