Shravak Dharm Vidhan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shravak Dharm Vidhan" by Shubhankarvijay, based on the provided catalog link and the text itself:

Title: Shravak Dharm Vidhan (Law of Laymen's Conduct) Author: Muni Shubhankarvijayji Publisher: Zaverchand Ramaji Zaveri Context: This book is described as a detailed explanation (विवरण) of the first section (प्रथम पंचाशक) of the great work "Panchashak" by the renowned Acharya Shri Haribhadrasurishvarji Maharaj (author of 1444 works). The original work by Haribhadrasurishvarji is in Sanskrit.

Core Purpose and Content:

The book aims to provide a comprehensive guide to Shravak Dharma (the conduct of Jain lay followers) for the benefit of the common populace. It addresses the current societal conditions where people are swayed by foreign influences and are in a state of spiritual confusion. The text explains the practical application of Jain principles in daily life through a question-and-answer format. It also includes a model daily routine for householders.

Key Sections and Themes:

The book is structured into three main sections:

Samyakattva Swaroop (Nature of Right Faith):
- Importance: Although the primary focus is on Shravak Dharma, the book begins with Samyakattva (Right Faith) because Shravak vows are only beneficial when undertaken with Samyakattva. Samyakattva is considered the root of the tree of Shravak vows, without which the vows cannot sustain.
- Key Topics Covered: What is Samyakattva? When does the first Samyakattva occur? Who possesses Samyakattva? How to identify if a soul has Samyakattva? The different types of Samyakattva, the karmas that are overcome by it, the characteristics of a soul with Samyakattva, the state of karmas upon attaining Samyakattva, whether Samyakattva leads to the attainment of Deshavirati (partial vows), etc. It also delves into whether Samyakattva is a substance, quality, or modification, the required knowledge, its place among the Navatattva (nine realities), the order of its attainment, and how many times a soul can attain it in one or multiple lifetimes. It also addresses which type of Samyakattva leads to Moksha (liberation).
Deshavirati (Partial Vows) - The Twelve Vows:
- Structure: This section details the twelve vows beneficial for lay followers.
- Five Anuvaratas (Lesser Vows): The text explains the nature of the five lesser vows (Anuvaratas) and why they are called Anuvaratas (small vows). It then elaborates on the meaning of the names for the three Guna Vratas (Auxiliary Vows) and the four Shiksha Vratas (Training Vows).
- Detailed Explanation of Each Vow:
  - Sthula Pranati-pat Viraman Vrata (Abstinence from Gross Violence): Discusses what pranati-pat (violence) is, why it's called "sthula" (gross) for laymen, the extent of non-violence laymen can practice, the importance of weighing violence, whether lay vows are lifelong like those of monks or for a specific duration, when an atichara (transgression) or vow-breach occurs, the nature of the five aticharas, and the karmic causes behind them. It emphasizes the precautions a layman must take to practice non-violence.
  - Sthula Mrishavada Viraman Vrata (Abstinence from Gross Lying): Explains the abandonment of five major lies (related to marriage, etc.) and other lies that can be relinquished. It details how the vow is taken and the five aticharas.
  - Sthula Adattadan Viraman Vrata (Abstinence from Gross Stealing): Discusses the gross renunciation of stealing, the types of theft to be strictly avoided, the five aticharas, and why they arise.
  - Svadara Santosh-Parastri Gamana Viraman Vrata (Contentment with One's Own Wife - Abstinence from Adultery): Elaborates on the definitions of one's own wife and another's wife. It clarifies that contentment with one's own wife is included in this vow. It details which types of sexual intercourse are forbidden and how the vow is observed, including the five aticharas and their specific relevance to men and women.
  - Sthula Parigraha Parimana Vrata (Abstinence from Gross Accumulation): Explains the need for laymen to limit their acquisition of wealth, grains, etc. It discusses the benefits of setting limits and outlines the five aticharas and when a vow is considered broken. It also explains why there are five aticharas despite nine types of parigraha (possessions).
  - Digviramana (Directional Limitation) - Guna Vrata 1: Explains the vow to limit travel to certain directions or distances within the fourteen rajju (units of measurement in Jain cosmology). It notes that this avoids sinful activities in areas outside the prescribed limits and aids in observing the Anuvaratas. It also details the five aticharas.
  - Bhoga-Upbhoga Viramana (Abstinence from Enjoyable Objects) - Guna Vrata 2: Discusses limiting the use of consumable and enjoyable items. It details the five aticharas related to food and the fifteen aticharas related to other activities. It also explains 22 forbidden items (abhakshya), the consideration of living and non-living aspects in edible plants, the nature of 32 ananta-kaya (infinitely inhabited) substances, the fourteen rules of this vow, and anupahari (non-essential) items.
  - Anarthadanda Viramana (Abstinence from Useless Sinful Activities) - Guna Vrata 3: Explains the renunciation of purposeless sinful activities. It details the five aticharas of this vow.
  - Samayika (Equanimity) - Shiksha Vrata 1: Explains the nature of Samayika, the ritual for wealthy and less wealthy laymen, and its five aticharas.
  - Deshavakashika (Temporary Restriction) - Shiksha Vrata 2: Describes this vow as a shortened form of the sixth vow (Digviramana), with secondary restrictions on other vows. It also details the five aticharas.
  - Paushadhopavasa (Fasting on Paushadh days) - Shiksha Vrata 3: Explains Paushadh, its eight types, and its five aticharas.
  - Atithi Samvibhaaga (Alms-giving to the Worthy) - Shiksha Vrata 4: Defines Atithi Samvibhaaga, its specific rituals, three types, and its five aticharas.
- Review: The text concludes this section with a review of Samyakattva and the twelve vows.
Shravak Karani (Layman's Practice):
- Review of Samyakattva and Vows: This part reiterates the importance of Samyakattva and the twelve vows, explaining why aticharas are not undertaken with pacchakkhan (vow-taking) like the main vows, how Samyakattva and Deshavirati are obtained and protected, the efforts required, their scope, and their means of practice.
- Salekhana Vrata: It describes the nature of Salekhana Vrata (fasting unto death) and its aticharas.
- Daily Routine: It explains the ideal village for a layman to reside in and details the layman's morning routine. This includes the thoughts and intentions to be cultivated upon waking, the Navkar Mantra remembrance, and the thoughts to have before sleeping at night.
- Sandhya Vidhi: It describes the evening rituals.
- Ten Examples: It briefly presents ten examples illustrating the rarity of human life.
- Momentary Gain: It elaborates on the concept of "momentary gain" (kshan labh deepana) and discusses when a Shravak practicing Deshavirati becomes capable of taking Savyirati (full monastic vows). It highlights the virtues of monastic life like high-level conduct and minimal possessions.
- Conclusion: The book concludes by stating that the fruit of these reflections is the generation of samvega (spiritual urgency).

