Shraddhavidhiprakaran

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shraddhavidhiprakaran" by Vikramvijay and Bhaskarvijay, based on the provided pages.

The "Shraddhavidhiprakaran" is a significant Jain text authored by Vikramvijay and Bhaskarvijay. Published by themselves, it serves as a guide for Jains, particularly the lay community (Shravaks and Shravikas), on righteous conduct and religious practices. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/001788/1.

Core Philosophy and Purpose:

The text is established to offer selfless and sole benefit to souls wandering in the cycle of birth and death (samsara), characterized by suffering. Recognizing that the path of complete renunciation (Sarvavirati Dharma) as practiced by ascetics (Shramanas) is difficult for ordinary beings, the authors, following the teachings of the profoundly compassionate Jinendra Bhagavan, also expound upon the path of partial renunciation (Deshvirati Dharma). This latter path is embodied in the Shravak Dharma, which serves as a foundational step towards the former.

The "Shraddhavidhiprakaran," with its accompanying commentary "Shraddhavidhikoumudi," is presented as an invaluable tool for those souls who, by the grace of great merit, attain a human birth and are eager to follow the Shravak Dharma. The book aims to guide and stabilize these individuals in their religious observance. The core idea is that any religious action performed with a true understanding of its underlying principles yields manifold benefits. The authors hope that those who live according to the principles outlined in this text will become exemplary individuals, offering an ideal example of life in a world filled with selfishness, deceit, and violence.

Key Aspects of the Text:

1. Origin and Structure: The "Shraddhavidhiprakaran" itself is a concise work of only seventeen verses, composed in Prakrit. Despite its brevity, it encapsulates profound subjects with clarity. The author of the original text is not specified, nor is its creation time. However, the commentary, "Shraddhavidhikoumudi," written in Sanskrit, is extensive and comprises 6,761 verses. This commentary elaborates on the topics mentioned in the original text and includes numerous other relevant subjects.

2. Content of the Commentary ("Shraddhavidhikoumudi"): The commentary is divided into six major sections, outlining the religious duties and rituals for a lay follower (Shravak):

   • Dinkrutya (Daily Duties): This section covers the daily routines and practices.
   • Ratrikrutya (Nightly Duties): This section deals with evening and nighttime observances.
   • Parvakrutya (Festival Duties): This section details the observances during auspicious festival days.
   • Chaturmasik Krutya (Duties during Chaturmas): This covers religious practices during the four-month period of retreat.
   • Varshakrutya (Annual Duties): This section focuses on annual religious obligations.
   • Janmakrutya (Duties related to Birth): This section likely pertains to birth ceremonies and related rituals.

3. Detailed Explanations and Practical Guidance: The text goes beyond mere ritualistic descriptions. It addresses potential doubts by posing questions and providing clear, scripturally grounded, and logical answers. This approach aims to solidify the understanding of the subject matter. While the primary focus is on religious rituals, the text also delves into practical aspects of life, including:

   • Conduct in business and daily affairs.
   • Interactions with family members (parents, children, siblings) and society (neighbors, townspeople).
   • Dietary regulations (what and when to eat).
   • Personal hygiene and routines (excretion, brushing teeth, bathing).
   • Descriptions of the fruits of good deeds and spiritual knowledge.
   • Illustrative stories and examples, such as the tales of King Shakra and others, to reinforce moral and spiritual lessons.

4. Authoritative Basis: The text cites various scriptures, including Jinagama (Jain scriptures), works of past acharyas, and even references to Vedic texts like the Vedas, Smritis, and Puranas, demonstrating the author's extensive knowledge and scholarship.

5. Historical Context and Authorship: The commentary, "Shraddhavidhikoumudi," was composed in 1506 V.S. (Vikram Samvat). The author of this extensive commentary is identified as Shri Ratnashekhar Suriji, a follower of the Tapagachchha tradition. He was born in 1457 V.S., initiated in 1463 V.S., attained Panditpad in 1483 V.S., Upadhyaypad in 1497 V.S., and Suripad in 1502 V.S. His demise occurred in 1517 V.S. The author notes that there are differing opinions on his birth year, with 1457 V.S. being the more prevalent. He was also known as "Balsaraswati" and had defeated a great Brahmin scholar.

6. Gujarati Translation and Publication: The provided text is a Gujarati translation of this important work. The introduction mentions that three previous Gujarati translations have been published by different institutions and individuals. The current publication is an effort to present a refined and accurate translation, collated from earlier works, to meet the expressed wishes of many esteemed individuals for a well-edited republication.

Key Themes and Values:

• Guidance for Lay followers: The text specifically addresses the Shravak and Shravika (male and female lay followers) and their role in upholding Jain principles in daily life.
• Importance of Understanding: It emphasizes that performing religious acts with true understanding significantly enhances their benefits.
• Ethical Conduct: The text promotes adherence to Jain ethics, including principles of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession, as applied to lay life.
• Practicality: It offers practical advice for integrating spiritual practices into daily routines and worldly responsibilities.
• Devotion and Righteousness: The underlying goal is to foster devotion to the Tirthankaras and encourage a life of righteousness and merit.

In essence, "Shraddhavidhiprakaran" (with its commentary) serves as a detailed manual for living a virtuous Jain life as a lay follower, emphasizing understanding, diligent practice, and the integration of spiritual principles into every aspect of existence.