Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 12 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 12," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 12 (शास्त्रसंदेशमाला-१२) Author: Vinayrakshitvijay (विनयरक्षित्वियजी) Publisher: Shastra Sandesh Mala (शास्त्रसंदेशमाला)

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 12" is part of a larger series aiming to disseminate Jain scriptures and wisdom. This particular volume, compiled by Vinayrakshitvijay under the guidance of Bodhiratnavijayji, focuses on "Kavyopadesh" (Poetic Teachings) and "Jnatopadesh" (Knowledgeable Teachings). The book is a collection of various Jain texts, likely verses and teachings, presented in a structured manner to offer spiritual guidance and ethical insights.

Key Sections and Themes:

The book is meticulously organized, as evident from the table of contents on page 9. It primarily consists of:

Kavyopadesh (Poetic Teachings): This section contains numerous sub-works, each offering profound moral and spiritual lessons through poetic verses. Prominent among these are:
- Sukt Muktavali (सुक्ति मुक्तावली): A collection of wise sayings and aphorisms, likely focusing on ethical conduct and spiritual truths.
- Sukta Ratnavali (सुक्ति रत्नावली): Another collection of excellent sayings, presented in two parts, further elaborating on wisdom and guidance.
- Karpur Prakaraḥ (कर्पूर प्रकरः): This section seems to focus on teachings related to camphor or its symbolic representations, likely highlighting purity, fragrance, or transformation.
- Kasturi Prakaraḥ (कस्तूरी प्रकरः): Similarly, this section delves into teachings associated with musk, possibly symbolizing virtue, preciousness, or inner qualities.
- Hingul Prakaraḥ (हिंगूल प्रकरः): Dealing with vermilion, this might explore themes of auspiciousness, devotion, or the power of divine essence.
- Danaadi Prakaraṇam (दानादि प्रकरणम्): This significant section covers topics related to charity (dana) and other virtues, emphasizing their importance in spiritual progress.
- Subhashita Ashtakani (सुभाषिताष्टकानि): A collection of eight verses conveying moral and practical wisdom.
- Upadesha Pradeepah (उपदेशप्रदीपः): Literally "Lamp of Teachings," this section likely illuminates the path to spiritual understanding and liberation.
- Tattva Bodh Tarangini (तत्त्वबोधतरङ्गिणी): "Waves of Knowledge of Principles," suggesting a deep dive into Jain philosophy and core tenets.
- Prashnottar Ratnamala (प्रश्नोत्तररत्नमाला): A collection of questions and answers, serving as a guide for resolving spiritual doubts.
- Vidvad Goshthi (विद्वद्गोष्ठी): "Assembly of the Learned," indicating discussions or teachings from learned scholars.
- Shrungar Vairagya Tarangini (शृङ्गारवैराग्यतरङ्गिणी): This intriguing title suggests a contrast or interplay between worldly desires (shrungar) and detachment (vairagya), offering teachings on navigating these aspects.
Jnatopadesh (Knowledgeable Teachings): This section appears to present teachings derived from knowledge and wisdom, likely in a more direct or narrative format:
- Rishimandal Stavah (ऋषिमंडल स्तवः): A eulogy or praise of sages and their spiritual assemblies, highlighting their ascetic practices and attainments.
- Narbhavadudduntovrnaymala (नरभवदिटुंतोवणयमाला): This likely translates to "Garland of Praise for the Human Life," emphasizing the preciousness and potential of human birth for spiritual liberation.
- Kathakosh (कथाकोश): A treasury of stories, likely Jain narratives illustrating moral and ethical principles.
- Kathanak Koshah (कथानककोशः): Similar to Kathakosh, suggesting another collection of tales or anecdotes.
- Yoga Pradeepah (योगप्रदीपः): "Lamp of Yoga," indicating teachings on spiritual practices and inner discipline for achieving liberation.

