Ratnakarandaka Shravakachara - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the Ratnakarandaka Shravakachara, based on the extensive introduction and analysis presented:

Overview of the Text:

Title: Ratnakarandaka Shravakachara (or simply Ratnakarandaka, also known as Upasakadhyayana)
Author: Acharya Samantabhadra Swamy
Commentator: Acharya Prabhachandra
Introduction/Analysis: Pandit Jugalkishor Mukhtar
Publisher: Manikchand Digambar Jain Granthamala Samiti
Significance: This work is a seminal text in Jain literature, specifically focusing on the conduct and duties of lay followers (Shravakas). It is highly regarded for its comprehensive and systematic exposition of the Jain path for householders.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is primarily an "Upasakadhyayana," meaning it guides the lay disciple (Upasak or Shravaka) in practicing the true Jain dharma. The core of the dharma, as presented, is the "Ratnatraya" (Three Jewels):

Samyakdarshana (Right Faith/Perception): The foundation of Jainism. It's defined as having firm faith in the true nature of reality, which includes recognizing the infallibility of the divine (Apta), the authenticity of the scriptures (Agama), and the purity of the spiritual guides (Tapasvi/Guru). This right perception must be free from three types of delusions (Trimoodhata) – regarding gods, scriptures, and gurus – and free from the eight kinds of pride (Ashtamada). The text elaborates on the characteristics of true Apta (free from all defects, omniscient, and the source of divine scripture), the nature of false paths, and the importance of eight supporting virtues for right faith, such as fearlessness and compassion. It also highlights the superiority of right faith, asserting that even a person of low birth with right faith is superior to a misguided monk.
Samyakjnana (Right Knowledge): This involves understanding the true nature of reality through the study of scriptures. The text broadly categorizes Jain scriptures into four categories (Anuyoga): Prathamanuyoga (narratives of past lives and great souls), Karananuyoga (cosmology and mechanics of the universe), Charan anuyoga (conduct and ethics), and Dravyanuyoga (metaphysics and philosophy of substances).
Samyakcharitra (Right Conduct): This is the practical application of right faith and knowledge. It's primarily defined as abstinence from the five major sins:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Abstinence from causing harm to living beings.
- Satya (Truthfulness): Abstinence from falsehood.
- Asteya (Non-stealing): Abstinence from taking what is not given.
- Brahmacharya (Chastity): Abstinence from sensual indulgence.
- Aparigraha (Non-possession): Abstinence from excessive attachment to worldly possessions.

The text further categorizes conduct into:

Maha-vrata (Great Vows): For monks, involving complete abstinence.
Anuvrata (Minor Vows): For householders, involving partial or restricted abstinence from the five cardinal sins. The text details these minor vows along with their associated transgressions (Atichara).
Guna Vrata (Qualitative Vows): These vows refine and strengthen the Anuvratas. The text describes three:
- Digvrata (Vow of Directional Limitation): Restricting one's movement and activities to a defined geographical area.
- Anarthadanda Vrata (Vow against Useless Misdeeds): Abstaining from harmful or unproductive actions, including speaking ill, encouraging violence, and harboring malicious thoughts.
- Bhogopabhoga Parimana Vrata (Vow of Limited Enjoyment): Restricting the consumption of worldly goods (food, clothing, etc.) to what is essential and avoiding excessive indulgence.
Shiksha Vrata (Training Vows): These are practices that help householders gradually progress towards the vows of ascetics. The text details four:
- Samayika (Equanimity/Meditation): A period of spiritual practice and meditation, often practiced daily.
- Deshavakashika (Temporary Limitation): A more extended restriction of movement and activity than Digvrata.
- Proshadhopavasa (Fasting on Holy Days): Abstaining from food and other activities on specific auspicious days (like Chaturdashi and Ashtami).
- Vaivyavritta (Service/Care): Serving and caring for ascetics, the learned, and the virtuous.
Sallekhana (Intentional Fasting unto Death): The text also touches upon Sallekhana, the voluntary and calm process of giving up life at the end of one's lifespan, especially under conditions of unavoidable suffering or inability to practice Jain vows, performed with right faith and calm contemplation.

Introduction by Pandit Jugalkishor Mukhtar:

Pandit Mukhtar's extensive introduction is a significant contribution to this edition. It includes:

Praise for the Text: He highlights the Ratnakarandaka's profoundness and its importance as a "first Shravakachara" text.
Historical Context: He discusses the likely antiquity of the text and its author, placing it as the earliest comprehensive work on Shravakachara.
Authorship Debate: A significant portion of the introduction is dedicated to addressing and refuting doubts about Samantabhadra's authorship of the Ratnakarandaka. He meticulously analyzes historical evidence, inscriptions, and references in later Jain literature to firmly establish Samantabhadra's undisputed authorship. He also clarifies the identities of other individuals named Samantabhadra to avoid confusion.
Verse Analysis: Mukhtar provides a detailed analysis of the text's verses, explaining their meaning, context, and significance.
Commentary Analysis: He discusses Prabhachandra's commentary, noting its strengths and weaknesses, and points out its division of the text into five chapters (contrasting with the original seven).
The Importance of the Text: He strongly encourages every householder, man or woman, to study and contemplate the Ratnakarandaka, emphasizing its role in spiritual upliftment and self-reliance.
Personal Notes: Mukhtar also shares details about the publication process, including the challenges faced and his personal illness, for which he seeks the reader's indulgence.

The Commentary of Prabhachandra:

The commentary by Prabhachandra is integral to this edition. While the introduction notes it's generally considered "ordinary" and not fully delving into the depth of the text's philosophical nuances, it provides essential explanations. However, the introduction also points out some critical observations about the commentary:

Chapter Division: Prabhachandra's commentary divides the original seven chapters into five.
Inclusion of Narratives: It includes twenty-three stories (Upaakhyanas) for the illustrative verses (Anuvratas), though the introduction critiques these narratives as often being simplistic, lacking depth, and sometimes containing inconsistencies or factual inaccuracies.
Interpretation of Pratimas: The commentary interprets the eleven stages of a Shravaka (Pratimas) as stages of Sallekhana practice, which the introduction argues is a misinterpretation of the original intent.

Overall Message:

The Ratnakarandaka Shravakachara, as presented and analyzed, is a profound and practical guide for Jain lay followers. It emphasizes that true spiritual progress is not solely dependent on asceticism but can be achieved through diligent adherence to the vows and practices prescribed for householders. The text underscores the fundamental importance of Right Faith as the bedrock for all spiritual endeavors, followed by Right Knowledge and Right Conduct. It aims to guide individuals towards a life of ethical discipline, spiritual contemplation, and ultimately, liberation from the cycle of suffering. The comprehensive introduction by Pandit Jugalkishor Mukhtar adds significant historical and scholarly value, firmly establishing the text's authenticity and importance within the Jain tradition.