Sadbodh Sangraha Part 01

This document is the first part of the Sadbodh Sangraha (Collection of True Wisdom), compiled by Muni Shri Karpurvijayji Maharaj, published by Porwal and Company, and printed in Pune in 1936. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/010725/1.

The book is a collection of spiritual and ethical teachings aimed at providing guidance for living a virtuous life, particularly within the framework of Jainism. It's presented as a compilation of teachings from various sources, including the author's own writings and observations, with the goal of making them accessible to a wider audience.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the text, based on the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Publication Details (Pages 1-4):

• Author: Muni Shri Karpurvijayji Maharaj from Palitana, known for his love of good qualities.
• Compiler/Collector: Shah Shivnath Lumbaji Porwal.
• Publisher: Porwal and Company, specifically Shah Shankar Lal Shivnathji Porwal, from Pune.
• Printer: Laxmanrao Bhaurao Kokate, Hanuman Press, Pune.
• Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 2463 / 1993 / 1936.
• First Edition: Priced at four annas, with a print run of 2000 copies.
• Distribution: The book is intended for Sadhus, Sadhvis, and Jain Libraries as a gift, with postage covered by sending two annas in postal stamps.
• Funding and Purpose: The publication was made possible by a donation from Seth Bahadurmal Abhayraj Kochar of Bikaner for knowledge dissemination. The publisher has printed 500 copies with his name on the title page and offers to print names on the title page of 500 copies for anyone who donates one hundred rupees, as per Maharaj Shri's instructions.
• Previous Works: The compilation draws upon Muni Shri Karpurvijayji's previous works like "Jain Hitopadesh" and "Jain Hitbodh" (published by Shri Jain Shreyaskar Mandal, Mehsana) and the compiler's own "Vividh Vishay Sangraha Bhag Pahela" (Collection of Various Subjects, Part One). The intent is to make valuable spiritual and ethical teachings, presented in simple language, available to the public.
• Gratitude: Thanks are extended to Muni Shri Karpurvijayji Maharaj for his guidance and to Shri Laxman Raghunath Bhide for help with language refinement and proofreading.
• Future Editions: The compiler expresses hope for a second part if sufficient support is received, as he has more material.
• Feedback: Readers are encouraged to report any errors or omissions for future corrections.

2. Table of Contents (Pages 6-8): The book is divided into several sections:

• Hindi Section:
  • Tattva Rahasya (Essence of Truth): Covering various virtues and conduct, numbered 1 to 68 (and potentially beyond).
  • Sadupdesh Sar Sangrah (Collection of Best Teachings): Topics 1 to 3.
  • Sar Bol Sangrah (Collection of Essential Sayings): Topics 1 to 18.
  • Dharm Kalpavruksh (The Wish-Fulfilling Tree of Dharma): Four types of charity.
  • Samanya Hit Shiksha (General Beneficial Teachings): Topics 1 to 4.
  • Bodhkark Drishtanto (Instructive Anecdotes/Stories): Five stories, numbered 1 to 5.
  • Vividh Vishayonke Prashnottar (Questions and Answers on Various Subjects): Topics 1 to 35.
• Gujarati Section:
  • Vairagya Sar ane Upadesh Rahasya (Essence of Renunciation and Secrets of Teachings): Topics 1 to 23.
  • Dharmni Dash Disha (Ten Directions of Dharma): Topics 1 to 3.
  • Bodhkark Drishtant (Instructive Anecdotes): Six stories, numbered 1 to 6.
  • Anek Vishayonana Prashnottar (Questions and Answers on Many Subjects): Topics 1 to 21.

3. Content - Key Teachings and Virtues (Pages 9-113): The bulk of the book comprises lists of virtues and ethical guidelines, presented as "What to do" and "What not to do." These are often numbered points. The Hindi section focuses on principles for a righteous life, while the Gujarati section elaborates on renunciation and spiritual advice.

Key Themes and Virtues Covered (Hindi Section as a primary example):

