Sambodh Saptati Part 02

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Book Title: Sambodh Saptati Part 02 Authors: Ratnashekharsuri, Kalyanbodhisuri Publisher: Shri Jinshasan Aradhana Trust

This work, "Sambodh Saptati Part 02," is a significant Jain text that delves into various spiritual and ethical principles within the Jain tradition. The book is a commentary and elaboration on the original "Sambodh Saptati" composed by Acharya Ratnashekharsuri. The commentary, titled "Sambodh Upanishad," is by Acharya Kalyanbodhisuri, who is a disciple of the esteemed Acharya Vijay Hemchandrasuri.

Key Themes and Content:

The "Sambodh Saptati" (meaning seventy verses of awakening/enlightenment) is a compilation of profound teachings that aim to guide the reader towards spiritual progress and understanding. Part 02, as presented here, covers a range of topics, each elucidated through verses and detailed explanations:

1. The Dangers of "Utsutra" (Verse 48): The text strongly warns against "Utsutra," which refers to teachings or practices that deviate from or misinterpret the true scriptural principles. It highlights that even while engaging in arduous practices and self-discipline, clinging to "Utsutra" leads to downfall, like a drop of poison negating the sweetness of other substances. This section emphasizes the importance of adhering strictly to the authentic teachings.

2. The Significance of "Yatana" (Carefulness) (Verse 49): This section extols the virtue of "Yatana," which signifies meticulousness, diligence, and careful conduct in all actions. Yatana is described as the mother of Dharma, its protector, its enhancer, and the source of singular happiness. It stresses that by practicing Yatana in every aspect of life, one can avoid accumulating negative karma.

3. The Consequences of "Kashayas" (Passions/Defilements) (Verse 50 & 51):

   • Verse 50: This verse highlights the destructive power of "Kashayas" (anger, pride, deceit, greed). It states that even years of diligent practice and acquired character can be destroyed in a moment by the influence of Kashayas.
   • Verse 51: This verse details the specific negative impact of each passion:
     • Anger (Krodha): Destroys affection and love.
     • Pride (Mana): Destroys humility and respectful conduct.
     • Deceit (Maya): Destroys friendships.
     • Greed (Lobha): Destroys everything. The text then elaborates with an illustrative story of a snake charmer whose four "snakes" (representing the four Kashayas) bring about immense suffering and ultimately lead to a painful demise if not controlled.

4. The Fruit of "Kshama" (Forgiveness) (Verse 52): This verse emphasizes "Kshama" (forgiveness, patience, forbearance) as the root of all happiness and the foundation of Dharma. It states that Kshama, like a powerful mantra or divine knowledge, eradicates all evils. The text explains that Kshama is the antidote to anger and leads to ultimate well-being.

5. The Peril of "Papasramana" (Sinful Asceticism) (Verse 53 & 54):

   • Verse 53: This verse describes a "Papasramana" as one who abandons their own home and engages in activities in others' homes or practices based on superstitions and omens for worldly gain.
   • Verse 54: This verse further defines a "Papasramana" as one who habitually consumes prohibited or impure substances like milk and curd ("vigai") and is not dedicated to austerities. The text elaborates on the strict dietary rules for ascetics and the negative consequences of consuming forbidden items, connecting it to the violation of Brahmacharya and potential spiritual downfall.

6. The Five Types of "Pramada" (Negligence/Indulgence) (Verse 55): This extensive section details the five major forms of negligence that lead to spiritual decline:

   • Intoxication (Madya): The text graphically describes the severe negative consequences of consuming intoxicants, leading to loss of intellect, social disgrace, and various forms of suffering.
   • Sense Objects (Vishaya): The fleeting and ultimately painful nature of attachment to sensory pleasures is explained.
   • Kashayas (Passions): The destructive nature of anger, pride, deceit, and greed is reiterated, emphasizing their role in perpetuating the cycle of birth and death.
   • Sleep (Nidra): Excessive sleep is depicted as a thief of time, knowledge, and wealth, leading to spiritual and material ruin.
   • Idle Talk (Vikatha): This is a detailed section that classifies "Vikatha" into seven categories (women's talk, food talk, political talk, royal talk, delicate/compassionate talk, dogma-dividing talk, and conduct-dividing talk). It includes a poignant story of Rohini, who indulged in "Vikatha" and faced severe consequences, illustrating the spiritual danger of such conversations. The text advocates for righteous speech and the avoidance of wasteful or harmful talk.

7. The Importance of "Jnana" (Knowledge) and "Kriya" (Action) (Verse 57-60): These verses highlight the complementary nature of knowledge and action. Neither alone is sufficient for liberation. Knowledge without action is like a blind person trying to navigate; action without knowledge is like a lame person trying to reach a destination. The text uses the analogy of a blind and a lame person who, by combining their strengths, can achieve their goal. It emphasizes that true spiritual progress requires the synergistic application of both scriptural understanding and correct practice.

8. The Eleven "Shravaka Pratimas" (Vows/Stages of a Lay Disciple) (Verse 61): This section outlines the eleven stages of spiritual development for a Jain layperson, starting from right perception ("Darshana") and progressing through vows, meditation ("Samayika"), observance of fasts ("Paushadha"), and eventually to practices resembling those of ascetics. It details the specific practices and renunciations associated with each stage, indicating a gradual path towards spiritual purification.

9. The Harms of "Maithuna" (Sexual Indulgence) (Verse 62 & 63): These verses strongly condemn sexual indulgence, highlighting the immense harm it causes, both to minute organisms ("sukshma jiva") and in terms of spiritual progress. It is explained how this indulgence leads to the violation of other vows and ultimately results in great suffering and rebirths. The text draws upon scriptural pronouncements and cautionary tales to illustrate the severity of this transgression.

