Shravak Dharm Pradip

The book "Shravak Dharm Pradeep" (श्रावकधर्म प्रदीप), authored by Acharya Kunthu Sagar (श्री १०८ आचार्य कुन्थुसागरजी) and commented upon by Pandit Jaganmohanlal Shastri (सिद्धान्ताचार्य पं० जगन्मोहनलाल शास्त्री), is published by Shree Ganesh Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan, Varanasi. The book serves as a guide for Jain laymen (Shravaks), outlining their religious duties and practices.

The core philosophy presented emphasizes overcoming attachment (mamata or moh) as the root cause of all problems and advocates for the practice of renunciation as a means to achieve spiritual liberation. The text details various forms of renunciation practiced by Jain householders, not as mere rituals but as integral parts of spiritual discipline.

The book divides spiritual practice into two main categories:

1. Samvara (संवर): This refers to controlling one's life and actions to prevent the influx of new negative karma. It involves living a disciplined and regulated life.
2. Nirjara (निर्जरा): This refers to the process of shedding accumulated negative karma and purifying oneself of existing faults and weaknesses.

Both practices are considered essential for the spiritual aspirant. The text highlights the importance of both self-control (samvara) to avoid new defilements and practices that foster detachment (vairagya) and inner purity (atmaparinaam).

A significant portion of "Shravak Dharm Pradeep" is dedicated to the detailed explanation of the eleven stages of practice (Pratimas - प्रतिमाओं) for Jain laymen, as outlined in the scriptures. These stages represent a progressive path of spiritual development for householders.

The book is a commentary on the original work by Acharya Kunthu Sagar, with Pandit Jaganmohanlal Shastri providing extensive Sanskrit and Hindi explanations. Shastriji is recognized for his deep spiritual knowledge, his adherence to the path of renunciation (as he himself was a follower of the seventh Pratima), and his successful execution of a life of vows for over 70 years. His life is presented as an exemplary ideal for future generations.

The publication is a third edition, brought out by Shree Ganesh Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan as part of their "Shree Ganeshvarni Jain Granthmala" series, celebrating its silver jubilee. The publication was made possible through the inspiration and financial support of various individuals and trusts, including the S.S. Kanhaiyalal Ratan Chand Jain Shiksha Trust, Katni.

The text also includes introductory essays by Prof. Udaya Chandra Jain and Dr. Rajaram Jain, who edited the Granthmala, and a biographical sketch of Pandit Jaganmohanlal Shastri by Vijay Kumar Bhartiya.

In essence, "Shravak Dharm Pradeep" is a comprehensive treatise on the Shravakachar (conduct of laypeople in Jainism), offering guidance on righteous living, spiritual discipline, and the path towards self-realization, drawing from the profound teachings of Jainism and the lived example of its commentators.