Saddharm Mandanam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Saddharm Mandanam" by Jawaharlal Maharaj, based on the provided pages and catalog link:

Book Title: Saddharm Mandanam (सद्धर्ममण्डनम्) Author: Jawaharlal Maharaj (जवाहरलालजी महाराज) Publisher: Tansukhdas Fusraj Duggad (तनसुखदास फूसराज दूगड़)

Overview:

"Saddharm Mandanam" is a significant Jain text authored by Acharya Shri Jawahar Lalji Maharaj. The book is presented as a defense and elucidation of the true Jain Dharma (Saddharma), primarily by refuting the principles and practices of a sect that emerged within Shvetambara Jainism called the "Terah Panth" (तेरह पंथ). The author vehemently argues that the Terah Panth deviates from the fundamental teachings of Jainism, particularly concerning the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Daya (compassion). The book is structured to systematically address the erroneous doctrines of the Terah Panth, presenting the author's counter-arguments with extensive references to Jain scriptures and ancient texts.

Key Themes and Arguments:

Primacy of Jiva Raksha (Protection of Life) and Daya (Compassion): The central thesis of the book is that Jiva Raksha (the protection of all living beings) is the most fundamental and supreme principle of Jainism. The author argues that the entire Jain Agamas were established for the purpose of extending compassion and protection to all living beings. This principle is considered the core of Tirthankara's teachings.
Refutation of Terah Panth Doctrines: The book meticulously lists and refutes several tenets of the Terah Panth, which the author considers to be contrary to true Jainism. These include:
- Condemnation of saving lives: The Terah Panth allegedly considers it a sin to save cows from a burning barn, rescue a sleeping child from a path, or prevent someone from falling.
- Misinterpretation of Jain principles: The Terah Panth is accused of misinterpreting fundamental Jain concepts like non-violence and compassion, labelling them as sinful activities.
- Exclusivity and condemnation of others: The Terah Panth is said to consider all beings except its own followers as "Kutrantra" (कुणत्र) and considers giving charity to anyone outside their sect as a grave sin, akin to consuming meat, alcohol, or visiting prostitutes.
- Rejection of parental and marital duties: The book claims that the Terah Panth even considers serving parents or a spouse as sinful.
- Disregard for saving lives in distress: The example of a house on fire, with people trapped inside, is used to illustrate the Terah Panth's alleged stance that opening the doors to save them is a sin.
Support from Other Religious Texts: The author reinforces the Jain emphasis on Jiva Raksha by citing verses and principles from other respected scriptures, such as the Mahabharata (Shanti Parva) and Vishnu Purana, which also advocate for the protection of life and consider the gift of fearlessness (Abhaya Dana) as supreme.
Historical Context of Terah Panth: The book delves into the origin of the Terah Panth, attributing its inception to a person named Bhushan Chand (भीषणचन्द) in the 18th century (Samvat 1808). It narrates the story of Bhushan Chand's divergence from the teachings of his guru, Shri Raghunathji Maharaj, and his subsequent establishment of a new sect. The author highlights how Bhushan Chand distorted scriptures to support his views.
The Role of Knowledge (Samyag Gyan) and Right Faith (Samyag Darshan): The author emphasizes that true liberation (Moksha) and adherence to the true path (Saddharma) are only possible through the combination of Samyag Gyan (right knowledge) and Samyag Darshan (right faith). Actions performed without these, even if seemingly virtuous, are considered futile or even harmful. This point is elaborated by referencing philosophical principles from various Indian traditions, including the Upanishads and Vedic texts, underscoring the universal importance of knowledge and faith.
Critique of Ignorance and Misinterpretation: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to dissecting and refuting the interpretations and texts produced by the Terah Panth. The author criticizes texts like "Bhram Vidhvansan" (भ्रमविध्वंसन) for twisting scriptural meanings and spreading ignorance. The book aims to present the correct understanding of Jain principles, supported by original scriptures, commentaries (Tika, Churni), and traditions.
Structure and Content: The book is structured thematically, with chapters (called "Bol" - बोल) addressing specific points of contention. The "Anukampa Adhikara" (अनुकम्पाधिकारः) and "Dana Adhikara" (दानाधिकारः) are particularly extensive, detailing arguments about compassion and charity. The "Dharmadhikar" (धर्मं अधिकार) and "Vainaya Adhikara" (विनयाधिकारः) further elaborate on the core principles of Jainism. The text includes extensive quotations from Jain scriptures and commentaries to validate its claims.

Author's Purpose:

The author, Jawaharlal Maharaj, was motivated to write "Saddharm Mandanam" to counter what he perceived as a grave threat to the core tenets of Jainism, particularly the principle of compassion. He aimed to protect the true Jain path (Saddharma) from distortion and to guide the public, especially the followers of the twenty-two communities (बाईस सम्प्रदाय), towards the correct understanding of Jain teachings. The book serves as a scholarly and passionate defense of traditional Jainism against what the author viewed as heretical interpretations.

Conclusion:

"Saddharm Mandanam" is a comprehensive and scholarly work that rigorously defends the foundational principles of Jainism, especially Jiva Raksha and Daya. It meticulously refutes the doctrines of the Terah Panth, drawing upon a wide range of scriptural evidence and philosophical reasoning. The book stands as a testament to the author's dedication to preserving the purity and integrity of the Jain faith.