Shishyopanishad

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shishyopanishad" by Buddhisagar:

Book Title: Shishyopanishad Author: Buddhisagar Publisher: Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal

Overview:

The "Shishyopanishad" is a Jain text authored by Acharya Buddhisagar Surishwarji, a highly respected scholar and ascetic. The book focuses on the essential principles and qualities required to be a true disciple (Shishya) within the Jain tradition, emphasizing the profound relationship between a disciple and their spiritual guide (Guru). It outlines the virtues and practices that lead to spiritual growth and liberation.

Key Themes and Content:

The core of the "Shishyopanishad" is a detailed exploration of the characteristics and duties of an ideal disciple. The text meticulously lists and elaborates on numerous qualities that a spiritual aspirant should cultivate to be worthy of receiving teachings from a Guru and to progress on the path of spiritual development. These qualities are presented as essential prerequisites for true discipleship.

The 46 Qualities of an Ideal Disciple (Shishya):

The book details a comprehensive list of 46 qualities that define a worthy disciple. These can be broadly categorized as follows:

• Intellectual and Moral Purity:

  • Aryata (Nobility): Being noble by birth, conduct, knowledge, and virtue.
  • Doshadrushtirahit (Absence of Fault-Finding): Not being critical of others' faults and focusing on their virtues.
  • Aham-Mamata-Adi Dosha Pariharanshil (Giving up Ego and Possessiveness): Renouncing ego, attachment, and self-centeredness.
  • Sama-Drishti (Equanimity): Maintaining a balanced perspective in happiness and sorrow.
  • Shanka-Asthir Pragya Rahit (Free from Doubt and Instability of Intellect): Having firm faith and a stable mind.
  • Parikshit (Well-Examined): Discerning and analytical.
  • Adhyatma Jnana Anubhavi (Experiencer of Spiritual Knowledge): Having practical experience of spiritual wisdom.
  • Nishkam Bhakta (Devoted without Selfish Desire): Performing actions without expecting rewards.
  • Shudha Atma Rasik (Fond of the Pure Soul): Finding joy in the true self.
  • Sarva Naya Sapeksha Gyanvan (Knowledgeable of All Perspectives): Understanding different viewpoints.
  • Siddhanta Swadhyaya Adirata (Dedicated to Study of Principles): Diligently studying scriptures.
  • Sarva Dharma Satya Sar Graha (One who Accepts the Essence of All Religions): Understanding the core truths across traditions.
  • Sarva Shubha Shakti Vikasaka (One who Develops All Auspicious Powers): Cultivating positive inner strengths.
  • Vishva Desha Shubha Unnati Pracharak (Propagator of Worldly and National Well-being): Working for the betterment of all.
  • Dharma Karma Rakshaka (Protector of Dharma and Actions): Defending righteous principles.
  • Sarvatra Brahma Bhavana Bhavak (One who Perceives the Divine Everywhere): Cultivating a sense of universal divinity.

• Behavior and Conduct Towards the Guru:

