Shant Sudharasam Part 01

This document appears to be the first volume of "Shant Sudharasam," a Jain text containing spiritual discourses delivered by Acharya Bhagwant Shri Vijay Ratnachandrasuri M.S. (from Dhelawala) during the Chaturmas of Samvat 2056.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Book Details (Pages 1-3):

• Title: Shant Sudharasam (Part 1)
• Author/Speaker: Acharya Bhagwant Shri Vijay Ratnachandrasuri M.S. (from Dhelawala)
• Original Composer of the text being discussed: Upadhyay Shri Vinayvijayji M.
• Publisher: Shri Purushadaniya Parshwanath Jain Sangh
• Content: Discourses delivered during Chaturmas of Samvat 2056.
• Purpose: To capture the essence of the discourses and make them accessible in written form.
• Inspiration: The discourses are based on the "Shant Sudharas Granth" by Upadhyay Shri Vinayvijayji.

Foreword/Introduction by the Sangh (Pages 4-6):

• This section expresses immense gratitude and appreciation towards Acharya Shri Vijay Ratnachandrasuri for his Chaturmas discourses.
• The discourses are described as incredibly sweet, like pieces of sugar, with no bitterness.
• Highlights of the Chaturmas mentioned include:
  • A massive turnout for the Acharya's arrival, suggesting a significant event.
  • The belief that the Chaturmas yielded 40 "gems" from the "churning" of spiritual knowledge.
  • A children's camp, a first for the Sangh.
  • Worship of the "Moksha Lakshmi Tap" and the enthusiastic participation in it.
  • The unique "Vama Mata no Thaal" ceremony.
  • The daily spiritual discourses that provided profound knowledge, emphasizing that the mind is for filling with wisdom, not just information.
  • Discourses on the Ramayana and musical lectures on "Ratnakar Pachchishi" that instilled devotion.
  • The four-month long reading of the "Shant Sudharas Granth" itself, which deeply resonated with the listeners.
  • The Sangh's request to the Acharya to compile these discourses into a book, which he graciously accepted, resulting in "Shant Sudharasam."
  • A grand Pooja during Paryushan with an unimaginable number of attendees.
  • The success of various religious observances like Shanti Sastra, a week-long festival, the celebration of 38 idols.
  • The immense participation in filling idols.
  • The captivating evening devotional sessions (Sandhya Bhakti), a grand Rath Yatra.
  • A guided meditation of Shatrunjay Tirth.
  • Practices during Ashvin month (Shashvati Oli) and discourses on Diwali.
  • A Rangoli competition that impressed everyone.
  • A grand gathering of children and the "Takda Bandh Abhiyan" (a campaign related to some binding).
  • A significant Chaturmas change, a "royal welcome."
  • Other devotional practices like Daridra Nivaran Tap, Ekasana ceremonies for various Tirthankaras, Saraswati Sadhana, etc.
• The Sangh expresses that they have received much from the Acharya, comparing him to a cloud that rained generously, enriching them.

Information about the Author of the Original Text (Upadhyay Shri Vinayvijayji M.) (Page 7-8):

• Lineage: Disciple of Acharya Shri Heeravijaysuriji M., who was the 58th pontiff in the lineage of Lord Vardhaman Swami. Heeravijayji was a great renunciate, ascetic, and influential figure, known for influencing Emperor Akbar.
• Successors: Vijay Sen Suri, Vijay Dev Suri, Vijay Singh Suri, Vijay Prabh.
• Vinayvijayji: A renowned scholar during the reign of Vijay Prabh.
• Birth Year: Not precisely known.
• Demise: Mentioned in Shripal Ras as occurring in Samvat 1938 in Randher.
• Family: Son of Tejpal and Rajeshrhi, born into a merchant (Vanik) caste.
• Guru: Upadhyay Shri Kirti vijayji.
• Association: Had a close friendship with Upadhyay Yashovijayji, and they studied together in Kashi.
• Scholarly Works:
  • "Subodhika" commentary on Kalpa Sutra (Samvat 1699).
  • "Lokprakash" compilation from hundreds of scriptures, containing Dravya, Kshetra, Kaal, and Bhav details, with original verses. Completed in Samvat 1708.
  • "Hemlaghu Prakriya," a summary of grammar, with a commentary called "Hem Prakash."
  • "Shant Sudharas Granth" (Samvat 1723), composed in the evening of his life, focusing on detachment.
  • "Punyaprakash Stavan" (Samvat 1729).
  • "Bhagvati Sutra Sajhay" (Samvat 1731).
  • "Shripal Raja no Raas" (Samvat 1738) at the request of the Randher Sangh, which he was completing at the time of his demise.
• Approximate Lifespan: Samvat 1689 to 1738.
• Other Works: Numerous smaller works like Chopachi Stavan, Naykanika, Indradut, Vishistavan, Pattavali Sajhay.

