Shanka Samadhan Part 01

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shanka Samadhan Part 01," authored by Rajshekharsuri and published by Arihant Aradhak Trust, based on the provided content:

Title: Shanka Samadhan Part 01 (શંકા-સમાધાન ભાગ-૧) Author: Acharya Rajshekharsuri (આચાર્ય શ્રી રાજશેખરસૂરીશ્વરજી મહારાજા) Publisher: Shri Arihant Aradhak Trust Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005309/1

Overall Theme: This book, "Shanka Samadhan Part 01," is a collection of questions and answers addressing various doubts and queries related to Jain practices, rituals, philosophy, and conduct. The primary focus is on providing clear, scripturally-based solutions to these doubts, aiming to guide the reader towards correct understanding and practice within Jainism.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. Author's Background and Accomplishments (Pages 5-6):

   • The introduction (Sampadakiy) highlights the esteemed author, Acharya Rajshekharsuri. He is described as a highly learned scholar (Vidwan, Shastrarth), deeply understanding the essence of scriptures (Gitarth), simple, detached (Nihsprihi), pious (Pāpbhiru), and serious.
   • He was sought after by many monks and nuns for confession and penance (Alochna-Prayashchit).
   • Acharya Rajshekharsuri was known for his extensive work in translating and commenting on various philosophical and practical Jain texts. Notable works mentioned include:
     • Gurutattvavinishchay
     • Yogadrishti Samuchchay
     • Yogabindu
     • Panchavastu
     • Upadeshapad
     • Dharmabindu
     • Vitarag Stotra
     • Panchashak Prakaran
     • Sambodh Prakaran
   • His commentary on the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra is widely accepted and respected in Jain pathshalas across India.
   • He also completed a full Gujarati translation of Acharya Haribhadrasuri's commentary on the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra, even during challenging health conditions.
   • The text notes his poor health in the later years of his life, subsisting on simple meals for the last 25 years, yet maintaining remarkable diligence (apramattata).
   • He attained Nirvana at the age of 74 years and 7 months, with 57 years of religious life. Even at his age, he continued to memorize scriptures, recently re-memorizing Shri Jñānsār and Tattvarthadhigam Sutras.

2. The "Shanka-Samadhan" (Doubt-Resolution) Tradition (Pages 10-15):

   • The text emphasizes the importance of "Swadhyaya" (self-study) in Jainism, equating "Shanka-Samadhan" (question-answer) as a form of "Mahatapa" (great penance).
   • It explains the five types of Swadhyaya: Vachana (listening to scriptures), Pruchchhana (asking questions to resolve doubts), Paravartana (repetition), Anupreksha (contemplation), and Dharmakatha (religious discourse). "Pruchchhana," or asking questions, is presented as the contemporary form of "Shanka-Samadhan."
   • The concept of "Shalyauddhar" (removing an arrow/splinter) is used as a metaphor for resolving doubts. Just as a thorn is removed by another thorn, ignorance is removed by expressing and resolving doubts.
   • The book draws a parallel with the scriptures themselves, like the Bhagavati Sutra, which contains 36,000 question-and-answer dialogues, highlighting the ancient tradition of resolving doubts.

3. The "Shanka-Samadhan" Section in "Kalyan" Magazine (Pages 12-15):

   • The book is a compilation of a popular section from the "Kalyan" monthly magazine, which Acharya Rajshekharsuri helmed for about 11 years.
   • During this period, 1192 questions and answers were published, addressing a wide range of topics.
   • The editor expresses immense gratitude to the author for his dedication and the valuable knowledge disseminated through this section.

