Shakun Shastra

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shakun Shastra" by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shakun Shastra Author: Shravak Bhimsinh Manek (based on Acharya Shri Jinadatta Suri) Publisher: Shravak Bhimsinh Manek Publication Year: Veer Samvat 2445 / Vikram Samvat 1975 / 1919 AD

Overall Purpose and Background:

The "Shakun Shastra" is presented as a guide to understanding omens and portents, a practice deeply rooted in ancient Indian culture. The book aims to provide clarity and practical guidance on interpreting these signs, which are believed to indicate the outcome of events and actions. The current edition is a revised and expanded version of a work by Acharya Shri Jinadatta Suri, originally compiled over a thousand years ago. The publisher, Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, felt it necessary to re-publish this ancient text with simplified language and added content to make it useful for a wider audience.

Key Sections and Content:

The book is structured into several "Prastav" (chapters), each focusing on different aspects of omens:

• Prastav 1: Omens Related to Birth of a Son or Daughter:

  • This chapter extensively details various omens observed at the time of childbirth and their potential consequences for the child, mother, and family.
  • It covers the significance of different birds (crows, parrots, cuckoos, vultures, kites, peacocks, etc.) singing or appearing near the birthing room.
  • It also interprets the appearance of people (men, women, widows, people with specific vessels or items, crying individuals) and animals (dogs, cats, cows) entering the room.
  • A significant portion is dedicated to the mother's actions, sounds (coughing, yawning, hearing specific animal sounds), and gaze during labor, linking them to the child's future health, character, and fate (e.g., blindness, stupidity, wisdom, wealth, kingly status, illness, death).
  • Specific astrological connections are made, like the impact of lunar days (Purnima, Ashtami, Chaturthi) and celestial events (eclipses) on the newborn.
  • Particular emphasis is placed on avoiding looking at the moon on the fourth day of the bright half of the month (Shukla Paksha Chaturthi), citing tradition.

• Prastav 2: Auspicious and Inauspicious Omens Related to Marriage:

  • This chapter focuses on omens observed when going to consult an astrologer for marriage arrangements.
  • It discusses the importance of undertaking the journey at auspicious times (like "Amrit" Chaughadiya) and avoiding inauspicious ones.
  • It details the significance of the number of people accompanying, their attire (avoiding black), their actions (singing, sneezing), physical appearances (blindness, lameness, disability), and the objects they carry.
  • Omens observed immediately after leaving the house, such as tripping, spilling water, or an object falling, are explained.
  • A significant portion describes auspicious and inauspicious signs observed on the left and right sides during the journey, involving various birds (crows, peacocks, kites, owls, cranes, swans, etc.), animals (snakes, donkeys, camels), and people (women with vessels, children, women performing daily rituals).
  • Omens observed when meeting people on the way to the astrologer's house are also described, categorizing them as auspicious or inauspicious based on their actions and the items they carry.

• Prastav 3: Omens Related to Sleeping, Waking, Brushing Teeth, and Bathing:

  • Sleeping: Discusses auspicious signs during sleep, such as the direction of the head (east being best), the presence of certain sounds, and physical sensations. It lists many inauspicious habits while sleeping, such as sleeping with the head towards the south or west, sleeping with lights near the head or feet, sleeping naked, wearing black or yellow clothes, sleeping in a sitting or cross-legged position, sleeping on an uneven surface, or having certain objects near the bed.
  • Waking: Details auspicious signs upon waking, such as the direction of breathing through the nostrils, seeing or hearing certain objects or sounds, and performing specific actions. It also lists inauspicious signs, like waking up with a certain sensation or performing certain actions.
  • Brushing Teeth: Identifies auspicious trees for tooth-stick (datan) and auspicious directions for brushing (east and north). It warns against using certain types of sticks, brushing in the west or south, or brushing with bare feet, linking these to financial loss, family strife, or illness. It also interprets omens like bird droppings or falling flowers on the body during this activity.
  • Bathing: Specifies auspicious directions for bathing (east). It interprets sounds heard during bathing, such as horse whinnies or lion roars, as auspicious. It lists inauspicious signs related to bathing, such as water spilling, birds drinking from the bathwater, bathing unclothed, or experiencing certain bodily functions during the bath, linking them to illness or death.

• Prastav 4: Auspicious and Inauspicious Omens Related to Traveling Abroad:

  • This chapter provides guidance for those undertaking long journeys or traveling to foreign lands.
  • It advises against wearing black clothes and suggests carrying auspicious items like a coconut.
  • It details auspicious sounds and sights from the left side (e.g., certain birds, musical instruments) and inauspicious ones from the right.
  • It elaborates on omens observed when looking at people or animals encountered on the way, categorizing them based on their actions, attire, and the items they carry.
  • Specific emphasis is given to interpreting the appearance of people (men, women, courtesans, musicians, armed individuals, children, pregnant women) and animals (horses, elephants, cows, donkeys, monkeys, snakes) as either beneficial or detrimental to the journey.
  • It provides instructions on how to proceed or pause based on the encountered omens.
  • It also describes omens observed upon entering a city or town.