• Compassion (Jivdaya): Emphasizing constant practice, avoiding harm to any living being, using appropriate tools (like soft brooms), filtering water, avoiding night meals, and not harming roots. It highlights the value of all life.
• Sensory Control: Advising against the misuse of senses like moths, bees, fish, elephants, and deer, and instead advocating for their proper use for self-benefit, comparing uncontrolled senses to wild horses.
• Truthfulness: Speaking truthfully, avoiding falsehood due to anger, fear, or jest. Truthfulness leads to righteousness.
• Chastity/Righteous Conduct (Sheel): Maintaining vows even in difficult situations, valuing vows as much as life itself.
• Avoiding Bad Company: Not associating with those of loose character, as it can negatively influence one's own conduct and reputation. Associating with virtuous people brings peace.
• Obeying the Guru: Valuing the Guru's truthful and faultless guidance and acting accordingly.
• Mindfulness and Prudence:
  • Avoiding restlessness and walking with care to protect oneself and others.
  • Dressing appropriately according to income and status, avoiding ostentatious or shabby attire.
  • Looking at others with a simple and open gaze, fostering trust and avoiding suspicion.
  • Controlling the tongue, speaking only what is beneficial and necessary.
  • Acting thoughtfully and with foresight, avoiding hasty decisions.
  • Maintaining good family traditions and values.
  • Avoiding hurtful speech that causes pain to others.
  • Never slandering or falsely accusing anyone.
  • Speaking kindly and politely, even when correcting faults.
  • Being kind to all beings, like trees offering shade or rivers providing water.
  • Being grateful for help received.
  • Helping the helpless and needy.
  • Avoiding begging or showing desperation to others.
  • Seeking refuge in the Almighty and virtuous beings.
  • Not breaking promises.
  • Speaking little, and only when necessary and beneficial.
  • Avoiding false praise of oneself.
  • Not criticizing or backbiting others, even the wicked.
  • Avoiding excessive laughter.
  • Not trusting the untrustworthy.
  • Being honest and not betraying trust.
  • Not neglecting one's duties.
  • Being happy for the good qualities of others.
  • Not associating with fools.
  • Conducting due diligence and evaluating people before engaging with them.
  • Not doing evil deeds, even if life is at stake.
  • Living in a way that avoids public criticism.
  • Being courageous and resolute.
  • Maintaining courage even in adversity.
  • Staying firm on the right path until death.
  • Donating even when wealth diminishes.
  • Not being overly attached or showing excessive affection.
  • Not getting angry frequently, even with loved ones.
  • Avoiding quarrels.
  • Cultivating good company and avoiding bad company.
  • Accepting beneficial advice, even from inferiors.
  • Avoiding injustice.
  • Not being arrogant about wealth.
  • Not becoming overly joyous even with gains.
  • Starting with simple tasks before moving to larger ones.
  • Not boasting about accomplishments.
  • Meditating on the Divine.
  • Seeing oneself in others.
  • Speaking pleasant words.
  • Being humble and showing respect.
  • Practicing charity.
  • Accepting the virtues of others.
  • Speaking at the right time.
  • Showing respect to even the wicked in public.
  • Understanding the welfare of oneself and others.
  • Avoiding sorcery or deceitful practices.
  • Not going alone to another's house.
  • Fulfilling promises.
  • Not keeping secrets from true friends.
  • Not insulting anyone.
  • Not being proud of one's own qualities.
  • Not getting overly excited even with good fortune.
  • Starting with easy tasks.
  • Not boasting about achievements.
  • Meditating on the Supreme Being.
  • Considering others as oneself.
  • Speaking pleasant words.

The Gujarati section likely focuses on similar principles but with a greater emphasis on renunciation (Vairagya) and the spiritual path.

4. Instructive Anecdotes (Pages 67-133): The book includes several stories designed to illustrate the principles discussed. These stories often involve merchants, kings, queens, and animals, and they convey moral lessons through allegorical narratives. Some examples include:

• The Story of the Set's Daughter in Injustice: Illustrates the consequences of unfair judgment and the importance of true justice.
• The Story of Vidyapati and Abundant Wealth from Dharma: Shows how righteous actions lead to prosperity.
• The Story of the Buffalo on the Flaw of Carrying a Debt on One's Head: Warns against taking on unnecessary burdens or debts.
• The Story of the Golden Man (about sinful wealth): Depicts how ill-gotten gains lead to ruin and destruction.
• Various Subject Questions and Answers: A section that likely clarifies doubts and provides answers to common spiritual queries.
• Gujarati Stories: Similar to the Hindi section, these stories aim to teach virtues like renunciation, truthfulness, and proper conduct.

5. Specific Ethical and Spiritual Guidelines (Pages 134 onwards): This section seems to delve deeper into the practical application of Jain principles, covering:

• Ten Directions of Dharma: Key principles to follow in life.
• The Collection of Essential Sayings: Concise wisdom for daily life.
• The Four Types of Charity: Elaborating on the importance and practice of giving.
• General Beneficial Teachings: Broader advice for well-being.
• The collection of Instructive Anecdotes: As mentioned earlier, these stories serve as practical examples.
• Questions and Answers on Various Subjects: Addressing specific doubts and inquiries.
• Vairagya Pad (Renunciation Verse): Poems or verses expressing detachment from worldly affairs.
• Specific Ethical Advice: Such as avoiding gambling, not speaking lies, not stealing, not engaging in adultery, not being greedy, not getting angry, not being proud, not being deceitful, letting go of greed, avoiding attachment and aversion, not quarreling, not spreading rumors, not consuming forbidden items, not entertaining bad thoughts, and cultivating righteous company.

Overall Purpose and Tone: The "Sadbodh Sangraha" aims to be a practical guide for spiritual and moral upliftment. It emphasizes self-discipline, ethical conduct, compassion, and devotion, all within the Jain philosophical framework. The language is generally accessible, making complex spiritual ideas understandable to a broad audience. The compilation format suggests a desire to present the essence of Jain teachings in a comprehensive and organized manner.