Sanstarak Prakirnak

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sanstarak Prakirnak" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sanstarak Prakirnak (also referred to as Sanstarik Prkirnik) Authors/Translators: Purushottam Jain, Ravindra Jain Publisher: Purshottam Jain, Ravindra Jain (also associated with the 26th Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Shatabdi Samyojika Samiti Punjab)

Overall Theme: The book "Sanstarak Prakirnak" is a Punjabi translation of a significant Jain religious text that focuses on the concept of Samadhi Maran (meditative death) or Sanlekhana/Santhara (a voluntary fast unto death undertaken by ascetics and pious laypeople in Jainism). It elaborates on the philosophy, methodology, benefits, and historical examples of this practice, emphasizing its importance as a path to liberation (Moksha).

Key Sections and Their Content:

• Foreword/Blessings (Page 1 & 3):

  • This section provides blessings from Sadhvi Swaran Kanta Ji Maharaj, acknowledging the translators, Ravindra Jain and Purshottam Jain, for their dedicated 25+ years of translating Jain literature.
  • It highlights their diligent social service and their reputation among Jain scholars, particularly for compiling a felicitation volume.
  • The translation of a difficult religious text like "Sanstarak Prakirnak" is praised as a laborious task, with hope for a positive reception from Punjabi readers.
  • Purushottam Jain further expresses his appreciation for Ravindra Jain's dedication and commitment to Jain literature and dharma, noting their 30-year association and considering their service to Jain literature as their true life.
  • The occasion of dedicating the book is linked to a "Dev Guru Dharma Samarpan Divas" (Day of Dedication to God, Guru, and Dharma).

• Introduction (Bhumika) (Page 4-5):

  • The introduction explains the historical context of Jain Agam literature, mentioning its codification in written form at the Vallabhi council in Mahavir Samvat 980 by Acharya Devarishigani Kshamashraman.
  • It notes the transition from oral tradition to written literature due to declining memory and political turmoil, which led to the loss of some texts (like the 12th Drishtivada Ang).
  • "Sanstarak Prakirnak" is stated to not be listed in the Nandi Sutra's catalog but falls under the "Utkalik" category of Agamas.
  • Its mention in Acharya Jinachandra Suri's 14th-century text 'Vidhi Marga Pa' suggests it is from around the time of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, as the text mentions him respectfully.
  • Subject Matter: The core subject is Samadhi Maran (meditative death), which is considered as important as a happy life.
    • Two types of Death: Samadhi Maran (wise death, also called Pandit Maran) and Bal Maran (ignorant death).
    • Fearlessness in Death: The text quotes scriptures stating that death pursues those who fear it, but embraces those who are fearless. Fearlessness leads to immortality.
    • Distinction from Suicide: Suicide is described as causing death due to the non-fulfillment of worldly desires. Samadhi Maran, conversely, is the voluntary detachment from worldly things to focus on spiritual union.
    • Definition of Sanlekhana: Acharya Samantabhadra defines Sanlekhana as relinquishing the body due to suffering, untimely conditions, old age, or incurable diseases. It is mandatory for both monks and lay followers.
    • Two types of Santhara:
      1. Sagari Santhara: Undertaken during sudden calamities; life can resume if the calamity is overcome.
      2. Aam Santhara: Natural Santhara, undertaken when all hope for life is lost due to incurable diseases.

• Methodology of Santhara (Page 6-7):

  • The Jain Agamas describe the method: preparing a bed of grass, bowing to Arhants, Siddhas, and Sadhus, repenting for vows broken, seeking forgiveness from all living beings (8.4 million species), renouncing 18 types of sins, giving up four types of food, and renouncing attachment to the body.
  • Comparison to other traditions: Elements of Santhara are found in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, but not to the same extent as in Jainism.
  • Five Defects to be Abandoned for Samadhi Maran:
    1. Desire for life.
    2. Desire for death.
    3. Desire for happiness in this world.
    4. Desire for happiness in the next world.
    5. Desire for sensory pleasures.
  • Three Types of Samadhi Maran (as per Acharanga Sutra):
    1. Bhagat Pachakhan: Renunciation of food only, without restricting body movement.
    2. Ingat Maran: Restriction of body movements to a specific area.
    3. Pad Yogaman Maran: Renunciation of food and limiting bodily activities to lying still on a wooden plank until death.
  • The text of "Sanstarak Prakirnak" is derived from a compilation by Muni Shri Pune Vijay Ji, containing 122 verses (Gathas), with an estimated creation period of the 7th-8th century CE.