10. The "Mahavigai" (Four Great Forbidden Items) (Verse 64 & 65):

    • Verse 64: This verse identifies and condemns the consumption of wine ("Madya"), honey ("Madhu"), meat ("Mansa"), and butter/ghee ("Navanita" or clarified butter). It states that these substances are infested with countless lives, making their consumption a serious transgression.
    • Verse 65: This verse specifically focuses on meat, stating that whether raw, cooked, or in the process of cooking, it is constantly inhabited by "nigoda jiva" (microscopic, singular-souled beings). The text asserts that consuming meat, regardless of its state, leads to endless cycles of suffering. It also discusses the intricate details of the impurity and the spiritual consequences of consuming these forbidden items, drawing from various authoritative Jain texts.

11. The Significance of "Jinadravya" (Resources dedicated to Jain principles) (Verse 66 & 67):

    • Verse 66: This verse explains that by increasing and protecting "Jinadravya" (resources dedicated to the Jain faith, such as those for temples, scriptures, and ascetics) in ways prescribed by scripture, a soul can attain the status of a "Tirthankara" (those who establish the four-fold Jain community). It highlights the importance of virtuous accumulation and utilization of wealth for spiritual merit.
    • Verse 67: This verse strongly condemns the misuse or consumption of "Jinadravya," stating that it leads to endless suffering and rebirths. It illustrates this with the story of Samkshas, a lay follower whose neglect and eventual consumption of temple resources led to immense hardship and a cycle of suffering. The text emphasizes the grave spiritual consequences of misappropriating resources dedicated to the Jain faith.

12. The Sin of Neglecting "Jinadravya" (Verse 68): This verse warns that even neglecting to protect "Jinadravya" or failing to correct someone who misuses it is a grave sin, leading to ignorance and spiritual downfall. It implies a collective responsibility to safeguard these sacred resources.

13. The Grave Consequences of Destroying "Jinadravya," "Rishi-ghata," etc. (Verse 69): This verse powerfully illustrates that the destruction of temple property, harm to ascetics ("Rishighata"), defilement of scriptures, or violation of the vows of nuns ("Sadhvi"), are actions that strike at the very root of acquiring spiritual enlightenment ("Bodhi"). It implies that such acts create immense obstacles to liberation.

14. The Merit of "Jinapuja" (Worship of Jain Tirthankaras) (Verse 70 & 72):

    • Verse 70: This verse uses the example of a poor woman who attained a heavenly state through the worship of the Tirthankaras with simple Sindhuvara flowers, emphasizing the power of sincere devotion, even with limited resources.
    • Verse 72: This verse describes the manifold benefits of worshipping the Tirthankaras, stating that it pacifies sins, eliminates suffering, bestows all kinds of happiness, and even grants desires beyond comprehension, leading to ultimate liberation.

15. The Eightfold Worship (Verse 71): This verse lists the eight components of proper Jain worship: best flowers, fragrances, unbroken rice grains ("akshata"), lamps ("pradipa"), fruits, incense ("dhupa"), water vessels ("neera"), and offerings ("naivedya"). It explains that these rituals, performed with proper intention and understanding, constitute the eightfold worship.

16. The Fruit of "Sadhu Vandana" (Salutation to Ascetics) (Verse 73): This verse explains the profound spiritual fruits of venerating Jain ascetics. It states that such reverence can lead to attaining the status of a Tirthankara, achieving "Kshayika Samyakta" (a state of perfect, unfading right belief), and favorable rebirths. The text includes the story of Vasudeva and Virka to illustrate how such devotion can mitigate negative karmic consequences and lead to great spiritual merit.

17. The Fruit of "Paushadha" (Observance of Fasting Days) (Verse 74): This verse highlights the immense benefits of observing "Paushadha," a ritualistic fasting day. It states that it nourishes virtuous thoughts, eradicates negative tendencies, and prevents rebirths in the lower realms. The text then delves into a very detailed explanation of the proper observance of Paushadha, including its various types (dietary, bodily care, chastity, avoiding specific occupations) and the meticulous rituals involved. It also discusses the contrasting outcomes for those who observe Paushadha with diligence ("apramatta") versus those who are negligent ("pramatta"), using the story of Purushadatta and Karanudatta to illustrate these points.

18. The Merit of Reading this Text (Verse 75): The final verse emphasizes the spiritual benefit of reading and understanding the "Sambodh Saptati." It states that those who sincerely study this text with a devotional heart ("samvegaman") will attain the exalted state of "Shri Jayashekhar," signifying spiritual enlightenment and liberation.

Authors and Commentary:

The book is presented by the Jinshasan Aradhana Trust. It is attributed to Acharya Ratnashekharsuri as the original author and Acharya Kalyanbodhisuri as the commentator. The commentary is titled "Sambodh Upanishad," and it is described as being enriched by a Sanskrit commentary by Vachanamacharya Shri Gunavinayji. The text also includes the lineage of the authors and commentators, tracing their spiritual ancestry.

Overall Significance:

"Sambodh Saptati Part 02" serves as a comprehensive guide for spiritual aspirants, offering practical advice, ethical guidelines, and profound philosophical insights rooted in Jainism. The meticulous commentary clarifies the nuances of the original verses, making them accessible and relevant for contemporary understanding. The emphasis on adherence to scripture, the practice of virtues like "Yatana" and "Kshama," the avoidance of passions and negligence, and the proper performance of rituals underscores the path towards spiritual liberation as taught in Jainism. The inclusion of illustrative stories further enhances the text's pedagogical value.