Samayaik Vrutt

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samayaik Vrutt" by Purushottam Kahanji Gandhi, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose:

"Samayaik Vrutt" is a Jain religious text that provides a detailed explanation and guide for performing the Samayik (equanimity) ritual. It aims to educate the reader on the proper procedures, mantras, the underlying philosophy, and the ethical conduct required during this important spiritual practice. The book emphasizes the meticulousness and mindfulness needed to observe Samayik correctly, outlining various aspects to avoid and observe.

Key Sections and Their Content:

1. Introduction and Fair Use Declaration (Pages 1-2):

   • These pages introduce the book as part of "The Free Indological Collection" from Sanskritdocuments.org.
   • A "Fair Use Declaration" is prominently displayed, stating that the book is provided for individual educational or research use, believed to be in the public domain, and made available to a wider audience with the intent to support digitization projects. It also includes a disclaimer regarding copyright verification and responsibility.

2. Publishing Information (Page 3):

   • This page provides the book's title: 'Samayaik Vrutt'.
   • Author: Purushottam Kahanji Gandhi.
   • Publisher: Purushottam Kahanji Gandhi.
   • It mentions that the text was purified by Mahapandit Pujya Shri Devji Swami and then printed and published by Shri Rao. Uattam Gyaan Gandhi.
   • Details of the printing press ("Hitächhu Press," Ahmedabad) and the year of publication (Samvat 1938, Gregorian 1882) are given.
   • The price is also mentioned as "Be Anna."

3. Instructions and Mantras (Pages 5-7):

   • Pre-Samayik Etiquette: A note advises not to read the text with an uncovered face or in the light of a lamp.
   • Navkar Mantra: The text presents the standard Navkar Mantra ("Namo Arihantanam..." five times).
   • Vandana (Salutation) Path: This section includes the prayer "Tikkhattū athavā Vandanā."
   • Irichchhāmi Padikkamāmi (Committing Transgressions): This is a core part of the Samayik ritual. It begins with "Ichchhāmi Padikkamāmi Iriyāvahiyāo Virāhaṇāye..." (I desire to confess for the transgressions of movement...). It then lists various types of activities and movements that could cause harm to living beings (ekendriya, beindriya, etc., up to panchendriya) and confesses for any such violations.
   • Tasmi Chchhami Dukkaḍam (Request for Forgiveness): This phrase is repeated after confessions of errors.
   • Kaushagga (Austerity of Body/Speech): The text describes the procedure for performing Kaushagga, a form of meditative austerity, which involves standing still and reciting specific mantras until one can recite the Navkar Mantra.
   • Lokassa (Praise of the Tirthankaras): This section contains the "Lokassa" verse, a praise of the 24 Tirthankaras, listing their names and virtues. It concludes with a wish for well-being and salvation.

4. The Practice of Samayik (Page 8):

   • Taking the Vow: It explains how to take the vow of Samayik, involving intentions related to:
     • Dravya (Substance): Engaging in activities with utmost care.
     • Kala (Time): Observing Samayik for a specific duration (e.g., two ghadi or rounds of Navkar).
     • Bhav (Internal State): Practicing with inner purity and devotion.
   • The Vow Statement: The prescribed recitation for undertaking Samayik is provided: "Karemi Bhante Samāiyaṃ..." (I undertake Samayik, O venerable one...). This includes renouncing harmful actions and confessing transgressions.

5. Namo Thunaṃ (Praise of the Jinas) (Pages 9-10):

   • This section lists a series of praises for the Jinas (Tirthankaras and other enlightened beings), describing their numerous virtues and epithets. It's an extensive list enumerating qualities like Arihanta, Bhagavan, Ādigurū, Jinvar, Kevalī, Omniscient, liberators of the world, etc.

6. Observing Samayik - Rules and Prohibitions (Pages 10-12):

   • Five Major Transgressions (Panch Atiyara): The text details the five transgressions to be avoided during Samayik:
     • Mental transgression (Manādupparimāṇa)
     • Speech transgression (Vacana-dupparimāṇa)
     • Physical transgression (Kāya-dupparimāṇa)
     • Not performing Samayik properly (Samāiyas-syi akaraṇyāe)
     • Not adhering strictly to Samayik (Samāiyas-savikrayas-sapharjiyāe)
   • Specific Prohibitions: It outlines things that should not be brought into Samayik: no sharp objects, no water, no fire, no medicine, no support, no eating, no drinking.
   • Confession of Faults: It details confessions for faults related to mental thoughts, speech, and bodily actions, specifying thirty-two types of defects.
   • Confession for Specific Topics: Confession is also required if one discusses topics like stories of women, food, country, or kings during Samayik.
   • Confession for procedural errors: Confession is also required if Samayik was undertaken or observed with errors.
   • Preparation for Samayik: This includes ensuring purity of the place (padilehan), using clean bedding, keeping water and other essentials purified, and wearing clean clothes.
   • The Seven Essential Parts of Samayik: The text lists the seven essential parts of Samayik recitation: Navkar Mantra, Tikkhattū, Ichchhāmi Padikkamāmi, Tasuuttari, Lokassa, Dravya Thaki-no Paath (a lesson about substance), and Namo Thunaṃ.

