Shant Sudharas Part 02 - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shant Sudharas Part 02" by Ratnasenvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shant Sudharas (Hindi Commentary) - Part Two Author of Original Work: Mahopadhyaya Shrimad Vinay Vijayji Commentator: Muni Shriratsen Vijayji M. Publisher: Swadhyay Sangh

Overview:

"Shant Sudharas Part 02" is the Hindi commentary by Muni Ratsensen Vijayji on the original Sanskrit work "Shant Sudharas" by Mahopadhyaya Vinay Vijayji. The original text beautifully expounds upon sixteen important contemplative practices (Bhavanas) in Jainism, presented in a lyrical, song-like poetic form. While the first part of the commentary focused on the first nine Bhavanas (starting with Anitya - impermanence), this second part delves into the remaining seven Bhavanas, specifically Dharma (Righteousness), Loka (The Universe), Bodhi (Right Faith/Enlightenment), Maitri (Friendliness), Pramoda (Appreciation of Virtues), Karuna (Compassion), and Madhyastha (Equanimity).

The commentary aims to make these profound spiritual concepts accessible to a wider Hindi-speaking audience, explaining their essence in a simple, clear, and engaging manner. The aim is for readers to internalize these Bhavanas and progress on the path of spiritual upliftment and liberation.

Key Themes and Bhavanas Discussed:

Dharma Bhavana (Contemplation of Righteousness): This chapter defines Dharma as consisting of four aspects: Dana (Charity/Generosity), Sheel (Good Conduct/Morality), Tapa (Austerities), and Bhava (Internal Disposition/Mindfulness). It elaborates on the importance of each, emphasizing that true Dharma is that which leads to liberation. Dana involves using one's resources for the welfare of others. Sheel is about self-control and discipline, particularly over the senses. Tapa is the means to burn off karmic attachments, and Bhava is the purity of one's inner intentions, which is considered the most crucial aspect. The text also describes Charitra Dharma (Conduct-based Righteousness) comprising ten virtues: Satya (Truth), Kshama (Forgance), Mardava (Humility), Shaucha (Purity), Sangatyaga (Non-possession), Aarjava (Simplicity), Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Spiritual Purity), Vimukti (Renunciation of Greed), Samyama (Self-control), and Tapa (Austerities). The immense power and impact of Dharma in maintaining the cosmic order and aiding individual well-being are highlighted.
Loka Swaroopa Bhavana (Contemplation of the Nature of the Universe): This section explores the structure and vastness of the Jain universe (Loka), which is divided into Adholoka (Lower realms), Tiryakloka (Middle realms), and Urdhvaloka (Upper realms). The detailed description of the seven hellish realms (Narakas) in Adholoka, the vast expanse of islands and oceans in Tiryakloka (including Mount Meru and the realms where humans reside), and the celestial abodes of gods in Urdhvaloka is provided. The purpose of this contemplation is to diminish ego and worldly pride by understanding one's insignielf within the grand cosmic scheme.
Bodhi Durlabha Bhavana (Contemplation of the Rarity of Enlightenment): This Bhavana stresses the extreme rarity of attaining Bodhi, which signifies right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct – the path to liberation. It highlights that even celestial beings envy human birth, and among humans, attaining right faith and the capacity for virtuous conduct is even rarer. The text discusses the journey of the soul through various states of existence, emphasizing the arduous path to attaining true enlightenment, which requires overcoming deep-seated ignorance (Moha) and false beliefs (Mithyatva).
Maitri Bhavana (Contemplation of Friendliness): This Bhavana emphasizes cultivating universal friendliness towards all beings, irrespective of their form or spiritual development. It teaches us to see all souls as essentially similar in their spiritual nature, even if their present conditions differ due to karma. This involves wishing well-being and happiness for everyone and eliminating any trace of enmity or ill-will. The text stresses that true spiritual progress is impossible without universal compassion.
Pramoda Bhavana (Contemplation of Appreciation of Virtues): This Bhavana encourages the appreciation of the virtues and good qualities found in others, including spiritual exemplars like Tirthankaras and accomplished spiritual practitioners. It advocates for celebrating the achievements and virtues of others rather than feeling envy. The text highlights that by admiring and aspiring to emulate the virtues of others, one can cultivate similar qualities within oneself.
Karuna Bhavana (Contemplation of Compassion): This Bhavana focuses on developing deep compassion for all suffering beings. It recognizes that suffering is inherent in the cycle of birth and death and that all souls, at some point, experience pain and distress. The text encourages active efforts to alleviate the suffering of others, reflecting the compassionate nature of the Tirthankaras.
Madhyastha Bhavana (Contemplation of Equanimity): This Bhavana advocates for maintaining a state of equanimity and impartiality towards all beings and situations. It teaches one to remain unaffected by both pleasant and unpleasant experiences, by praise and criticism, by gain and loss. This detachment arises from understanding the transient nature of all worldly phenomena and the ultimate reality of the soul. It also involves not getting overly involved or judgmental towards those who deviate from the righteous path, recognizing their karmic situation.

Commentator's Perspective (Muni Ratsensen Vijayji):

Muni Ratsensen Vijayji expresses his profound gratitude to his spiritual guide, Shrimad Bhadrakar Vijayji Ganivarya, for enabling him to undertake this commentary. He acknowledges the immense effort and deep understanding required to present the complex philosophical and spiritual concepts of "Shant Sudharas" in a simple and accessible Hindi. He hopes that this commentary will serve as a guide for all seekers of truth and contribute to their spiritual welfare.

Publisher's Note:

The publisher, Swadhyay Sangh, expresses immense pleasure in releasing this second part of the Hindi commentary. They praise "Shant Sudharas" as a precious text that beautifully explains the sixteen Bhavanas through melodious poetry. They acknowledge Muni Ratsensen Vijayji's diligent work in simplifying the text and express gratitude to all contributors. The ultimate wish is that the study of this book leads all souls towards self-realization and liberation.

Overall Message:

The commentary "Shant Sudharas Part 02" serves as a guide to cultivating profound spiritual qualities through the contemplation of key Jain Bhavanas. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of the universe, the rarity of spiritual opportunities, and the necessity of developing qualities like friendliness, appreciation of virtues, compassion, and equanimity. By internalizing these teachings and engaging in virtuous conduct, individuals can progress on the path of self-realization and ultimately achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.