Shravak Dharm - Book Summary | JainGPT

This document is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shravak Dharm" (The Path of the Lay Follower) by Premsuman Jain. It outlines the principles and practices of Jainism as they apply to lay followers, distinguishing them from the monastic path while emphasizing their shared foundation in Ahimsa (non-violence).

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. Introduction to Shravak Dharm:

Purpose: Lord Mahavir established different vows for lay followers (Shravak) and monks (Shraman) for inner purification and spiritual progress. Those unable to adopt the monastic life can become true spiritual seekers by embracing the Shravak Dharma.
Core Principle: All vows for both Shravak and Shraman are dedicated to the practice of Ahimsa.
Definition of Shravak: The term "Shravak" is derived from three qualities: Shraddhalu (faithful/devoted), Viveki (discerning/wise), and Kiyavan (one who acts/practicing). A person possessing these qualities is a Shravak, also referred to as Upasak or Sagar. They are called "Shraddh" or "Shravak" because they faithfully listen to the teachings of their spiritual guides.
Lay Follower's Role: Shravaks practice spiritual discipline while living a householder's life, fulfilling family, social, and national responsibilities.

2. Historical Context and Key Acharyas:

The text highlights the significant contributions of Jain Acharyas who have elaborated on Shravak Dharma.
- Acharya Kundakunda: Described Shravak Dharma in just six verses in his "Charitra Pahud" and later in 72 verses in "Ratnasara," mentioning 11 stages (pratimas) and the core vows.
- Swami Kartikeya: Detailed Shravak Dharma in his work "Anupreksha," listing twelve types of householder conduct.
- Swami Samantabhadra: Authored the seminal work "Ratnakaranda Shravakachara," focusing on the glory of right faith (Samyakdarshan).
- Acharya Amitgati: Wrote "Upasakadhyayan," known as "Amitgati Shravakachara," elaborating on Shravak Dharma in 14 chapters.
- Acharya Vasunandi: Composed a treatise on Shravak Dharma in Prakrit, based on the 11 pratimas, emphasizing the renunciation of the seven vices.
- "Savayadhammadoha": This text discusses the rarity of human life, the nature of deities, gurus, and the path, highlighting the faults of the seven vices and advocating their abandonment.

3. The Twelve Vows of a Shravak (Dvadas Vrat): The core of Shravak Dharma lies in these vows, with Ahimsa as their fundamental basis.

Five Minor Vows (Anuvrat): These are partial or limited abstinences from the five great sins (Mahapap). "Anu" means small or minor.
1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): Abstaining from causing harm to living beings. It encompasses goodwill and love towards all beings through thoughts, words, and deeds. This involves controlling anger, pride, deceit, greed, and possessiveness. It categorizes violence into Sankalpi (deliberate), Udyogi (occupational), Aarambhi (essential activities), and Virodhi (defensive). Shravaks must abstain from Sankalpi violence.
2. Satya (Truthfulness): Abstaining from falsehood. Truth and non-violence are interdependent; truth without non-violence is "naked and ugly."
3. Asteya (Non-stealing): Not taking anything that is not given, through mind, speech, or body. This includes both gross theft (punishable by law) and subtle theft (like taking unnecessary small items) and controlling hoarding.
4. Brahmacharya (Chastity/Celibacy): Abstaining from sensual indulgence with any woman other than one's own wife. This limits sensual desires and controls sexual activity.
5. Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): Limiting one's possessions and desires. This involves regulating wealth and worldly possessions, accepting only what is necessary for sustenance, and earning wealth ethically. The goal is to reduce possessiveness and greed, ultimately addressing societal economic disparity.
Three Qualitative Vows (Gunavrat): These vows strengthen the Anuvrat.
1. Dik Vrat (Directional Vow): Limiting one's movement within specific directions, setting geographical boundaries for daily life and trade to control unrestrained greed.
2. Deshavakashika Vrat (Temporal Vow): A further restriction within the Dik Vrat, limiting movement to specific regions for a limited period.
3. Anarthadand Vrat (Abstinence from Useless Harm): Avoiding actions that are unproductive and lead to the accumulation of sin, such as harboring ill thoughts about others, preaching harmful practices, or misusing essential items.
Four Subsidiary Vows (Shikshavrat): These are practices that cultivate a deeper spiritual understanding and preparation for higher vows.
1. Samayika Vrat: Engaging in meditation and equanimity for a fixed period at a fixed place, abstaining from all sinful activities. During this time, the practitioner is considered equivalent to a great vow-holder (Mahavrati).
2. Proshadhopavas: Observing fasts, typically on auspicious days (Parva days), abstaining from food and controlling all senses and desires. This practice aids in meditation, self-study, celibacy, and contemplation of truth.
3. Bhogopabhogapariman Vrat: Limiting the consumption of consumable (Bhog - used once) and enjoy able (Upbhog - used multiple times) items, such as food, drink, and perfumes, for a specific period or for life. This reduces greed and worldly desires.
4. Atithisamvibhag Vrat: Offering food, medicine, or religious items with a pure heart to ascetics who are on a spiritual journey and whose arrival is not fixed (Atithi). This is also known as Vaiyavrutty (service and care).

