Shraddhgun Vivaran

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shraddhgun Vivaran" by Chaturvijay, published by Jain Atmanand Sabha, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shraddhgun Vivaran (Description of the Qualities of a Devout Layperson)

Author: Muni Shri Chaturvijayji Maharaj

Publisher: Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022018/1

Overall Purpose:

The book "Shraddhgun Vivaran" aims to provide a detailed and practical guide for lay Jains (Shravaks) on the essential qualities and virtues they should cultivate to live a righteous and fulfilling life according to Jain principles. It elaborates on thirty-five specific qualities, illustrating them with stories, examples, and scriptural references to make them understandable and applicable to daily life. The book emphasizes that true adherence to Jainism is achieved not just by birth or name, but by actively embodying these virtues in one's conduct.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured around the concept of Shraddhgun (qualities of a devout person), specifically a householder Jain. It begins with an invocation and salutation to key figures in Jain tradition, including Shrimad Vijayananadsuri (Atmaramji Maharaj), acknowledging his contribution and inspiration. The author, Muni Shri Chaturvijayji Maharaj, thanks the patrons, notably Vora Hathisingh Jhaverchand of Bhavnagar for his financial support.

The text then delves into the thirty-five qualities, systematically explaining each one with:

• Definition and Explanation: Each quality is clearly defined and its importance in a Jain household's life is discussed.
• Scriptural Basis: The principles behind each quality are often linked to Jain scriptures and teachings.
• Illustrative Stories and Examples: The author uses numerous anecdotes and stories from Jain tradition (like those of Vachak Nandi, Ranka Shreshthi, Vimal and Sahadev, Ambika, Reng Brahman, Dhan Shreshthi, Ambad Dev, Chitrasena, Jitaari Raja, Abhaykumar Mantri, etc.) to make the abstract qualities tangible and relatable. These stories serve to highlight both the positive outcomes of cultivating a virtue and the negative consequences of neglecting it.
• Practical Application: The emphasis is on how these qualities translate into practical, ethical, and spiritual conduct in daily life.

Core Qualities Discussed (Illustrative, not exhaustive):

The summary of the provided pages reveals a progression of qualities crucial for a householder's life:

