Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 10

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 10" by Vinayrakshitvijay, published by Shastra Sandesh Mala. The book is a compilation of various Jain scriptures and teachings, presented in a structured manner for educational and personal use.

Key Aspects and Content:

• Compilation and Author: The book is compiled by Muni Shri Vinayrakshitvijayji M.S., a disciple of Muni Shri Bodhiratnavijayji M.S., who was the chief disciple of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Ramachandrasurishwarji. The publication is by Shastra Sandesh Mala, Surat.
• Scope and Content: This is the 10th part of the "Shastra Sandesh Mala" series, and it focuses on "Acharasattaniaro" (likely referring to conduct and practices). The table of contents, spanning pages 9-15 and indicated by verse numbers (e.g., 1-9, 9-18), reveals a wide range of topics crucial to Jain practice and philosophy. These include:
  • Purity of Principles (Mulshuddhi): Foundational purity in Jain tenets.
  • Purity of Alms (Pindavishuddhi): Principles related to obtaining and consuming food (alms) purely, as detailed in the text.
  • Daily Conduct of Ascetics (Yati Dinacharya): The prescribed daily routines for monks.
  • Understanding of Hymns (Stav Parigya): The meaning and significance of Jain hymns and praises.
  • Ritual of Idol Consecration (Jinbimba Pratishtha Vidhi): The procedures for consecrating Jain idols.
  • Great Exposition on Temple Worship (Chetiyavandan Mahabhashya): A detailed discourse on temple worship and veneration.
  • Explanation of Right Faith (Darshanprakaran): Understanding and maintaining the correct Jain faith.
  • Treatise on Nine Principles (Navpad Prakaran): Explanation of the nine essential elements in Jainism.
  • Status of Lay Disciples (Shravak Prajnapti): The duties and conduct of lay followers.
  • Daily Duties of Lay Disciples (Shraddh Din Kritya): Prescribed daily activities for lay followers.
  • Lay Rituals (Shraddh Vidhi): General rituals and practices for lay followers.
  • Jewels of Upadesha (Upadesha Chintamani): Gems of spiritual advice and teachings.
  • Treatise on the Jewel of Dharma (Dharmaratna Prakaran): Elucidating the jewel of righteousness in Jainism.
  • Seventy Verses on Right Faith (Samyaktva Saptati): A collection of seventy verses on the principles of Right Faith.
  • Great Exposition on Obeisance (Brihad Vandan Bhashya): A detailed discourse on various forms of obeisance.
  • Nature of Renunciation (Pratyakhyan Swarup): Understanding the essence of renunciation.
  • Method of Observance (Pausadh Vidhi): The rules and procedures for observing the Paushadh (fasting) day.
  • Method of Upadhana (Upadhana Vidhi): Details on a specific ascetic practice.
  • Nature of Twelve Vows (Dwadash Vrat Swarup): Explanation of the twelve vows undertaken by Jain followers.
  • Method of Charity (Dan Vidhi): Principles and practices related to Jain charity.
  • Appendices (Parishishtha): Additional supplementary material.
• Commitment to Accuracy: The publication emphasizes a special focus on accuracy ("shuddhi" and "pramarjana"). The text mentions that specific revered figures have reviewed and corrected the content, including Muni Shri Hitarakshitvijayji M.S., Muni Shri Shrut Tilakvijayji M.S. (for Sanskrit texts), and Sadhvi Shri Bhadrajnaji M., along with Pandit Rati Bhaichimanlal Doshi, who is noted for his esteemed position among Jain scholars and for meticulously checking the entire matter of all 20 parts of the Shastra Sandesh Mala.
• Sources and Acknowledgements: The book acknowledges the use of valuable knowledge repositories from various institutions and trusts for obtaining original texts. Special gratitude is expressed to the Shri Surat Tapgachha Ratnatrayi Aradhak Sangh for their financial support from their "gyan dravya" (knowledge fund) for parts 1-10, and to other Sanghs and institutions that provided similar support. The publishers also acknowledge the printers for their meticulous work in typesetting, printing, and binding.
• Core Message: The "Prakashkiy" (editorial note) highlights that the compilation presents over 70,000 verses from more than 400 scriptures originally composed in poetic form by past ācāryas. It expresses joy in making this valuable literature accessible in a new format. The editorial also includes a profound quote from Acharya Shrimad Vijay Ramachandrasurishwarji Maharaj, emphasizing the importance of studying scripture for the purification of conduct and the propagation of Jain principles, warning against ego and misuse of knowledge for worldly gains.
• Structure and Verse Count: The table of contents indicates a substantial amount of content, with a total of 3924 verses spread across 336 pages (plus introductory and concluding pages). The text includes original verses in Prakrit (likely Ardhamagadhi) with explanations or commentary.

Overall Summary:

"Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 10" is a detailed and scholarly work that aims to preserve and disseminate the vast knowledge contained within Jain scriptures. It covers a broad spectrum of topics related to Jain ethics, rituals, philosophy, and the daily lives of both ascetics and lay followers. The emphasis on accuracy, the detailed acknowledgements, and the profound editorial message underscore the dedication of the authors and publishers to presenting authentic Jain teachings. The inclusion of various practices like daily routines, worship, charity, and ethical conduct makes it a comprehensive guide for those seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of Jainism.