Ratnatray Vidhan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ratnatray Vidhan" by Rajmal Pavaiya, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Ratnatray Vidhan (Treatise on the Three Jewels) Author: Rajmal Pavaiya Publisher: Tirthdham Mangalayatan

Overall Purpose: The "Ratnatray Vidhan" is a ritualistic text designed to guide devotees in the worship and realization of the Ratnatraya, which are the Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra). These three are considered the ultimate path to liberation (moksha) in Jainism. The text provides a structured puja (worship) to invoke, honor, and internalize these three essential components of the spiritual path.

Key Themes and Structure:

1. Introduction and Blessings (Pages 1-4):

   • The book is presented as a publication by Tirthdham Mangalayatan, commemorating the consecration ceremony of a new Shri Mahavir Jinmandir at Mangalayatan University.
   • It highlights the author, Kavi Rajmal Pavaiya, as a skilled poet whose works blend devotion with spiritual depth.
   • The purpose of the "Ratnatray Vidhan" is stated as helping all beings recognize their pure soul and manifest the Three Jewels, thereby following the path to liberation.
   • The text begins with auspicious invocations (Mangalacharan) using various poetic meters, praising the Siddhas, Tirthankaras, pure consciousness, and the Dharma.

2. Significance of the Three Jewels (Pithika - Pages 5-6):

   • The introduction emphasizes that the Ratnatraya are the steps to liberation, the path that removes worldly suffering, and the source of ultimate happiness.
   • Samyak Darshan (Right Faith) is described as being free from 25 flaws and possessing 8 virtues (Angas).
   • Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge) is considered the best wealth, endowed with 8 virtues.
   • Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct) is the means to the bliss of moksha, characterized by 13 types of conduct.
   • The text states that even Tirthankaras rejoice in embodying these Jewels and use them to cross the ocean of existence.
   • It distinguishes between "Nishchay Ratnatraya" (absolute, unconditioned manifestation of the Three Jewels) leading to liberation, and "Vyavahar Ratnatraya" (conventional practice) leading to heavenly pleasures.
   • A reverence is paid to all past, present, and future Siddhas (liberated souls).

3. The Ritualistic Puja (Vidhan - Pages 6-29): The core of the text is the detailed ritualistic worship of the Ratnatraya. This is typically performed by invoking the divine presence and offering various substances, each symbolizing the purification and eradication of specific defilements. The puja is divided into sections dedicated to each of the Three Jewels:

   • Samuday Puja Sthapana (Invocation and Establishment of the Collective Puja - Page 6): This section initiates the ritual by inviting the combined presence of the Three Jewels and expressing the desire to attain pure consciousness through their worship, thereby removing attachment and aversion.

     • Offerings of Jal (Water) to wash away impurities.
     • Offerings of Chandan (Sandalwood) to cool the fires of worldly existence.
     • Offerings of Akshata (Unbroken Rice) symbolizing the attainment of inexhaustible spiritual wealth.
     • Offerings of Pushpa (Flowers) to overcome the arrows of desire (Kama).
     • Offerings of Naivedya (Food) to destroy the disease of hunger (symbolic of spiritual hunger).
     • Offerings of Deepa (Lamp) to dispel the darkness of ignorance.
     • Offerings of Dhoopa (Incense) to destroy the eight types of karmas that obscure the soul.
     • Offerings of Phala (Fruit) to attain the ultimate fruit of liberation.
     • Offerings of Arghya (A mixture of various auspicious items) as a respectful tribute to attain an invaluable state.
     • Maharghya (Great Offering): A comprehensive offering symbolizing the internalization of the Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, and the attainment of pure, eternal bliss.
     • Jaymala (Garland of Victory): A poetic tribute expressing the aspiration to overcome worldly suffering, conquer attachments, and attain the state of liberation by adhering to the Three Jewels. It details the progression from removing delusion to the attainment of pure conduct and the destruction of karmas.

