Samichin Dharmshastra - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary outlines the content of "Samichin Dharmashastra" by Jugalkishor Mukhtar, published by Veer Seva Mandir Trust. The text is a Hindi commentary and explication of the "Ratnakaranda Shravakachara" by Acharya Samantabhadra, a seminal work in Jain literature focusing on the conduct of lay followers (Shravakas).

I. Introduction and Context:

Title: Samichin Dharmashastra (Correct/Proper/Appropriate Dharma Scripture) with an alternative title Ratnakaranda Shravakachara (Casket of Gems for Householders).
Author of the Original Work: Acharya Samantabhadra, a renowned Jain philosopher and poet, highly revered in the Digambara tradition.
Author of the Commentary (Bhashya): Jugalkishor Mukhtar, also known as 'Yugveer', the head of Veer Seva Mandir.
Publisher: Veer Seva Mandir, Delhi.
Historical Significance: The work is considered a foundational text for Jain lay ethics, providing a systematic exposition of the path to liberation for householders. It is also noted as potentially being the "first Shravakachara" text in Jain literature.
Commentary's Purpose: Mukhtar's commentary aims to elucidate the profound meaning and nuances of Samantabhadra's verses, aiming for a textually accurate and philosophically insightful explanation.

II. Structure and Content Overview:

The book is structured with preliminary sections and then delves into the detailed exposition of the Samichin Dharmashastra chapter by chapter.

A. Preliminary Sections:

Dedication (Samarpan): Dedicated to Acharya Samantabhadra, acknowledging the author's deep debt to his teachings.
Thanks (Dhanyavad): Expresses gratitude to Babu Nandlalji Jain of Calcutta for his financial support which enabled the publication of many significant Jain works, including this one.
Good Wishes (Shubh Sammati): A statement of endorsement from Kshullaka Shri Ganeshprasadji Vargi, praising the commentary for its scholarly depth and necessity for the community.
From the Publisher (Prakashak Ki Ore Se): Highlights the immense effort and anticipation surrounding the publication, emphasizing the commentary's adherence to the original text's spirit and the need for its inclusion in educational curricula.
The Story of the Commentary's Creation (Bhashya Ke Nirman Ki Katha): A detailed account by Jugalkishor Mukhtar himself, describing his long-standing desire to create a faithful commentary, the challenges faced, the process of developing a comprehensive lexicon of Samantabhadra's works, and the eventual completion after years of dedicated effort, spanning over two decades from initial conception to publication. He also touches upon the importance of accurate word meanings based on authorial usage.
Preface (Prakathan): Written by Dr. Vasudev Sharan Agrawal, Professor at Hindu University, Varanasi. It introduces Samantabhadra as a great moral philosopher and thinker, highlighting his insightful observations on life and conduct, his logical acumen, and his emphasis on internal spiritual development over mere external rituals. It also discusses the popularity and significance of the Ratnakarandaka.
Preface (Preface): Written by Dr. A. N. Upadhye, Professor at Rajaram College, Kolhapur. This preface provides biographical information about Samantabhadra, his philosophical contributions, his mastery of Sanskrit, and the impact of his works like Aptamimamsa and Yuktyanuśāsana. It further elaborates on the Ratnakarandaka as a "Casket of Gems" and its place as a foundational text for lay Jains.
Introduction to the Text (Granth Parichay): Provides a general overview of the Samichin Dharmashastra, explaining its focus on the three gems of Jainism: Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra), as the path to liberation. It also details the structure of the text, divided into seven chapters (adhyāyas), and briefly outlines the content of each.
Doubt and its Resolution (Sandeh Aur Uska Nirakaran): This substantial section addresses various scholarly doubts and controversies regarding the authorship and authenticity of the Ratnakarandaka. It meticulously examines historical evidence, linguistic analysis, and comparative studies with other works to firmly establish the authorship of Acharya Samantabhadra, refuting claims of it being by another Samantabhadra or being a later interpolation. It also addresses the issue of interpolation of verses in the text over time.
Examination of Verses (Granth Padya Ki Jaanch): This section delves into the critical analysis of the verses within the Ratnakarandaka. It discusses the original verse count, the possibility of variations in different manuscripts, and the efforts made to identify and scrutinize potentially interpolated verses.
Manuscript Copies with Interpolations (Kshepak Padya Wali Pratyan): Continues the discussion on manuscript variations and the presence of interpolated verses in some copies.
Sanskrit Commentary of the Text (Granth Ki Sanskrit-Tika): Mentions the existence of a Sanskrit commentary by Prabhachandra Acharya and provides a brief assessment of its quality and scope.
Brief Introduction to Samantabhadra (Samantabhadra Ka Sankshipt Parichay): A biographical and philosophical profile of Acharya Samantabhadra, detailing his intellectual prowess, his role as a debater and poet, his travels, his philosophical stance on Syadvada, and his significant contributions to Jainism. It draws upon various historical inscriptions and commentaries to paint a picture of his multifaceted personality and influence.

