Shesh Vidya Prakash

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shesh Vidya Prakash" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shesh Vidya Prakash (शेष विद्या प्रकाश) Author/Translator: Muni Shri Poornanandvijayji (appointed as 'Kumar Shraman' - disciple monk) Compiler: Pt. Sheshmal Rajmalji Sattavat Publisher: Marudhar Balika Vidyapith, Rani (Rajasthan) Year of Publication: 2000 Veer Samvat (2415), Vikram Samvat (2026)

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Shesh Vidya Prakash" is a collection of Sanskrit verses and poems (in Hindi and Gujarati) with accompanying explanations, aimed at imparting moral, ethical, and spiritual guidance. The book is presented as a compilation of wisdom that emphasizes righteousness, knowledge, character development, and the principles of Jainism. The title itself suggests "The Light of Remaining Knowledge," implying a collection of valuable teachings that remain to be shared.

Key Themes and Sections:

The book is structured into numerous individual verses and couplets, each offering a specific teaching or reflection. The table of contents (अनुक्रमणिका) reveals a wide range of topics, including:

• Devotional Verses: Prayers and salutations to the Tirthankaras, deities, and spiritual teachers (gurus).
• Ethical and Moral Teachings:
  • The importance of knowledge (विद्याधन), wisdom, and learning.
  • The virtues of truthfulness, non-violence (ahimsa), forgiveness (kshama), contentment (santosh), kindness, and compassion.
  • Criticism of vices like anger (krodh), greed (lobh), lust (kam), ego (maan), hypocrisy (dambh), and gambling.
  • Guidance on right conduct in life, family, and society.
  • The significance of good company (sant samagam) and the rarity of true saints.
  • The importance of righteous living and adherence to dharma.
• Social Commentary and Observations:
  • The role of women in society, emphasizing the importance of educating girls and the virtue of chastity.
  • The consequences of wrong actions and the fleeting nature of wealth and worldly possessions.
  • The need for integrity, honesty, and truthfulness in all dealings.
  • Criticism of societal ills and immoral practices.
• Spiritual Guidance:
  • The path to liberation (moksha) through right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
  • The power of penance (tapasya) and its role in spiritual growth (e.g., detailed discussion on Vradhman Tap).
  • The nature of the soul and its journey.
• Literary and Poetic Merit: The book contains verses in Sanskrit, Hindi, and Gujarati, showcasing poetic skill and the ability to convey profound messages through evocative language. Many verses are aphoristic and provide practical life lessons.

Key Figures and Contributors:

• Pt. Sheshmal Rajmalji Sattavat: The compiler, who collected and organized these verses. He expresses his devotion and commitment to Jain principles, including various vows and austerities. His personal narrative highlights his spiritual journey and the inspiration behind this compilation.
• Muni Shri Poornanandvijayji: The translator and spiritual guide who adapted and explained the verses. He is praised for his profound knowledge and ability to convey the essence of the scriptures.
• Muni Shri Vidyavijayji Maharaj: The author's revered Guru, whose blessings and teachings were instrumental in the creation of this book. The text expresses deep reverence and gratitude towards him.

Translator's Preface (किञ्चिद्वक्तव्यं स्मरणच):

Muni Poornanandvijayji describes his long-standing relationship with Pt. Sheshmalji Sattavat. He details his own spiritual journey, his dedication to Jain learning, and how he was inspired to translate and refine Pt. Sattavat's collected verses. He acknowledges his own occasional laziness but credits divine grace and Pt. Sattavat's encouragement for the successful completion of the work. He emphasizes that the translation focuses on conveying the " भाव" (essence/spirit) of the verses, rather than a literal word-for-word translation. He also expresses his belief that the verses, even those considered less palatable, have been presented within the framework of Jain principles.

Compiler's Preface (प्राक्कथन):

Pt. Sheshmal Sattavat narrates his spiritual experiences, starting from his early days of studying religious texts and serving his Gurus. He highlights his commitment to Jain practices like fasting and repentance, even while being a businessman. He expresses gratitude to his mentors and friends who encouraged him to bring his collection to light. He explains how Muni Poornanandvijayji's acceptance of his request to translate and refine the verses led to the creation of this book. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of educating girls and contributing to societal reform.

Notable Verses and Concepts:

• The definition of Dharma (धर्म): Presented as the five principles: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
• The importance of knowledge (विद्याधन): Emphasized as something that cannot be stolen, taxed, divided, or becomes a burden, and grows with use.
• The rarity of true saints (संत दुर्लभता): Compared to the rarity of jewels, pearls, and sandalwood.
• The destructive nature of the seven deadly sins (सात व्यसन): Gambling, meat-eating, drinking, prostitution, hunting, stealing, and adultery.
• The necessity of wisdom and right conduct (मानवता का सार): The proper use of intellect for self-inquiry, the body for virtuous deeds, wealth for charity, and speech for pleasant words.
• The power of forgiveness (क्षमा): Described as a weapon against the wicked and a means to overcome challenges.
• The principles of true heroism, scholarship, oratory, and charity: Defined not by external actions but by inner discipline and righteous intent.
• The essence of humanity: Defined by virtuous qualities that transcend basic animalistic instincts.
• The significance of marriage and family: While respecting Brahmacharya, it also acknowledges the importance of fulfilling familial duties with righteousness.
• The glory of Jain Tirthas and practices: Mention of various pilgrimage sites and the virtues of specific practices like Vradhman Tap.

In essence, "Shesh Vidya Prakash" serves as a spiritual and ethical guide, drawing from a rich repository of Jain wisdom. It aims to illuminate the path of righteousness, promote virtuous living, and foster spiritual growth among its readers. The book is a testament to the compiler's dedication and the translator's profound spiritual scholarship.