Samyak Charitra Chintamani

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samyak Charitra Chintamani" by Pannalal Jain, published by Veer Seva Mandir Trust. The summary is based on the provided pages and catalog link, focusing on the content and structure of the book.

Book Title: Samyak Charitra Chintamani (सम्यक्-चारित्र-चिन्तामणि) Author: Dr. Pt. Pannalal Jain Sahityacharya (डॉ० पं० पन्नालालजी साहित्याचार्य) Publisher: Veer Seva Mandir Trust (वीर सेवा-मन्दिर-ट्रस्ट) Language: Sanskrit (original text) with Hindi translation and explanation.

Overview: "Samyak Charitra Chintamani" is a significant theoretical work in Jainism, focusing on the principles and practices of Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra). It is a part of a series by the same author that includes "Samyaktva Chintamani" (Right Faith) and "Samyak Gyan Chandrika" or "Samyak Gyan Chintamani" (Right Knowledge). This book delves into the conduct of both ascetics (monks and nuns) and householders (Shravakas), adhering to the tradition of Charan-anuyog (the branch of Jain literature dealing with conduct). The work is presented in Sanskrit with a Hindi translation and commentary, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured into thirteen chapters (Prakash) with a concluding appendix, systematically covering various aspects of Jain conduct.

Introduction and Foreword: The initial pages include a Fair Use Declaration by The Free Indological Collection (TFIC), emphasizing the educational and research use of the book, and its believed public domain status. The foreword by Dr. Darbari Lal Kothia highlights the importance of the book as a fundamental work on Charitra, tracing its lineage to the teachings of Lord Mahavir and the subsequent preservation by Jain acharyas. He also expresses concern about the growing laxity in monastic practices in the current era, as noted by the author of the introduction to the book.

Author's Intent and Content: Dr. Pannalal Jain Sahityacharya, described as a devoted practitioner of Saraswati's Sadhana, has meticulously compiled this work based on fundamental Jain scriptures like Moolachar, Moolaradhana, and Kashaypahud. The author emphasizes that while Samyag Darshan (Right Faith) is the root of Dharma, it is Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct), guided by Samyak Darshan and Samyak Gyan, that leads to Moksha (liberation).

Chapter-wise Breakdown of Content:

• Chapter 1: General Mulgunadhikar (General Principles of Conduct):

  • Introduction to Charitra and its importance.
  • The prayer for auspicious beginnings.
  • Definition of Charitra.
  • The qualities required to attain Charitra.
  • The disciple's request to the Guru for initiation.
  • The Guru's acceptance and discourse on the 28 Mulgunas (fundamental vows and practices) of a monk.
  • Brief descriptions of the five Mahavratas (Great Vows) and five Samitis (carefulness in actions).
  • Explanation of the five senses' control (Indriya-vijaya).
  • Description of the six essential daily duties (Sada-avashyak).
  • The remaining seven fundamental qualities of monks.
  • The monk's acceptance of Digambara initiation and his spiritual progress through various Gunasthanas (stages of spiritual development).

• Chapter 2: Charitra Labhi Adhikar (Acquisition of Conduct):

  • Discussion on who attains Charitra and the types of individuals.
  • The process of attaining different types of Samyama (self-control) through various Karanas (spiritual practices).
  • Details on the different Gunasthanas associated with Samyama, including Samaayika, Chhedopasthapana, Pariharavishuddhi, Sukshma Saamparaaya, and Yathaakhyaata Charitra.
  • The stages of downfall and regaining Samyama.
  • The process of Upashamana (pacification) of Mohaniya Karma.

• Chapter 3: Mahavrata Adhikar (The Great Vows):

  • Detailed exposition of the five Mahavratas: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
  • Classification of beings and the importance of understanding them for Ahimsa.
  • The four types of untruthfulness (Asatya) and their negation in Satya.
  • The nature of Asteya and its importance.
  • The definition of Brahmacharya and the strictness required.
  • The concept of Aparigraha, including internal and external possessions, and the consequences of violating these vows.
  • The five Bhavanas (mental contemplations) for each Mahavrata to strengthen their practice.
  • The author's criticism of contemporary monastic practices that deviate from the strictures of Aparigraha.

• Chapter 4: Panch Samiti Adhikar (The Five Carefulnesses):

  • Explanation of the five Samitis essential for protecting the Mahavratas:
    • Erya Samiti (carefulness in movement).
    • Bhasha Samiti (carefulness in speech).
    • Eshana Samiti (carefulness in accepting alms).
    • Aadaan-Nikshepan Samiti (carefulness in handling objects).
    • Vyutsarga Samiti (carefulness in excretion).
  • Emphasis on the meticulous adherence to these practices by monks, highlighting their importance in preventing harm to even the smallest organisms.

• Chapter 5: Indriya Vijaya Adhikar (Control of the Senses):

  • The fundamental importance of controlling the senses for spiritual progress.
  • Detailed descriptions of controlling each of the five senses: Sparshan (touch), Rasana (taste), Ghrana (smell), Chakshu (sight), and Karna (hearing).
  • Examples and analogies illustrating the dangers of being enslaved by the senses and the virtues of controlling them.