• Dedication (Page 8):

  • This page is a personal dedication from Ravindra Jain to his "Dharma Bhrata" (spiritual brother) Shri Purushottam Jain on the occasion of a "Samarpan Divas."

• Mangalacharan and Purpose of Santhara (Page 10-15):

  • This section begins with salutations to Jin Shrestha (victors of the self), Rishabha, and Mahavir.
  • It emphasizes that Samadhi Maran is the goal of life for ascetics.
  • Analogies for Excellence: The text uses numerous analogies to illustrate the superiority of Samadhi Maran:
    • Like a Vaidurya gem among stones, Gosheersh Chandan among fragrant substances, and Vajra among jewels.
    • Like Arhants among great men and mothers of Tirthankaras among women.
    • Like the lineage of Tirthankaras, the Vak lineage, the Siddha gati, the bliss of Moksha, Ahimsa dharma, Sadhu vachana, Jin vachana, and Samyak Darshan.
  • Rarity and Devotion: Samadhi Maran is described as rare even for gods; 32 Indras of the three worlds meditate on it.
  • Outcome: Attaining Samadhi Maran leads to the destruction of karmic dirt and the hoisting of the flag of Siddhi (liberation).
  • Ultimate Goal: Similar to how Tirthankaras declared Shukla Dhyana and Kevala Jnana as supreme, they proclaimed Parinirvana (Moksha) as the supreme death.
  • The text extols the attainment of Sadhu life, Tirthankara pada, and Siddha gati as paramount achievements.
  • Foundations of Sadhana: Samyik Jnana, Samyik Darshan, and virtuous conduct (Sheel) are crucial.
  • Purity of Practice: The text stresses that Santhara is pure only for those who are free from attachment, hatred, anger, pride, deceit, greed, and possess the three guards (Gupti) and five restraints (Samiti).
  • Misconceptions: Samadhi Maran is not suicide, which arises from unfulfilled desires. Santhara involves the renunciation of pleasures.

• The Nature of Santhara (Page 15-16):

  • The text asks for clarification on the nature, timing, and method of Samadhi Maran.
  • When to Undertake: When the mind, speech, and body weaken, and the suffering of old age begins.
  • Conditions for Purity:
    • One must not be arrogant or unwilling to confess faults to the Guru.
    • One must have true faith (Samyak Darshan) and pure conduct.
    • Freedom from attachment, hatred, and delusion.
    • Freedom from the three types of pride (Ridhi, Ras, Sukh) and the three types of self-conceit.
    • Renunciation of the four vices (anger, pride, deceit, greed) and four types of speech.
    • Adherence to the five Mahavratas and five Samitis.
    • Understanding of the six types of souls (kaya).
    • Abandonment of the eight causes of pride (mad) and destruction of the eight types of karma.
    • Practice of the eightfold Gupta, and adherence to the ten principles of conduct.

• Benefits and Happiness of Santhara (Page 16-17):

  • The benefits are immeasurable and indescribable.
  • The practitioner can destroy karmas in a very short time.
  • The happiness experienced by a pure ascetic through Santhara is even greater than that of a Chakravarti king.
  • The bliss derived from Jin's words (scriptures) surpasses worldly sensual pleasures.
  • The importance of sadhana is not measured in years but in its quality and adherence to Jin's teachings.
  • Santhara, performed with pure character, is the true means of crossing over.
  • A detached ascetic, even in adverse circumstances, is always performing Santhara.
  • The text suggests performing Santhara during the Hemant season after practicing various austerities during the rainy season.

• Examples of Santhara (Page 17-24):

  • This is a significant portion of the book, providing numerous historical and exemplary accounts of individuals who achieved Samadhi Maran. These examples illustrate the practice under various difficult and extreme circumstances, highlighting the practitioners' detachment, equanimity, and devotion to Jain principles. Some notable examples include:
    • Pushpachoola Arya, whose son achieved liberation after their boat capsized.
    • 499 monks who were brutally tortured and killed but attained liberation through Samadhi Maran, while their Acharya failed to do so due to remaining attachments.
    • Munis who were pierced by arrows, eaten by tigers, or by a jackal, yet achieved the supreme goal.
    • Munis who were consumed by animals or had their bodies burned, and still attained Moksha.
    • Dharmasingh, who became a monk and accepted Grid Parist death, being eaten by animals.
    • Chanakya, who accepted Ingat Maran and had his body burned.
    • Abhayghosh, whose body was dismembered.
    • 32 friends who drowned in a flood while observing Padopagaman Santhara.
    • Acharya Rishavasen, who was burned by his own disciple.
    • Yuvraj Kurudatta, who was burned.
    • Munis who were eaten by ants or had their bodies staked.
    • Disciples of Bhagwan Mahavir who were burned by Tejoleshya.

