Shravak Dharm Vidhi Prakaran

This document is a detailed summary and introduction to the Shravak Dharm Vidhi Prakaran (श्रावक धर्म विधि प्रकरण), a Jain text authored by Acharya Haribhadrasuri, with Hindi translation and editing by Mahopadhyaya Vinay Sagar and English translation by Surendra Bothra. The book is published by Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur, and Parshvanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi.

The document provides a comprehensive overview of the book, covering:

1. Introduction to the Text and its Significance:

• Shravak Dharma: The text emphasizes the importance of the Shravak (laity) as an integral part of the Jain religious system. Shravak Dharma is presented as the first step in the path of liberation, offering a structured way to live a meaningful life both in worldly and spiritual terms.
• Author's Credibility: It highlights Acharya Haribhadrasuri's scholarly status and the authenticity of this work, confirmed by the mention of "Bhavavira" in the concluding verses, indicating it's by the renowned Haribhadrasuri.
• Publishing Endeavor: The joint publication by Prakrit Bharti Academy and Parshvanath Vidyapeeth aims to make this important text accessible to a wider audience, including scholars and researchers. The inclusion of Hindi and English translations caters to a broader readership.

2. Historical and Scholarly Context of Acharya Haribhadrasuri:

• Prolific Writer: Haribhadrasuri is described as a highly talented and widely learned Jain scholar who produced a vast and diverse body of literature covering philosophy, religion, yoga, ethics, and narrative poetry.
• Pioneer of Sanskrit Commentaries: He is recognized as the first Jain scholar to write commentaries in Sanskrit on Agamic texts, which were previously primarily in Prakrit.
• Contribution to Jain Yoga: He is considered the progenitor of Jain literature on yoga.
• Intellectual Acumen and Tolerance: The text emphasizes Haribhadrasuri's intellectual brilliance, his commitment to truthfulness, and his remarkable tolerance and ability to synthesize different philosophical and religious viewpoints, especially during an era marked by intellectual disputes and religious animosity.
• Time Period: The document delves into various scholarly debates regarding Haribhadrasuri's exact time period, citing ancient verses and scholarly interpretations that place him generally in the 6th to 8th century CE.

3. Haribhadrasuri's Personality and Contributions:

• Versatile Genius: His personality is characterized by immense intellectual capacity, generosity, tolerance, and equanimity. He strived for synthesis rather than creating new divisions in the realms of religion and philosophy.
• Unbiased Presentation of Philosophies: A significant contribution highlighted is his unbiased presentation and critical analysis of various Indian philosophical schools (Shad-darshana). He is credited with being the first to present the doctrines of major Indian philosophies in a single, authentic text without excessive condemnation.
• Scholarly Acumen and Politeness: He is praised for his polite and respectful approach even when critiquing other philosophical traditions, a rare quality in his time. His works like "Shastra Varta Samuccaya" demonstrate this balanced and respectful approach.
• Bold Critic of Superstitions: While respecting other traditions, he fearlessly critiqued and debunked superstitions and irrational beliefs prevalent in religious practices of his time. Texts like "Dhurta Akhyana" and "Dvijavadan Chapetika" are cited as examples of his critical stance against blind faith and malpractices.
• Emphasis on Logic and Reason: Haribhadrasuri stressed the importance of logic and reason in spiritual practice, advocating for the acceptance of truth regardless of its origin, while also warning against the pitfalls of dry argumentation divorced from spiritual depth.
• Focus on Inner Purity over Rituals: He emphasized moral purity and character over mere ritualistic observances, advocating for the essence of religion rather than its outward forms.
• Unifying Vision of Religion: He believed in the underlying unity of religious paths and the importance of focusing on the ultimate goal rather than sectarian differences in names or practices.
• Revolutionary Thinker: The text positions him as a revolutionary thinker who critiqued not only external traditions but also internal shortcomings and deviations within the Jain monastic order of his time, advocating for genuine spiritual practice and ethical conduct.

4. Detailed Account of Haribhadrasuri's Works: The document provides an extensive list and brief descriptions of Haribhadrasuri's numerous works, categorized into:

• Commentaries on Agamic Texts: Including commentaries on Dashavaikalika, Acharanga, Anuyogadvara, Nandi, and others.
• Original Treatises and Commentaries on His Own Works: Covering philosophy (Shad-darshana Samuccaya, Shastra Varta Samuccaya, Anekantha Jayapataka), yoga (Yoga Drishti Samuccaya, Yoga Bindu, Yoga Shataka), and logic (Nyaya Pravesha Vritti).
• Narrative Literature: Including Samaraichha Kahá, Dhurta Akhyana, and other shorter narrative works used for moral and religious instruction.

5. Specific Content of Shravak Dharm Vidhi Prakaran:

• Definition of Shravak: It begins by defining a Shravak not just as one who listens to the Jain teachings but one who is qualified to follow them, free from fear, and possessing a pure livelihood.
• Attributes of a Deserving Shravak: The text outlines specific qualities, categorized into groups of five, five, and three, that make one eligible for observing Shravak Dharma. These include love for religious discourses, not criticizing or listening to criticism of religion, curiosity for knowledge, devotion, respect for gurus, timely worship, balanced livelihood, charity, austerity, and equanimity.
• Foundation of Samyak Darshan: The core of Shravak Dharma is identified as Samyak Darshan (right faith/perception), which is then explained in its three forms: Kshayika, Aupashamika, and Kshayopashamika.
• Rejection of Mithyatva (Unrighteousness): The text elaborates on various forms of Mithyatva, including worshipping mundane deities, associating with other religious sects, and accepting flawed interpretations or practices within one's own tradition. It emphasizes avoiding these through mind, speech, and action.
• The Eight Codes of Darshanachar: The importance of the eight codes of right faith is detailed: Niyashankita (freedom from doubt), Nishkanksha (freedom from desire), Nirvicikitsa (freedom from suspicion), Amudha Drishti (unwavering faith), Upabrimhana (praising the virtuous), Sthirikarana (stabilizing faith), Vatsalya (fraternal affection), and Prabhavana (promoting the faith).
• The Twelve Vows of a Shravak: The text outlines the five minor vows (anuvratas), three reinforcing vows (gunavratas), and four disciplinary vows (shikshavratas) that form the foundation of Shravak Dharma.
• Detailed Explanation of Vows and Transgressions: Each vow is described, along with its five common transgressions (aticharas) that need to be avoided.
• Daily Duties of a Shravak: The text concludes by detailing the daily routine of a Shravak, from waking up, worshipping, serving the guru, studying scriptures, to sleeping, emphasizing the continuous practice of virtue and detachment.
• The Significance of "Bhavavira": The text's conclusion with the term "Bhavavira" (one who desires liberation from the cycle of birth and death) is highlighted as a further confirmation of its authorship by the great Haribhadrasuri.

In essence, the document serves as a scholarly introduction to the Shravak Dharm Vidhi Prakaran, underscoring the profound contribution of Acharya Haribhadrasuri to Jain literature and philosophy, particularly his emphasis on reason, synthesis, and ethical conduct for the laity.