4. Scope of Questions Covered (Pages 24-58):

   • The book is meticulously organized by subject matter, covering a vast array of topics relevant to Jain practice. The "Vishayanukram" (Subject Index) clearly outlines these areas:
     • Snātra Pujā (Ritual Bathing) related queries (Questions 1-6): Covering donation accounts, time of puja, appropriate deities, and the order of rituals like Aarti and Shantiklap.
     • General Puja (Worship) related queries (Questions 7-20): Addressing the qualities of a pujari, timing of puja, tilak application, purification rituals, and the use of vasakshep (colored rice).
     • Prakshāl (Cleansing) related queries (Questions 21-33): Discussing the timing of prakshāl, speaking duhas aloud, the use of milk vs. water, disposal of prakshāl water, and prakshāl in celestial realms.
     • Angalochana (Use of sacred cloth) and Baras-Kesar (Sandalwood paste) related queries (Questions 34-42): Covering the interchangeability of angalochana, drying procedures, the purity of baras, and the use of kesar.
     • Pushpa-Dhoopa-Āṅgī (Flowers, Incense, Adornment) related queries (Questions 43-61): Addressing the ethics of picking flowers, using cloves as substitutes, adorning specific body parts, the use of offerings, consecration rituals, incense, electric lamps, gold/silver leaf, kaaju for adornment, and the ringing of bells.
     • Ārtī-Mangaḷdīva (Worship with lamps) related queries (Questions 62-67): Covering the practice of offering money with ārtī, using coconut oil, and the sequence of ārtī and mangal dīpa.
     • Ashtaprakārī Pujā (Eightfold worship) related queries (Questions 68-91): Discussing the sequence of worship, the practice of baras puja, the role of milk in puja, worshipping other deities, the difference between dravya puja and bhav puja, the correctness of worshipping idols in the 'bhāmati' (outer circumambulatory path), the order of worshipping multiple idols, worshipping 'lanchans' (symbols), dealing with defective idols/temples, consecrating new metal idols, worshipping idols with 'parikar' (halo), the ethics of touching idols' feet, attire during puja, the seven types of purity, the use of rice (akshata), and the integrity of metal idols.
     • Adharābhishek (Eighteen Abhishekas) related queries (Questions 92-95): Discussing the validity of prakshāl for idols that have undergone 18 abhishekas, the use of saffron, and the accounting for abhishekam materials.
     • Pujana (Ritual worship) related queries (Questions 96-104): Covering donation accounts for pujana, honoring individuals during pujana, the extent of discourse during puja, prohibitions on non-devotional speech, the appropriateness of singing non-Jain songs, the role of paid singers, the validity of performing puja for Siddhachakra during weddings, and the participation of women in dance during pujana.
     • Jinamandir (Jain Temple) related queries (Questions 105-141): Addressing the establishment of home shrines, issues with upper floors, use of photographs, ideal number of idols, idol placement, the concept of 'parikar', the integrity of idols when joined, cleaning of idols and parikars, the direction of puja, the reasons for impurity, the validity of idols with 18 abhishekas, the use of temple funds, donation acceptance conditions, the practice of offering prabhavana, the source of funds for footwipes, the placement of lamps, and the practice of taking pachan (fasting vows) from Gurus instead of performing prakshāl.
     • Dhwajaa (Flag) related queries (Questions 157-165): Discussing the purpose of flag hoisting, the disposal of old flags, the spiritual significance of keeping flags at home, the implications of a temple flag's shadow falling on a house, the appropriateness of flags with specific colors, the use of old flags for specific rituals, and the rights to hoist flags in rebuilt temples.
     • Anjan-Pratishtha (Consecration rituals) related queries (Questions 166-180): Covering the timing and performers of Anjan Shalaaka, the validity of keeping un-consecrated idols, the timeframe for consecration, the propriety of specific rituals like 'Chori Mandi Parnavani' for Nemnath, the origin of temple funds from consecration ceremonies, and the practice of repeating consecration ceremonies for foreign idols.
     • Phal-Naivedya (Fruits and Offerings) related queries (Questions 181-185): Addressing the use of offerings, donating offerings as charity, and the types of fruits and naivedya that are acceptable.
     • Chaitya Vandan (Salutation to Tirthankaras) related queries (Questions 186-194): Discussing the necessity of Irjavahia before Chaitya Vandan, the appropriate posture for Chaitya Vandan, the validity of reciting specific stotras in temples, and the use of chairs for elderly devotees.
