Shravak Vidhi Ras

This document is a summary and partial analysis of the Jain text "Shravak Vidhi Ras" by Vinaysagar, which is an interpretation of the work attributed to Padmanand Suri. Here's a breakdown of the content:

1. Author and Attribution:

• The original author of "Shravak Vidhi Ras" is identified as Padmanand Suri, a disciple of Gunakarsuri.
• The work was composed in Vikram Samvat 1371.
• The provided text notes that there is limited information available about Padmanand Suri in other Jain literature, making it difficult to determine his sect or lineage.
• A minor point of contention is raised by a footnote suggesting that the first stanza mentions "Gunakarsuri Gurou" while the 49th stanza mentions "Padmanand Suri Shishis Iho," leading to a debate about whether Gunakarsuri or Padmanand Suri was the primary author or if Gunakarsuri was the disciple. The editor attributes it to Padmanand Suri.

2. Linguistic Analysis:

• The language of the Ras is described as pure Apabhramsha, with every word and verb influenced by it.
• Specific stanzas (8, 21, 36, 43) mention "first language," "second language," "third language," and "fourth language," indicating a structured presentation within the Apabhramsha framework.
• The word "भाषा" (language) is noted as denoting Apabhramsha language, and the word "घात" (ghat) at the end of the verses is identified as "घत्ता" (ghatta), a variant of the "vastuchhand" meter in the Apabhramsha tradition.

3. Content Summary of "Shravak Vidhi Ras":

The Ras outlines the daily and periodic duties and principles of a Shravak (lay follower of Jainism). The summary covers the following aspects:

• Morning Routine:

  • Waking up four hours before dawn.
  • Reciting the Navkar Mantra.
  • Leaving one's bed and going to the home or a poshal (monastic dwelling/rest house).
  • Performing Samayika (meditation/equanimity), Pratikraman (confession/atonement), and Pratyakhyan (vows/renunciation).
  • Contemplating the fourteen rules of a Shravak alongside Pratyakhyan.
  • Wearing clean, washed clothes.
  • Going to the home or temple, perfuming it with fragrant items.
  • Performing Ashtaprakari Puja (eightfold worship) by offering akshat (unbroken rice), flowers, lamps, and naivedya (food offerings).
  • Engaging in devotional singing (bhav stavan) and then visiting a sadguru (true preceptor) who upholds the ten types of Shraman Dharma.

• Ethical and Moral Conduct:

  • Respecting the Guru.
  • Listening to religious discourses.
  • Practicing Jivdaya (compassion for living beings).
  • Not speaking lies.
  • Not bringing disgrace or blame.
  • Not appropriating the wealth of others.
  • Being content with one's own wife and considering other women as mothers or sisters.
  • Observing Parigraha Pariman (limitation of possessions).
  • Listening to teachings on Dan (charity), Sheel (virtue), Tap (asceticism), and Bhavana (meditation).
  • Returning home after honoring the Guru.

• Daily Life and Business:

  • Removing religious attire and engaging in trade and commerce.
  • While trading, refraining from fifteen types of forbidden trades (Karmaadan), which are described in detail.
  • Profit Distribution: The profits from business should be divided into four parts: one part saved, the second reinvested, the third used for religious activities, and the fourth for the nourishment of bipeds and quadrupeds.

• Second Vow and Related Practices:

  • Avoiding the consumption of Devdravya (wealth dedicated to deities) and Gurudravya (wealth dedicated to Gurus).
  • Providing pure food to ascetics.
  • Performing worship of the Lord a second time.
  • Taking care of the poor and helpless.
  • Offering alms (gochari) to ascetics by hand.
  • Observing the Pausadh Vrat (a vow of partial renunciation for a day).
  • Performing Pratyakhyan and renouncing sachitta (living substances).
  • Returning to the poshal in the last pahar (division of the day) for reading, studying, contemplating, and listening.
  • Performing the third evening puja.
  • Eating in the eighth part of the day.
  • Performing daily Pratikraman and Pratyakhyan two hours before sunset.
  • In the beginning of the second pahar of the night, reciting Navkar and taking refuge in the Four Sharan (refuges) before sleeping.

• Pre-Sleep Contemplation:

  • Before sleeping, contemplating going on pilgrimages to Shatrunjaya and Girnar.
  • Planning to perform and facilitate worship there.
  • Nourishing fellow spiritual practitioners (sadharmic bandhus).
  • Commissioning the writing of books.
  • Completing one's worldly business and ultimately taking up the path of renunciation (sanyam).
  • Serving the elderly and the sick.

• Further Ascetic and Purity Rules:

  • Not accepting water without filtering it.
  • Not mixing sweet water with salty water.
  • Keeping milk, yogurt, etc., covered.
  • Performing cooking, grinding, and pounding with utmost care and diligence.
  • Using the stove and fuel with caution.
  • Observing the Ashtami and Chaturdashi (eighth and fourteenth days of the lunar fortnight).
  • Practicing Jivdaya.
  • Following the Jinvachans (teachings of the Jinas).
  • Living life with yatna (carefulness and diligence).
  • Those who follow these principles, men and women alike, will cross the cycle of birth and death.

• Periodic Observances and Conclusion:

  • Seeking forgiveness on the days of Pakshika (fortnightly), Chaturmasika (four-monthly), and Samvatsari (annual).
  • Accepting Aalochana (confession) in the presence of the Guru.
  • Ultimately accepting Paryantaradhana (final spiritual practice).
  • The poet states that by following the Shravak Vidhi in this manner, one achieves moksha-sukha (happiness of liberation) in eight rebirths.
  • The Ras was composed by Padmanand Suri in Samvat 1371.

• Merits of the Ras:

  • Reading, listening to, or contemplating this Ras will bring the cooperation of the Shasanadevi (guardian deity of the Jina faith).
  • As long as the moon, sun, earth, Meru mountain, and Nandavan exist, this Jina Shasan will be victorious.

4. Editorial Notes:

• The text was copied from a manuscript in the Jaisalmer Bhandar.
• It is presented as an ancient and beautiful work.
• The footnote at the end highlights the textual discrepancy regarding the authorship and suggests that the original Apabhramsha text requires significant correction and refinement. It expresses hope that scholars of Apabhramsha will study and appreciate the vocabulary.

In essence, "Shravak Vidhi Ras" is a guide for Jain lay followers, detailing their daily routines, ethical responsibilities, business practices, and spiritual observances to lead a virtuous life and progress towards liberation. The provided text is a scholarly presentation and analysis of this important work.