B. The Samichin Dharmashastra (Commentary with Original Verses):

The core of the book is the verse-by-verse commentary on Samantabhadra's original verses. The summary of the seven chapters is as follows:

First Chapter: Right Faith (Samyak Darshan):
- Defines 'Dharma' as the path of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
- Explains the characteristics of an authentic 'Apta' (Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu), scripture ('Agama'), and teacher ('Tapasvi'), emphasizing the absence of delusion (Trimudhta) and pride (Ashtamad).
- Details the eight limbs of Right Faith (Nishankita, Nirgankshita, etc.) and the three types of delusions (Lokamudha, Devamudha, Pāshankdhimudha).
- Highlights the supremacy of Right Faith, stating that even a spiritually pure person of low birth is revered as divine, while a deluded monk is considered inferior to a virtuous householder.
- Emphasizes that Right Faith is the foundation for Right Knowledge and Right Conduct, akin to a boatman guiding a ship.
Second Chapter: Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana):
- Defines Right Knowledge as the accurate and complete understanding of reality, free from error and doubt.
- Categorizes knowledge into four types: Prathamanuyoga (narratives of pious lives), Karananuyoga (cosmology and scriptural sciences), Charanānvayoga (ethics and conduct), and Dravyanuyoga (metaphysics and substance theory).
- Explains that the study of these four types of knowledge contributes to the attainment of Right Knowledge.
Third Chapter: Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra):
- Explains the necessity and eligibility for practicing Right Conduct.
- Defines Right Conduct as the cessation from the five cardinal sins: violence (Himsa), falsehood (Anruta), theft (Steya), unchastity (Brahmacharya), and possessiveness (Parigraha).
- Divides conduct into 'Sakal Charitra' (complete conduct for ascetics) and 'Vikal Charitra' (partial conduct for householders).
- Details the twelve vows for householders: five minor vows (Anuvratas – Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha) and their five respective faults (Aticharas).
- Defines the 'Ashta Mulaguna' (eight essential vows for householders) which include the five Anuvratas and the abstinence from liquor, meat, and honey.
Fourth Chapter: The Three Guna Vratas:
- Digvrata: Vows related to spatial and temporal limitations on conduct, restricting movement and activities within defined boundaries.
- Anarthadanda Vrata: Vows to abstain from useless or sinful activities that do not directly contribute to spiritual progress or cause harm. This includes abstaining from harmful teachings, promoting violence, harmful contemplation, listening to slander, and indulging in frivolous pursuits.
- Bhoga-Upabhoga Parimana Vrata: Vows to limit the consumption of consumables (Bhoga) and enjoyables (Upabhoga), defining what is permissible and what is to be abstained from based on ethical considerations.
Fifth Chapter: The Four Shiksha Vratas:
- Deshavakashika Vrata: A vow to limit one's activities and scope of movement within a defined area for a specific period.
- Samayika Vrata: A vow of equanimity and meditation, observing stillness of mind, speech, and body for a specific period.
- Proshadhopavasa Vrata: Vows of fasting on specific auspicious days (like Ashtami and Chaturdashi), abstaining from certain types of food and activities.
- Vaiyavritya: Service and support rendered to ascetics and those engaged in austerities, including acts of charity like providing food, medicine, shelter, and learning. It also includes the worship of the Jinas.
Sixth Chapter: Sallekhana (Dying with Contemplation):
- Defines Sallekhana as the process of peacefully relinquishing the body in times of unavoidable adversity like severe illness, famine, old age, or unbearable suffering, with the intention of spiritual purification and progress.
- Outlines the method of practicing Sallekhana, involving the reduction of attachments, the purification of the mind, the contemplation of virtues, and the acceptance of death with equanimity.
- Details the five faults (Aticharas) to be avoided during Sallekhana, such as the desire to live, the haste to die, fear, attachment to relatives, and attachment to future enjoyments.
- Concludes by highlighting the fruit of Dharma as both liberation (Nihshreyasa) and worldly prosperity (Abhyudaya).
Seventh Chapter: The Eleven Stages of a Lay Follower (Shravaka Padani / Pratimas):
- Describes the eleven progressive stages or vows undertaken by householders to gradually move towards spiritual liberation.
- Each stage builds upon the previous ones, reflecting an increasing commitment to Jain principles.
- These stages represent a gradual refinement of conduct, culminating in a state of near-asceticism for the devout householder.

III. Key Philosophical and Ethical Themes:

The Tri-Ratna (Three Gems): The central theme is the path to liberation through Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, considered the essence of Dharma.
Ethical Living: The text provides a practical framework for householders to live an ethical and spiritually oriented life within the worldly context.
Detachment and Non-Attachment: A core principle is the cultivation of detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and sensory pleasures, even while living within them.
Control of Passions: Emphasis is placed on controlling anger, pride, deceit, greed, and other passions (Kashayas) that hinder spiritual progress.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa is presented as the paramount principle, permeating all aspects of conduct, from minor vows to the highest ideals.
The Importance of Faith: Right Faith is highlighted as the foundational element, without which knowledge and conduct remain incomplete or even detrimental.
Critique of Delusions: The text actively refutes blind faith, superstition, and reliance on false deities or teachers, advocating for rational understanding based on authentic scriptures and enlightened beings.
The Nature of the Soul: Implicitly, the text points towards the soul's potential for purity and liberation, achievable through dedicated practice of the Dharma.

IV. Commentary's Contribution:

Scholarly Rigor: Mukhtar's commentary is lauded for its meticulous research, critical analysis of manuscripts, and deep understanding of Jain philosophy and scripture.
Accessibility: It aims to make the profound teachings of Samantabhadra accessible to a wider audience by providing clear explanations and resolving complex philosophical points.
Preservation: The publication and commentary contribute to the preservation and dissemination of this vital Jain text.

In essence, "Samichin Dharmashastra" by Jugalkishor Mukhtar is a significant scholarly work that illuminates Acharya Samantabhadra's timeless teachings on the path of Righteousness for lay followers, emphasizing ethical conduct, spiritual discipline, and the ultimate goal of liberation.