Information about the Publication of this Volume (Page 9-11):

• Initiation: The process began in Phalgun Vad, Samvat 2056, when the Devkinandan Jain Sangh requested the Chaturmas from the Gachhadhipati Acharya Shri Vijay Ramsurishwarji M.S.
• The Decision: The request was accepted, and the Chaturmas was scheduled.
• Acharya Ratnachandrasuri's Reflection: While preparing for the discourses, the Acharya recalled the "Shant Sudharas Granth" from his childhood. Reading it had always stirred his heart. He decided to read from this Granth during the discourses, which filled him with joy. The presence of learned and spiritually inclined listeners doubled his enthusiasm.
• The Process of Publication: The discourses were based on the commentary of Pandit Gambhirvijayji M. on "Shant Sudharas." The Acharya did not initially intend to write the lectures but was later persuaded by the Sanghiya Pravinbhai Balubhai, who insisted that the Granth should be completed and the lectures compiled into a book. The Sanghiya threatened to not let the Acharya leave until the book was finished.
• Acharya's Hesitation and Agreement: The Acharya, not accustomed to extensive writing and feeling it was beyond his capacity, eventually agreed due to the Sangh's persistent request. The Devkinandan Sangh took on the responsibility of the publication.
• Fundraising: The necessary funds for the book were raised quickly within five minutes during a function.
• Writing Process: During the four months of his Vihar (travel), the Acharya diligently wrote down the discourses, refining the language and adding new words.
• Content of this Volume: This first part covers the commentary on Bhavana 1 to 8. The remaining Bhavanas are planned for a subsequent release.
• Attribution of Excellence: The Acharya attributes any special qualities or beauty in the book to the grace of his Guru, and any shortcomings to his own limitations.
• Gratitude to Upadhyay Vinayvijayji: The Acharya emphasizes that Upadhyay Vinayvijayji, a "diamond of the Jain Shasan," did a great service by composing "Shant Sudharas" and urges readers not to forget him.
• Aspiration: The hope is that this book will fill minds with virtuous thoughts, detach them from material possessions, and lead to the shedding of karmas for liberation.
• Acknowledgement: Appreciation is extended to Shri Kirtibhai Mafatlal Gandhi of "M. Babulal Printry" for their meticulous printing work.
• Request for Correction: Learned scholars are requested to point out any errors for future corrections.
• Final Apology: The Acharya seeks forgiveness for any inaccuracies or deviations from the author's intent or Jain scriptures.

Content of the Discourses (Pages 14 onwards): The provided text then dives into the actual discourses, beginning with the first verse and explaining the concept of "Shant Sudharas" as the nectar that pacifies the soul. It then proceeds to explain:

• Samsara as a Forest: Characterizing the cycle of birth and death as a dense forest with no apparent exit.
• The Fourfold Afflictions of Samsara: Describing the world as filled with:
  1. Jungle: A perilous and inescapable wilderness.
  2. Rain of Ashravas: The continuous downpour of influxes like Mithyatva (false beliefs), Avirati (non-restraint), Pramad (carelessness), Kashay (passions), and Yoga (activities of mind, speech, and body).
  3. Vines of Karma: Entangling creepers of various types of karma.
  4. Darkness of Moha: The blinding darkness of delusion.
• Detailed Explanation of Ashravas: The text elaborates on the nature of Ashravas, their subcategories, and how they lead to karma bondage and suffering. It includes explanations of Aart Dhyan (sorrowful meditation) and Raudra Dhyan (fierce meditation) and their causes.
• The Power of Jinavani: The text emphasizes that the teachings of the Tirthankaras (Jinavani) are the only savior in this cycle of existence.
• The Twelve Bhavanas (Meditations): The discourses are structured around the contemplation of twelve key spiritual principles, including:
  • Anitya Bhavana (Impermanence): Contemplating the transient nature of the body, lifespan, possessions, relationships, and senses.
  • Asharan Bhavana (Lack of Refuge): Understanding that in times of crisis, no worldly possession or person can truly save the soul.
  • Samsara Bhavana (The Cycle of Existence): Describing the suffering and rebirth across various life forms and realms.
  • Ekattva Bhavana (Solitude): Realizing that the soul is alone in its journey and experiences karma.
  • Anyattva Bhavana (Otherness): Differentiating the soul from the body and external objects.
  • Ashuchi Bhavana (Impurity): Recognizing the inherent impurity of the physical body.
  • Ashrav Bhavana (Influxes): Understanding how actions and passions lead to karma influxes.
  • Samvar Bhavana (Restraint): The means to stop karma influxes.
  • Nirjara Bhavana (Shedding of Karma): Practices to eliminate accumulated karma.
  • Dharma Bhavana (Righteousness): The path of virtue and ethical conduct.
  • Lokswarup Bhavana (Nature of the Universe): Understanding the structure and workings of the cosmos.
  • Bodhi-durlabh Bhavana (Rarity of Spiritual Awakening): Appreciating the preciousness of the opportunity for spiritual awakening in human birth.
• The Importance of Bhavanas: The text highlights that without cultivating these Bhavanas, even scholars cannot experience true peace, and the world, filled with the poison of Moha and Vishad, offers no lasting happiness.
• Examples and Illustrations: The text uses various analogies and stories to illustrate its points, such as the story of Nami-Raja, the stages of life, the nature of the body, and the consequences of attachments.
• Emphasis on Inner Peace: The ultimate goal is to attain inner peace (Shanti) by detaching from the external and focusing on the soul.

Overall Purpose:

The volume aims to provide spiritual guidance and a path to inner peace and liberation by deeply exploring the philosophical and practical aspects of Jainism, particularly through the lens of the "Shant Sudharas Granth" and the profound teachings of Acharya Shri Vijay Ratnachandrasuri. The compilation is a testament to the spiritual richness and the devotional fervor of the Jain community.