• Virtuous Conduct and Forgiveness (Page 21-22):

  • The practitioner must renounce food or certain food items, seeking the Guru's permission.
  • Vairagya Bhavana: The monk purifies their feelings of detachment.
  • Seeking Forgiveness: The monk seeks forgiveness from the entire Sangha (community) for any past offenses committed through mind, speech, or body. They also ask for forgiveness from all living beings.
  • Consequences of Santhara: Those who practice Santhara with unwavering determination achieve the supreme goal. Even if they have accumulated immeasurable karmas over countless lifetimes, Santhara can eradicate them in an instant.

• Reflection and Detachment from Body (Page 22-23):

  • The text urges the practitioner to contemplate the suffering endured in various life forms (hell, animal, human, divine) and the cycle of birth and death.
  • It emphasizes the distinction between the soul (Atma) and the body.
  • Detachment from the body, seen as the cause of suffering, is crucial for those desiring Moksha.

• The Role of the Sangha and Renunciation (Page 23-24):

  • The four pillars of Jainism (monks, nuns, male lay followers, female lay followers) are invoked for forgiveness.
  • The practitioner seeks forgiveness from Acharyas, Upadhyayas, fellow disciples, and family members for any transgressions.
  • The text emphasizes unwavering faith in Jinendra Bhagwan's dharma.
  • The practitioner, riding the "elephant of Santhara," destroys karmas that cause worldly existence and obstruct Moksha.

• Guidance and Examples (Page 24-25):

  • The text provides guidance to monks facing obstacles in their Samadhi Maran practice.
  • It reiterates that intelligent, celibate monks achieve the supreme goal even when attacked by predatory animals.
  • The importance of supporting monks and the value of their spiritual practice are highlighted.
  • The body is seen as a vehicle for dharma, to be renounced by the wise who understand the soul is separate.
  • By equanimously enduring hardships, the wise person breaks the bonds of karma.
  • The power of a disciplined monk (with Gupti) to shed karmas in a single breath is emphasized, far exceeding the efforts of an ignorant person over millions of years.
  • Liberation can be attained within this life or by the third rebirth for those who perform Santhara under a noble Guru.
  • The text describes the qualities of a virtuous practitioner, including adherence to Samiti and Gupti, and the attainment of the three Jewels (Samyak Jnana, Samyak Darshan, Samyak Charitra).

• Commentaries (Page 25-27):

  • The commentaries explain specific terms and concepts mentioned in the verses:
    • Parishe: Lists 22 obstacles that ascetics must overcome.
    • Trin Kante, Trin Dand: Refers to mind, speech, and body as threefold constraints.
    • Trin Gupti: Refers to the control of mind, speech, and body.
    • Trin Hankar: Three types of pride (Ridhi, Ras, Sukh).
    • Chaar Vikatha: Four types of improper talk (women, food, country, royal).
    • Chhe Kaya: The six types of living beings (earth, fire, air, water, plant, mobile).
    • Atth Mad: Eight types of pride (birth, lineage, strength, beauty, penance, knowledge, gain, wealth).
    • Atth Karma: The eight types of karmas that veil the soul.
    • Nau Prakar Brahmacharya: Nine ways to observe celibacy.
    • Das Prakar Shraman Dharma: Ten principles of Jain conduct.
    • Timavama: Detailed explanation of the 12 stages or levels of austerity/vow observance, including specific restrictions on food and the duration of fasts.
    • Panch Mahavratas: The five great vows (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, non-possession).
    • Panch Samiti: The five careful actions (careful walking, speaking, eating, handling objects, disposing waste).

In essence, "Sanstarak Prakirnak" is a profound spiritual guide within Jainism that meticulously details the philosophical underpinnings and practical aspects of voluntary death as a means to achieve ultimate liberation. It highlights detachment, fearlessness, and rigorous self-discipline as paramount for successfully undertaking this path, supported by numerous inspiring historical examples.