Saman Dhamma Rasayanam - Book Summary

The book "Saman Dhamma Rasayanam" (શ્રમણ ધર્મ રસાયણ) by Acharya Shri Dharmdhurandharsuri Maharaj, with a Gujarati prose translation and commentary by Acharya Shri Nemiamrut Punyasevak Shri Nemi-Amrut-Punyasévak Āchārya Shri Dharmdhurandharsūri Mahārāja and a poetic translation by Upadhyaya Shri Bhuvanchandrajji Maharaj, is a significant Jain text focusing on the ten cardinal virtues or Shraman Dharmas that form the path to spiritual purification and liberation.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the book based on the provided pages:

Core Theme: The Ten Shraman Dharmas as the Elixir of Soul Purification

The book emphasizes that the ten Shraman Dharmas (virtues) are a crucial part of a Jain monk's conduct, following the five great vows (Mahavratas). These ten virtues are presented as an "elixir" (rasayanam) for the soul, capable of purifying, refining, and transforming the individual towards spiritual perfection. The text draws parallels with the Buddhist concept of Paramitas (perfections), which also lead to enlightenment.

The Ten Shraman Dharmas:

The book systematically outlines and explains these ten virtues, which are foundational for spiritual progress:

Kshanti (ક્ષમા - Forgiveness/Patience): This virtue is described as a soothing balm that pacifies anger. It's likened to the clouds that bring rain to quench the fire of wrath. The text elaborates on how true forgiveness, when cultivated, disarms negativity and leads to inner peace. It emphasizes that those who lack patience remain trapped in the cycle of worldly suffering. The example of Lord Mahavir pacifying the serpent Chandkoushik is cited.
Mardava (માર્દવ - Humility/Gentleness): This virtue is presented as the remover of afflictions. It's the antidote to pride and arrogance, which are likened to maddened elephants that destroy the garden of the self. True humility, like an elephant's goad, brings the ego under control, leading to spiritual progress. The example of Bahubali's penance is given, where without humility, even great austerity yielded no immediate spiritual realization. The text highlights how pride leads to downfall and suffering, while humility brings inner peace and the path to liberation.
Arjava (આર્જવ - Straightforwardness/Honesty): This virtue is about being simple and upright in thought, word, and deed. It contrasts the crooked path of Maya (deceit), which leads to suffering, with the straight path of Arjava, which leads to liberation. Maya is depicted as a multi-tongued serpent that poisons, while Arjava is like the Garuda that destroys the serpent. The text illustrates how deceit traps people in a web of suffering, while honesty leads to peace and ultimate freedom.
Mukti (મુક્તિ - Liberation/Detachment/Non-possessiveness): This virtue is about freedom from attachment and desire, particularly the desire for material possessions. It's presented as a garland of liberation that leads to immense happiness and conquers greed. The text describes thirst (desire) as a destructive fire that is quenched by detachment and contentment. Greed is likened to a demon that destroys well-being. The ultimate state of freedom from desire is the path to true bliss.
Tapa (તપ - Austerity/Penance): The book describes austerity as a means to spiritual well-being and liberation. It differentiates between external austerity (dravya tapa) which leads to worldly enjoyment, and internal austerity (bhava tapa) which leads to liberation. Various forms of austerity are mentioned, including fasting, control over speech, and meditation. The text stresses that true austerity is aligned with righteous conduct and leads to inner purification.
Sanyama (સંયમ - Self-control/Restraint): This virtue is the powerful force that conquers attachment and aversion. It is essential for spiritual progress and the attainment of beautiful conduct. The text emphasizes that without controlling the senses and passions, true spiritual progress is impossible. It highlights the contrast between the suffering caused by lack of restraint and the unending bliss derived from self-control.
Satya (સત્ય - Truthfulness): Truthfulness is presented as the foundation of Jain Dharma. It's described as an unwavering commitment to speaking what is right and beneficial. The text contrasts the speaker of truth, who finds lasting happiness and respect, with the speaker of falsehood, who faces suffering and downfall. Examples from Jain scriptures, like Yudhisthira and Vasuraaja, illustrate the consequences of adhering to or deviating from truth.
Shaucha (શૌચ - Purity/Cleanliness): This virtue encompasses not only external cleanliness of body, home, and attire but, more importantly, internal purity of the mind. The text emphasizes that true purity comes from inner cleansing, free from attachment, hatred, and desires. It highlights that external washing alone is insufficient; it is the purification of the soul through righteous conduct that leads to true liberation.
Akinkchanya (આકિંચન્ય - Non-possession/Renunciation): This virtue is about detachment from all worldly possessions and desires, both internal and external. It is the path to ultimate happiness and freedom. The text contrasts the suffering of those bound by possessions with the peace of those who practice non-possession. True renunciation leads to a state of being unaffected by worldly ups and downs, culminating in spiritual bliss.
Brahmacharya (બ્રહ્મચર્ય - Chastity/Celibacy/Spiritual Purity): This virtue is considered the essence of all good conduct and the source of all spiritual merit. It involves control over sensual desires and the dedication of one's life to spiritual pursuits. The text highlights the importance of chastity in achieving higher spiritual states, leading to liberation. It emphasizes that true Brahmacharya leads to inner strength, peace, and the ultimate attainment of spiritual freedom.

Commentary and Translation:

The book includes a detailed commentary (vitti) in Prakrit and a Gujarati prose translation, making the profound teachings accessible to a wider audience. The poetic translation in Gujarati further enhances the devotional and contemplative aspect of the text, making it suitable for recitation and meditation.

Appendices and Supporting Material:

The book also features appendices that include related works and insights:

Parishisht - 1: Contains the Yati Dharma Battisi (Thirty-two verses on the conduct of ascetics) by Upadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji, providing further guidance on ascetic practices.
Parishisht - 2: Includes the Yati Dharma ki Sajhay (Chants on the conduct of ascetics) by Acharya Shri Gyanvimal Suriji, offering devotional verses on the ten cardinal virtues.
Parishisht - 3: Provides an insightful essay on the significance of the ten Yati Dharmas from the perspective of Jain philosophy and practice, highlighting their role in the journey towards liberation.

Overall Significance:

"Saman Dhamma Rasayanam" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and practice the core ethical principles of Jainism. It presents the ten cardinal virtues not just as abstract rules but as living principles that, when imbibed, act as an "elixir" to transform the individual and lead them towards the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation. The compilation of original Prakrit verses, commentaries, translations, and devotional songs makes it a comprehensive and inspiring text for spiritual seekers.