Shravakna Bbar Vrato Yane Navpad Prakaran - Book Summary

The provided text is a Gujarati translation of a Jain scripture titled "Shravakna Bbar Vrato Yane Navpad Prakaran" by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Rajshekharsuri. The book delves into the "Twelve Vows of a Layperson" and the "Ninefold Path" according to Jain principles.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the text, based on the provided pages:

1. Title and Author:

Book Title: Shravakna Bbar Vrato Yane Navpad Prakaran (શ્રાવકનાં બાર વતો યાને નવપદ પ્રકરણ)
Author/Translator: Acharya Shrimad Vijay Rajshekharsuri (આચાર્ય શ્રીમદ્ વિજય રાજશેખરસૂરિ મ.)
Original Author: Acharyadev Shri Devguptasurishwarji Maharaj (આચાર્યદેવશ્રી દેવગુપ્તસૂરીશ્વરજી મહારાજા)
Commentator: Mahopadhyaya Shriyadev Maharaj (મહોપાધ્યાયા શ્રીયશદેવ મહારાજા)
Publisher: Shri Vijaydansurishwarji Jain Gyanmandir ane Paushadhshala Trust, Ahmedabad (શ્રી વિજયદાનસૂરીશ્વરજી જૈન જ્ઞાનમંદિર અને પૌષધશાળા ટ્રસ્ટ, કાલુપુર રોડ, અમદાવાદ)

2. Core Subject Matter: The book is a Gujarati translation and commentary on the "Twelve Vows of a Layperson" (Shravak) and the "Ninefold Path" (Navpad) in Jainism. The "Ninefold Path" in Jainism typically refers to: * Arihant (અરિહંત) * Siddha (સિદ્ધ) * Acharya (આચાર્ય) * Upadhyaya (ઉપાધ્યાય) * Sadhu (સાધુ) * Dharma (ધર્મ) * Dhyana (ધ્યાન) * Samayika (સામાયિક) * Shuddhi (શુદ્ધિ)

However, within the context of this book, the "Navpad Prakaran" is related to the thirteen subjects of discussion, which include Mithyatva (False Belief), Samyak-tva (Right Belief), the twelve vows of a layperson, and Samlekhana (intentional fasting unto death). The book aims to provide a detailed explanation of these concepts.

3. Key Themes and Content:

The Twelve Vows of a Layperson (Shrāvak): The core of the book is dedicated to explaining the twelve vows undertaken by lay Jains. These are further categorized into:
- Five Anuvratas (Minor Vows): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession/non-attachment).
- Three Gunavratas (Supporting Vows): Samyama (restraint), Deshavakashika (limited use of possessions/time/space), and Upabhog-Paribhoga Parimana (limited consumption/use of objects).
- Four Shikshavratas (Training Vows): Samayika (equanimity/meditation), Paushadha (fasting/asceticism), Brahmacharya (further restraint, possibly related to senses), and possibly others like skillful speech or contemplation.
Structure of Explanation: Each vow is discussed through nine aspects (Nav Dvar):
1. Swaroop (સ્વરૂપ): The essence or nature of the vow.
2. Bhed (ભેદ): Different types or classifications of the vow.
3. Utpatti (ઉત્પત્તિ): The origin or how it arises.
4. Dosh (દોષ): The faults or violations associated with the vow.
5. Gun (ગુણ): The merits or virtues gained by observing the vow.
6. Yatna (યતના): The carefulness or effort required in practicing the vow.
7. Atichar (અતિચાર): Specific transgressions or lapses related to the vow.
8. Bhang (ભંગ): The breaking of the vow.
9. Bhavana (ભાવના): The contemplation or mental cultivation related to the vow.
Detailed Analysis of Mithyatva and Samyak-tva: The initial sections (Pages 19-32) focus on defining and explaining "Mithyatva" (false belief) and "Samyak-tva" (right belief), which are foundational to Jain practice. Mithyatva is explained through its various types and causes, while Samyak-tva is described as the correct understanding of reality.
Explanations of Vows with Examples: The text meticulously details each of the twelve vows. To illustrate the concepts, the author extensively uses stories and examples from Jain scriptures and tradition. Prominent examples mentioned include:
- Jaimāli: Discussed in relation to Mithyatva and the importance of understanding the true meaning of scriptural statements.
- Jamāli's story: Used to explain the concept of "Mithyatva" and how holding onto personal interpretations can lead to deviations from the true path.
- Govind the Buddhist monk: Used to illustrate the concept of overcoming past attachments and progressing towards the right path.
- Saurashtra Shravak: Used to explain the dangers of "Samsarg" (bad company) and its potential to lead to Mithyatva.
- Shivarajrishi and Mudgal Parivrajak: Used to explain the concept of "Atichar" (transgressions) in Samyak-tva.
- Nand the merchant: Used to explain the consequences of "Mithyatva" and the importance of right belief for good fortune.
- Trivikram Bhatt: Used to illustrate "Mithyatva" stemming from ignorance and wrong actions, leading to suffering.
- Chandkoushik Serpent: Used to explain the concept of "Mithyatva" and its eventual overcoming through true understanding and penance.
- Shankh and Shatak Shravaks, DhanSheth, ShaliBhadra: Used to explain the merits of adhering to vows, charity, and right belief.
- Vishnukumara and Indr, Shivakumara: Used in the context of vows and the merits of righteous conduct.
- Draupadi and Sita: Used to illustrate the importance of purity and steadfastness in vows.
- Kandrika (the butcher) and Seḍubak (the Brahmin): Used to explain the negative consequences of not adhering to vows and the potential for even such characters to find redemption through righteous actions.
- Rathkar and Māruta: Used to illustrate the concept of "Yatna" (carefulness) in actions, even in mundane tasks.
Emphasis on Right Belief (Samyak-tva): The text stresses the foundational importance of "Samyak-tva" (right belief) as the basis for all other vows and practices. It explains how "Mithyatva" (false belief) leads to suffering and how correct understanding and faith are essential for spiritual progress.
Publisher's Note (Page 3-4): The publisher highlights that the book is published with funds from the "Gyan Khata" (Knowledge Fund). It clarifies that this fund is primarily for ancient manuscripts, knowledge repositories, and the study arrangements for monks and nuns. Therefore, householders wishing to acquire the book must pay the printed price to contribute to the knowledge fund and avoid accruing any faults.
Praise for Acharya Shrimad Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji Maharaj: Page 5-6 contains a biographical sketch and tribute to the guiding figure of the publication, highlighting his commitment to principles, long life of spiritual practice, and impactful preaching.
Corrigenda (Page 9-11): A page is dedicated to correcting errors found in the printed text, indicating a meticulous effort in producing the scripture.
Table of Contents (Page 11-14): The index provides a clear structure of the book, outlining the chapters and topics covered, from Mithyatva and Samyak-tva to the specific vows and their nuances.

4. Overall Purpose: The book aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the ethical and spiritual practices of Jain laypeople. It emphasizes the practical application of Jain principles through the twelve vows, supported by scriptural explanations, the concept of the Ninefold Path, and illustrative stories. The translation into Gujarati makes these profound teachings accessible to a wider audience.