Shraddhavidhi Prakaranam

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shraddhavidhi Prakaranam" by Acharya Ratnashekharsuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shraddhavidhi Prakaranam (श्राद्धविधि प्रकरणम्) Author: Acharya Ratnashekharsuri (आचार्य श्री रत्नशेखर सूरिजी म.) Editors: Munishri Vairagyarativijayji (मुनिश्री वैराग्यरतिविजयजी म.), Munishri Prashamrativijayji (मुनिश्री प्रशमरतिविजयजी म.) Publisher: Tapagaccha Amar Jain Shala, Khambhat (श्री तपगच्छ अमर जैन शाला, खंभात) Publisher of this Edition: Pravachan Prakashan, Pune (प्रवचन प्रकाशन, पूना)

Overall Purpose and Significance:

The Shraddhavidhi Prakaranam is a significant Jain text that focuses on the conduct and duties of a householder (Shrāvak), known as Shrāddhavidhi. It details the essential practices, rituals, and ethical guidelines that a Jain layperson should follow in their daily life to progress spiritually. The text emphasizes that while the ultimate goal of Jainism is liberation (Moksha), adherence to the prescribed conduct by householders is crucial for spiritual advancement and is considered a stepping stone towards higher spiritual states. The text aims to provide a comprehensive guide for lay practitioners to lead a dharmic life.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Classification of Scriptures: The publication's introductory "Prakashan Katha" (Publication Narrative) categorizes Jain scriptures into three streams:

   • Padārthalakshi Shāstras (Matter-centric): Focus on the nature of substances (e.g., Panchastikaya, Tattvartha Sutra, Karmagranthas).
   • Bhāvanālakshi Shāstras (Emotion/Intention-centric): Focus on cultivating feelings and intentions (e.g., Shāntisudhāras, Adhyātmakalpadruma).
   • Āchāralakshi Shāstras (Conduct-centric): Focus on prescribed conduct and daily practices (e.g., Shrāddhadinakritya, Dharmasangraha, Shrāddhavidhi). This category is where the Shraddhavidhi Prakaranam resides.

2. Importance of Shrāddhavidhi: The text highlights the Shraddhavidhi as essential for householders and lay followers (Shrāvak). It asserts that even in the presence of comprehensive works like Dharmabindu and Dharmasangraha, the Shraddhavidhi maintains its unique significance, proving its venerable importance.

3. Author and His Works: The book is authored by the renowned Acharya Ratnashekharsuri of the Tapagaccha lineage. The preface provides details about his life, including his birth in 1457 VS, initiation at age 6, obtaining the title of Pandit at 26, Upadhyaya at 36, and Suri at 45. He attained liberation in 1517 VS. He was known for his scholarship and was awarded the title "Bal Saraswati" (Child Saraswati) at a young age. He was a disciple of Acharya Somayyasuri and Muni Sundarsuri.

4. The Shraddhavidhi Prakaranam and its Commentary (Shraddhavidhi Kaumudi):

   • The original Shraddhavidhi Prakaranam is composed in Prakrit and consists of seventeen verses (gathas). These verses, though brief, are comprehensive in their treatment of the subject matter.
   • Acharya Ratnashekharsuri himself composed an extensive commentary in Sanskrit titled Shraddhavidhi Kaumudi, which is 6,761 verses long. This commentary elaborates on the original verses and includes numerous related topics that arise from the main subjects and occasions discussed.