• Prastav 5: Examination of Rain:

  • This chapter focuses on predicting rainfall for the Chaturmas (four months of the monsoon season) based on observations made during the month of Jyeshtha (May-June).
  • It describes specific celestial phenomena (color of the sun's halo, clouds, lightning, thunder, wind) and the behavior of animals (elephants, cows, peacocks, cranes, cuckoos, parrots) during sunrise, sunset, and different times of the day on specific lunar days of Jyeshtha.
  • These observations are then correlated with the expected amount and timing of rainfall, indicating whether it will be abundant, scarce, beneficial for crops, or cause floods.

• Prastav 6: Omens for Business and Market Fluctuations (One Year Ahead):

  • This chapter focuses on predicting market trends and general events for the coming year by observing the moon's appearance on the second day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra (March-April).
  • It details how the moon's appearance (color of its halo, surrounding clouds, visible parts) and associated phenomena (like the presence of crows) can indicate changes in the prices of commodities like cotton, grains, sugar, oils, metals, and other goods.
  • It also touches upon potential calamities like epidemics or state interference.

• Prastav 7: Auspicious and Inauspicious Omens for Building a New House:

  • This chapter discusses the significance of trees growing on the land intended for house construction, with different trees leading to varying fortunes or misfortunes for the family (e.g., loss of progeny, financial gain, fame, illness, enemy defeat, wealth).
  • It also interprets the findings from digging the foundation. The nature of objects unearthed (animal remains, water, metals like copper or gold, human bones, artifacts, auspicious or inauspicious smells, musical sounds, divine images) is linked to the future prosperity, health, and well-being of the inhabitants.
  • It also covers the auspiciousness of the land's shape (square being best, others having varying effects) and the presence of water sources.

• Prastav 8: Omens Related to Conception and Child Mortality:

  • This chapter addresses factors that influence a woman's ability to conceive. It lists various actions, dietary habits, and environmental influences that can lead to infertility.
  • It also discusses omens observed during pregnancy that are believed to indicate the child's lifespan and health. These include the mother's actions, diet, physical movements, and exposure to certain things.

• Prastav 9: Understanding Omens, Directions, Time Cycles, and the Science of Omens:

  • This chapter appears to serve as a concluding section, likely summarizing key concepts or providing additional information. It mentions "Shakun Apashakun Visheni Samaj" (Understanding Omens and Inauspicious Omens), "Dishashool Javan-no Kogo" (A table for determining directional afflictions), "Divas tatha Ratrina Chaughadiya" (Day and Night Chaughadiyas - auspicious time periods), "Shakunvidyanu Swaroop" (The Nature of the Science of Omens), and "Pardesh Java Vigere Sambandhi Shakun Vichar" (Omen considerations for traveling abroad etc.).

Methodology and Interpretation:

The "Shakun Shastra" relies on observing a wide range of phenomena:

• Avian and Animal Behavior: The sounds, appearances, and actions of birds and animals are frequently interpreted as omens.
• Human Actions and Appearances: The behavior, dress, and possessions of people encountered during journeys or at specific times are significant.
• Natural Phenomena: Weather patterns, celestial bodies (moon, sun), and their appearance are used for predictions.
• Objects and Substances: The color, shape, and interaction with various objects and substances (e.g., vessels, metals, flowers, food items) carry meaning.
• Bodily Sensations and Actions: Sneezing, yawning, itching, and specific bodily functions are considered omens.
• Dreams: Dreams are also presented as a significant source of omens.

The book often provides specific interpretations for what constitutes an auspicious (Shubh) or inauspicious (Ashubh) omen, with many subtle variations based on the context, direction, and specific details of the observation.

Key Themes and Philosophical Underpinnings:

• Karma and Destiny: The text implicitly suggests that present actions and the consequences of past deeds (karma) manifest through these omens, influencing future events and destinies.
• Diligence and Prudence: By understanding these omens, individuals are encouraged to act prudently, undertake auspicious actions at favorable times, and avoid those that are deemed inauspicious to ensure success and well-being.
• Guidance for Daily Life: The book provides practical advice applicable to various aspects of life, from personal well-being and marriage to travel and business.

In essence, "Shakun Shastra" serves as a comprehensive manual for interpreting the subtle signs of the universe, aiming to guide individuals toward prosperity, happiness, and avoidance of misfortune in their endeavors.