Shilodahrutikalpavalli

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shilodahrutikalpavalli" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shilodahrutikalpavalli (शीलोदाहृतिकल्पवल्ली) Author: Shilchandrasuri (शीलं चन्द्राचार्य) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Context: This text is described as a small, poetic work in Sanskrit that extols the glory of Shila (शील), which signifies Brahmacharya (celibacy or chastity).

Overview of the Text:

• Author and Lineage: The work was composed by Upadhyay Samveg Sundar Gani, a disciple of Acharya Jinaratnasuri, who was from the Vriddhashala (the elder monastery) of the Tapa Gachchha (a prominent Jain monastic order).
• Structure and Meter: The poem is primarily composed in the Shardulvikridita (शार्दूलविक्रीडित) and Sragdhara (स्रग्धरा) meters. Exceptions include a few verses in Vasantatilaka (वसन्ततिलका) and Upajati (उपजाति).
• Author's Background: Upadhyay Samveg Sundar Gani also composed the "Sardashikhamani Ras" in Samvat 1548 and was involved in the consecration of a temple in Chorwadpur in Samvat 1519.
• Content and Theme: As the title suggests, the poem provides examples (उदाहरण) of Shila. It describes the immense benefits of adhering to Shila and inspires readers to practice it. Conversely, it strongly condemns a life devoid of Shila.
  • The initial 40 verses focus on the exposition of Shila's importance.
  • Following this, examples of virtuous individuals who embodied Shila are presented. These include prominent figures like Neminath, Mallinath, Sthulabhadra Muni, Jambu Swami, Vajraswami, and their associated family members or disciples. The list is extensive and includes: Sunanda (Vajraswami's mother), Narada Muni, Sudarshan Seth, Manorama (Sudarshan Seth's wife), Brahmi, Sundari, Sita, Damayanti, Subhadra, Sulasa, Draupadi, Madanrekha, Narmada Sundari, Mandodari, Rishidatta, Mrigavati, Anjana Sundari, Chellana, Ganga, Vankachoola, Shilavati, Agaddatta, Kalavati, and many others. Their steadfastness in vows and virtuous conduct are described.
  • From verse 70 onwards, the text begins to present examples of those who violated Shila. This section mentions individuals like Ardrakumar, Rathnemi, Nandishen, Koolvalak, Indra, Dwipayana, and others.
  • The poem then returns to praising Shila and condemning the lack of it.
• Overall Impression: The text is considered a delightful and beneficial composition that glorifies the importance of Shila. The author's deep commitment to righteousness and strong aversion to misconduct are evident throughout the verses. The work aims to be instructive and inspirational, encouraging even those who may not currently practice Shila to adopt it.
• Manuscript and Editing: The current edition is based on a Xerox copy obtained about seventy years prior from the Hemchandracharya Bhandar in Patan. This original manuscript is believed to be from the author's time, although this is difficult to confirm definitively. The text acknowledges that the manuscript might be incomplete and hopes that other copies might be found to fill in any missing parts.
• Key Messages:
  • Shila is a source of immense happiness and virtue.
  • Adherence to Shila purifies oneself and the world.
  • Those who forsake Shila suffer greatly.
  • Shila is the true ornament of a person, surpassing all material adornments.
  • The practice of Shila leads to ultimate liberation (Moksha).

Specific Examples Mentioned (Illustrative, not exhaustive):

• Examples of Shila-practitioners: Neminath, Mallinath, Sthulabhadra, Jambu Swami, Vajraswami, Sunanda, Narada Muni, Sudarshan, Manorama, Brahmi, Sundari, Sita, Damayanti, Subhadra, Sulasa, Draupadi, Madanrekha, Narmada Sundari, Mandodari, Rishidatta, Mrigavati, Anjana Sundari, Chellana, Ganga, Vankachoola, Shilavati, Agaddatta, Kalavati.
• Examples of Shila-violators: Ardrakumar, Rathnemi, Nandishen, Koolvalak, Indra, Dwipayana.

The attached pages also contain the beginning verses of the text, which include:

• Invocation: Praising the Divine Mother (likely a reference to Saraswati or another revered deity) and seeking blessings from the Guru.
• Praise of Tirthankaras: Mentioning Jinapati (likely a Tirthankara) and his virtues.
• Benefits of Shila: Verses extolling the virtues of those who practice Shila, leading to good destiny, happiness, and prosperity.
• Condemnation of Lack of Shila: Verses describing the negative consequences of abandoning Shila.

In essence, "Shilodahrutikalpavalli" is a comprehensive Jain text that uses numerous historical and mythological examples to illustrate the paramount importance of chastity and righteous conduct in achieving spiritual and worldly well-being, ultimately leading to liberation.