1. Righteous Livelihood (Nyay Sampanna Vibhav): Emphasizing the importance of earning wealth through ethical and just means. Unjust wealth is shown to lead to negative consequences.
2. Adherence to Proper Conduct (Shishtachar Prashansak): The praise and practice of good manners, social etiquette, and respectful behavior towards elders and society.
3. Suitable Marriage and Family Conduct (Saman Kul Tatha Sheelwalva Anya Gotra Saath Vivah Karvo): Discusses the importance of marrying within compatible families and the roles and responsibilities within a household, including the characteristics of good sons and wives.
4. Fear of Sin (Papbhiru): The importance of being mindful of and avoiding sinful actions, illustrated with stories of those who feared sin and reaped rewards.
5. Following Established Customs (Prasiddh Deshachar Aacharan Karva Roop): Adhering to societal norms and traditions that are not contradictory to Jain principles.
6. Avoiding Gossip and Slander (Koina Varnavaad Nah Belva Roop): The detrimental effects of speaking ill of others and the importance of refraining from such behavior.
7. Appropriate Residence (Grihasth Keva Gharma Rahevu Joye): The significance of choosing a dwelling and neighborhood conducive to spiritual growth and avoiding negative influences.
8. Good Company (Satsang Acharan Karva Roop): The crucial role of associating with virtuous and wise individuals for spiritual upliftment.
9. Devotion to Parents (Matapita ni Puja Karva Roop): Highlighting the immense importance of respecting and serving parents, considering it equivalent to pilgrimage.
10. Avoiding Troublesome Places (Upadravwala Sthan ne Tyag Karva Roop): The wisdom of staying away from places or situations that are likely to lead to trouble or spiritual downfall.
11. Abstaining from Reprehensible Actions (Nindit Karyama Pravrutti Nahi Karva Roop): The necessity of avoiding actions that are considered wrong or condemned by society and scriptures.
12. Spending within Means (Aavakna Pramanma Kharch Karvano): The virtue of financial prudence, spending according to one's income.
13. Appropriate Attire (Vaibhav ne Anusare Vesh Rakhva Roop): Maintaining attire that is fitting to one's status and circumstances.
14. Cultivating Intellectual Virtues (Buddhi na Ath Guno Melavva Roop): The importance of developing intellectual capacities like listening, retention, understanding, and discernment.
15. Constant Religious Study (Nirantar Dharma Shravan Karva Roop): The continuous seeking and absorption of religious knowledge.
16. Avoiding Indigestion (Ajirnama Bhojan no Tyag Karva Roop): The significance of mindful eating and avoiding overeating to maintain physical and mental well-being.
17. Eating at Appropriate Times (Kale Bhojan Karva Roop): The importance of adhering to a proper schedule for meals.
18. Balancing Dharma, Artha, and Kama (Trivarga na Sadhan Karva Roop): The principle of pursuing one's worldly duties (Artha and Kama) in harmony with Dharma.
19. Respecting Guests and the Needy (Atithi Vigure ni Bhakti Karva Roop): The virtue of hospitality and compassion towards guests and those less fortunate.
20. Abandoning False Attachments (Mithyabhinivesh Tyag Karva Roop): The need to shed deluded beliefs and attachments.
21. Partiality Towards Virtues (Gunma Pakshapata Karva Roop): The importance of appreciating and favoring good qualities.
22. Avoiding Unsuitable Times and Places (Adesh Ane Akal Charya ne Tyag Karva Roop): Acting judiciously according to circumstances and timing.
23. Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses (Sva Tatha Par Na Balabal Ne Janva Roop): Self-awareness and the ability to assess one's own and others' capabilities.
24. Honoring the Vowed and the Learned (Vratma Raheala Ane Gyanthi Vrudhano Puja Karva Roop): Showing reverence and respect to those who have taken vows and possess spiritual knowledge.
25. Nurturing Dependents (Pishya Varga nu Pishan Karva Roop): The duty of caring for one's family and dependents.
26. Foresightedness (Dirghadarshi): The ability to think and plan for the future.
27. Expertise (Visheshajnya): Possessing knowledge and skill in one's chosen field.
28. Gratitude (Krutajnya): Recognizing and appreciating the help received from others.
29. Popularity (Lokvallabh): Being well-liked and respected by people.
30. Modesty (Lajja): Having a sense of shame and propriety.
31. Compassion (Dayalu): Possessing kindness and empathy towards all beings.
32. Serenity (Saumya): Maintaining a calm and peaceful disposition.
33. Beneficence (Paropakari Karma): Actively helping and serving others.
34. Renunciation of Inner Enemies (Antarangari Shadvarga Parighar Parayan): Conquering internal vices like lust, anger, greed, pride, ego, and attachment.
35. Control of the Senses (Indriyo ne Vash Karva Roop): Mastering one's senses.

Author's Background and Patronage:

The book highlights the lineage of the author's spiritual teachers, tracing back to Shri Jagachandrasuri and then to Shri Somasuresuri, a renowned scholar and writer. The publication was made possible through the financial support of Vora Hathisingh Jhaverchand, a prominent businessman from Bhavnagar, who is described as a philanthropist dedicated to Jain causes, including religious ceremonies, temple renovations, and the propagation of knowledge. His biography is included, detailing his family's history in Bhavnagar and his extensive charitable activities.

Overall Significance:

"Shraddhgun Vivaran" is presented as a highly valuable and essential guide for householder Jains seeking to understand and practice their faith authentically. The book's comprehensive approach, use of illustrative stories, and clear explanations make it a practical tool for spiritual and ethical development within the Jain tradition. The publication reflects the Jain community's commitment to preserving and disseminating its scriptures and teachings for the benefit of current and future generations.