Samisanz No Updesh - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samisanz no Updesh" (The Teachings of the Evening), which is a Gujarati translation of the Dasavaikālika Sūtra, compiled by Gopaldas Jivabhai Patel:

Book Title: Samisanz no Updesh (સમીસાંજના ઉપદેશ) Author/Editor: Gopaldas Jivabhai Patel (ગોપાલદાસ જીવાભાઈ પટેલ) Publisher: Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad (ગૂજરાત વિદ્યાપીઠ, અમદાવાદ) Original Text: Dasavaikālika Sūtra (દશવૈકાલિક સૂત્ર)

Overview and Introduction (Upgahāt - ઉપઘાત):

This book is a Gujarati translation of the Dasavaikālika Sūtra, a renowned Jain scripture originally composed by Ārya Śthūlabhadra Swami. The introduction details the historical and textual lineage of the Dasavaikālika Sūtra. It mentions that Arya Śthūlabhadra, who passed away 98 years after Mahavira, compiled this text by extracting key sections from the fourteen Purvas (ancient Jain scriptures). The name "Dasavaikālika" is attributed to its compilation by Śthūlabhadra for his son, Manikya, during the evening (vikāla).

The text also references the commentary by Bhadrabahu Swami, who states that Śthūlabhadra extracted chapters from various Purvas like Atmapravada, Karmapravada, Satyapravada, and Pratyakhyana. An alternative tradition suggests it was derived from the twelve Angas (Jain canonical texts). The introduction highlights that many parts of the Dasavaikālika Sūtra can also be found in other Agamas like the Acarangasūtra and Uttaradhyayana Sūtra.

A significant portion of the introduction focuses on the story of Śambhavaka, a Brahmin who was converted to Jainism by Acharya Probhavaswami. Śambhavaka, after his conversion, learned the fourteen Purvas. His son, Manikya, later became a disciple and, due to his short lifespan, Śthūlabhadra compiled the Dasavaikālika Sūtra for him. The story also touches upon the controversy surrounding the authorship of the Niryuktis (commentaries) and the identity of Bhadrabahu.

The editor, Gopaldas Jivabhai Patel, explains the choice of the title "Samisanz no Updesh" (The Teachings of the Evening) as the Dasavaikālika Sūtra is meant to be reflected upon during the evening. The text is considered a "Mulasutra" (primary scripture) along with Uttaradhyayana Sūtra and Avasyaka Sūtra, due to its foundational teachings and its likely early compilation.

Core Themes and Chapters:

The book is divided into two main parts, with the first part covering ten chapters (adhyavanas), and the second part including two additional chapters (Chuda) and concluding remarks. The main teachings revolve around the principles of Jainism, focusing on ethical conduct, spiritual discipline, and the path to liberation.

Key Principles and Teachings:

Param Mangal Dharma (परम मंगल धर्म - Supreme Blessed Dharma): The text emphasizes that Dharma is the ultimate well-being. It defines true Dharma as encompassing Ahimsa (non-violence), Samyama (restraint/control), and Tapa (austerities/penance). These three principles are presented as the essence of Jain spiritual practice.
The Path of a Sādhaka (Austerity and Restraint):
- Ahimsa: This is the foundation, extending beyond mere physical harm to encompassing a comprehensive understanding of living beings (Jiva and Ajiva) and developing compassion for all. It stresses the importance of mindful conduct to avoid harm to even the smallest beings.
- Samyama (Restraint): This involves controlling the senses, desires, and attachments. It highlights the importance of detachment from worldly possessions, pleasures, and relationships. The text provides vivid examples and narratives, like that of Rathanemi and Rajimati, to illustrate the challenges and rewards of maintaining restraint, especially in the face of temptations.
- Tapa (Austerities): This refers to self-discipline and penance, both internal (like meditation and self-control) and external (like fasting). It's presented as a means to shed karmic impurities and progress towards liberation.
- Bhikshacharya (Alms-seeking): The text elaborates on the ethical principles of begging for alms, emphasizing purity of intention, mindfulness of the living beings in the food and the act of begging, and the importance of receiving alms without causing harm or attachment. It provides detailed guidelines on what to accept and what to avoid.
- Achar (Conduct): This covers the detailed code of conduct for monks, encompassing actions related to movement, eating, speaking, and interaction with the world. It stresses the importance of avoiding harm to all types of beings (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied, and mobile beings). The text lists numerous proscriptions and guidelines to ensure conduct aligns with Ahimsa and Samyama.
- Vakya Shuddhi (Purity of Speech): This chapter focuses on the importance of truthful, kind, and non-harmful speech. It advises against speaking falsely, harshly, or in a way that incites anger or misunderstanding. It also emphasizes the need for mindful and concise communication.
- Vinaya (Humility and Respect): This chapter underscores the paramount importance of humility and respect towards one's Guru (teacher) and elders. It explains that true knowledge and spiritual progress stem from a respectful attitude and diligent service to the Guru. It provides illustrative stories to highlight the consequences of disrespect and the benefits of humility.
- Upasamhar (Conclusion): The concluding chapter summarizes the essence of the teachings, reiterating the importance of faith, perseverance, and the diligent practice of the principles outlined in the scripture.

Specific Teachings and Narratives:

The Six Types of Beings (Chah Prakar na Jiv - છ પ્રકારના જીવો): The text meticulously describes the six categories of living beings (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied, and mobile beings), emphasizing the ethical responsibility to avoid harming any of them.
The Five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavrata): The book details the adherence to the five major vows: Ahimsa, Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
The Sixth Vow (Shatri bhojan tyaga - સ્ત્રીભાજનત્યાગ): The prohibition of eating after sunset is also highlighted as a significant practice.
The Role of Knowledge (Gyan) and Compassion (Daya): The text places great importance on gaining right knowledge (Samyak Gyan) before practicing compassion, emphasizing that true compassion arises from understanding the nature of the soul and the universe.
The Importance of the Guru: The text repeatedly stresses the indispensable role of a Guru in guiding a disciple on the spiritual path. Disrespect towards a Guru is depicted as leading to severe negative consequences.
The Story of Manikya and Śthūlabhadra: This narrative highlights the compilation of the Dasavaikālika Sūtra and the Guru-Shishya relationship.
The Story of Rathanemi and Rajimati: This story illustrates the struggle against desires and the importance of steadfastness in Samyama.

Overall Message:

"Samisanz no Updesh" provides a profound and practical guide to living a Jain spiritual life. It emphasizes that true liberation is achieved through diligent adherence to the principles of Ahimsa, Samyama, and Tapa, guided by right knowledge and the wisdom of enlightened teachers. The text serves as a reminder to reflect on these teachings, especially during the evening, to reinforce one's commitment to the spiritual path and attain ultimate well-being. The Gujarati translation aims to make these ancient teachings accessible to a modern audience, enriched with explanatory notes and a glossary.