Samyaktva Mul 12 Vratni Sankshipta Ane Vistarthi Tip - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samyaktva Mul 12 Vratni Sankshipta ane Vistarthi Tip" by Amrutlal Purushottamdas Shravak, based on the provided text:

Title: Samyaktva Mul 12 Vratni Sankshipta ane Vistarthi Tip (A Concise and Detailed Commentary on the Twelve Vows Originating from Right Faith)

Author: Amrutlal Purushottamdas Shravak

Publisher: Amrutlal Purushottamdas Shravak, Doshivada ni Pol, Ahmedabad.

Publication Year: Samvat 1996 (1940 AD)

Core Objective: The book aims to provide a detailed and concise explanation of the twelve vows (vratas) that are fundamental to Jain lay practice, originating from Samyaktva (Right Faith). It targets those who cannot fully adopt the strict path of ascetics but wish to achieve spiritual well-being through the principles of Jainism as householders. The author emphasizes that a proper understanding of these vows is crucial for their effective practice and for mitigating the cycle of rebirth and suffering.

Key Themes and Structure:

Introduction (Prastavna):
- The human form is the only means to achieve true liberation (moksha) in this endless cycle of existence.
- Lord Mahavir Swami prescribed two paths: the path of monks (Sadhu Dharma) and the path of householders (Shravak Dharma).
- The twelve vows, rooted in Samyaktva, are for those unable to fully embrace monastic life, allowing them to progress towards self-interest and spiritual upliftment over time.
- The book addresses the common difficulties faced by aspiring practitioners: lack of clear understanding, hesitation due to fear of inability to observe vows, and the need to introspect and commit to the path that suits one's capacity.
- The author expresses gratitude to all contributors.
Table of Contents (Anukramanika):
- The book is structured to cover various aspects of Jain practice, including:
  - Vratas: Detailed explanations of the twelve main vows (Sankshipta and Vistarthi Tip).
  - Samyaktva: Its nature, principles, and associated concepts.
  - Dharma: Understanding of God (Dev), Guru, and Religion (Dharma).
  - Qualities and Virtues: 35 qualities of a Margānusari (one who follows the path), 21 qualities of a householder (Shravaka), and the 6 linga (identifying marks) and 17 lakshana (characteristics) of a true householder (Bhav Shravak).
  - Sin and Karma: Detailed lists of sins (paapasthanak), causes of karma bondage through various actions, kashayas, senses, desires, and breaking of vows.
  - Repentance and Forgiveness: Prayers and practices for seeking forgiveness (Micchami Dukkaḍaṁ) and purifying past actions.
  - Practices: Details on holding rules (niyam dharvani riti), daily routines of a householder (Shravakni dincharya), and six daily duties (Shatkarma).
  - Pujas: Explanations and stories related to various types of worship (water, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamps, etc.).
  - Stories and Examples: Numerous illustrative stories (kathao) to explain the vows, virtues, and the consequences of actions, featuring various characters and situations from Jain tradition.
  - Specific Vows and Their Details: Each of the twelve vows (from Prāṇātipāt Viramaṇ to Athiti Sanvibhaag) is explained with its associated actions, transgressions (atichār), and the manner of observing them.
  - Samyaktva Details: The 66 bols (principles) of Samyaktva, including its causes, conditions, and the three jewels of Right Faith (Right Knowledge, Right Perception, Right Conduct).
  - Types of False Beliefs (Mithyatva): A comprehensive enumeration of various forms of wrong faith and practices.
  - Timings for Observance: Charts and explanations for the timings of various observances like Navkarsi, Porsi, Saḍḍhori, etc., with specific instructions for adjusting timings based on location.
  - Pledge Forms: Sections for personalizing vows and commitments.
Samyaktva (Right Faith):
- Defined by faith in:
  - Dev (God): Arihants (free from 18 defects).
  - Guru: Pure monks (adhering to five great vows).
  - Dharma: Teachings of the Tirthankaras.
- Rejection of false beliefs (Mithyatva) and adherence to the true path.
- The 67 bols of Samyaktva are detailed, covering aspects like fortitude (sahana), identifying marks (linga), virtues, faults (doosha), glorification (prabhavak), ornaments (bhooshan), characteristics (lakshan), precautions (jatna), exceptions (agar), contemplations (bhavna), and states (sthan).
