Ratnastok Mnjusha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ratnastok Manjusha" by Dharmchand Jain, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Ratnastok Manjusha (रत्नस्तोक मंजूषा) Author: Dharmchand Jain (धर्मचन्द जैन) Publisher: Samyaggyan Pracharak Mandal (सम्यग्ज्ञान प्रचारक मण्डल)

Overall Purpose: The book "Ratnastok Manjusha" aims to make the profound and often complex teachings of Jain Agamas (sacred scriptures) accessible to a wider audience. It achieves this by compiling and presenting "Thokdas" (concise summaries or treatises) on various Jain philosophical and practical concepts in a simple and understandable language. The primary goal is to aid readers in deepening their spiritual knowledge, turning their minds away from negative actions (savadh yoga), and strengthening their faith in the principles of Jainism, ultimately leading them towards liberation (mukti).

Content Overview: The book contains ten "Thokdas" covering a range of essential Jain topics. These are presented as chapters, with the following titles and page numbers:

Rupi-Arupi ka Thokda (रूपी-अरूपी का थोकड़ा): Discusses the classification of matter into "Rupi" (corporeal) and "Arupi" (incorporeal) based on sensory perception and inherent qualities. It details various classifications within these categories, such as "Chausparshi Rupi" (four-sensed corporeal) and "Ashtasparshi Rupi" (eight-sensed corporeal), and explains the 61 types of Arupi entities. The text also clarifies that these classifications are generally understood and that some elements can be viewed from multiple perspectives.
Shwasochhwas ka Thokda (श्वासोच्छ्वास का थोकड़ा): Focuses on the respiratory process (breathing) of different beings, particularly in the context of the Jain cosmology. It details the intervals between breaths for various classes of beings, including hell-dwellers (Naraki), celestial beings (Deva) across different realms, and earthly creatures. It also explains the temporal units used in Jain cosmology (avalika, shvas, uchhvas, pran, stok, lav, muhurt, ahormatra, paksha) and highlights the correlation between suffering and faster breathing, and happiness and slower breathing.
Yoni ka Thokda (योनि का थोकड़ा): Explores the concept of "Yoni" which refers to the origin or birthplaces of beings. It presents four different classifications of Yonis:
- Classification 1: Based on temperature – Sheet-Yoni (cold), Ushna-Yoni (hot), and Mishra-Yoni (mixed). It details which beings inhabit which type of Yoni, particularly focusing on hell-dwellers and celestial beings.
- Classification 2: Based on materiality – Sachitta (living), Achitta (non-living), and Mishra (mixed).
- Classification 3: Based on physical state – Sanvritta (covered), Vivritta (open), and Sanvritta-Vivritta (partially covered/open).
- Classification 4: Based on shape – Kurmonnata (tortoise-back like), Shankhavarta (conch-like), and Vanshipatra (bamboo leaf-like). It also touches upon the concept of Shridevi (consort of Chakravarti) and the possibility of "pearl-like" births.
Virah Dwar (विरह द्वार): This section deals with "Virah," which means the interval or absence of a particular event or occurrence. It quantifies the time intervals between the births of beings in different realms, the lifespan and rebirth cycles of celestial beings, the occurrence of solar and lunar eclipses, and the time between the initiation of new spiritual practitioners (samaygdrushti, shravak, sadhu). It also discusses the significant time intervals related to the lives and occurrences of Tirthankaras, Chakravartins, Baladevas, and Vasudevas.
Panch Dev ka Thokda (पाँच देव का थोकड़ा): Categorizes "Devas" into five types:
- Bhavya-Dravya Dev (भव्य-द्रव्य देव): Beings who are currently in human or animal realms but will eventually be reborn as celestial beings.
- Naradev (नरदेव): Earthly rulers, such as Chakravartins, with vast empires and power.
- Dharmadev (धर्मदेव): Ascetics or renunciates (Anagar) who possess virtuous qualities.
- Devadhidev (देवाधिदेव): Tirthankara Bhagwans, described by their divine attributes (atishay) and speech.