Authors and Lineage:

The book acknowledges the lineage of spiritual masters involved in its creation:

Original Author of Panchashak: Acharya Shri Haribhadrasurishvarji Maharaj (author of 1444 works).
Commentator on the First Panchashak: Shri Abhaydevsurishvarji (whose commentary is in Sanskrit).
Narrative for this Gujarati Book: Muni Shri Shubhankarvijayji, disciple of Muni Shri Yashobhadra vijayji, who was the disciple of Acharya Shri Vijaykastursurishvarji Maharaj, who was the successor of Acharya Maharaj Shri Vijayvijnansurishvarji Maharaj, who was the successor of Jagadguru Bhattarka Acharya Maharaj Shri Vijaynemisurishvarji Maharaj.

Key Figures Mentioned and Honored:

Jagadguru-Shasan Samrat-Acharya Shrimad Vijay Nemisurishvarji Maharaj: Revered as the spiritual emperor.
Shantmurti Param Pujya Jainacharya Shriman Vijayvijnansurishvarji Maharaj: Revered as a tranquil and venerable Acharya.
Param Pujya Pratah Smarniya Prakrit Vid Visharad Acharya Shrimad Vijay Kastursurishvarji Maharaj: Revered as a learned Acharya in Prakrit literature.
Shreshthivarya Chotalal Mansukhlal (Godhra): A significant financial supporter of the book's publication in memory of whom his son, Ramanlal Chotalal, contributed.

Publication Details:

Publisher: Seth Zaverchand Ramaji Zaveri, Mu. Navsari.
Printer: Gavi Dalal Mohanlal Jani, Krishna Printing Press, Ratanpol, Ahmedabad.
Publication Series: Shri Nemi-Vigyan Granthamala.
Value: Rs. 3-9-0.
Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 2000 (1944 AD) or 2003 (1947 AD), published on Maha Sud Purnima.

Overall Significance:

"Shravak Dharm Vidhan" is presented as a vital text for the spiritual upliftment and practical guidance of Jain lay followers. It aims to clarify complex Jain teachings in an accessible manner, addressing the contemporary need for spiritual grounding and ethical conduct in the face of societal challenges. The detailed explanation of vows and their aticharas provides practical insights for observing the Shravak Dharma with greater precision and understanding.