Samachari Prakaran Aradhak Viradhak Chaturbhangi Krupdrushtangvishadikaran Prakaran - Book Summary

The Jain text "Samachari Prakaran Aradhak Viradhak Chaturbhangi Krupdrushtangvishadikaran Prakaran" by Bhuvanbhanusuri, published by Shri Andheri Gujarati Jain Sangh, is a philosophical and practical treatise on Jain conduct and principles, primarily aimed at monks and nuns, but also providing guidance for lay followers. The text is a commentary on the works of the renowned Jain scholar Mahamahopadhyay Yashovijayji.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its core themes and contents, based on the provided pages:

Overall Scope and Purpose:

The book aims to clarify and elaborate on essential Jain practices and concepts, particularly focusing on:

Samachari (Conduct): The proper conduct and daily routines for ascetics (monks and nuns) as outlined in the Dasavidha Samachari (Tenfold Conduct).
Aradhak-Viradhak Chaturbhangi (Fourfold Classification of Adherors and Violators): An analysis of four categories of individuals based on their adherence to or violation of spiritual practices, derived from the Bhagavati Sutra.
Krupdrushtangvishadikaran (Clarification of the Analogy of the Well): An interpretation of the analogy of digging a well, often used in Jain scriptures to explain concepts like penance, effort, and the results of spiritual practice, particularly in the context of devotional worship (Jin Pooja).

Key Sections and Their Content:

Samachari Prakaran (Chapter on Conduct):
- Introduction: It begins by emphasizing the cyclical nature of existence (samsara) and the role of delusion (moha) in causing suffering despite the pursuit of happiness. It highlights the importance of proper conduct (achar) for ascetics, even after initiation, to avoid falling back into the clutches of worldly attachments.
- Dasavidha Samachari (Tenfold Conduct): The text focuses on the "Dasavidha Samachari," which are specific codes of conduct for Jain ascetics. These are presented as a framework to help shed the influence of past negative conduct (mithyaachar) and gradually purify the soul.
- Naya Vicharana (Analysis of Standpoints): The text delves into the philosophical concept of Naya (standpoints or perspectives) in understanding Samachari, discussing "Purvanupurvi" and "Pashchanupurvi" (prior and posterior sequence) to guide the correct approach.
- Detailed Explanation of Each Samachari: Each of the ten Samacharis is meticulously explained, including:
  - Definition (Lakshana): Clear definitions free from over- or under-inclusiveness.
  - Subject Matter (Vishaya): What the Samachari pertains to.
  - Praise and Criticism: The merits of following it and the drawbacks of deviating.
  - Specific Points of Discussion: Numerous detailed discussions on nuances, such as:
    - The importance of "Ichhakar" (seeking permission).
    - The reason for using "Nisidhi" (prohibition) in certain contexts.
    - The significance of "Aapuchha" (asking permission) and "Prataprachha" (asking again).
    - The concept of "Chhandana" (invitation) and its conditions.
    - The necessity of "Nimarana" (invitation) and "Upasampada" (acceptance of discipleship).
    - The underlying principles of "Moksha-ichha" (desire for liberation) not being attachment.
- The Ultimate Teaching: The book concludes this section with a profound teaching from Yashovijayji: "Act in such a way that attachment (raag) and aversion (dwesh) diminish rapidly; this is the command of the Jineshwara." It also addresses the need to adapt practices based on changing times and circumstances while adhering to the core intent of the teachings.
Aradhak-Viradhak Chaturbhangi (Fourfold Classification):
- Source: This section is based on a specific verse from the fifth Anga, the Bhagavati Sutra, which describes four types of beings: Aradhak (adherent), Viradhak (violator), and their combinations.
- Interpretations: It discusses various interpretations of "Aradhak" and "Viradhak" by different commentators. For instance, one interpretation defines a "Desh Aradhak" (partially adherent) as a novice ascetic who, while not fully understanding the scriptures, is dedicated to austerities. Another perspective includes those who, though not fully enlightened, are devoted to ascetic practices.
- Critique of Interpretations: Yashovijayji critiques interpretations that focus solely on outward rituals without inner understanding (dravya-lingi), arguing that this misses the purpose of the classification, which is to illustrate the incompleteness of mere action or mere knowledge and the perfection achieved when both are combined. The text clarifies that genuine Aradhana involves both pure conduct (sheel) and right knowledge (shruta).
- Desh Viradhak: The text analyzes the concept of "Desh Viradhak" (partially violating) and discusses the challenge of classifying individuals with incomplete understanding or virtue. It emphasizes that mere adherence to ritual (kriya) without correct knowledge (jnana) is insufficient.
Krupdrushtangvishadikaran Prakaran (Clarification of the Well Analogy):
- Purpose: This section clarifies the analogy of digging a well, which is used to explain the purity of devotional worship (Dravya Stava or Jin Pooja).
- Common Interpretation: The text references the interpretation of Acharya Abhaydeva Suri, who explained that just as digging a well involves initial labor and getting dirty, but ultimately yields pure water that quenches thirst and benefits all, Jin Pooja, despite involving harm to living beings (e.g., water, flowers), generates positive emotions that purify faults and yield immense merit and bliss.
- Yashovijayji's Refined Interpretation: Yashovijayji argues that "Vidhi Shuddha Jin Pooja" (correctly performed Jin Pooja) is entirely free from sin. He contends that the violence involved in such rituals is minimal and does not incur any blame. He supports his view with scriptural reasoning and logical arguments, distinguishing it from improperly performed worship.
- Reconciliation with Abhaydeva Suri: Yashovijayji doesn't outright reject Abhaydeva Suri's interpretation but rather seeks to reconcile it by suggesting that Abhaydeva Suri's view might apply to improperly performed worship, while his own applies to correctly performed worship.
- Pranidhana: The text also discusses "Pranidhana" (concentration or devotion) in the context of worship, distinguishing between the Pradhana (main) Pranidhana at the end of worship and the general Pradhana that should be present throughout.

Other Notable Points:

Author and Publisher: The book is attributed to Mahamahopadhyay Yashovijayji, with Bhuvanbhanusuri being the motivating force for this edition. The publisher is Shri Andheri Gujarati Jain Sangh, Mumbai.
Language and Translation: The original text is in Gujarati, with the title indicating a translation and commentary ("Gujarati Bhavanuvaad Sahit").
Yashovijayji's Significance: The text highlights Yashovijayji as a prominent scholar, revered as "Laghu Haribhadra" for his prolific writings and profound understanding of Jain scriptures, yoga, and logic. It notes the unfortunate decline in the study of his works and the effort to re-publish them.
Structure: The book is presented with a table of contents, indicating a systematic breakdown of the topics covered, including detailed discussions on various aspects of Samachari, Aradhak-Viradhak Chaturbhangi, and Krupdrushtant.
Philosophical Depth: The text engages with complex Jain philosophical concepts like Naya, Karma, the nature of the soul, and the path to liberation.

In essence, the book serves as an authoritative guide to understanding and practicing core Jain principles of conduct and devotion, offering philosophical depth and practical guidance for spiritual aspirants, meticulously explained through the scholarly lens of Yashovijayji and presented through Bhuvanbhanusuri's initiative.