Shravak Dharma Anuvrata

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shravak Dharma Anuvrata" by Chandanmal Nagori, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shravak Dharma Anuvrata (The Vow of Lay Jainism) Author: Chandanmal Nagori Publisher: Chandanmal Nagori Jain Library, Choti Sadri (Mewar)

Core Subject: This book is a detailed exposition of the twelve vows that constitute the ethical and spiritual framework for lay Jains (Shravaks and Shravikas). It explains the importance, practice, and significance of these vows for spiritual progress and attainment of liberation.

Dedication and Acknowledgements:

• The book is dedicated to Pujya Pravartiniji Shri Vallabhshriji Sahiba, recognizing her impactful discourses that inspire many to take vows and her contribution to spiritual upliftment.
• Gratitude is expressed to Shriyut Seth Mangal Bhai alias Chhaganlal Bhai Laxmichand for financial assistance towards the publication, facilitated by Shriyut Ratilal Bhai of Mumbai.
• Appreciation is also extended to Shri Kusumshriji Sahiba, a disciple of Shri Vallabhshriji, for her influential discourses in Mumbai, leading to a second Chaturmas (a four-month period of religious observance).

Introduction to Shravak Dharma and Vows:

• The text begins by explaining that Jain scriptures describe the layperson's path through various vows.
• It differentiates between the five Mahavratas (Great Vows) undertaken by monks and the five Anuvratas (Lesser Vows) undertaken by laypeople. The Mahavratas are extensions of the Anuvratas, practiced with greater rigor.
• The five Anuvratas are:
  1. Pranatipat Viraman Vrat (Vow to abstain from violence/killing)
  2. Mrishavada Viraman Vrat (Vow to abstain from false speech)
  3. Adattadan Viraman Vrat (Vow to abstain from stealing/taking what is not given)
  4. Brahmacharya Vrat (Vow to practice chastity/celibacy)
  5. Parigraha Pariman Vrat (Vow to limit possessions)
• These five Anuvratas are further enhanced by three Gunavratas (Progressive Vows) and four Shikshavratas (Training Vows), collectively forming the twelve vows of a layperson.
• The book notes that in the time of Lord Mahavir, there were a significant number of lay followers, emphasizing the historical importance of this path.

The Twelve Vows Explained:

I. The Five Anuvratas (Lesser Vows):

1. Pranatipat Viraman Vrat (Abstinence from Violence):

   • Laypeople are expected to practice this to a certain extent, understanding that complete abstinence is for monks.
   • It involves not harming living beings oneself, not causing harm to others, and not praising those who harm.
   • Even in household activities (building, business, medicine), unintentional harm might occur, but one should exercise utmost caution (Jayana).
   • The text lists various legal penalties for violent acts (assault, murder, abortion, etc.) to highlight the worldly consequences of violating this vow.
   • Five Aticharas (Minor transgressions) to avoid: Cruelty to animals, binding them tightly, disfiguring them, overloading them, and depriving them of adequate food and water.

2. Mrishavada Viraman Vrat (Abstinence from False Speech):

   • Emphasizes that lying is universally condemned.
   • It details the worldly consequences of lying, including legal punishments for false testimony, false claims, etc.
   • Practicing this vow enhances one's reputation and respect in society.
   • Five Major Lies to avoid: Falsehoods in marriage proposals, descriptions of cattle, property transactions, denying entrusted goods, and false witness in serious cases.
   • Five Aticharas to avoid: Speaking excessively or inappropriately, revealing secrets, divulging sensitive information about trusted individuals, giving false advice, and creating or altering false documents/testimony.

3. Adattadan Viraman Vrat (Abstinence from Stealing):

   • This involves not stealing, picking pockets, breaking locks, or facilitating theft.
   • It highlights that for honest individuals, this vow is not difficult.
   • Five Aticharas to avoid: Knowingly accepting stolen goods, assisting thieves, altering the nature of stolen goods, violating prohibitions against theft, and using dishonest weights and measures.

4. Brahmacharya Vrat (Chastity):

   • This vow is crucial for maintaining health, mental clarity, and strength.
   • Laypeople are encouraged to practice chastity within the bounds of their married life and to completely abstain from extramarital relations.
   • It mentions the penalties for sexual offenses like rape.
   • The vow encourages contentment within one's own spouse and abstaining from others' spouses.
   • Five Aticharas related to this vow are discussed, with differing interpretations among scholars regarding the extent of transgressions for those content with their spouse versus those who abstain from others' spouses. The text leans towards the interpretation that all five can apply. The five are generally related to sexual conduct with unmarried girls, those in temporary relationships, unnatural acts, facilitating marriages for others, and intense sexual desire.

