Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 03 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 03," authored by Vinayrakshitvijay and published by Shastra Sandesh Mala, based on the provided catalog link and page scans.

Book Title: Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 03 Author(s): Vinayrakshitvijay Publisher: Shastra Sandesh Mala Compilation: Based on the guidance of P.P. Acharya Bh. Shrimad Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji, compiled by P.P. Nyas Shri Bodhiratnavijayji M. Sa.'s disciple P.P. Mu. Shri Vinayrakshitvijayji M. Sa. Edition: First Edition, Vijaya Dashami, V.S. 2061 Price: Rs. 40/- (Cost Price)

Overview:

"Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 03" is part of a larger series aimed at disseminating Jain scriptures and teachings. This particular volume is a compilation of works, primarily featuring the compositions of the venerable Acharya Shri Haribhadrasurishwarji Maharaj. The publication is dedicated to providing accessible Jain literature, with a strong emphasis on accuracy and purification of the texts.

Key Contents and Authorship:

The book contains a collection of important Jain texts, presented in a systematic manner. The table of contents (Ankramanika) on page 9 lists the following works:

Vimishati Vishika (विंशतिर्विशिकाः) (Pages 1-34): This section appears to be a compilation of 20 distinct treatises or chapters, covering various philosophical and practical aspects of Jainism. The content within these "Vishika" sections delves into concepts like "Adhikara Vimishika" (Chapter 20, Pages 1-34), "Anadi Vimishika" (Beginningless Treatises, Pages 35-45), "Kulneeti Lok Dharma Vimishika" (Family Ethics and Worldly Dharma Treatises, Pages 45-51), "Charamavart Vimishika" (Final Cycles Treatises, Pages 52-71), "Beejadvishika" (Seed Treatises, Pages 72-96), "Saddharma Vimishika" (True Dharma Treatises, Pages 96-119), "Dhan Vimishika" (Charity Treatises, Pages 119-133), "Pooja Vidhi Vimishika" (Worship Procedure Treatises, Pages 133-160), "Shravak Dharma Vimishika" (Layman's Dharma Treatises, Pages 160-180), "Pratima Vimishika" (Idol Worship Treatises, Pages 180-213), "Yati Dharma Vimishika" (Ascetic Dharma Treatises, Pages 213-257), "Shiksha Vimishika" (Education Treatises, Pages 257-265), "Bhiksha Vimishika" (Alms-seeking Treatises, Pages 265-306), and other related topics. The numbering of these Vimishikas seems to relate to verses or sections within them, as indicated by the verse numbers following the titles.
Shravak Dharma Vidhi (श्रावकधर्मविधिः) (Pages 35-45): This text details the prescribed duties and conduct for lay Jains (Shravakas).
Nana Chitta Prakaran (नानाचित्तप्रकरणम्) (Pages 45-51): This treatise likely discusses the nuances of various states of mind or intentions.
Dharmabindu (धर्मबिन्दुः) (Pages 52-71): A significant work, possibly explaining the essence or principles of Dharma. The text mentions "Dharmabindu" with a substantial verse count (260).
Ashtakani (अष्टकानि) (Pages 72-96): This refers to collections of eight verses or stanzas, likely hymns or devotional pieces dedicated to various deities or principles within Jainism. Examples of Ashtakas mentioned include "Mahadeva Ashtak" and "Snana Ashtak."
Shodashak Prakaran (षोडशकप्रकरणम्) (Pages 96-119): This section contains treatises or chapters, likely 16 in number, on specific subjects. The verse count is substantial (257).
Lokatatva Nirnay (लोकतत्त्वनिर्णयः) (Pages 120-133): This text aims to clarify the principles or truths related to the worldly existence or universe.
Himsaphala Ashtak (हिंसाफलाष्टकम्) (Page 134): A collection of eight verses likely detailing the consequences of violence (Himsa).
Shastravarta Samuccaya (शास्त्रवार्तासमुच्चयः) (Pages 134-193): A comprehensive collection of discussions or dialogues related to Jain scriptures. This is a substantial work with 701 verses mentioned.
Yogadrishti Samuccaya (योगदृष्टिसमुच्चयः) (Pages 194-213): This text likely discusses various levels or perspectives of Yoga. It has 228 verses.
Yogabindu (योगबिन्दुः) (Pages 213-257): This likely focuses on the principles or essence of Yoga. It has a large verse count of 527.
Yogashataka (योगशतकम्) (Pages 257-265): A collection of 100 verses related to Yoga.
Dhurtakhyanam (धूर्ताख्यानम्) (Pages 265-306): This is a collection of tales or narratives, possibly illustrating the cunning or deceptive actions of certain individuals. It has 485 verses.
Dhumavali (धूमावली) (Pages 306-307): A shorter text with 14 verses, the meaning of which is not immediately clear from the title alone.
Sarvashri Jin Sadharan Stavan (सर्वश्रीजिनसाधारणस्तवनम्) (Page 308): A general hymn or praise of all Jinas. It has 8 verses.
Parishishtha-1 (परिशिष्ठ-१) (Pages 1-8): This is likely an appendix or supplementary material.

