Shravakoni Achar Samhita Yane Shraddh Vidhi Bhashantar

This Jain text, titled "Shravakoni Achar Samhita Yane Shraddh Vidhi Bhashantar," is a Gujarati translation and commentary on the original Jain text on the conduct of lay followers (Shravakas). Authored by Acharya Ratnashekharsuri and translated by Ganivarya Mahayashsagarji, it serves as a comprehensive guide to Jain ethics and practices for laypeople.

The book is structured into numerous chapters, covering a wide array of topics essential for a devout Jain householder. The table of contents reveals a detailed exposition of:

Fundamentals of Jainism:

• The nature of the Panch Parameshthi (five supreme beings).
• Mangalacharan (auspicious invocations).
• The importance of vows (vrat) and adherence to rules.
• The significance of abstinence from certain actions without formal vows.

The Ideal Shravaka (Lay Follower):

• The 21 virtues of a Shravaka.
• Different types of Shravakas and their spiritual classifications.
• Understanding the meaning of the word "Shravaka."

Daily Conduct and Practices:

• A detailed description of daily rituals (Dinsakrutya).
• The benefits of waking up early.
• Guidelines for speaking at night.
• Understanding of Nadis (energy channels) and appropriate actions during specific times.
• The correct method of performing Japa (chanting) and meditation.
• Rules for bathing and devotional practices.
• Guidelines for religious observances like Dharma Jagaranika (night vigil for religion).
• Proper conduct in dreams.
• Morning routines, including greeting elders and performing rituals.
• The procedure for visiting Jain temples.

Dietary and Lifestyle Rules:

• Detailed discussions on permissible and forbidden foods (Abhakshya).
• Specific considerations for grains, cooked foods, dairy products, and more.
• The rules regarding boiled water and its consumption.
• The concept of Anahari (items not requiring consumption) and their names.
• The five places of Pachakkhan (taking vows or abstinence).

Rituals and Worship:

• The various types of Pujas (worship) for the Tirthankaras.
• The sequence of worship, including offerings like Naivedya.
• The different forms of Chaityavandan (salutations to the Jina temple).
• Contemplation of the Tirthankaras' three states of existence.
• The practice of various types of Pujas (Mukh, Panch, Asht, Samprakari).
• Detailed explanation of the Snatra Puja (a specific ritual bath for deities).
• The importance of preserving and maintaining temples, even those in decline.
• How to perform Drvya Puja (worship with material offerings) for those without wealth.
• The significance of various offerings in Chaityavandan.
• The rewards of visual and mental worship (Drashya Stava and Bhavastava).
• The benefits of daily worship three times a day.

Ethical Principles and Conduct:

• The importance of Ahimsa (non-violence) and its principles.
• The significance of Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
• The meaning and implications of the five vows and 14 rules for Shravakas.
• The importance of moral conduct, righteousness, and self-control.
• The principles of right conduct, right knowledge, and right faith (Trividha Dharma).
• The proper way to perform actions like cleaning teeth and bathing.
• The importance of ethical behavior in business and daily life.
• The need to maintain purity in worship and the seven purities (Sat Shuddhi).
• The significance of righteous conduct and avoiding wrong actions.
• Discussions on wealth management, including lawful earning and the avoidance of unethical practices like black marketing or cheating.
• The importance of justice and ethical dealings in all aspects of life.
• The necessity of avoiding envy, malice, and false accusations.
• The virtue of maintaining equanimity and controlling desires.
• The importance of controlling anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
• The practice of virtues like contentment, forgiveness, and humility.
• The proper conduct in social interactions, including friendship and dealing with adversaries.

Social Responsibilities and Family Life:

• The duties towards parents, teachers, and elders.
• The proper conduct in relationships, including marriage and family.
• Respect for gurus and listening to their teachings.
• The importance of knowledge and its application in life.
• The ethical conduct in business and trade.
• The seven ways to earn a livelihood.
• The proper way to offer alms (Bhiksha).
• The importance of righteousness in all actions and conduct.
• The significance of controlling desires and passions.
• The need for justice and adhering to moral principles.
• The importance of good conduct for parents, brothers, wives, and children.
• The benefits of righteous conduct and virtuous actions.

Spiritual Growth and Practices:

• The role of spiritual contemplation and devotion.
• The importance of understanding scripture and following the path of liberation.
• The concept of controlling the senses and mind.
• The path to spiritual purification and attaining salvation.
• The benefits of devotion and spiritual practices.

Illustrative Narratives: The text is enriched with numerous stories and examples (Drushtanta) from Jain tradition and history, illustrating the practical application of these principles. These stories often highlight the consequences of actions and the rewards of adherence to Dharma.

Concluding Remarks: The book concludes with blessings and wishes for the reader's spiritual progress, emphasizing the importance of reading, reflecting on, and practicing the teachings for a pure life and ultimate liberation. It also includes acknowledgments to those who supported its publication.

In essence, "Shravakoni Achar Samhita Yane Shraddh Vidhi Bhashantar" is a comprehensive and foundational text for Jain lay followers, aiming to guide them towards a righteous, ethical, and spiritually fulfilling life in accordance with Jain principles.