Shalopayogi Jain Prashnottara 01

This document is the first volume of "Shalopayogi Jain Prashnottara" (School-Useful Jain Questions and Answers), authored by Dr. Dharshi Gulabchand Sanghani and published by Kamdar Zaverchand Jadhavji. The book is intended for Jain schools and for individuals seeking primary knowledge of Jainism. The translation is a Hindi rendition of a Gujarati original.

The book is structured as a series of questions and answers, covering fundamental concepts of Jainism across several chapters:

Chapter 1: Loka and Aloka (The Universe and Non-Universe) This chapter defines the universe (Loka) as having three main divisions: Urdhvaloka (upper world), Adholoka (lower world), and Tiryakloka (middle world). It explains that humans reside in the Tiryakloka. It also introduces Aloka (non-universe) as the space surrounding the Loka, which is infinite and contains only space. The combined entity is called Lokaaloka.

Chapter 2: Identification of the Five Supreme Beings (Panch Parmeshthi) This section identifies the Panch Parmeshthi: Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu. It explains their characteristics, such as omniscience (Sarvajna), their abode (Siddha Kshetra for Siddhas), and the number of arms they possess. It also delves into the concept of Karma, its eight types, and how many Karmas each of the Parmeshthi have (Siddhas have none, Arihants have four, etc.). The Navkar Mantra is explained verse by verse, detailing the meaning of each word and the hierarchy of reverence.

Chapter 3: Jiva-Tattva and Ajiva-Tattva (Soul and Non-Soul) This chapter explains the fundamental Jain principle of two primary categories of existence: Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul). It uses analogies like oil in sesame seeds to illustrate how the soul pervades the body. It clarifies that the soul is eternal and does not die, but rather transmigrates to a new body upon death. The body itself is considered Ajiva (inanimate).

Chapter 4: Islands and Oceans (Dweep and Samudra) This chapter provides a geographical description of the Jain universe, focusing on the concentric arrangement of islands (Dweep) and oceans (Samudra). It details the dimensions and names of major islands and oceans, starting with Jambudweep (where humans live) and Lavan Samudra, followed by Dhataki Khand, Kalodadhi Samudra, and Pushkar Dweep. It also introduces the Manushyottara mountain, which marks the boundary of human habitation in the Adhai Dweep (two and a half islands).

Chapter 5: Conduct of Monks (Sadhu-ji ka Achar) This chapter outlines the strict code of conduct for Jain monks (Sadhu). It details the five great vows (Panch Mahavrat) – non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession. It also mentions the sixth vow of abstaining from night meals. The chapter touches upon their simple lifestyle, their reliance on alms (Gochari), their attire, and the practice of Padilehan (careful examination of objects to avoid harming small creatures).

Chapter 6: Understanding Sentient and Non-Sentient (Sachet and Acheta) This chapter focuses on the Jain concept of living beings (Sachet) and non-living entities (Acheta). It explains that water, vegetables, grains, and minerals can be sentient or non-sentient depending on their state and how they are prepared. For example, raw vegetables are sentient, but cooked vegetables become non-sentient. The importance of using non-sentient items is stressed for Jain monks.

Chapter 7: Mobile and Immobile Beings (Trasa and Sthavara) This chapter categorizes living beings into two main types: Trasa (mobile beings with two or more senses) and Sthavara (immobile beings with only one sense). It details the five types of Sthavara beings: Earth-bodied (Prithvikaya), Water-bodied (Apokaya), Fire-bodied (Teukaya), Air-bodied (Vau-kaya), and Vegetation-bodied (Vanaspati-kaya). It also discusses the classification of beings based on their number of senses and their life-cycle stages (apparyapta and paryapta).

Chapter 8: Teachings of Mahavir (Mahavir Shasan) This chapter focuses on Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar. It provides biographical details such as his parents (Trishala Devi and Siddhartha), his lineage (Kshatriya), his capital city, his brother, his physical attributes (complexion, height), and his lifespan. It explains that he attained omniscience after 12.5 years of asceticism and then propagated the Jain dharma, establishing the path to liberation and creating the orders of monks and lay followers.

Chapter 9: Principles of Merit and Demerit (Punya Tattva and Pap Tattva) This chapter explains the concepts of Punya (merit) and Pap (demerit) as the results of good and bad deeds, respectively. It states that these actions influence one's rebirth and experiences in different life forms. It clarifies that both Punya and Pap are considered Ajiva (non-soul) in nature. It also touches upon the timing of karma fruition and how individuals in any life form can experience the results of past good or bad deeds.

Chapter 10: Consideration of Edibles and Non-Edibles (Bhakshyabhakshya ka Vichar) This chapter details what is permissible to eat and what is forbidden (Abhakshya) according to Jain principles. It identifies prohibited items like meat, alcohol, root vegetables (Kandmul), honey, and old butter. It explains the reasons for these prohibitions, primarily focusing on the harm caused to living beings. It also provides guidance on the types of grains, dairy products, and fruits that are considered suitable for Jains to consume.

Chapter 11: Types of Humans (Manushya ke Bhed) This chapter categorizes humans into four main types: Karmabhumi (those who engage in professions like agriculture, crafts, and administration), Akarmabhumi (those who subsist on wish-fulfilling trees), Antardveepa (inhabitants of islands within the oceans), and Samurchhima (those born from impurities without parents). It elaborates on the characteristics of each type, including their lifespan, birth process, and the regions they inhabit.

Chapter 12: Types of Animals (Tiryanch ke Bhed) This chapter classifies animals (Tiryanch) into three main categories based on their senses: Ekendriya (one-sensed, i.e., Sthavara), Viklendriya (two, three, or four-sensed), and Panchendriya (five-sensed). It provides examples and further sub-classifications for each category, including aerial (Khechar), aquatic (Jalchar), and terrestrial (Sthalchar) creatures, as well as those that crawl (Urpar) and move on legs (Bhujpar).

The book aims to provide a foundational understanding of Jainism in a clear and accessible question-and-answer format, making it a valuable resource for learning and teaching.