• Chapter 6: Sad-avashyak Adhikar (The Six Essential Duties):

  • Detailed explanation of the six essential daily duties of monks: Samata (equanimity), Vandana (salutation), Stuti (praise), Pratikramana (atonement), Pratyakhyana (renunciation), and Kayotsarga (body abandonment).
  • The author provides prayers and verses composed for these duties, emphasizing their role in purification and spiritual advancement.

• Chapter 7: Pancha Achara Adhikar (The Five Conducts):

  • Detailed exposition of the five pillars of Jain conduct:
    • Darshanachara (Conduct related to Right Faith).
    • Gyanachara (Conduct related to Right Knowledge).
    • Charitraachara (Conduct related to Right Conduct).
    • Tapachara (Conduct related to Austerities).
    • Viryachara (Conduct related to Energy/Prowess).
  • Each Achara is further elaborated with its components, principles, and importance. The text discusses the eight angas of Darshan and Gyan, the classification of Tapas (external and internal), and the different types of Samyama.
  • The book also touches upon the practices of monks, including their disciplined lifestyle, the importance of solitude, and adherence to various austerities.

• Chapter 8: Anupreksha Adhikar (The Twelve Contemplations):

  • This chapter focuses on the twelve contemplations (Anupreksha) that are crucial for cultivating detachment and strengthening one's resolve on the spiritual path.
  • Each Anupreksha is explained in detail, including: Anityanupreksha (contemplation of impermanence), Asharananupreksha (contemplation of non-protection), Sansaranupreksha (contemplation of the cycle of birth and death), Ekatanupreksha (contemplation of solitude), Anyatanupreksha (contemplation of separateness), Ashuchittvanupreksha (contemplation of impurity), Asravanupreksha (contemplation of influx of karmas), Samvaranupreksha (contemplation of blockage of karmas), Nirjaranupreksha (contemplation of shedding karmas), Lokanupreksha (contemplation of the universe), Bodhi Durlabhanupreksha (contemplation of the rarity of enlightenment), and Dharmanupreksha (contemplation of Dharma).

• Chapter 9: Dhyana Samagri (Materials for Meditation):

  • This chapter discusses the stages of spiritual development (Gunasthanas) in relation to various life-forms (Gatis), sensory organs (Indriyas), activities (Yogas), states of consciousness (Vedas), passions (Kashayas), types of knowledge (Jnana), and sustenance (Ahara).
  • It provides insights into how these factors influence meditation and spiritual progress, emphasizing the path towards purification and liberation.
  • The text elaborates on the different types of meditation: Aarta (painful), Raudra (fierce), Dharma (righteous), and Shukla (pure).

• Chapter 10: Ayikao ki Vidhi Nirdesh (Discipline of Nuns):

  • This chapter outlines the specific rules and regulations for Jain nuns (Ayikas).
  • It covers their initiation, daily conduct, adherence to vows, and the importance of community living under the guidance of senior nuns.
  • The text also briefly mentions the vows of Kshullikas (a lower order of nuns).

• Chapter 11: Sallekhana Adhikar (Controlled Fasting unto Death):

  • This chapter deals with the crucial Jain practice of Sallekhana (controlled fasting unto death), undertaken voluntarily and consciously as a means of purifying the soul and achieving liberation.
  • It explains the conditions under which Sallekhana is performed (e.g., facing insurmountable calamities), its significance, and the different types of intentional death (Bhakta-pratyakhyana, Ingini-marana, Prayopagamana).
  • The role of a Niryaapakaacharya (spiritual guide for Sallekhana) is also highlighted.

• Chapter 12: Deshacharita Adhikar (Partial Conduct):

  • This chapter focuses on the vows and conduct for householders (Shravakas), known as Deshacharita (partial conduct), which are less stringent than the Mahavratas of monks but equally important for spiritual progress.
  • It elaborates on the five Anuvaratas (minor vows): Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha.
  • It also details the three Gunavratas (qualitative vows) and four Shixavratas (training vows).
  • A significant portion is dedicated to the Aticharas (infractions) of these vows, emphasizing the need for careful adherence.
  • The text outlines the eleven stages of practice for householders (Pratimas).

• Chapter 13: Samyamasamyama Labhi Adhikar (Acquisition of Partial and Full Self-Control):

  • This chapter delves into the nuances of acquiring both partial (Samyamasamyama) and full (Samyama) self-control, discussing the karmic conditions and spiritual efforts required.
  • It elaborates on the role of Upashamana (pacification) of karmas in achieving these states.
  • The concept of different Gunasthanas in relation to these forms of self-control is revisited.
  • The chapter concludes with discussions on the rarity of human birth, the importance of Dharma, and the disciplined life of a householder striving for higher spiritual states.

Concluding Remarks: "Samyak Charitra Chintamani" is presented as a guide to achieving the ultimate goal of liberation through the rigorous practice of Right Conduct. The author, through his deep scholarship and devotional approach, aims to illuminate the path of Jainism for both ascetics and lay followers, urging them to uphold the highest principles of conduct with unwavering dedication. The book's comprehensive coverage, from the foundational principles to the intricate details of practices, makes it an invaluable resource for understanding and implementing Jain ethical teachings.