Sen Prashna

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sen Prashna," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sen Prashna Author(s): Shubhvijay Gani, Rajshekharsuri Publisher: Mulund S M P Jain Sangh

Overall Purpose and Context:

"Sen Prashna" is a collection of questions and answers related to Jainism. The text is presented as a re-publication, indicating that an earlier edition existed. The current edition aims to be an improvement over the previous one, with updated typography, translations of verses, grammatical corrections, and modern language usage. The primary goal of this re-publication is to make the valuable knowledge contained within this text accessible to a wider audience of Jain followers, aiding in their spiritual upliftment.

Key Content and Features:

1. Authoritative Lineage and Guidance: The text highlights a strong spiritual lineage, tracing its inspiration and support from Acharya Shrimad Vijayhansurishwarji Mansa to Acharya Shrimad Vijaylalitsekhar Surishwarji Mansa, and subsequently to Acharya Shrimad Vijay Kumu'd Surishwarji Maharaj, who initiated the compilation of these questions and answers. The final editing and compilation were undertaken by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Rajshekhar Surishwarji Maharaj, under the guidance of his revered gurus.

2. Historical Significance: The book's re-publication was motivated by a desire to honor the legacy of earlier works and to make them available to the current generation. It acknowledges the previous publisher, Shri Master Nyalchand Thakarshi (Lich), who originally published this translated work in VS 1996. The Shri Liych Jain Sangh also granted permission for the re-publication.

3. Content of "Sen Prashna":

   • Q&A Format: The core of the book consists of questions posed to learned Jain scholars and the answers provided by them, often referencing ancient Jain scriptures (Agamas), commentaries by previous āchāryas, logical reasoning, and practical experience.
   • Wide Range of Topics: The questions and answers cover a vast spectrum of Jain philosophy, practices, and cosmology. This includes intricate details on karma, rebirth, the nature of souls, the functioning of the universe (lokaprakasha), rituals, ethical conduct, the lives of spiritual leaders (like Acharya Vijay Sen Suri), the significance of various practices (like Samayik, Posha'h, Upadhana), and the correct interpretation of scriptural passages.
   • Clarification of Doubts: The text aims to resolve doubts and provide clear explanations for various aspects of Jainism that might be unclear to the average follower.
   • Emphasis on Anekan'ta (Multi-sidedness): The introductory and concluding remarks emphasize the Jain principle of Anekan'ta Vada, encouraging readers to approach religious texts with an open mind and use their intellect to gain true understanding and inspiration for self-improvement.

4. Editorial and Publishing Efforts:

   • Editor: Acharya Shrimad Vijay Rajshekhar Surishwarji Maharaj.
   • Publisher: Shri Mulund Shvetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh.
   • Co-publisher: Shri Lich Jain Sangh.
   • Appreciation: The publishing committee expresses gratitude to various individuals and organizations for their support in the re-publication, including the former publisher, Shri Liych Jain Sangh, Shri Hasmukhbhai B. Shah for handling press responsibilities, and Jayant Printers for their timely cooperation.
   • Improvements in Re-publication:
     • Use of medium-sized typefaces instead of overly large ones.
     • Inclusion of translations for verses that were previously omitted.
     • Grammatical corrections (vowel length, anuswar, etc.).
     • Modernization of archaic language for better comprehension.
     • Simplification of numbering systems (from four or five to two: Ullās number and sequential question number).
     • Acknowledgment of potential numbering discrepancies between the original Sanskrit text and this Gujarati translation.

5. Biographical Information: The text includes a brief biography of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Sen Suri Maharaj. Key highlights from his life include:

   • His birth in Nadlai village and initiation into Jain monasticism.
   • His tutelage under Acharya Vijay Hira Suri.
   • His attainment of the Panyas, Upadhyaya, and Acharya titles.
   • His significant role in the Tapa Gaccha, becoming its leader (Gacchadhipati).
   • His interactions and debates with other Jain sects, notably the Khartar Gacch.
   • His influential presence at the court of Emperor Akbar, where he engaged in theological discussions and received royal recognition.
   • His propagation of Jain principles and his passing at the age of 67 in Khambhat.
   • His spiritual successors, particularly Acharya Vijay Dev Suri.

6. Guidance for the Present Era: The text also includes a section titled "Our Directive Principles in This Era" (Page 11 onwards), which provides guidance on how to uphold and propagate Jainism in modern times. This section emphasizes:

   • Religious Steadfastness: Adhering to one's own dharma, discouraging religious conversion, and avoiding participation in inter-religious syncretic movements. It advocates for maintaining relationships with other religions within defined boundaries.
   • Importance of Rituals: The necessity of performing religious actions and rituals as the foundation for the survival of any religion.
   • Preservation of Traditions: Maintaining existing religious festivals and practices without adding new ones.
   • Discouraging New Sects: Preventing the formation of new religious groups or interpretations.
   • Key Symbols of Jainism: Listing essential elements to preserve, such as the "Karemi Bhante" mantra, Panchangi belief, Shatrunjay Tirth, devotion to the 24 Tirthankars, five types of Pratikraman, Paryushana Parva, Samvatsari, forgiveness practices, Kalpasutra, and the importance of Upashraya sermons.
   • Critique of Modern Trends: The text identifies and critiques trends considered harmful to Jain culture, including excessive focus on progress and modernity, adoption of non-Jain literature and practices, tourist-like travel instead of pilgrimage, veneration of secular leaders over spiritual ones, engagement in prohibited activities under the guise of religious gatherings, formation of associations and conferences, majority rule over established structures, public libraries managing religious texts, committees and trusts over traditional caretakers for temple administration, and the undermining of traditional family and community structures.
   • Economic Principles: Advising adherence to traditional occupations, seeking truth in economic principles rooted in ancient practices, and highlighting causes of unemployment.
   • Social Conduct: Emphasizing virtues like restraint, respect for elders and ancestors, simplicity in lifestyle, upholding family traditions, fidelity to one's guru and community, and the importance of protecting Jain heritage.
   • Spiritual Goal (Moksha): Reaffirming that the ultimate aim is liberation and encouraging practices that lead to it.
   • Need for Trained Monks: Stressing the importance of producing well-trained monks with diverse knowledge and expertise to guide the community and protect the Jain faith against challenges.
   • Financial Prudence: Advising the Sangh to prioritize the training and support of monks before spending on other initiatives.
   • Unified Action: Calling for unity within the Chaturvidh Sangh and adherence to its established structures.

In essence, "Sen Prashna" is a vital resource for Jain scholars and practitioners, offering a comprehensive repository of questions and answers that elucidate the depth and breadth of Jain teachings, presented in an improved and accessible format for contemporary readers.