Sadhvachar Shatrinshika

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sadhvachar Shatrinshika" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

The "Sadhvachar Shatrinshika" is a beautiful, pure, and calm devotional poem composed in the form of prayers and reflections by a Jain monk. The central theme is the monk's yearning and prayer to attain the opportunity to observe the pure conduct of a monk and thereby achieve self-liberation.

The poem describes in lucid and accessible language various aspects of monastic conduct, including:

• Protection of Six Living Beings (Jiva Kayas): The poem emphasizes the paramount importance of compassion and protection for all forms of life.
• Observance of the Five Great Vows (Pancha Vratas): These foundational vows of Jainism are implicitly or explicitly addressed throughout the text.
• Upholding the Nine Pillars of Chastity (Nava Brahmacharya): This refers to strict adherence to celibacy and control over sensual desires.
• Renunciation of Sensory Pleasures (Indriya Upabhog): The poem highlights the need to abstain from indulging in the pleasures derived from the five senses.
• Abstinence from Night Eating (Ratribhojan Tyag): This is a specific dietary restriction for monks.

The composition consists of thirty-four verses written in the Shikharini meter, followed by a final verse in the Sragdhara meter. The descriptions are described as heart-touching and inspirational.

About the Author and the Work:

• Author's Identity: The author is identified as "Rupachandra" from the final verse. However, there is no clear information provided in these pages about whether he was a monk or a householder, his lineage, or the specific time period he lived.
• Possible Attribution: It is speculated that the author might be Vachak Rupachandra, a significant figure from the Kharatara Gachchha and the composer of the "Gautamiy Mahakavya." This speculation is based on the quality of the poetry.
• Time Period: If the attribution to Vachak Rupachandra is correct, then his period of existence is estimated to be the 19th century.
• Manuscript: The presented manuscript is considered "almost pure" and was written in the year 1962 (Sambat).
• Editorial Information: The edition presented here is based on a manuscript from the collection of Muni Bhaktivijayji of the Jain Atmanand Sabha in Bhavnagar. The editor expresses gratitude to the Sabha for providing the Xerox copy.

Content Highlights from the Verses (as indicated by the summaries and initial verses):

The verses reveal a deep internal struggle and a fervent prayer for guidance and strength to adhere to the monastic path. Key themes and prayers expressed include:

• Yearning for Renunciation: A desire to renounce worldly life, live in seclusion (mountains, forests, caves), and be free from worldly attachments.
• Seeking Forgiveness: A plea for forgiveness for past transgressions and a commitment to extend friendship and compassion to all beings.
• Ethical Conduct: Prayers for the ability to practice compassion, to tread the path of righteousness as per the Lord's teachings, and to live a life of restraint.
• Purity and Self-Control: Aspirations for controlling senses, restraining speech, avoiding anger, greed, and deceit, and maintaining a pure lifestyle.
• Renunciation of Possessions: A wish to be free from attachments to worldly possessions and a desire to live a life of non-possession.
• Control over Lust and Desire: Prayers for victory over sensual temptations, particularly those arising from observing women and recalling past pleasures.
• Abstinence from Risky Food and Activities: A desire to avoid food that may involve harm to living beings or that is not properly acquired according to monastic rules.
• Devotion to Spiritual Guides: The importance of respecting and serving spiritual elders and fellow monks.
• Overcoming Negative Emotions: A prayer to be free from anger, greed, delusion, and other afflictions that hinder spiritual progress.
• Spiritual Purity: The ultimate goal is to attain a state of pure consciousness, free from passions and impurities, and to realize the true self.
• The Ideal Monk: The text describes the characteristics of an ideal monk: peaceful, gentle, honest, unattached, ascetic, self-controlled, speaking beneficial and sweet words, pure, and possessing nothing. The author prays for the day he can be known by these virtues.
• Final Goal: The poem concludes with a prayer to Lord Mahavir for assistance in overcoming the cycle of birth and death, achieving spiritual liberation, and realizing the self.

In essence, the "Sadhvachar Shatrinshika" is a profound expression of a Jain monk's dedication to his spiritual path, his constant introspection, and his earnest prayers for the strength and guidance to live a life of utmost purity and detachment, leading to ultimate salvation.