Total Verse Count: 3580 verses. Total Page Count: 8 (preliminary) + 308 (main content) + 8 (appendix) = 324 pages.

Editorial and Publication Details:

Compilation: The text was compiled by P.P. Mu. Shri Vinayrakshitvijayji M. Sa. under the guidance of P.P. Nyas Shri Bodhiratnavijayji M. Sa., who is a disciple of P.P. Acharya Bh. Shri Mad Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji.
Purification and Correction: The text underwent purification and correction by several esteemed individuals, including P.P. A. Shri Vijay Virshekharasurishwarji M. Sa., P.P. Mu. Shri Hitarakshitvijayji M. Sa., P.P. A. Shri Yogtilaksurishwarji M. Sa.'s disciple P.P. Mu. Shri Shrutiltakvijayji M. Sa., P.P. Sa. Shri Dakshashriji M. Na.'s disciple P.P. Sa. Shri Bhadrajnashriji M., and Pandit Ratibhai Chimanalal Doshi.
Type Setting: Payal Printers - Radhanpur and Shriji Graphics - Paldi, Ahmedabad.
Printing: Shivkrupa Offset Printers, Dudheshwar, Ahmedabad.
Financial Support: The publication of parts 1 to 20 of the Shastra Sandesh Mala series was made possible through the "Gyan Dravya" (knowledge fund) of Shri Surat Tapgachchh Ratrayi Aradhak Sangh - Clo Vijayramchandrasurishwarji Aradhana Bhavan, Surat. The Shastra Sandesh Mala expresses gratitude to the Sangh and its trustees.
Library Sources: To obtain the original texts for over 400 works included in the 1 to -20 parts of the Shastra Sandesh Mala, extensive use was made of the knowledge repositories of several institutions, including:
1. Shri Vijaygachchh Jain Upashray - Radhanpur
2. Shri Naginbhai Jain Paushadhshala - Patan
3. Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji Aradhana Bhavan - Surat
4. Shri Jainanand Pustakalay - Surat
5. Shri Mohanlalji Jain Upashray - Surat
6. Shri Danasuriji Gyanmandir - Ahmedabad
7. Jain Aradhana Bhavan Trust - Ahmedabad
8. Shri Kailashsagarsuriji Gyanmandir - Koba
9. Shri Neminandan Shatabdi Trust - Ahmedabad

Content Focus and Significance:

The editorial note highlights the significant contribution of ancient Jain āchāryas who composed vast literature, particularly in verse form (padyam). This publication aims to present over 400 chapters and approximately 70,001 verses in a new, accessible format. The series comprises 20 books, with seven of them containing the poetic literature of Acharya Shri Haribhadrasurishwarji Maharaj and Upashri Yashovijayji M. Sa. The remaining thirteen books feature works from various authors, organized thematically. The emphasis on purity and accuracy, with renowned scholars involved in the revision process, underscores the commitment to preserving the integrity of these ancient texts.

The introductory sections also include a section on "Swadhyaya" (Self-Study), emphasizing its vital importance for ascetics and spiritual practitioners, calling it a "Sanjivani" (life-restoring herb) and "Amrut" (nectar). It also stresses the need for strict adherence to scriptural principles in speech and conduct.

Overall Purpose:

The "Shastra Sandesh Mala" series, as exemplified by Part 03, serves as a valuable resource for Jain scholars, students, and practitioners, making the profound teachings of Jainism readily available in a purified and organized form. The compilation honors the legacy of previous āchāryas and fosters the continuation of Jain learning.