5. Structure of the Shraddhavidhi Kaumudi: The commentary is divided into six main sections, each detailing specific types of conduct or "kṛtya" (duties/activities):

   • Dina Kṛtya (Daily Activities): Covers morning routines, descriptions of virtues, stories like that of Shukraja, defining the nature of a householder, sleep practices, nadis (channels of energy), mantra recitation, and contemplation.
   • Rātri Kṛtya (Nightly Activities): Details night-time routines, including different types of Pratikramana (repentance/confession) – daily, nightly, fortnightly, quarterly, and yearly.
   • Parva Kṛtya (Festival Activities): Focuses on rituals and practices during auspicious days and festivals like Ashtahnika and Paushadh.
   • Chāturmāsika Kṛtya (Activities during Chaturmas): Details the vows and practices to be observed during the four-month rainy season retreat.
   • Varsha Kṛtya (Yearly Activities): Covers annual rituals such as Sanga Archana (worship of the congregation/monastics), Sadharmik Vatsalya (fellowship and compassion for co-religionists), and Rath Yatra (processions).
   • Janma Kṛtya (Birth-related Activities): Discusses various aspects related to life stages, including proper living spaces, acquiring knowledge, marriage rituals, and constructing temples.

6. Detailed Discussions within Sections: The text delves into various practical aspects:

   • Virtues of a Shrāvak: Describes qualities like impartiality, diligence, knowledgeability, justice, truthfulness, contentment, compassion, modesty, knowledge of scriptures, and adherence to vows.
   • Daily Routines: Morning awakening, purification, mantra chanting, meditation, and proper conduct throughout the day.
   • Dietary Regulations: Detailed discussions on what constitutes pure (prāśuka) food and water, mixed items, prohibited substances, and the importance of controlling appetite.
   • Worship and Temple Conduct: Explains the proper way to visit temples, perform worship (pūjā), offer prayers, circumambulate deities (pradakṣiṇā), and the significance of idol worship and its correct approach.
   • Ethical Conduct: Covers relationships with family, friends, society, business dealings, honesty in trade, forgiveness, avoiding gossip, and the importance of ethical behavior in all aspects of life.
   • Repentance (Pratikramaṇa): Explains the ritual of confessing and repenting for transgressions, a vital practice for spiritual purification.
   • Vows (Vratas): Discusses the vows that lay followers must take and uphold, distinguishing between minor and major vows.
   • Dealing with Delusions and Obstacles: Addresses how to deal with negative thoughts, bad dreams, and external obstacles to spiritual practice.
   • Importance of Right Faith (Samyakdarśana): Emphasizes the foundational role of correct belief in progressing on the spiritual path.
   • Austerities and Asceticism: Touches upon various forms of self-discipline and ascetic practices suitable for householders.
   • Charitable Giving (Dāna): Discusses the principles of giving to deserving individuals and institutions.
   • Protection of Jain Property: Stresses the duty to protect and properly manage donations and resources meant for temples and religious institutions.
   • Moral Teachings and Stories: The text is interspersed with numerous stories and examples (prasanga or kathā) illustrating the principles discussed, drawing from the lives of great souls, kings, and ordinary individuals who followed the Jain path. These stories serve as moral instruction and inspiration. For instance, the detailed story of Shukraja and King Mrigadhvaja illustrates the consequences of pride and the importance of virtue. The story of Dhanna Sethi illustrates the results of proper and improper conduct concerning wealth and Dharma. The story of Dhanmitra (Karma-saar and Punya-saar) highlights the karmic consequences of mishandling religious wealth. The story of Ratna-saar Kumar emphasizes the virtue of controlling desires and adhering to vows.

7. Manuscript Basis: The editors mention that for this edition (Tṛtiya Āvritti), they relied on a manuscript from the Shri KailasSagar Suri Gyan Mandir, Koba, for text purification, correcting over 250 places from previous editions, considering it a "new edition" rather than just a reprint.

8. Publisher's Commitment: Pravachan Prakashan expresses its commitment to publishing quality works in Gujarati and Sanskrit literature, inspired by Acharya Ratnachandrasuri and guided by Munishri Vairagyarativijay and Munishri Prashamrativijay.

In essence, Shraddhavidhi Prakaranam is a cornerstone text for Jain lay followers, offering a detailed roadmap for ethical living, spiritual discipline, and virtuous conduct, all grounded in the rich traditions and teachings of Jainism.