Samayik And Chaityavandan Vidhi

This comprehensive Jain text, "Samayik And Chaityavandan Vidhi" by Manu Doshi, serves as a practical guide to essential Jain daily rituals. The book focuses on two primary practices: Samayik (the practice of equanimity) and Chaitya Vandan (temple worship).

The preface emphasizes the Jain philosophy of overcoming ignorance and attachment through right perception and right conduct, stressing that true religion involves both knowledge and action. The author highlights the importance of understanding the meaning of scriptures, not just reciting them mechanically, and explains the need for this book to bridge the gap caused by the use of Ardhamagadhi language in original texts.

The book is structured to provide detailed explanations of key Jain Sutras (scriptural verses) and rituals:

Samayik Sutras:

• Navkar Mantra (Namokkar Mantra): Considered the supreme mantra, it's an invocation of obeisance to the five supreme beings (Panch Parameshti): Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all sages. The author elaborates on the profound meaning of each salutation, the concept of mantras influencing one's aura, and the significance of humility and faith in its recitation. The verse Eso Panch Namukkäro Savva Pävappanäsano; Mangalänam Cha Savvesim Padhamam Havai Mangalam highlights its power to destroy sins and its auspiciousness.
• Mangal Path: This section introduces a set of four-line verses addressed to four blissful entities: Arihants, Siddhas, Sähoo (sages), and Kevalipannatto Dhammo (religion propounded by the omniscient). These are considered "blissful paths" (Mangal Path) that bring happiness and lead to spiritual progress. The author clarifies the meaning of Kevali (omniscient) and emphasizes that true religion flows from complete enlightenment. The verses Chattari Mangalam, Chattari Loguttamä, and Chattari Saranam Pavajjämi are explained in detail, highlighting their significance in fostering auspiciousness, recognizing supreme entities, and surrendering to them.
• Panchindiya Sutra: This sutra defines the 36 attributes of an Acharya (head of a religious order), focusing on the control of senses, observance of celibacy, freedom from defilements (anger, ego, deceit, greed), major restraints, meticulousness in activities, and control over mind, speech, and body. It's also known as the Sthapana Sutra when used for setting up a guru's seat.
• Khamasaman Sutra: This sutra is for bowing to Lords or Gurus, emphasizing forgiveness (Khamäsaman), the embodiment of forgiveness, as a paramount virtue. It also highlights the effort to minimize worldly involvement during this act of reverence.
• Guru Sukhashata Sutra: This ritual involves inquiring about the well-being of the Guru, showing respect and seeking permission to offer sustenance. It underscores the monastic practice of depending on the lay community for support.
• Iriyavahiyam Sutra: This sutra is recited before Kausagga (meditation/concentration) to atone for any unintentional violence caused during movement. It details the kinds of subtle beings that can be harmed and the specific actions that might cause them distress.
• Tassa Uttari Sutra: This sutra is recited to formalize the undertaking of Kausagga for atonement, repentance, purification, and removal of hindrances.
• Annatha Sutra: This sutra outlines exceptions (Agär) to the strict stillness of Kausagga, allowing for natural bodily functions and minor involuntary movements. It also includes the intention to withdraw oneself from all physical and mental involvement until the Kausagga is terminated by bowing to the Arihants.
• Logassa Sutra: This sutra is dedicated to adoring the 24 Tirthankaras (Jinas) and their attributes, recognizing them as illuminators of the universe and organizers of the religious order. It's considered the second most important Avashyak (essential ritual) after the Navkar Mantra. The book provides the names and symbols of all 24 Tirthankaras.
• Karemi Bhante Sutra: This is considered the essence of all Jain Agams (scriptures). It's an oath taken to perform Samayik and renounce worldly involvement, encompassing all six essential rituals (Avashyakas). The author explains the etymology of Samayik and its significance for achieving equanimity and peace of mind, highlighting the proper way to perform it for maximum benefit.
• Samaiya Vayajutto Sutra: This sutra describes the benefits of observing Samayik, emphasizing that it helps destroy unwholesome karma and makes a layman akin to a monk. It also details the faults to be avoided during Samayik.

Chaitya Vandan Sutras:

• Jagchintamani Chaityavandan: This prayer venerates the 24 Jinas as the world's jewel, preceptor, protector, and guide, acknowledging their role in establishing the religious order and destroying karma. It also references Jain cosmology and the numbers of omniscient beings and monks across the universe.
• Jan Kinchi Sutra: A simple prayer bowing to all places of pilgrimage and images of Jinas in the heavenly, nether, and human realms.
• Namutthunam Sutra: Also known as Shakrastav, this sutra is believed to be recited by Indra, the king of heaven. It elaborates on the supreme qualities of the Arihants, describing them as pioneers, organizers, self-enlightened, supreme beings, lion-like strong, pure like lotuses, powerful, highest in the universe, protectors, benefactors, illuminating lamps, bestowers of fearlessness, eyesight, path, refuge, right perception, and the ultimate liberation.
• Javant Cheiäim Sutra: A prayer bowing to all images of Lords in the heavenly, middle, and infernal worlds.
• Javant Ke Vi Sahhoo Sutra: This prayer bows to all sages in specific regions of the Jain universe, highlighting their restraint from undue physical, mental, and vocal indulgence.
• Namorhat Sutra: A Sanskrit rendition of the Navkar Mantra, prepared by the scholar Siddhasen Diwakar, emphasizing the same core salutations.
• Uvasaggaharam Stotra: A significant mantra addressed to Lord Parshwanath, known for its miraculous effects in removing afflictions, destroying defilements, and bestowing bliss. The author discusses its composition, the role of attendant deities, and its power as a protective charm.
• Jay Viyaräy Sutra: Also known as Pranidhän Sutra, this is a prayer involving body, mind, and spirit, focusing on developing disaffection for worldly life, following the right path, and achieving the desired spiritual fruit. It also emphasizes abandoning activities against public interest, respecting elders, benevolence, seeking a true preceptor, and following their teachings.
• Arihant Cheiyänam Sutra: This sutra describes performing Kausagga before images of Arihants for the sake of worship, reverence, gaining wisdom, and removing distress, while maintaining unwavering faith and concentration.
• Kallankandam Stuti: A popular four-stanza prayer praising various Tirthankaras (Shantinath, Neminath, Parshwanath, Vardhaman) as sources of well-being and liberation. It also includes an adoration of the Goddess of Learning, Saraswati.

The book concludes with a detailed explanation of the Chaitya Vandan Ritual, outlining the step-by-step formalities involved, from offering rice grains in symbolic representations to reciting specific prayers and performing Kausagga.

Overall, "Samayik And Chaityavandan Vidhi" is a comprehensive and valuable resource for Jains seeking to understand and practice their essential daily rituals with devotion and a deep appreciation for the underlying philosophical principles.