Sasural Jate Samay Putriko Mataka Updesh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sasural Jate Samay Putriko Mataka Updesh" (Mother's Advice to Daughter When Going to Her In-laws' House) by Dipchand Varni, based on the provided pages:

This Jain text is a profound and detailed discourse from a mother to her daughter as she departs her parental home to begin her married life at her in-laws'. The advice covers a wide spectrum of ethical, moral, social, and spiritual guidance, rooted in Jain principles and traditional Indian values.

Core Themes and Advice:

The mother's advice emphasizes the daughter's role as a homemaker, a dutiful wife, and a virtuous individual who upholds the honor of both her birth family and her marital family. The key takeaways are:

• Acceptance and Duty: The mother acknowledges the bittersweet nature of a daughter leaving home, recognizing that she is moving to a new family. She encourages the daughter to embrace this new chapter with happiness and to consider her mother-in-law as her true mother from now on. The ultimate responsibility for her well-being and happiness now rests with her in-laws.

• Respect and Service: The daughter is urged to show unwavering respect and love to her mother-in-law, serving her with humility and obedience. This is presented as crucial for her own well-being and for maintaining harmony in the household.

• Speech and Conduct: The text heavily stresses the importance of gentle, humble, and truthful speech. Sweet words attract sweet responses, while harsh words provoke retaliation. The daughter is advised to be mindful of her words and actions, avoiding any behavior that could bring disrespect to her family or cause hurt to others. She should not be demanding or express personal desires for immediate gratification.

• Domestic Responsibilities and Hygiene: A significant portion of the advice focuses on meticulous attention to domestic duties. This includes:

  • Cleanliness: Maintaining a clean home, cooking area, and personal hygiene is paramount. This is linked not only to social reputation but also to spiritual purity and preventing the spread of disease.
  • Food Purity (Prakshukta): The text highlights the Jain emphasis on food purity, detailing the importance of thoroughly cleaning and preparing food to avoid harming even the smallest organisms. Strict adherence to food preparation and consumption timelines is advised to prevent spoilage and contamination.
  • Daily Chores: Waking up early, finishing chores before going out, keeping utensils clean, and meticulously cleaning the kitchen and living spaces are emphasized.
  • Craftsmanship and Resourcefulness: The daughter is encouraged to engage in needlework, sewing, knitting, and spinning during her leisure time, rather than idly passing it.

• Spiritual and Moral Development:

  • Self-Improvement: The daughter is encouraged to spend her free time reading religious and moral scriptures, as well as the lives of virtuous women (Sitas, Draupadis, Anjanas, Rajuls, etc.). This is seen as a way to purify the mind and gain spiritual merit.
  • Devotional Practices: Daily remembrance of the Pancha Parameṣṭhis (Arihant, Siddha, Ācārya, Upādhyāya, Sādhus) is recommended for the smooth conduct of all tasks and for maintaining peace of mind. Worship of the Tirthankaras is also encouraged.
  • Avoiding Bad Company and Practices: The text warns against negative influences, such as engaging in gossip, listening to vulgar stories, and associating with untrustworthy individuals.

• Family Harmony and Relationships:

  • Children: The daughter is advised to treat children with kindness and patience, singing them gentle songs and engaging them with educational toys. She must never frighten them with tales of ghosts or spirits, as this makes them timid.
  • Elders and Younger Siblings: Respect for elders and affection for younger siblings are crucial. She is advised to treat her husband's younger brothers as her own brothers and his younger sisters as her own sisters.
  • Servants: Kindness and a dignified approach are advised when interacting with household staff.
  • Widows: The text emphasizes compassion and respect for widowed women, encouraging the daughter to offer them support and guidance to prevent them from falling prey to exploitation.

• Marital Fidelity and Husband's Welfare:

  • Husband as God: The husband is consistently portrayed as a divine figure for a wife, and her primary duty is to please him.
  • Faithfulness: The daughter is strongly advised to remain chaste and faithful to her husband, avoiding any interaction or gaze that could be misconstrued.
  • Patience and Understanding: If the husband errs, the wife should approach him with patience, forgiveness, and gentle reminders of his vows, rather than with anger or reproach. The example of Sita and Rama is used to illustrate this.

• Financial Prudence: The daughter is instructed to manage household expenses wisely, spending within her means and saving for the future. This is presented as a significant duty for women.

• Health and Well-being: The text dedicates a substantial section to health and hygiene, emphasizing the importance of:

  • Mental Peace: Mental tranquility is presented as the foundation of physical health.
  • Diet: Consuming pure, simple, and timely meals is crucial.
  • Cleanliness: Personal and environmental cleanliness prevents illness.
  • Living Habits: Regular sleep, fresh air, sunlight, and avoiding midday naps are recommended.
  • Confinement During Menstruation: The text specifically details the importance of observing strict purity rules during menstruation, including isolation and separate utensils, for the well-being of the offspring and the family's spiritual practices.
  • Pregnancy: Advises against fasting or consuming inappropriate foods during pregnancy to ensure the healthy development of the child.

Concluding Sentiments:

The mother blesses her daughter, wishing her a long, prosperous, and virtuous life. She expresses hope that her daughter will embody the ideals of ideal Jain women and bring honor to both families. The text concludes with a broader call to action for women to embrace education and their traditional roles to build a better society.

Overall Message:

"Sasural Jate Samay Putriko Mataka Updesh" is a comprehensive guide for a young woman entering married life, providing a blueprint for a harmonious, virtuous, and spiritually fulfilling household. It underscores the importance of duty, respect, mindfulness, and adherence to ethical principles within the framework of Jainism.