5. Parigraha Pariman Vrat (Limitation of Possessions):

   • This vow aims to control greed and attachment to material possessions.
   • It suggests setting limits on one's wealth, property, and belongings and using any excess for religious or charitable purposes.
   • The book lists legal repercussions for financial crimes like counterfeiting currency, taking bribes, etc.
   • Five Aticharas to avoid: Exceeding limits on wealth, land, precious metals, vessels, and dependents (servants, animals). The practice of setting limits on wealth one has not yet acquired is also mentioned as beneficial.

II. The Three Gunavratas (Progressive Vows):

6. Dik Pariman Vrat (Limitation of Direction):

   • This vow involves setting boundaries on travel and movement in the ten directions (four cardinal, four intermediate, up, and down).
   • Exceptions are made for necessary travel for religious purposes or with care (Jayana).
   • Five Aticharas to avoid: Exceeding prescribed limits in any direction, combining directional limits, and traveling beyond boundaries due to forgetfulness.

7. Bhogopabhoga Viraman Vrat (Limitation of Consumption):

   • This vow focuses on restricting the use and consumption of material items.
   • Bhog refers to items used once (like food, betel leaf), and Upabhog refers to items used multiple times (clothes, vehicles, furniture).
   • The book outlines fourteen rules for this vow, covering food, clothing, vehicles, furniture, personal care items, and even elements like earth, water, fire, and air.
   • Aticharas are also mentioned, relating to consuming unrefined items, mixed foods, impure cooked food, and discarding useful items.

8. Anarthadand Viraman Vrat (Abstinence from Needless Punishments/Harm):

   • This vow prohibits unnecessary harm, cruelty, and participation in harmful entertainment.
   • Examples include not keeping dangerous animals, not attending animal fights, not witnessing executions, and not carelessly harming plants.
   • It also discourages lending tools like grinding stones or ploughs for harmful purposes.
   • Five Aticharas: Engaging in activities that increase desires, speaking provocatively, causing harm through words, preparing more than needed for oneself, and engaging in cruel or harmful occupations.

III. The Four Shikshavratas (Training Vows):

9. Samayik Vrat (Equanimity/Meditation):

   • This is a crucial practice for developing mental equilibrium and spiritual focus.
   • It involves periods of meditation and contemplation.
   • Five Aticharas to avoid: Distracted thoughts, speaking unwholesome words, improper posture, breaking the Samayik prematurely, and forgetting to observe it.

10. Deshavagasik Vrat (Limited Time/Place Vow):

    • This vow involves restricting certain activities to specific times or places, often as a shortened version of other vows.
    • It can involve practicing Samayik for limited periods or days.
    • Five Aticharas: Obtaining items from restricted areas, sending items beyond prescribed limits, ordering items by sound, using visual cues, or throwing objects to acquire items from outside the restricted zone.

11. Paushadhopavas Vrat (Fasting/Observance Day):

    • This vow involves observing periods of fasting and religious observance, typically for 24 hours or longer.
    • It includes abstaining from food, worldly activities, and practicing celibacy.
    • Five Aticharas to avoid: Improper preparation of bedding and seating areas, uncleaned spaces for worship, and taking or breaking the vow at incorrect times.

12. Atithi Sanvibhag Vrat (Charity/Hospitality):

    • This vow emphasizes sharing one's resources with ascetics (monks and nuns) and the needy.
    • It involves offering food and support with devotion and proper etiquette.
    • Five Aticharas to avoid: Mixing pure and impure items, covering pure items with impure ones, misrepresenting one's own goods as others' or vice-versa, giving grudgingly, and delaying the offering time for ascetics.

Other Important Concepts:

• Samyaktva (Right Faith): Highlighted as the root of all these vows. Without pure faith in the pure God, pure Guru, and pure Dharma, even extensive practices yield little fruit.
• Pure God, Guru, and Dharma: Defined as free from defects, practicing Mahavratas and pure teachings, and speaking only the truth.
• Jayana: A principle of exercising utmost caution and intention to minimize harm, even when unavoidable in worldly activities.
• Atichara: Minor lapses or deviations from the vows that weaken their efficacy.
• Seven Vices (Vyasan) to renounce: Gambling, meat-eating, drinking alcohol, visiting prostitutes, hunting, theft, and illicit relations.
• Twenty-two Forbidden Foods (Abhakshya): A list of items to be avoided due to their inherent violence (anantkay) or impurity.
• Thirty-two Types of Anantkay: Specific substances that contain an immense number of microscopic life forms.
• Fifteen Karmadanas: Actions that are considered binding and should be renounced.
• Lilotari Tyag (Renunciation of Fresh Vegetation): The importance of abstaining from fresh, abundant vegetation, particularly when it's not essential for sustenance, to curb desire and practice self-control.

Overall Message: The book serves as a practical guide for lay Jains to live an ethically upright life, fostering spiritual growth through the disciplined observance of the twelve vows. It emphasizes that adherence to these vows leads to worldly well-being, reputation, and ultimately, spiritual liberation. The author stresses that even amidst worldly responsibilities, these vows can be adopted with the right intention and careful practice.