   • Shri Samyak Darshan Pujan (Worship of Right Faith - Pages 10-15):

     • This section focuses specifically on the worship of Right Faith, emphasizing its role in dispelling delusion and leading to liberation.
     • The ritual involves offerings similar to the collective puja, each with specific invocations related to overcoming obstacles to Right Faith.
     • Eight Angas of Right Faith: The text details the worship of each of the eight virtues that constitute perfect Right Faith, along with specific invocations (Arghya) for each:
       1. Nishankita (Undoubting): Freedom from doubt about the Tattvas (principles).
       2. Kankshita (Uncovetous): Freedom from desire for worldly pleasures or heavenly states.
       3. Nirvichikitsa (Non-disgusted): Acceptance of the teachings and practitioners without aversion, even if they appear imperfect.
       4. Upaguhana (Concealing flaws): Not revealing the faults of others, while acknowledging one's own.
       5. Amoodha Drishti (Unbewildered): Clear understanding of the Tattvas, free from wrong or deluded views.
       6. Sthitikaran (Upholding): Strengthening those who might waver in their faith.
       7. Vatsalya (Affection/Brotherhood): Love and compassion for fellow spiritual practitioners.
       8. Prabhavna (Propagation): Spreading the glory of Jainism through exemplary conduct and teachings.
     • The "Jaymala" for Right Faith reiterates its foundational importance and the pitfalls to avoid (25 flaws, 6 types of delusion, 8 root flaws).

   • Shri Samyak Gyan Pujan (Worship of Right Knowledge - Pages 16-21):

     • This section is dedicated to honoring and cultivating Right Knowledge.
     • The ritualistic offerings are made with invocations focused on dispelling ignorance and attaining omniscience (Keval Gyan).
     • Eight Angas of Right Knowledge: The text details the worship of the eight virtues associated with Right Knowledge:
       1. Vyanjanachar (Art of Speech/Expression): Correct pronunciation and clear expression of knowledge.
       2. Arthachar (Meaningful Conduct): Understanding and living by the true meaning of the scriptures.
       3. Ubhayachar (Both Speech and Meaning): Harmonizing speech with meaning.
       4. Kaalachar (Timely Conduct): Studying and practicing knowledge at the appropriate time.
       5. Vinayachar (Humble Conduct): Respectful approach to knowledge and its teachers.
       6. Upadhanachar (Vigorous Practice): Diligent and dedicated practice of knowledge.
       7. Bahumanachar (Showing Respect): Honoring sacred texts and spiritual teachers.
       8. Anivachar (Non-concealment): Not hiding or withholding sacred knowledge.
     • The "Jaymala" for Right Knowledge elaborates on the nature of knowledge (mati, shruta, avadhi, manahparyaya, keval jnan) and its various aspects, emphasizing the importance of these eight angas for spiritual progress.

   • Shri Samyak Charitra Pujan (Worship of Right Conduct - Pages 22-29):

     • This section focuses on the worship of Right Conduct, the practical application of Right Faith and Right Knowledge.
     • The offerings are made with prayers to overcome worldly passions and fully embrace virtuous actions.
     • Five Mahavratas (Great Vows): Worship is offered for the strict observance of the five vows: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
     • Five Samitis (Careful Conduct): Worship is offered for adherence to the five areas of carefulness: Eriya (careful movement), Bhasha (careful speech), Eshana (careful alms-seeking/eating), Adan-Nikshepan (careful handling of objects), and Pratishthapana (careful disposal of bodily waste).
     • Three Guptis (Restraints): Worship is offered for the restraint of mind (Manogupti), speech (Vachanagupti), and body (Kayagupti).
     • The "Jaymala" for Right Conduct describes the 13 types of conduct for ascetics, the vows and observances for laypersons, and the ultimate goal of shedding all karmas through perfect conduct, leading to liberation.

4. Concluding Rites (Pages 29-33):

   • Antim Maharghya (Final Great Offering): A comprehensive offering reiterating the importance of the Ratnatraya and the aspiration to internalize them to escape the cycle of birth and death.
   • Maha Jaymala (Great Garland of Victory): A concluding prayer celebrating the power of the Ratnatraya as the ultimate remedy for worldly suffering and the means to achieve liberation. It encourages the devotee to embrace their true nature and follow the path of the Three Jewels.
   • Samuchchaya Maharghya (Collective Great Offering): A final comprehensive offering to all revered beings and principles in Jainism, seeking the attainment of an unassailable spiritual state.
   • Shanti Path (Path of Peace): A prayer for peace and well-being for all beings, and for the devotee to attain self-knowledge and devotion to the Ratnatraya.
   • Kshama Path (Path of Forgiveness): A plea for forgiveness for any errors or shortcomings in the performance of the ritual.

In essence, the "Ratnatray Vidhan" is a devotional guide that leads the practitioner through a ritualistic journey to understand, internalize, and embody the fundamental Jain principles of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, which are considered the supreme path to spiritual emancipation.