Saddha Param Dullaha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Saddha Param Dullaha" by Devendramuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Saddha Param Dullaha ( श्रद्धा परम दुलहा) Author: Upacharya Shri Devendra Muni Publisher: Shri Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay, Udaipur Publication Date: February 1986 (V.S. 2045, Vasant Panchami)

Overall Theme:

"Saddha Param Dullaha" translates to "Faith is Extremely Rare." The book, authored by Upacharya Shri Devendra Muni, delves deeply into the profound significance and multifaceted nature of Saddha (faith, belief, devotion) within the Jain tradition. It emphasizes that genuine faith is not mere blind adherence but a crucial element for spiritual progress, leading to true knowledge and liberation. The text contrasts genuine faith with its perversions like blind faith and intellectualism devoid of heart, highlighting the indispensable role of faith in the spiritual journey.

Key Concepts and Sections:

The book is structured into two main volumes, exploring various aspects of faith:

Volume 1: The Nature of Faith - Contemplation (Shraddha ka Swaroop Chintan)

This volume focuses on understanding the essence of Samyak Shraddha (right faith/belief) and its cultivation:

The Nature of Faith: Faith is presented as the foundational step in the journey towards Samyak Darshan (right perception). It's the anchor for a scattered and restless mind, providing a stable base for true understanding.
Why and When Faith? The text explains the necessity of faith before Darshan (perception) in Jain philosophy. Darshan is reinterpreted not as physical sight but as a deep, insightful understanding and belief in the true nature of reality. Faith is the initial spark that ignites the quest for truth.
Faith and Perception: While Darshan involves examination and certainty, Shraddha is the initial acceptance and holding onto truth. Faith precedes deep realization, laying the groundwork for it.
The Stages from Faith to Right Perception: The book outlines a progression from faith (Shraddha) to interest (Ruchi), belief (Vishwas), conviction (Aastha), adherence (Nishtha), realization (Pratiti), settled conviction (Sammbodhit Nishchay), right vision (Samyak Drishti), and finally right belief (Samyaktva). These are seen as interconnected stages on the path to spiritual realization.
Different Forms of Faith: The text critically examines various forms of faith, distinguishing between:
- Ashraddha (Lack of Faith): This leads to despair, confusion, and a purposeless life.
- Kushraddha (Wrong Faith): This can be detrimental, leading to harmful practices and superstitions.
- Andhashraddha (Blind Faith): This is discouraged, emphasizing that faith should be supported by knowledge and reasoning, not blind acceptance.
- Laukik/Sansarik Shraddha (Worldly Faith): This is generally for worldly gains and doesn't contribute to spiritual upliftment.
- Samyak Shraddha (Right Faith): This is the ultimate goal, rooted in true knowledge, reason, and aimed at spiritual liberation.
The Grammar of Attaining Right Faith: This section likely details the path and practices for cultivating genuine faith, possibly involving the ten Suchis (pure intentions/inclinations).
The Two Wings of Right Faith:
- Tattvaarth Shradhan (Faith in Principles/Truths): This involves understanding and believing in the fundamental Jain principles like the seven or nine tattvas (soul, non-soul, influx, bondage, stoppage, dis-incernation, liberation). It emphasizes discerning what is to be abandoned (heya), what is to be known (gyeya), and what is to be accepted (upadeya).
- Dev-Guru-Dharma Shradhan (Faith in the Ideal, the Guide, and the Path): This refers to faith in the Arihants (as Dev), the Jinas (as spiritual guides/Gurus), and the righteous path (Saddharma). It stresses that this faith should be based on genuine understanding, not blind imitation.
The Certain Nature of Right Faith: Right faith is described as firm, unwavering, and based on deep understanding.
Security and Growth of Right Faith: This likely discusses how to protect and nurture genuine faith from corruption and how to strengthen it.

Volume 2: Various Forms of Faith (Shraddha ke Vibhinn Roop)

This volume explores the practical application and impact of faith in life:

