Shravak Ke Barah Vrat

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shravak Ke Barah Vrat" by Mangla Choradiya, published by Samyaggyan Pracharak Mandal, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose:

The book "Shravak Ke Barah Vrat" (The Twelve Vows of a Layperson) aims to guide lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas) in their spiritual journey within Jainism. It details the twelve fundamental vows that a Jain householder should undertake to purify their conduct, reduce karmic bondage, and progress towards liberation. The text emphasizes that while becoming a renunciant (a monk or nun) is the highest path, embracing these twelve vows is a crucial and achievable step for laypeople to lead a morally upright and spiritually beneficial life.

Core Concept of Vows (Vrat):

The book defines "vrat" as the act of restraining one's uncontrolled inclinations and desires, thereby establishing oneself in renunciation and self-imposed limits. By taking vows, individuals cease from sinful activities and avoid falling into lower realms of existence. The text highlights that true adherence to vows leads to peace and happiness.

Structure of the Book:

The book systematically explains each of the twelve vows, covering:

• Pratigya (Vow/Pledge): The core declaration and commitment to the vow.
• Atichar (Transgressions/Faults): Actions that weaken or violate the vow, to be avoided.
• Aagar (Exceptions/Loopholes): Permissible allowances or justifications for temporarily deviating from a vow under specific compelling circumstances.
• Niyam (Rules/Guidelines): Specific prohibitions and practices related to each vow, offering practical guidance for daily life.
• Shiksha (Teachings/Lessons): Broader ethical and spiritual lessons derived from the vow, aimed at fostering the right mindset and understanding.

The Twelve Vows:

The text systematically details the following twelve vows, categorized into Mahavratas (Great Vows, for ascetics) and Anuvratas (Lesser Vows, for householders), with the book focusing on the Anuvratas and other vows applicable to lay life:

1. Ahimsa Anuvrat (Vow of Non-Violence):

• Pledge: To refrain from harming sentient beings, particularly the innocent. This includes abstaining from intentional killing of beings with two or more senses, as well as establishing limits for harming stationary beings (one-sensed beings like plants and earth-elements).
• Details: Extensive rules cover avoiding violence in daily life, including the use of pesticides, engaging in violent trades, eating in places where meat is cooked, and the ethical treatment of dependents. It also touches upon avoiding practices that cause harm to living beings, such as certain agricultural methods or the use of leather.

2. Satya Anuvrat (Vow of Truthfulness):

• Pledge: To speak truthfully, avoiding harsh words, lies that cause scandal, or deception that leads to disputes or mistrust.
• Details: Emphasizes speaking what is beneficial, not speaking unnecessarily, and avoiding slander, false accusations, and deceitful advice. It also includes rules against derogatory language and respecting the confidentiality of others.

3. Achaurya Anuvrat (Vow of Non-Stealing):

• Pledge: To refrain from taking anything that is not willingly given, including avoiding theft, fraud, and dishonesty in trade.
• Details: Covers not buying stolen goods, not helping thieves, avoiding tax evasion, not using dishonest weights and measures, and not selling counterfeit items. It also touches upon the importance of honesty in business dealings.

4. Brahmacharya Anuvrat (Vow of Chastity/Celibacy):

• Pledge: To control sensual desires. For householders, this generally means limiting sexual activity to one's own spouse, while for others, it's about complete abstinence or maintaining respectful relationships.
• Details: Advises against extramarital affairs, excessive indulgence, and actions that incite lust. It also suggests avoiding situations and content that promote sensuality.

5. Aparigraha Anuvrat (Vow of Non-Possession/Non-Attachment):

• Pledge: To limit one's possessions and desires for material things.
• Details: This vow involves setting limits on land, houses, wealth, grain, livestock, jewelry, vehicles, and other belongings. The goal is to reduce attachment and greed, which are seen as root causes of suffering.

6. Disā Parimāṇ Vrat (Vow of Directional Limitation):

• Pledge: To restrict movement and activities to a defined geographical area.
• Details: This vow involves setting limits on how far one can travel in any direction (up, down, and horizontally). It helps in reducing unnecessary travel and the associated potential for violence and attachment.

