Rushimandalsavyantralekhanam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rushimandalsavyantralekhanam" by Sinhlatilakasuri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Rushimandalsavyantralekhanam (ऋषिमण्डलस्तवयन्त्रालेखनम्) Author: Acharya Sinhlatilakasuri (श्रीसिंहतिलकसूरि) Publisher: Jain Sahitya Vikas Mandal, Vile Parle, Mumbai Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001509/1

Overview:

This text, "Rushimandalsavyantralekhanam," is a significant work by the renowned Jain mantra-tantra scholar Acharya Sinhlatilakasuri, who lived in the 14th century. The book is primarily focused on the Yantralekhanam (the art and method of inscribing or drawing a Yantra) specifically for the Rushimandala Yantra. It's presented as a commentary or elaboration on the ancient "Rushimandala Stotra." The publication is noteworthy because it brings forth this previously unpublished and influential work for the first time.

Key Aspects and Content:

The text is structured around the precise drawing and understanding of the Rushimandala Yantra, a sacred diagram in Jainism. Here's a breakdown of its core themes and contributions:

Purpose and Uniqueness:
- The primary goal is to provide a definitive method for inscribing the Rushimandala Yantra, which has been worshipped since ancient times.
- It aims to reconcile various existing Yantra traditions and practices that might have caused confusion.
- The work is praised for its conciseness, with just 36 verses (shlokas) summarizing vast amounts of knowledge from older, larger texts.
- It introduces new insights, such as the integration of the Pancha-Parameshthis (the five supreme beings in Jainism) into the Yantra, a concept also found in Sinhlatilakasuri's other works like "Parmeshthi-vidya-stotra-yantra" and "Mantra-raja-rahasya."
- A notable contribution is the detailed analysis of the syllable "Hrim" (ह्रीं), breaking it down into its seven components (nada, bindu, kala, shir, reph, swara, etc.) and explaining their significance.
Structure and Commentary:
- The book includes a "Nivedan" (Foreword/Introduction) by the publishers, highlighting the significance of the work and the efforts made to preserve and present it.
- "Agrvachan" (Preface) provides context on Yantra, Mantra, and Tantra, the antiquity and influence of the Rushimandala Yantra, the qualifications of its worshipper, and the role of scriptural and guru-based knowledge. It also discusses the contribution of Jainism to mantra-tantra literature and the specific context of Acharya Sinhlatilakasuri's time.
- A detailed "Saransh Darshan" (Summary of Essence) by Shri Amritlal Kalidas Doshi meticulously breaks down each section and verse of the Yantralekhanam, explaining the ritualistic procedures, mantra compositions, meditative practices, and the philosophical underpinnings.
- The main text consists of 36 verses, each with a Sanskrit original, a Gujarati translation, and detailed commentary/explanation.
- Appendices (Parishishto) are included, listing the names of Gandharas, Siddhis, Tirthankaras (fathers and mothers), Devis, Yakshas, Yakshinis, Vidya Devis, Treasures, Suras, and eight Siddhis, which are often incorporated into the Yantra.
- A "Yantralekhan Vidhi" (Method of Yantra Inscription) is provided, likely derived from a manuscript.
- A "Shabd-suchi" (Glossary) is also included.
Key Concepts Explained in the Text:
- Yantra, Mantra, and Tantra: The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of these three elements, stating that knowledge of all three is essential for proper ritualistic practice.
- Antiquity of Rushimandala Yantra: It's considered one of the most ancient Yantras, supported by textual evidence and popular lore.
- The "Hrim" (ह्रीं) Syllable: The text delves deeply into the "Hrim" syllable, explaining its seven constituent parts and how they relate to the Tirthankaras, Pancha-Parameshthis, and various meditative states.
- Meditative Practices (Dhyana): The text outlines different types of meditation (Pindastha, Padmastha, Rupasthya) and how the Yantra facilitates these practices.
- Mantra Composition: It details the construction of the mantra "Om Hrim Arhat Namah," analyzing its segments and their purpose.
- Ritualistic Inscription: Step-by-step instructions are given for drawing the Yantra, including the materials to be used (gold, silver, copper plates, birch bark), the inscription tools (golden pen), and the order of drawing concentric circles, deities, celestial bodies (planets), and protective syllables.
- Purpose of the Yantra: The Yantra is described as being for worship (archana) and protection (raksha). It is said to grant protection from various malefic influences, grant desires, and aid in spiritual progress, leading to liberation.
- Qualifications for Worshippers: The text stresses the importance of the worshipper being "Samyakdrishti" (possessing right faith), "Vinit" (humble/disciplined), and a "Brahmacharya-vrata-dharana" (one who observes celibacy). It warns against imparting this knowledge to those with "Mithyadrushti" (wrong faith) to avoid spiritual transgression.
- Stages of Practice: The verses outline a progression of practice, including meditation, mantra recitation (japa), austerities (tapas), worship (puja), and ritualistic fire offerings (homa).
- Significance of the Yantra as a Dharmachakra: The Rushimandala Yantra is described as a "Dharmachakra" (Wheel of Dharma), a powerful tool that protects its meditator from various dangers and negative influences.

Editorial and Publishing Details:

The text was researched and compiled based on four different manuscripts.
The translation and compilation were done by Pandit Shri Dhurandharvijayji Ganivarya.
The correction and refinement were carried out by Munivarya Shri Tattvanandvijayji.
The publication was patronized by Seth Shri Amritlal Kalidas Doshi, who played a crucial role in its research, analysis, and bringing it to light.
The book was first published in 1961 AD (Vikram Samvat 2017).
A colored diagram of the Rushimandala Yantra is included with the publication.

Overall Significance:

"Rushimandalsavyantralekhanam" is a valuable resource for understanding the intricate details of the Rushimandala Yantra and the associated mantra and tantric practices within the Jain tradition. It highlights the profound synthesis Acharya Sinhlatilakasuri achieved, making complex spiritual knowledge accessible through clear descriptions and insightful commentary. The work serves as a guide for practitioners seeking to harness the power of this ancient Yantra for spiritual growth and well-being, while also emphasizing the ethical considerations and prerequisites for its use.