The Path of Welfare is Beneficial: Faith is presented as leading to overall well-being and welfare.
The Root Mantra of Success: Belief (Vishwas): Strong belief in oneself, one's abilities, and one's chosen path is highlighted as essential for success.
Faith is Extremely Rare (Saddha Param Dullaha): Reiteration of the book's central theme – the rarity and preciousness of true faith.
The Mother of Spiritual Progress: Good Faith (Sat-Shraddha): Righteous faith is depicted as the driving force behind spiritual growth.
The Invincible Power of Self-Confidence (Aatmavishwas): Self-belief is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
Miracles of Willpower (Sankalp Shakti ke Chamatkar): The power of strong determination and resolve, fueled by faith, is discussed.
Change Your Perspective, Change Your World (Drishti Badlie, Srishti Badlegi): The impact of one's outlook and perspective on their reality.
The Essential Mantras of Excellent Faith (Utkrusht Aastha ke Mool Mantra): Likely covers principles for cultivating and maintaining strong, positive faith.
Evaluating the True Life Vision (Yatharth Jeevan Drishti ka Mulyankan): Understanding one's perspective on life and its alignment with righteous principles.
The Highway of Worship (Upasana ka Rajmarg): Faith as the path to connecting with the divine or higher principles.
The Value of Self-Surrender (Aatma-Samarpan ka Mulya): The spiritual significance of surrendering ego and desires to a higher purpose.
'Sham' and its Nature ('Sham' aur uska Swaroop): This section likely discusses Sham (equanimity, calmness, control over senses) as a key virtue cultivated through faith.
The Second Form of 'Sham' - 'Sham' ('Sham' ka Dwitiya Roop - Sham): Further exploration of equanimity, perhaps its different aspects or applications.
The Third Fundamental Mantra of Shraman Culture: 'Sam' (Shraman Sanskriti ka Tritiya Mool Mantra: Sam): Discusses 'Sam' (equality, sameness, impartiality) as a core principle in Jain (Shraman) culture, deeply connected to faith.
The Second Sign of Right Vision: Samveg: Samveg (spiritual enthusiasm, zeal, or a sense of urgency for spiritual progress) is identified as a marker of right perception.
The Third Sign of Right Vision: Nirved: Nirved (dispassion, detachment, weariness of worldly existence) is presented as another indicator of right vision.
The Fourth Sign of Right Vision: Anukampa: Anukampa (compassion, empathy, kindness towards all living beings) is highlighted as a key characteristic of right vision.
The Root of Theism (Aastikya) : Self-belief (Aatmavada): The belief in the self (soul) as the ultimate reality.
The Second Basis of Theism: Worldliness (Lokavada): Understanding the worldly realm and its workings.
The Third Basis of Theism: Karma Theory (Karmavada): The belief in the law of karma and its consequences.
Karma Theory: The Lifeblood of Theism (Karmavada: Aastikya ka Pran): Emphasizing the central role of karma in theistic belief.
The Fourth Basis of Theism: Action (Kriyavada): The belief in the efficacy of righteous actions.

Key Takeaways and Emphasis:

Faith is Paramount: The book repeatedly stresses that faith (Saddha) is the bedrock of spiritual progress. Without it, even great knowledge or asceticism can be fruitless or even lead to downfall.
Faith vs. Intellect: While acknowledging the role of intellect and reason (Prajna), the author argues that faith is higher and essential for true spiritual realization. Reason alone without faith can be directionless.
Right Faith (Samyak Shraddha): The text distinguishes between blind faith and right faith, emphasizing that genuine faith is informed, reasoned, and leads to the right path. It's not about being gullible but about having a well-placed and profound conviction.
The Role of Ideal, Guide, and Path: Faith in the Arihants (Dev), the virtuous Gurus (Guru), and the righteous teachings (Dharma) is presented as a crucial support system for spiritual seekers, especially beginners.
Internal Transformation: True faith leads to internal transformation, influencing one's perspective, actions, and ultimately their destiny.
Compassion (Anukampa) as a Sign of Right Faith: The presence of compassion for all living beings is a key indicator of genuine spiritual insight and faith.
The Importance of Sham and Sam: Equanimity (Sham) and impartiality (Sam) are presented as vital virtues that stem from and are strengthened by right faith.
The Power of Belief (Vishwas) and Determination (Sankalp): The book highlights how unwavering belief and strong willpower, rooted in faith, can lead to remarkable achievements and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
The Necessity of Action (Kriyavada): Faith is not passive; it must be followed by righteous action and adherence to principles.
The Interconnectedness of Principles: The book presents Aastikya (Theism/Belief in a higher order) as being built upon four pillars: Aatmavada (belief in the soul), Lokavada (understanding of the universe), Karmavada (law of karma), and Kriyavada (belief in the efficacy of action).

Sponsor:

The book acknowledges the generous financial support of Dr. Ramanand Jain, Delhi, a prominent social worker and industrialist, highlighting his deep devotion and respect for Upacharya Shri Devendra Muni.

In essence, "Saddha Param Dullaha" is a profound exploration of faith in Jainism, guiding readers on how to cultivate true, unwavering faith that serves as the foundation for spiritual growth, ethical living, and ultimate liberation.