Ratribhojan Mimansa

The book "Ratribhojan Mimansa" (A Discourse on Night Eating) by Kavin Shah, published by Rupaben Astikumar Shah, is a comprehensive treatise advocating against night eating from a Jain perspective. The book draws heavily on ancient Jain scriptures, philosophical texts, and the teachings of revered monks and scholars.

Here's a summary of the key points presented in the book, based on the provided text:

Core Argument: The central theme of the book is the strong prohibition of night eating within Jainism, highlighting its detrimental effects on spiritual, physical, and mental well-being. It presents night eating as a significant transgression leading to negative consequences in this life and future lives.

Scriptural and Philosophical Basis:

• Ahimsa and Jivdaya: The book emphasizes that abstaining from night meals is a fundamental aspect of practicing ahimsa (non-violence) and jivdaya (compassion for living beings). The presence of minute, invisible organisms that are harmed during night meals, even if not visible to the naked eye, is cited as a primary reason for the prohibition. Jain scriptures, through their kevalgyan (omniscience), are said to have understood this microscopic world and thus decreed the prohibition.

• Scriptural References: The book extensively quotes and refers to various Jain scriptures, including:

  • Acharanga Sutra: Mentions the principle of not consuming food without proper scrutiny (analochitoya bhyojanam) and the concept that harming one type of living being is akin to harming all.
  • Dashavaikalika Sutra: Categorizes night eating as one of the fifty-four undesirable practices for monks and outlines the various ways night eating is defined (based on substance, place, time, and intention). It also includes specific vows against night eating.
  • Ratna Sanchaya: This text highlights the immense sin associated with night eating, comparing it to severe transgressions like repeated life-taking (killing fish in a lake for 66 lives), causing wildfires for 108 lives, engaging in a well business for 144 lives, false accusation for 151 lives, and adultery for 199 lives. It suggests that a single night meal equates to the sin of 199 lives of adultery. It also quantifies the sin associated with consuming water, sweet drinks, dry food, and solid food at night.
  • Viveka Vilasa: Mentions the importance of eating within prescribed times and avoiding food touched by impure substances or teeming with microscopic life.
  • Yoga Shastra (by Hemachandracharya): Discusses night eating prohibitions in the context of lay vows (shravak vrat), detailing its negative effects like loss of intellect, blindness, and various physical ailments. It also draws parallels with non-Jain traditions that discourage night eating.
  • Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra: Narrates the teachings of Lord Neminath, who advised against night eating and consuming anantkay (foods with countless lives).
  • Shraddha Dharma Dipika: States that night eating is a form of violence and leads to rebirths in the animal kingdom or hellish realms.
  • Other Scriptures: References from various other texts are mentioned, reinforcing the prohibition.

• Jain Conceptual Framework: The book links night eating to the concept of karma and the formation of karma that leads to lower births (tiryan or hellish realms). It also connects the practice to the broader Jain principles of virati (restraint) and tyaga (renunciation).

Consequences of Night Eating:

• Spiritual Consequences: Night eating is described as a "national highway to hell" (narak no national highway), a gateway to hells, and leads to rebirths in lower realms. It hinders spiritual progress and the attainment of moksha (liberation).
• Physical and Mental Consequences: The book lists numerous physical ailments linked to night eating, including:
  • Loss of intellect (medha hanti)
  • Indigestion (jalodar)
  • Vomiting (vaman)
  • Skin diseases like leprosy (koth)
  • Throat problems (galavyatha), voice disturbance (swar bhang)
  • Poisoning from insects and worms in food.
  • Weakness, decreased vitality, and premature aging.
  • Impact on digestion, hormone balance, and overall bodily functions.
  • It affects mental clarity, leading to negative emotions and impaired cognitive abilities.

Encouragement for Observance:

• Benefits of Abstinence: The book highlights the positive outcomes of abstaining from night meals, including spiritual merit, physical health, mental peace, and auspicious future births.
• Praise for Observance: Those who practice night eating abstinence are lauded as virtuous and fortunate.
• Examples and Stories: The book includes numerous stories and examples, particularly from Jain literature, such as the tales of Hans Kumar and Keshava, Amar-sen and Chandrayasha, Mrigasundari, and Patu, to illustrate the consequences of night eating and the benefits of its renunciation. These stories often involve divine intervention or karmic retribution to emphasize the importance of the practice.
• Non-Jain Perspectives: The book also notes that other Indian traditions and scriptures (like Mahabharata, Puranas, andurveda) also discourage or prohibit night eating, citing similar concerns about health and spiritual impurity.

Structure and Content: The book is structured into several chapters that systematically present the arguments for abstaining from night eating:

• Jain Philosophical View: Explores the scriptural basis for the prohibition.
• Rasa (Poetic) Compositions: Presents poetic works and songs (sajh and ras) that praise the abstinence from night eating and narrate cautionary tales.
• Narrative Accounts: Includes various stories illustrating the ill effects of night eating and the rewards of its renunciation.
• Descriptions of Hellish Suffering: Details the intense pain and torment experienced by beings in the hellish realms, linking it to negative karma, including night eating.
• Non-Jain Perspectives: Discusses similar views found in other Indian philosophical and religious traditions.
• Ayurvedic and Scientific Views: Explains the health implications from a modern scientific and Ayurvedic standpoint.
• Published Booklets: Reviews existing literature on the topic.
• Q&A: Addresses common questions and misconceptions.
• Concluding Remarks: Offers final advice and encouragement.

Author's Dedication: The book is dedicated to the revered monks and nuns, acknowledging their guidance and grace in compiling this work. It also expresses gratitude to donors who provided financial assistance for its publication.

In essence, "Ratribhojan Mimansa" is a scholarly and devotional work aimed at educating and motivating Jains, and indeed anyone interested in a wholesome lifestyle, to understand and practice the abstinence of night eating, presenting it as a cornerstone of spiritual discipline, ethical conduct, and physical well-being.