     • Tirth (Holy Places) related queries (Questions 195-219): Defining Tirth, addressing late darshan in popular Tirths, the merit of performing specific yatras like Shatrunjay's 6-Gaun Yatra, the calculation of yatra, the practice of worshipping at alternative shrines, the proper disposal of temple stones, the use of food offerings at Siddhachal, the absence of Anjan Pratishtha mentions for certain idols, the appropriateness of ACs in dharmashalas at Palitana, the scriptural basis for Girnar's 99 yatras, the timing of Shatrunjay yatras, and the ethics of naming new mountains after Tirths and the concept of "Mini Shatrunjay."
     • Tirthankar related queries (Questions 220-238): Covering the history of Shankheshwar Parshvanath's idol, the significance of hoods over Parshvanath's heads, the reasons for multiple hoods, the placement of Dharanendra, the logic behind hoods for Suparshvanath, the paradox of divine help in Tirthankara's enlightenment, the cause of Indra's throne shaking during a Tirthankara's birth, the influence of Tirthankara's virtues on nature, the permissibility of praying to become a Tirthankara, the stability of Viharmān Jins' locations, and the compassion of Simandhar Swami.
     • Rath Yatra (Chariot Procession) and Varshi Daan (Annual Charity) related queries (Questions 248-260): Addressing the conduct of musicians during processions, the use of funds for processions, the appropriateness of dancing in processions (both male and female), and the nature and practice of Varshi Daan.
     • Navkar Mahamantra related queries (Questions 261-276): Delving into the origin, nature (Sutra vs. Mantra), eternal quality, the reason for it being the foremost mangal, the meaning of its words, the order of its recitation, the composer of its 'chulikas' (appendages), its presence in Anga Sutras, its efficacy in destroying sins, and the reason for chanting Logassa instead of Navkar in Kaussagg.
     • Dharma (Religion) and Aradhana (Worship/Practice) related queries (Questions 277-288): Exploring the fruits of dharma (both in this life and the next), the differences between Jain and non-Jain deities/gurus/dharma, the motivation for practicing dharma (for moksha vs. worldly happiness), the comparison between religious and non-religious individuals, the use of religious oaths, dealing with individuals dissuaded from religion, the role of charity in Jainism, the timing and purpose of specific worships, the method of performing 'Antim Samay ni Aradhana' (worship at the time of death), the intention behind religious practices (world peace vs. self-peace), and the purpose of 'Pagla' (footprints) in homes and businesses.
     • Samayik (Equanimity Practice) and Paushadh (Fasting Practice) related queries (Questions 289-318): Covering the duration of Samayik, the interaction with monks during Samayik, the proper way to request permissions ('aadesh'), the sequence of Samayiks, the validity of continuing Samayik when the prescribed time is interrupted, the use of chairs, the permissibility of praying to idols in one's home, and the various rules and interpretations surrounding Paushadh, including its timing, the recitation of prayers, and the use of ornaments.
     • Pratikraman (Confession and Expiation) related queries (Questions 319-388): This is a significant portion, covering the sequence of rituals, the validity of different types of Pratikraman, the interpretation of scriptures regarding it, the issue of speaking softly or loudly, the grammatical correctness of recited verses, the role of the Guru in Pratikraman, the practice of 'khāmna' (seeking forgiveness), the use of specific stotras like Santikar and Sakal Arhat, and the permissibility of various actions during Pratikraman such as sneezing or using mobile phones.
     • Kaussagg (Meditation) related queries (Questions 389-394): Discussing the specific verses to chant during Kaussagg, the number of Navkars to recite, and the procedure if one forgets a part of the practice.
     • Sachitt-Achitt (Living vs. Non-living entities) and Bhakshyābhakshya (Permissible vs. Impermissible food) related queries (Questions 395-514): This is another extensive section addressing the Jain dietary laws, including the classification of various food items, the conditions under which they become permissible or impermissible, the concept of 'kaal' (time limits), and the usage of specific ingredients like salt, lime, water, milk products, spices, fruits, and vegetables.

Key Takeaway: "Shanka Samadhan Part 01" serves as a comprehensive guide for Jain lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas) to understand and correctly practice their religious duties. It addresses common doubts that arise in daily life and during religious observances, providing clarity and reinforcing scriptural adherence. The book is a testament to Acharya Rajshekharsuri's deep knowledge and his commitment to serving the Jain community by dispelling ignorance and promoting right understanding.