- Bhava Dev (भावदेव): Beings who are currently celestial beings by virtue of their destiny-bound (nama-karma and ayu-karma) nature. For each category, it discusses their origin (aagti), destination (gati), lifespan (sthiti), transformation abilities (vaikriya), time of manifestation (sanchitthana-kal), physical dimensions (avgahana), intermediate periods (antar), and relative numbers (alpabahutva).
Athāṇu bol ka Bāshṭhiyā (अठाणु बोल का बासठिया): This is a detailed analysis of the relative numbers ("alpabahutva") of different categories of beings and their respective qualities. It's presented in a tabular format with 98 "bols" (categories or elements), comparing them across various parameters like "Jeev" (beings), "Guna" (qualities), "Yoga" (mental, verbal, physical activities), "Upayog" (concentration/attention), and "Leshya" (psychic inclinations). The text elaborates on the nuances of these comparisons, particularly when dealing with transient states or specific conditions.
Chaudah Gunsthanon ka Bāshṭhiyā (चौदह गुणस्थानों का बासठिया): This section systematically breaks down the 14 stages of spiritual development (Gunathanas) in Jainism. For each stage, it details the types of beings that can attain it, the number of "gunas" (qualities) present, the types of "yoga," "upayog," and "leshya" associated with that stage. It explains how these elements are determined based on the specific spiritual progress and capabilities of the beings at each stage.
32 bol ka Bāshṭhiyā (32 बोल का बासठिया): Similar to the 98 bol analysis, this presents a tabular comparison of various categories of beings and their attributes (Jeev, Gunsthan, Yoga, Upayog, Leshya) across different realms (Naraka, Tiryanch, Manushya, Deva) and states (paryapta, aparyapta, anaharak, sahayak, etc.). It provides detailed counts for each category, offering insights into their spiritual and physical makeup.
102 bol ka Bāshṭhiyā (102 बोल का बासठिया): This is an extensive breakdown based on 22 "dwaras" (aspects or gateways) of knowledge in Jainism, such as Jeev, Gati, Indriya, Kaya, Yoga, Ved, Kashay, Leshya, Drishti, Samyaktva, Gyan, Darshan, Samyam, Upayog, etc. For each dwara, it lists various classifications and their associated counts for Jeev, Gunsthan, Yoga, Upayog, and Leshya, followed by a comparative analysis of their relative numbers (alpabahutva).
Tetees bol ka Thokda (तेतीस बोल का थोकड़ा): This chapter presents a compilation of "bols" (elements or concepts) numbered from one to thirty-three, covering various aspects of Jain doctrine. These include concepts related to:
- Levels of transgression (Asanyam, Bandhan, Dand, Viradhana, Kashay, Sangya, Katha, Dhyan).
- Virtuous practices (Gupti, Mahavrat, Samiti, Pramad).
- Cosmic classifications (Kay, Leshya).
- Human psychology and fears (Bhay).
- Ascetic disciplines (Mad, Brahmacharya Gupti, Yati Dharma, Samachari).
- Stages of spiritual practice (Pratima of Shravak, Pratima of Bhikshu).
- Ethical violations (Kriya Sthan, Asamadhani ke dosh, Sabal ke dosh).
- Types of suffering and knowledge (Parishah, Pap Shruth, Mahamohaniya Karma Bandh).
- Spiritual accomplishments (Siddha Bhagwant ke gun, Yoga Sangrah).
- Rules of conduct and reverence (Ashatana).

Key Themes and Significance:

Accessibility of Knowledge: The book's core mission is to democratize access to complex Jain philosophical concepts.
Systematic Presentation: The use of "Thokdas" and "Bāshṭhiyās" (tables and detailed analyses) provides a structured way to understand intricate Jain teachings.
Cosmic Understanding: Several sections delve into the Jain cosmology, detailing the composition and characteristics of various realms and beings.
Spiritual Progression: The inclusion of "Gunathanas" and "Pratimas" highlights the path of spiritual development and discipline in Jainism.
Ethical and Moral Guidance: The "Tetees bol ka Thokda" offers practical guidance on conduct, virtues, and the avoidance of negative actions.
Alpabahutva Analysis: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the quantitative analysis of various categories of beings and concepts, which is a crucial aspect of Jain epistemology.

In essence, "Ratnastok Manjusha" serves as a valuable compendium for anyone seeking to understand the multifaceted teachings of Jainism in a clear, organized, and authoritative manner.