Shraddh Vidhi Prakaran

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shraddh Vidhi Prakaran" by Tilakvijay, published by Shri Atamtilak Granth Society. The text, translated into Hindi by Tilakvijay Punjabi, was published in 1929 AD. It focuses on the principles and practices for householders (Shravaks) in Jainism.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the text, based on the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Dedication:

• The book is dedicated to Param Gurudev Shriman Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Maharaj, acknowledging his significant contributions to Jain society, particularly in disseminating knowledge and promoting Khadi and Hindi.
• The author, Tilakvijay, expresses his indebtedness to his Guru and offers this translation as a humble effort to repay his kindness. He highlights the Guru's efforts to dispel societal ignorance and promote spiritual upliftment.

2. Author's Purpose and Background of the Original Text:

• The author states that the promotion of a religion's ideals is directly proportional to the availability of literature explaining its practices and beliefs in the vernacular language. He notes the greater prevalence of Jain principles in Gujarat due to extensive literature in Gujarati, compared to other regions where Hindi is more common but Jain literature is scarce.
• The original text, "Shraddhvidhi Prakaran" (also known as "Shravak Vidhi"), is considered equivalent to a Sutra Siddhanta for Shravaks, encompassing their duties.
• The author, Tilakvijay, translated it from Gujarati to Hindi, inspired by the need for such texts in Hindi-speaking Jain communities.
• He emphasizes that this text is crucial for understanding the rituals and underlying secrets of religious practices, enabling followers to derive maximum benefit from them.

3. The Author of the Original Text:

• The original text was written by the renowned scholar Shri Ratnashekhar Suri, who lived in the 15th century Vikram era.
• His lineage is traced through prominent Jain Acharyas like Shriman Somtilak Suri, Devsundar Suri, and Munisundar Suri.
• Shri Ratnashekhar Suri was born in 1457 VS and took diksha at the age of six in 1462 VS. He achieved the title of Pandit in 1483 VS and became a Suri in 1520 VS.
• He authored numerous influential Sanskrit and Prakrit works, including "Shraddh Pratikraman Vrutti," "Arth Deepika," "Shraddhvidhi Sutra Vritti," "Shraddhvidhi Kaumudi" (a commentary on the present text), "Achar Deep" and "Laghu Kshetra Samas."
• His works on "Vidhiwad" (rituals and conduct) are considered highly valuable and authoritative in Jainism, praised for their clarity and simplicity. He is credited with fulfilling a significant need for such texts in Jain society.
• His intellectual prowess was so recognized that he was awarded the title "Bal Saraswati" by a scholar named Bambi.
• Shri Ratnashekhar Suri passed away on the sixth day of the Krishna paksha in the month of Paush, 1427 VS, after greatly benefiting society through his teachings and writings.

4. Details of the Original Text:

• The original "Shraddhvidhi Prakaran" is composed of 17 Prakrit verses (Gathas).
• Shri Ratnashekhar Suri himself wrote a vast commentary on it in Sanskrit titled "Shraddhvidhi Kaumudi," comprising 6,761 verses. This commentary is said to cover almost every aspect of a Shravak's duties, making the work a treasure trove of their responsibilities.
• The book aims to provide clarity on religious rituals and practical skills for every Shravak.