Key Figures and Inspirations:

The book is dedicated to and inspired by revered Jain Acharyas and scholars:

P.P. Acharya Bh. Shrimad Vijay Ramchandrasoorishwarji (पू.आ.भ.श्रीमद् विजय रामचन्द्रसूरीश्वरजी): The spiritual lineage is traced back to him.
P. Panyasashri Bodhiratnavijayji M.Sa. (पू. पंन्यासश्री बोधिरत्नविजयजी म.सा.): The compiler, Vinayrakshitvijayji, is a disciple of his.
P. Panyasashri Taporatnavijayji M.Sa. (पू. पंन्यासश्री तपो रत्नविजयजी म.सा.): Mentioned as providing guidance for the compilation.
P.Muni Shri Vinayrakshitvijayji M.Sa. (पू.मु.श्री विनयरक्षीतविजयजी म.सा.): The author and compiler.
P.Muni Shri Hitarakshitvijayji M.Sa. (पू.मु.श्री हितेरक्षीतविजयजी म.सा.), P.A. Shri Vijaysamyamaratnasurishwarji M.Sa. (प.आ.श्री विजय संयम रत्न सूरीश्वरजी म.सा.), P.Muni Shri Shrutatilakvijayji M.Sa. (प.मु.श्री श्रुततिलकविजयजी म.सा.), P.Sa. Shri Dakshashriji M. (पू.सा.श्री दक्षाश्रीजी म.), P.Sa. Shri Bhadra Jnana Shri ji M. (पू.सा.श्री भद्रज्ञाश्रीजी म.): These individuals are acknowledged for their efforts in proofreading and ensuring the accuracy and purity of the text.
Pandit Ratibhai Chimanlal Doshi (पंडितवरय श्री रतीभाई चीमनलाल दोशी): Credited with meticulously checking the entire compilation.

Publication and Support:

The first edition was published on Ashwin Purnima, VS 2061 (October 2004).
The publication was supported by the Shri Hariyali Village Shwetambar Murti-pujak Trust, Hazari Baug, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai, from their "Gyanadravya Nidhi" (Fund for Knowledge).
Several Jain institutions and libraries are gratefully acknowledged for providing access to their collections, which were essential for gathering the source material. These include:
- Shri Vijay Gachh Jain Upashray, Radhanpur (श्री विजयगच्छ जैन उपाश्रय - राधनपुर)
- Shri Naginbhai Jain Paushadhshala, Patan (श्री नगीनभाई जैन पौरषधशाला - पाटन)
- Vijay Ramchandrasoorishwarji Aradhana Bhavan, Surat (विजय रामचन्द्रसूरीश्वरजी आराधना भवन - सूरत)
- Shri Jainanand Pustakalay, Surat (श्री जैननन्द पुस्तकालय - सूरत)
- Shri Mohanlalji Jain Upashray, Surat (श्री मोहनलालजी जैन उपाश्रय - सूरत)
- Shri Dana Suri Gyan Mandir, Ahmedabad (श्री दानसूरि ज्ञानमन्दिर - अहमदाबाद)
- Jain Aradhana Bhavan Trust, Ahmedabad (जैन आराधना भवन ट्रस्ट - अहमदाबाद)
- Shri Kailashsagar Suri Gyan Mandir, Koba (श्री कैलाशसागरसूरी ज्ञानमन्दिर - कोबा)
- Shri Neminandan Shatabdi Trust, Ahmedabad (श्री नेमिंनंदन शताब्दी ट्रस्ट - अहमदाबाद)
The typesetting was done by Payal Printers, Radhanpur and Shriji Graphics, Ahmedabad.
Printing and binding were handled by Shivkrupa Offset Printers, Ahmedabad.

Core Philosophical and Ethical Messages:

While the specific verses are not fully detailed, the titles and thematic groupings suggest the following core messages:

Importance of Knowledge and Wisdom: The "Jnatopadesh" section underscores the value of acquiring and applying knowledge for spiritual growth.
Ethical Living and Virtues: The various "prakaranas" and "sukti" collections emphasize virtues like charity (dana), purity, detachment, contentment, truthfulness, and good conduct.
The Value of Human Life: The "Narabhavaditunto Vanmayamala" highlights the preciousness of human birth as a rare opportunity for spiritual liberation.
Guidance on Spiritual Practices: Sections like "Yoga Pradeepah" suggest teachings on inner discipline and meditation.
Admonition Against Vices: The inclusion of topics like "Shrungar Vairagya Tarangini" implies guidance on controlling worldly desires and attachments.
The Role of Sages and Gurus: The "Rishimandal Stavah" and general acknowledgments point to the importance of enlightened beings and spiritual teachers in guiding individuals.
Jain Principles: The overall context firmly places the teachings within the framework of Jain philosophy, emphasizing compassion, non-violence, and the pursuit of liberation.

In essence, "Shastra Sandesh Mala Part 12" serves as a devotional and instructive compilation, drawing from a rich tradition of Jain literature to impart timeless wisdom for spiritual well-being and ethical living.