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Samkit Mul 12 Vrat 124 Atichar

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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First page of Samkit Mul 12 Vrat 124 Atichar

Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samkit Mul 12 Vrat 124 Atichar" by Malaykirtivijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Samkit Mul 12 Vrat 124 Atichar (Foundation of Right Faith: 12 Vows and 124 Transgressions) Author: Malaykirtivijay

Overall Theme: This book is a foundational guide to understanding and practicing Jain ethics, focusing on the importance of Samkit (Right Faith) as the basis for observing the 12 vows. It elaborates on the 12 vows (5 Anu-vratas, 3 Guna-vratas, and 4 Shiksha-vratas) and details the 124 potential transgressions (Atichar) associated with them. The text emphasizes that true spiritual progress stems from a combination of Right Faith and the diligent observance of these vows, while also acknowledging the nuances and exceptions in their practice.

Key Concepts and Structure:

  1. The Supremacy of Samkit (Right Faith): The book repeatedly stresses that observing vows without Right Faith is ineffective. Right Faith is the cornerstone, the root of the tree of dharma, the entrance to the city of dharma, and the strong foundation of the palace of dharma. It is defined as unwavering belief in the true God (Vitarag Jain Tirthankaras), true Guru (monks and nuns adhering to Mahavratas), and true Dharma (the teachings of the Tirthankaras). The book warns against misplaced faith in worldly deities or practices.

  2. The 12 Vows: The text systematically outlines the 12 vows, categorizing them into:

    • 5 Anu-vratas (Minor Vows):

      1. Sthool Pranati-paat Viraman Vrat (Vow to Abstain from Gross Violence): Abstaining from intentionally harming sentient beings (Trasa Jiva). This includes detailed guidelines on avoiding unnecessary harm to animals, insects, and even plants.
      2. Sthool Mrushavada Viraman Vrat (Vow to Abstain from Gross Untruth): Abstaining from major forms of lying, such as those related to marriage alliances, livestock, land, or false testimony.
      3. Sthool Adatta-daana Viraman Vrat (Vow to Abstain from Gross Stealing): Abstaining from significant acts of theft or misappropriation.
      4. Sthool Maithuna Viraman Vrat (Vow to Abstain from Gross Sensual Indulgence): Abstaining from adultery and other forms of improper sexual conduct.
      5. Sthool Parigraha Viraman Vrat (Vow to Abstain from Gross Accumulation): Setting limits on the amount of wealth one can possess and determining a timeframe for donating excess wealth.

    • 3 Guna-vratas (Qualitative Vows): These vows enhance the Anu-vratas. 6. Dig-virati Vrat (Vow to Restrict Movement): Setting geographical boundaries for travel in ten directions (four cardinal, four intermediate, up, and down). 7. Bhogo-upabhoga Viraman Vrat (Vow to Abstain from Excessive Use of Consumable and Re-usable Objects): Limiting the consumption of certain foods and the use of specific items, with detailed lists of prohibited items (Abhakshya). 8. Anarthadanda Viraman Vrat (Vow to Abstain from Meaningless Vow/Sinful Acts): Abstaining from thoughtless actions, spreading sinful advice, giving harmful items, and engaging in pointless activities or excessive indulgence.

    • 4 Shiksha-vratas (Training Vows): These are practice-oriented vows for further spiritual discipline. 9. Samayika Vrat (Vow of Equanimity): Setting a specific time for practicing meditation and equanimity. 10. Deshavaghasika Vrat (Vow to Restrict Activity to a Specific Area for a Day): Committing to staying within a designated area for a day, often accompanied by additional austerities. 11. Paushadha Vrat (Vow of Fasting/Observance on Holy Days): Dedicating specific days (like Chaturthi, Ashtami, Chaturdashi, Amavasya) to fasting and religious observance, similar to the vows of monks. 12. Atithi Samvibhaaga Vrat (Vow of Charity/Sharing with the Destitute/Righteous): Regularly offering food and essentials to deserving individuals, particularly Jain monks and nuns, or those in need.

  3. The 124 Aticharas (Transgressions): For each of the 12 vows, the book details specific transgressions that, if committed, weaken the vow. These are categorized as:

    • General Transgressions: Acknowledging that transgressions can occur due to ignorance, oversight, or unavoidable circumstances.
    • Specific Transgressions: Each vow has its own set of transgressions, covering a wide range of actions, thoughts, and words. For example, under the vow of non-violence, transgressions include using prohibited pesticides, burning firecrackers, or not using a sieve for water. Under the vow of truthfulness, transgressions include intentional damage to reputation or revealing secrets. Under the vow of non-stealing, it includes cheating in weights and measures or selling adulterated goods.

  4. The Importance of "Being Human" (Becoming a Person): Before taking vows, the book emphasizes the need to cultivate basic human virtues like respecting parents, speaking kindly, showing compassion, and practicing basic ethical conduct. This lays the groundwork for spiritual discipline.

  5. The Role of Repentance and Expiation (Prayshchitt): The book stresses the importance of acknowledging any transgressions and seeking expiation from a qualified Guru. This helps purify the soul and maintain the integrity of the vows.

  6. Detailed Explanations and Examples:

    • Abhakshya (Unsuitable Foods): Appendix 1 provides an extensive list of 22 forbidden food items, explaining the reasons for their prohibition (e.g., harm to multiple life forms, stimulating passions).
    • Karmadaana (Sinful Occupations): Appendix 2 lists 15 occupations considered sinful (Karmadaana) due to inherent violence or ethical compromise, urging followers to abstain from them.
    • Types of Transgressions: The text explains how transgressions (Atichar) differ from outright vow-breaking (Vratabhanga). An Atichar is a partial violation or an act done with the intention of a transgression, whereas Vratabhanga is a complete violation.
    • Qualities of a True Devotee (Shravaka): The book describes the characteristics of a true follower, comparing them to a mirror (reflecting teachings), a flag (easily swayed), a pillar (unmoving in truth), or a thorn (harmful).

Key Sections and Content Highlights:

  • Introduction: Emphasizes the foundational role of Samkit and the interconnectedness of Right Faith and vows.
  • Explanation of Vows (Pages 9-24): Each vow is introduced with its core principle and then detailed with specific prohibitions (Peta-niyam) and common transgressions.
  • Appendices (Pages 24-28):
    • Appendix 1 (22 Abhakshya): A comprehensive list of forbidden foods.
    • Appendix 2 (15 Karmadaana): A detailed explanation of livelihood activities that involve significant sin and should be avoided.
  • List of 124 Aticharas (Page 29): A summary table showing the number of transgressions for each vow and category.
  • Detailed Transgressions (Pages 30-36): A breakdown of the specific transgressions for each vow.
  • Appendix 4 (Bhava Alochana - Life-long Repentance): This section provides guidance on self-reflection and confessing sins to a Guru, listing various types of sins across different categories (violence, lying, stealing, sensual indulgence, etc.) that one might have committed.

Author's Message: Munishri Malaykirtivijay emphasizes that the purpose of these vows and principles is to achieve spiritual liberation (Moksha). He encourages readers to embrace Virati (restraint) as the path to a successful human life and to make conscious efforts to purify their conduct through vows, repentance, and adherence to the Jain path. He also highlights the practical aspects of observing these vows in daily life, encouraging introspection and commitment.