5. Structure and Content Outline (as suggested by the initial chapters):

• Mangalacharan (Invocation): The text begins with invocations to the Panch Parameṣṭhi (Arhat, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu) and Lord Mahavir.
• Gathanirmap (Verse Description): The author outlines the structure of the book, which will cover six "Dwaras" (chapters/sections):
  1. Dina Kritya (Daily Duties)
  2. Ratri Kritya (Nightly Duties)
  3. Parva Kritya (Festival Duties)
  4. Chaturmasika Kritya (Duties during Chaturmas)
  5. Varsha Kritya (Yearly Duties)
  6. Janma Kritya (Duties related to Birth)
• Eligibility for Shravak Dharma (Lay Discipleship): The text delves into the qualities required for a Jain householder, emphasizing the importance of:
  • Bhadrak Prakriti: A balanced and non-dogmatic nature.
  • Vishesh Nipurnamati: Sharp intellect and discernment.
  • Nyay Marg Rati: Inclination towards justice and righteousness.
  • Dridh Nij Vachan Sthiti: Steadfastness in one's commitments and words.
• Unsuitable Individuals for Dharma: The text explicitly lists those who are unfit for practicing Dharma, including the Ragi (passionate/biased), Dveshi (hateful/biased), Mudh (ignorant), and Purva Grah Grast (prejudiced). It provides illustrative stories to explain why these traits are disqualifying.
• The Story of Shukraj (The Parrot): A significant portion of the provided text is dedicated to a detailed narrative about a parrot that imparts wisdom to King Mrugadhwaj. This story illustrates concepts of humility, the ephemeral nature of pride, the importance of true knowledge versus superficial understanding, and the consequences of attachment and ego. The parrot's allegorical speech influences the king, leading him towards introspection and ultimately, towards a virtuous path. This narrative is quite extensive and includes elements of spiritual guidance delivered through animal characters.

6. Discussion on Jain Principles:

• Types of Shravaks: The text categorizes Shravaks into four types based on "Nikshetra" (classification):
  1. Naam Shravak: One who bears the name but lacks the qualities.
  2. Sthapana Shravak: An idol or representation of a virtuous Shravak.
  3. Dravya Shravak: One who performs external rituals without true understanding or sincerity (hypocritical).
  4. Bhava Shravak: One who truly embodies the principles with inner purity and knowledge.
• Bhava Shravak Divisions: This category is further divided into:
  1. Darshan Shravak: One who has attained Samyak Darshan (right faith).
  2. Vrat Shravak: One who observes the vows (Anuvratas).
  3. Uttar Guna Shravak: One who observes the Guna Vratas and Shiksha Vratas (elevated vows).
• Vows (Vratas): The five Anuvratas (minor vows) are mentioned: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession). These are elaborated upon with examples and the importance of their practice.
• Qualifications for Shravaks: The text reiterates the necessary virtues for a Shravak, including equanimity, discernment, adherence to justice, and steadfastness.
• The Story of Shukraj (Parrot) - Detailed: This narrative serves as a primary illustrative example, covering themes of royal pride, the illusion of material wealth, the nature of true happiness, the cycle of karma, and the importance of spiritual wisdom. The parrot's role is to guide the king towards understanding these truths.
• The Jain Path and Its Practices: The text aims to guide householders through their daily spiritual and ethical duties, emphasizing the significance of right conduct, knowledge, and faith. It covers rituals, the importance of virtuous living, and the path to spiritual progress.
• Ethical and Practical Advice: The book provides advice on various aspects of life, including conduct in society, relationships, managing wealth (Dravya Upargjan), and adhering to Jain principles in all actions. It stresses the interconnectedness of actions and their karmic consequences.

4. Key Principles Highlighted:

• Ahimsa: The foundational principle of Jainism, emphasized throughout the text.
• Aparigraha (Non-possession): The idea of limiting material possessions and desires.
• Self-Control and Discipline: Essential for spiritual growth, particularly through vows and careful conduct.
• The Role of a Guru: The paramount importance of a spiritual guide in understanding and practicing Jain principles.
• Importance of Knowledge and Practice: True benefit comes not just from knowing but from diligently practicing the teachings.
• The Illusion of Material World: The text uses narratives like the Shukraj story to highlight the impermanence and illusory nature of worldly pleasures and power.
• The Power of Karma: The consequences of actions (good and bad) and their impact on one's destiny are implicitly and explicitly discussed.
• The Ideal Shravak: The text describes the qualities and duties of an ideal householder who lives a life of piety, discipline, and ethical conduct.

5. The Author's Request:

• The author requests readers to point out any errors they find in the text, whether related to printing or language, and to forgive him for any such mistakes.

This summary outlines the fundamental structure and thematic content of the "Shraddh Vidhi Prakaran" based on the provided excerpts. The text is rich in philosophical discussions, ethical guidance, and illustrative stories, aiming to provide a complete manual for Jain lay followers.