The Twelve Vows (Dvādasha Vratas):
- Each vow is meticulously explained with its meaning, scope, transgressions (atichār), and specific practices.
- Vow 1: Prāṇātipāt Viramaṇ (Non-violence to Life): Focuses on refraining from intentional harm to mobile beings (tras). It includes rules for minimizing harm to immobile beings (sthavar) during daily activities.
- Vow 2: Mrushāvād Viramaṇ (Truthfulness): Avoiding falsehood in various contexts, including deceit, false witness, and slander.
- Vow 3: Adattādān Viramaṇ (Non-stealing): Refraining from taking what is not given, including theft, deceitful trade, and misappropriation.
- Vow 4: Brahmacharya Viramaṇ (Celibacy/Chastity): Detailed explanation covering both physical and mental aspects, including the proper conduct within marriage.
- Vow 5: Parigrah Parimāṇ Viramaṇ (Limitation of Possessions): Setting limits on wealth, grains, property, vehicles, dependents, and belongings.
- Vow 6: Dik Parisamāṇ Viramaṇ (Limitation of Directions): Restricting travel in cardinal and sub-directions.
- Vow 7: Bhogopabhog Viramaṇ (Limited Use of Enjoyable Things): Restricting the use of consumable and durable items, including a detailed list of forbidden (Abhakshya) and to-be-avoided (Anantkay) items.
- Vow 8: Anarthdand Viramaṇ (Avoiding Useless or Harmful Actions): Refraining from useless activities, harmful thoughts, idle talk, and supporting harmful practices.
- Vow 9: Sāmāyik (Equanimity): Practicing equanimity for a fixed period, focusing on devotion and meditation.
- Vow 10: Deshāvagāshik (Temporary Restriction): Temporarily restricting actions beyond a certain limit or time frame.
- Vow 11: Paushadh (Fasting/Day-long Observance): Observing periods of fasting or restricted consumption.
- Vow 12: Athiti Sanvibhaag (Hospitality/Charity): Offering food and sustenance to ascetics and those in need.
Qualities of a Good Follower (Margānusari):
- The book lists 35 virtues essential for someone following the Jain path, covering righteousness, conduct, character, wisdom, gratitude, and self-control. These are crucial for aspiring householders.
Causes of Karma Bondage:
- Extensive lists detailing how various actions, emotions (like anger, pride), desires, and sins lead to the accumulation of karma. The text goes into detail about specific karma types like Jnānāvaraṇīya, Darshanāvaraṇīya, Ashātāvedanīya, Mohanīya, Nāmakarma, and Antarāykarma, and the specific actions that cause their bondage.
Pledges and Vows (Pachchakkhan):
- Detailed instructions and prayers for taking and observing various vows and restrictions, including timings and specific clauses.
- Special emphasis on the concept of Tirith purity for observing vows correctly.
Samyaktva Vows and Aticharas:
- The book elaborates on the 67 principles of Samyaktva and the 5 transgressions (atichār) associated with it, stressing the importance of avoiding them.
Detailed Vow Explanations:
- Each of the 12 vows is broken down into specific actions to be undertaken, avoided, and the associated transgressions. The text provides a framework for householders to commit to these vows, allowing for specific limits to be filled in (e.g., "I will keep gold worth Rs. ___").
Importance of Dharma:
- The ultimate goal of observing these vows is to purify the soul, reduce karmic bondage, and progress towards liberation. The text highlights that even if complete renunciation is not possible, partial observance (deshvirati) is essential and beneficial.
Concluding Remarks:
- The text reinforces the importance of continuous study, reflection, and practice of the principles outlined for spiritual progress. It encourages making the human birth fruitful by adhering to these vows and attaining the ultimate goal of moksha.

Overall Significance:

"Samyaktva Mul 12 Vratni Sankshipta ane Vistarthi Tip" serves as a practical guide for Jain lay followers. It systematically breaks down complex spiritual principles into actionable steps, making the path of a householder (Shravak) accessible and understandable. The inclusion of stories, detailed rules, and explanations of transgressions provides a comprehensive resource for spiritual practice, emphasizing the importance of Samyaktva as the foundation for all Jain conduct. The meticulous detail, especially in the latter half concerning karma, vows, and their observance, indicates a deep engagement with the scriptural teachings and a desire to facilitate their practical application.