4. Daily Sixfold Duties of a Shravak (Dainik Shatkarma): These are essential daily practices for holistic development while living a householder's life.

Devpuja (Worship of the Divine): A means of cultivating auspicious thoughts and devotion towards virtuous beings. It involves both material (dravya) and mental (bhava) worship. Bhava puja, contemplating the qualities of the self-realized, leads to self-realization.
Gurubhaktī (Devotion to the Guru): The Guru dispels ignorance. Devotion to a Guru who is ascetic and free from worldly possessions is essential for spiritual awakening and the purification of mind, speech, and body.
Svadhyaya (Self-Study): Studying and contemplating the soul. It provides the strength to renounce attachment, helps in overcoming sins, and leads to the realization of the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya). It develops intellectual and spiritual strength.
Sanyama (Self-Control): Regulating the senses and mind. This involves controlling passions and afflictions. It is divided into Indriya Sanyama (sense control) and Prani Sanyama (control over harm to living beings). Indriya Sanyama is primary, leading to reduced consumption and a fairer distribution of resources. Prani Sanyama leads to the practice of Ahimsa and self-development.
Tapa (Austerity): The practice of controlling desires and ambitions. Austerities like fasting and reducing food intake purify the soul, help in renouncing ego and possessiveness, and should be practiced according to one's capacity.
Dana (Charity/Giving): Giving alms daily to deserving recipients. The true worth of wealth lies in giving. Charity without ego is fruitful. Shravaks donate to monks, nuns, celibates, and other religious practitioners, cultivating good thoughts.

5. The Eleven Stages of Lay Discipleship (Gyarah Pratimas): These are progressive steps that a Shravak takes to refine their conduct and move closer to the monastic path.

Darshan Pratima: Cultivating right faith.
Vrat Pratima: Practicing vows.
Samayika Pratima: Adhering to Samayika.
Proshadh Pratima: Observing Proshadh (fasts).
Sachittavirata Pratima: Abstaining from living (unprocessed) foods.
Divamaiithun/Ratribhuktityag Pratima: Abstaining from sexual activity during the day or having meals only during the day.
Brahmacharya Pratima: Practicing complete celibacy.
Arambh Tyag Pratima: Renouncing worldly beginnings or occupations.
Parigrah Tyag Pratima: Renouncing possessions.
Anumati Tyag Pratima: Abstaining from giving approval to sinful activities.
Uddisht Tyag Pratima: Renouncing specially prepared food for oneself.

In essence, "Shravak Dharm" provides a detailed roadmap for Jain lay followers to lead a righteous, disciplined, and spiritually oriented life within the societal framework, all guided by the paramount principle of Ahimsa.