7. Avoiding Thirty-Two Defects (Pages 13-15):

   • This section elaborates on the thirty-two defects that can mar the practice of Samayik, categorized into:
     • Mental Defects (10): Acting without discretion, seeking fame, desiring wealth, pride, fear, making vows for children/wealth, doubting the fruit of Samayik, disrespect, wishing for divine status in the next life, internal distress.
     • Verbal Defects (10): Speaking harsh words, using improper language, modulating the voice, speaking in a singing tone, criticizing scriptures, causing arguments, speaking about worldly matters (Vikathā), making jokes, speaking hastily without thought, giving instructions to others without proper authority.
     • Physical Defects (12): Sitting cross-legged or with legs crossed, turning the head, looking in all directions, engaging in actions related to household life (grahasambandhi), sitting in specific postures, stretching limbs, yawning, cracking knuckles, scratching without purification, scratching the body without purification, massaging, sleeping.

8. Details of the Six Categories of Living Beings (Chhakaay) (Pages 15-27):

   • This is a substantial portion dedicated to explaining the six fundamental categories of living beings according to Jainism:
     • Earth Bodies (Prithvi Kay): Detailed description of various types of earth, minerals, and their inhabitants.
     • Water Bodies (Ap Kay): Explanation of different types of water and the souls within them.
     • Fire Bodies (Teu Kay): Discussion of various sources of fire and the souls they contain.
     • Air Bodies (Vayu Kay): Description of different types of air currents and the souls present.
     • Vegetation Bodies (Vanaspati Kay): This is further divided into Pratyek (individual souls) and Sadharan (collective souls) plants, with numerous examples of each.
     • Mobile Bodies (Tras Kay): This category is further broken down into beings with two senses (Beindriya), three senses (Teindriya), four senses (Chaurindriya), and five senses (Panchendriya). Each of these is then sub-divided into beings with a soul capable of progress (Prapta) and those not capable (Aprāpta). The text provides extensive lists of examples for each.
   • Life Spans and Qualities: For each category and sub-category, the text often mentions their life spans (jaghanya - minimum, utkrushṭa - maximum) and the number of their generations or families.
   • Importance of Compassion: The overarching theme here is the critical importance of protecting all these forms of life, emphasizing that compassion is the highest virtue.

9. Identification of Dev, Guru, Dharm (God, Teacher, Religion) (Pages 23-28):

   • Dev (God): Describes the attributes of the supreme being (God) as the Arihants, who have conquered all karmas. They are depicted as having infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and being free from all limitations like birth, death, disease, attachment, aversion, and ignorance. They are pure, formless, and beyond worldly desires and actions.
   • Guru (Spiritual Teacher): Defines a true Guru as one who possesses the Mahavratas (five great vows), has renounced worldly possessions and desires, follows strict discipline, and imparts knowledge of the scriptures and the path to liberation. The Guru guides and liberates disciples from the cycle of birth and death.
   • Dharm (Religion/Righteousness): Emphasizes compassion (Daya) as the paramount principle of true Dharma. It states that Dharma without compassion is meaningless and leads to violence. It stresses the importance of protecting all living beings, both mobile and immobile. Dharma is defined as the path to liberation from worldly suffering.
   • The Three Pillars: The text concludes this section by stating that these three – Dev (pure soul, Arihant), Guru (virtuous spiritual guide), and Dharm (compassion) – constitute the true principles that lead to salvation.

10. Significance of the Navkar Mantra (Page 28):

    • This section highlights the immense power and fruit of chanting the Navkar Mantra, stating that even reciting it correctly can lead to a long and fortunate life and ward off negative karma.

11. Tables of Numerical Combinations (Pages 29-34):

    • These pages contain complex tables with numerical sequences and arrangements. Their specific purpose is not immediately clear from the text itself but might relate to astrological calculations, mantra chanting patterns, or symbolic representations within Jain practice.

12. Names of the Twenty-Four Tirthankaras (Page 35):

    • A straightforward listing of the names of the 24 Tirthankaras, reiterating their significance for achieving desired goals.

13. Daily Observances and Vows (Daily Niyam) (Pages 35-37):

    • This section provides a detailed list of eighteen types of items and practices that should be regulated or observed with a vow by a devout follower (Shrāvak/Shrāvikā). These include:
      • Living beings (Sachit)
      • Substances (Dravya)
      • Dietary restrictions (Vigaya)
      • Speech (Vani)
      • Paan/Supari (Tāmbul)
      • Clothing (Vastra)
      • Fragrances (Sugandh)
      • Vehicles (Vāhan)
      • Seating/Beds (Sayana)
      • Oils/Perfumes (Anulepan)
      • Celibacy (Brahmacharya)
      • Directions (Dishā)
      • Bathing (Snānan)
      • Food consumption (Bhakshya)
      • Earth substances (Prithvikay)
      • Water substances (Apakay)
      • Fire substances (Teukay)
      • Air substances (Vayukay)
      • Plant bodies (Vanaspati Kay)
      • Mobile beings (Tras Kay)
      • Weapons (Asi)
      • Writing instruments (Likhanai)
      • Vessels (Pātra)
    • For each item, it specifies what needs to be observed and regulated (e.g., weight, quantity, prohibition of certain actions). It underscores that observing these daily vows is a primary duty for a layperson.

14. List of Book Vendors (Page 38):

    • This page lists various shops and individuals where the book can be purchased.

In Summary:

"Samayaik Vrutt" is a practical guide for Jains to understand and perform the ritual of Samayik with utmost devotion and adherence to Jain principles. It extensively covers the philosophical underpinnings of Jainism, particularly the concept of ahimsa (non-violence) by detailing the six categories of living beings and the consequences of harming them. It also clearly defines the qualities of the divine (Arihant), the spiritual guide (Guru), and the essence of Dharma (Compassion), guiding the reader towards a righteous and spiritually fulfilling life. The book emphasizes meticulous attention to detail in performing rituals and observing vows, aiming to purify the mind, speech, and body for spiritual progress.