  • Sabhyaha (Cultured/Disciplined): Possessing good manners and decorum.
  • Gurukul Samupasakaha (Worshipper of the Guru's Dwelling/School): Respecting and engaging with the Guru's environment.
  • Draha Ninda Helana Dwesha Klesha Rahita (Free from Malice, Slander, Contempt, Hatred, Affliction): Avoiding negative interactions.
  • Vinaya Prem Shraddha Vayahatya Vivek Sadachara Dharaka (Holder of Humility, Love, Faith, Discrimination, Good Conduct): Embodying these virtues.
  • Guru Parampra Pravartaka (Promoter of Guru Tradition): Upholding the lineage of Gurus.
  • Guru Sarva Vrittanta Nivedaka (One who Discloses All Matters to the Guru): Openly sharing thoughts and actions with the Guru.
  • Guru Sarvasva Arpanakaraka (One who Offers Everything to the Guru): Complete surrender to the Guru.
  • Guru Chitta Ashaya Pravartiman (One who Acts According to the Guru's Intention): Understanding and fulfilling the Guru's wishes.
  • Guru Ajnaiva Dharma Mati (Guru's Command is Religion): Considering the Guru's command as divine law.
  • Guru Prabhava Dharaka (One who Holds the Guru's Influence): Reflecting the Guru's teachings and presence.
  • Guru Atma Aikya Yogi (One who Unites with the Guru's Soul): Achieving spiritual oneness with the Guru.
  • Guru Hridaya Jnana Dharaka (Holder of Knowledge of the Guru's Heart): Understanding the Guru's inner wisdom.
  • Ratnatrayi Sadhak (Practitioner of the Three Jewels): Actively pursuing right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
  • Guru Vichara Achara Murti (Embodiment of the Guru's Thoughts and Conduct): Living as an example of the Guru's teachings.
  • Guru Krupa Chi Dharaka (Recipient of the Guru's Grace): Earning and embodying the Guru's blessings.
  • Apramanika (Dishonest) and Dev Guru Dharma Aparikshak (Non-examiner of Deity, Guru, Dharma) are to be abandoned.
  • Abhinivesha Adi Sahita (Prone to Stubbornness etc.) and Karma Vartanshil (Deceptive in Conduct) are to be abandoned.
  • Tyajya Guru Drohi (Betrayer of the Guru) is to be abandoned.
  • Anuchita Viruddha Achara Sevak (Follower of Improper and Opposing Conduct) is to be abandoned.
  • Guru Pratyaneeka (Opposed to the Guru) is to be abandoned.
  • Matri Pitri Guru Janeṣv Abhakta (Unfaithful to Mother, Father, Guru, Elders) is to be abandoned.
  • Guru Upakara Lopaka (One who Neglects the Guru's Favors) is to be abandoned.
  • Lajja Adi Guna Rahita (Devoid of Modesty etc.) is to be abandoned.
  • Bhramita Buddhi (Confused Intellect) is to be abandoned.
  • Samsakta (Easily Influenced) is to be abandoned.
  • Guru Ashatanakaraha (One who Commits Offenses against the Guru) is to be abandoned.
  • Vishaya Asakta (Attached to Worldly Objects) is to be abandoned.
  • Aparichitaha (Unfamiliar/Unknown) is to be abandoned.
  • Gunapariniksha (Discernment of Qualities) is essential.
  • Samiti and Gupta Rahita (Devoid of Restraint and Seclusion) are to be abandoned.
  • Guru Ajna Nishedhaka (One who Negates the Guru's Command) is to be abandoned.
  • Shishyadharm Yukta (Endowed with Disciple's Virtues) are to be welcomed.
  • Deva Guru Dharma Sadhakaha Shishyaha Mangalamayasanti (Disciples who follow Deity, Guru, and Dharma are Blessed).

Purpose and Significance:

The "Shishyopanishad" serves as a guide for individuals seeking to understand and practice the principles of true discipleship. It emphasizes that becoming a disciple is not merely about accepting a Guru, but about cultivating specific virtues and engaging in righteous conduct. The text highlights that through proper discipleship, one can receive the Guru's true guidance, attain spiritual knowledge, and ultimately achieve liberation (Moksha).

The author, Acharya Buddhisagar, is presented as a profound scholar whose insights are invaluable. The book is published by "Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal," indicating its focus on spiritual knowledge dissemination. The text is presented as a gift to the subscribers of "Buddhiprabha" magazine, underscoring its role in educating the Jain community.

The summary concludes by reinforcing the idea that the cultivation of these 46 qualities leads to the true disciple who can then serve as a beacon for others and contribute to the advancement of Dharma.

In essence, "Shishyopanishad" is a foundational text for Jain spiritual seekers, offering a roadmap for spiritual progression through dedicated discipleship and the cultivation of virtues under the guidance of a qualified Guru.