7. Upabhog Pari-bhog Pari-man Vrat (Vow of Limited Consumption and Use):

• Pledge: To limit the use of consumable (upabhog) and reusable (paribhog) items.
• Details: This is a detailed vow that involves specifying limits for a wide range of items, including food, clothing, cosmetics, perfumes, ornaments, vehicles, and household goods. It encourages a simpler lifestyle and avoidance of excessive indulgence. This vow includes an extensive list of food items and their limitations.

8. Anarthadand Viraman Vrat (Vow of Abstinence from Useless/Harmful Activities):

• Pledge: To avoid engaging in activities that are pointless, harmful, or cause mental distress (like anger, lust, greed, fear-driven thoughts).
• Details: This vow addresses harmful mental states (like wrathful meditation), negligence, the accumulation of unnecessary weapons, and giving harmful advice or encouragement to sinful activities. It also includes abstaining from wasteful activities, excessive entertainment, and indulging in vices.

9. Sāmāyik Vrat (Vow of Equanimity/Meditation):

• Pledge: To dedicate a specific period each day for spiritual contemplation, meditation, and equanimity, abstaining from worldly activities.
• Details: Emphasizes setting aside time for spiritual practice, avoiding negative thoughts, words, and actions during this period. It encourages detachment from worldly concerns and cultivation of inner peace.

10. Deśāvakāśik Vrat (Vow of Temporary Limitation):

• Pledge: To observe the principles of vows (especially limiting consumption and movement) for a specific period (e.g., a day, a week) or on specific days.
• Details: This vow allows for a more rigorous observance of limitations, often related to fasting, celibacy, or avoiding certain foods for a day. It's a way to periodically intensify spiritual practice.

11. Paushadh Vrat (Vow of Observance on Holy Days):

• Pledge: To observe specific restrictions and practices, often including fasting or partial fasting, on auspicious days like Ashtami, Chaturdashi, and Paryushan.
• Details: This vow involves observing a stricter code of conduct on designated holy days, which may include fasting, silence, and increased meditation. It's a dedicated period for spiritual purification.

12. Atithi Samvibhag Vrat (Vow of Hospitality/Sharing with the Virtuous):

• Pledge: To offer food, shelter, and other necessities with reverence and selfless devotion to ascetics (monks and nuns) or anyone on the path of spiritual practice.
• Details: This vow emphasizes the importance of supporting the spiritual community by providing pure and desirable provisions without any expectation of return. It's an act of selfless service and gratitude.

Additional Key Aspects:

• Samayaktva (Right Faith): The book begins with the foundational principle of Samayaktva, emphasizing faith in the Arihant as God, the Nirgrantha (ascetic) as Guru, and the teachings of the Jinas as Dharma. It includes a detailed pledge for embracing right faith.
• Aagaar (Exceptions): The text thoughtfully outlines exceptions for each vow, acknowledging the practical realities of lay life and the need for flexibility under unavoidable circumstances, while strongly advising against exploiting these exceptions.
• Niyam (Rules) and Shiksha (Teachings): The detailed rules and teachings within each vow section provide practical guidance for integrating these principles into daily life, covering various aspects from diet and conduct to business practices and social interactions.
• The Fourteen Rules (Chaudah Niyam): The latter part of the book introduces "Chaudah Niyam" (Fourteen Rules), which are a set of general daily observances for laypeople, further reinforcing the principles of restraint and mindfulness. These rules cover various aspects like limiting consumption of specific items, observing periods of silence, and practicing good hygiene.
• Three Aspirations (Teen Manorath): The book concludes by outlining three aspirations for a layperson: to eventually renounce possessions and embrace the five great vows, to be initiated into the monastic order, and to practice peaceful death (Pandit Maran) through fasting and renunciation at the end of life.
• Publisher's Intent: The publication is motivated by a desire to guide individuals towards righteous living and spiritual progress, emphasizing the invaluable nature of human life and the importance of embracing vows.

In essence, "Shravak Ke Barah Vrat" is a comprehensive manual for Jain householders, providing a clear and practical framework for living a virtuous life, reducing karmic impurities, and progressing on the path to spiritual liberation, all rooted in the core principles of Jain ethics and conduct.