Shravake Shu Karvu Joie - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shravake Shu Karvu Joie" (What Should a Householder Do?), authored by Munishri Muktiprabhvijayji:

Book Title: Shravake Shu Karvu Joie (શ્રાવકે શું કરવું જોઈએ?) Author: Munishri Muktiprabhvijayji (મુનિશ્રી મુક્તિપ્રભવિજયજી) Publisher: Jayantilal Atmaram Shah (શાહ જયંતિલાલ આત્મારામ)

Core Purpose: The book aims to guide Jain householders (Shravakas) on how to lead a righteous and spiritually progressive life according to Jain principles. It emphasizes that being a Shravak is not just by birth or name, but by the embodiment of virtues and adherence to prescribed duties and conduct. The ultimate goal is to progress towards spiritual liberation (Moksha).

Key Themes and Content:

The Ideal Shravak:
- The Shravak is likened to a lotus (kamal), born in the mud (Karmic world) and nourished by water (material pleasures), yet remaining detached and pure.
- A true Shravak listens to the teachings of the Jinas (Jinvachana), discerns right from wrong, and strives to shed the non-essential (parbhav) to pursue the essential (svabhav).
- The book distinguishes between "Jan" (common person) and "Jain," highlighting that true Jainism is based on virtues, not just lineage or outward appearances.
The Shravak's Path:
- The text advocates for the gradual progression from householder life (Shravak Dharma) to monastic life (Sadhu Dharma) and ultimately to the state of Vitaragata (liberation).
- For those unable to renounce worldly life immediately, the "Deshvirati Dharma" (partial renunciation) of a Shravak is presented as a crucial training ground for "Sarvavirati Dharma" (complete renunciation) of a monk.
Daily and Regular Duties (Daily Schedule):
- The book outlines a detailed daily routine for a Shravak, emphasizing spiritual discipline and mindful living. This includes:
  - Waking Up (Jagvu): Waking early, remembering the Panch Parameṣṭhi, and reflecting on one's duties and shortcomings.
  - Pratikraman (Repentance): Performing Pratikraman twice daily (morning and evening) is considered essential for shedding sins and purifying the soul.
  - Devdarshan (Worshipping the Divine): Visiting the Jin Mandir, performing pujas with proper etiquette and devotion, and offering prayers.
  - Guru Vandan (Saluting the Spiritual Guides): Showing respect and devotion to the monks and nuns, learning from their teachings.
  - Grahavyavastha (Household Management): Managing household affairs efficiently and ethically, ensuring that worldly duties do not hinder spiritual progress.
  - Vyakhyaan Shravan (Listening to Religious Discourses): Attending and listening attentively to sermons, integrating the teachings into life.
  - Snan Vidhi (Bathing Ritual): Performing bathing with care for living beings and using pure water.
  - Prabhu Puja (Worship of the Lord): Engaging in various forms of worship like Ashtaprakari Puja (eight-fold worship).
  - Bhojan Vidhi (Meal Etiquette): Eating mindfully, avoiding non-vegetarian and contaminated food, and ideally sharing meals with or offering food to monks.
  - Swadhyaya (Self-Study): Studying religious scriptures and reflecting on their meaning.
  - Night Duties: Reflecting on the day's deeds, confessing mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and preparing for the next day with spiritual intent.
The Twelve Vows (Bar Vrat):
- The book elaborates on the twelve vows that form the foundation of Shravak Dharma:
  - Five Anuvratas (Minor Vows): Limiting violence, falsehood, stealing, improper conduct, and greed.
  - Three Gunavratas (Qualitative Vows): Restricting directions, time/enjoyment, and punishment.
  - Four Shikshavratas (Training Vows): Practicing Samayika (equanimity), Paushadh (fasting/celibacy), Deshavagashika (partial renunciation), and Atithi Samvibhaga (charity to guests/monks).
- The importance of Samyakva (Right Faith/Understanding) as the basis for all these vows is stressed.
Ethical Conduct and Virtues:
- Purity in Business (Vyapar Shuddhi): Emphasizes honesty, integrity, and ethical practices in all dealings, avoiding sinful professions (Karmadan) like dealing with intoxicating substances, weapons, or exploitative trades.
- Dietary Purity (Ahar Shuddhi): Details the "22 Abhakshya" (forbidden foods) and "32 Anantkay" (foods containing infinite lives), urging Shravakas to abstain from them. The importance of understanding the reasons behind these prohibitions is highlighted.
- Thirty-Five Virtues (Pachchisantis Guna): A comprehensive list of virtues crucial for a balanced and righteous human life, including honesty, respect for elders, purity of conduct, compassion, non-violence, contentment, and devotion to the Jain path.
- Panch Pratigya (Five Pledges): The core tenets of Right Faith (Samyakva) related to recognizing only Jin, Guru, and Dharma.
- Avoiding Vices (Vyasana Tyag): Explicitly warns against the seven major vices (gambling, meat-eating, drinking, promiscuity, hunting, stealing, and false speech) and other modern-day addictions.
Special Observances and Duties:
- Festival Duties (Parva Kartavya): Encourages intensified spiritual practice during festival days (monthly, yearly) like Paushadh, fasting, charity, and attending religious ceremonies.
- Chaturmas Duties (Chaturmasik Kartavya): Emphasizes increased devotion, limited movement, and adherence to stricter vows during the monsoon period.
- Annual Duties (Varshik Kartavya): Outlines annual spiritual practices like Sangha Puja (honoring the monastic community), Sadharmik Bhakti (service to fellow devotees), Tirth Yatra (pilgrimages), temple renovations, and holding religious festivals.
- Life Duties (Jivan Kartavya): Recommends significant spiritual contributions like building temples, establishing home shrines, consecrating idols, supporting religious education, and even facilitating others' initiation into monastic life.
The Importance of Purity and Ritual:
- The book stresses the importance of purity in all aspects of religious practice, from bathing and dressing to the materials used in worship.
- It details specific rules and rituals for temple visits, pujas, and interactions with spiritual preceptors.
The Role of Repentance and Self-Reflection:
- Pratikraman is presented as a vital practice for acknowledging and atoning for sins, both intentional and unintentional.
- The importance of introspection, self-criticism, and seeking forgiveness is repeatedly emphasized.

Author's Intent and Contributors: The author, Munishri Muktiprabhvijayji, humbly states that he is merely an instrument in the creation of this book. He expresses gratitude to his gurus, the publishers, editors (Munishri Hembhushan Vijayji M. and Munishri Divyabhushan Vijayji M.), and various scholars and patrons who contributed to its realization. The book is dedicated to the memory of the publisher's father, Jayantilal Atmaram Shah.

Overall Message: "Shravake Shu Karvu Joie" is a comprehensive guide for Jain householders, offering practical advice and spiritual wisdom to live a life of purpose, virtue, and progress towards liberation. It highlights the significance of daily discipline, ethical conduct, adherence to vows, and continuous spiritual effort in fulfilling the responsibilities of a Shravak.