Sindur Prakaran - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sindur Prakaran" by Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain, based on the provided Punjabi text:

Book Title: Sindur Prakaran (सिन्दूर प्रकरण) Author(s): Purushottam Jain, Ravindra Jain Publisher: Purshottam Jain, Ravindra Jain Source: Jainqq.org (Page 1-70 of the provided text)

This text, "Sindur Prakaran," is presented as a detailed exposition of Jain principles, particularly focusing on the concept of Tirthankaras, their attributes, the path to liberation, and the importance of ethical conduct. It appears to be a translation or adaptation, possibly drawing from the work of Acharya Somprabh Suri (as indicated on page 20).

Key Themes and Concepts:

The Eternal Nature of Jainism and the Soul:
- Jainism's history is as ancient as the history of the soul, which is considered beginningless.
- The universe (Samsara) is eternal and infinite but also subject to change.
- Jivas (souls) are constantly cycling through four realms: human, divine, animal, and hellish.
The Role and Nature of Tirthankaras:
- Tirthankaras are supreme souls who are born in the Bharat Kshetra (Jambudvipa) to guide humanity on the path of Ahimsa (non-violence), Samyam (restraint), Tap (austerities), and Anekantavada (non-absolutism).
- They are not avatars but represent the highest state of soul development.
- Tirthankaras are born into royal lineages and their mothers experience 14 auspicious dreams before their birth.
- They attain Kevala Jnana (omniscience) without a guru.
- Kevela Jnana marks the cessation of the cycle of birth and death, leading the soul to a divine state.
- Attaining the Tirthankara state is the fruit of many lifetimes of good karma.
- The birth, initiation, omniscience, and nirvana of a Tirthankara are celebrated as Kalyanakas, with divine presence.
- After attaining Kevala Jnana, Tirthankaras manifest 35 special attributes and 8 protective signs (Ashta Pratīhārya).
- Their assembly (Dharma Sabha) is called a Sarvagna Sabha, where all beings, irrespective of species or language, understand their teachings in their own tongue due to the power of Kevala Jnana.
- Currently, Tirthankaras are present in Mahavideha, inaccessible to ordinary humans.
- The tradition of Tirthankaras is eternal and unbroken, with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 170 Tirthankaras being born in a time cycle.
Tirthankaras vs. Arhats:
- Arhats are conquerors of sensory enemies, possessing great qualities.
- Tirthankaras are Arhats by birth and have a fixed number.
- All Tirthankaras are Arhats, but not all Arhats are Tirthankaras.
- Arhats can be ordinary humans who attain spiritual knowledge from Tirthankaras or other spiritual guides. These are called Samanya Kevalis, and their knowledge is equal to Tirthankaras.
The Eight Protective Signs (Ashta Pratīhārya):
- These are divine accompaniments that manifest after Kevala Jnana: Ashok Tree, Shower of Flowers, Divine Sound (Divya Dhvani), Fly-whisks (Chatra), Lion Throne (Simhasana), Halo of Light (Bhamandala), Divine Drum (Deva Danddi), and Three Umbrellas (Tīn Chhatra).
Attributes and Virtues of a Tirthankara:
- Infinite knowledge, perception, conduct, penance, and strength.
- Inexhaustible Dharma and Samyak (rightness).
- Vajra Rishabha Narach Sanhanan (a strong bone structure).
- Samachatursan Sansthan (a perfectly proportioned body).
- 35 special characteristics (Atishaya).
- 35 qualities of their speech (Bāni ke gun).
- 108 auspicious marks (Lakshana).
- Worshipped by 64 Indras.
Purity of a Tirthankara:
- Free from 18 impurities/faults (Dosha), including delusion (Mithyatva), ignorance (Ajnana), ego (Mada), anger (Krodha), deceit (Maya), greed (Lobha), attachment to objects (Rati Vastu), desire (Ichha), sleep (Nindra), etc.
Twenty Virtues (Vīsa Bodha) for Attaining Tirthankara Status:
- Devotion to Arhats, Siddhas, scriptures, gurus, and elders.
- Service to monks and elderly.
- Adoration of extensive knowledge.
- Devotion to ascetics.
- Proper use of knowledge and mindfulness.
- Right faith and conduct.
- Humility (Vinay Sampannata).
- Adherence to vows.
- Renunciation of worldly attachments.
- Proper austerities and acceptance of suffering.
- Service to the virtuous (Vyavahara).
- Overcoming fear (seven types of fear mentioned).
- Worship of the 24 Tirthankaras.
- Bowing (Vandana).
- Contemplation and seeking forgiveness.
- Meditation and detachment from the body.
- Self-restraint according to capacity.
- Proper conduct in eating, drinking, and clothing.
- Service to the monastic community.
- Preparedness for new knowledge and propagation of Jainism.
Karma and Tirthankara Birth:
- Upon attaining Kevala Jnana, Tirthankaras shed 4 types of karma: Jnanavaraniya, Darshanavaraniya, Mohaniya, and Antaraya.
- They still experience the remaining 4 types of karma (Ghatiya karma): Vedaniya, Ayushya, Nama, and Gotra, which are resolved in the same lifetime.
Fourteen Dreams of a Tirthankara's Mother:
- These auspicious dreams are specific to Tirthankara mothers: Elephant, Bull, Lion, Goddess Lakshmi, Garland, Moon, Sun, Flag, Pot of Water, Lotus Pond, Ocean of Milk, Lion's Roar, Heap of Jewels, and Fire without smoke.
The Twenty-Four Tirthankaras and their Life Stories:
- The text provides brief biographies of the first few Tirthankaras, starting with Bhagwan Rishabhdev (Adinath).
- For each Tirthankara, it mentions their birth place, parents, birth and renunciation dates, attainment of Kevala Jnana, place of Nirvana, symbolic emblem (Chinha), and attendant deities (Yaksha and Yakshini).
- Key Tirthankaras described include:
  - Rishabhdev: The first Tirthankara, considered the founder of civilization, teaching arts and crafts, agriculture, writing, and warfare. Married Mangala and Sunanda, father of Bharat (Chakravarti) and Bahubali.
  - Ajitnath: The second Tirthankara.
  - Sambhavanath: The third Tirthankara.
  - Abhinandananath: The fourth Tirthankara.
  - Sumatinath: The fifth Tirthankara.
  - Padmaprabhu: The sixth Tirthankara, whose emblem is a lotus.
  - Parsvanath: The 23rd Tirthankara, known for his temples, who preached the four Mahavratas and faced the opposition of the Kamatha yogi.
  - Chandraprabhu: The 8th Tirthankara, whose emblem is the moon.
  - Suvidhinath (Pushpadanta): The ninth Tirthankara.
  - Sheetalnath: The tenth Tirthankara.
  - Shreyansanath: The eleventh Tirthankara.
  - Vāsupūjya: The twelfth Tirthankara, all whose Kalyanakas occurred in Champa.
  - Vimalnāth: The thirteenth Tirthankara.
  - Anantnāth: The fourteenth Tirthankara.
  - Dharmnāth: The fifteenth Tirthankara, associated with the Vajra (thunderbolt) emblem.
  - Shantināth: The sixteenth Tirthankara, a Chakravarti, known for his compassion.
  - Kunthunath: The seventeenth Tirthankara.
  - Aranath: The eighteenth Tirthankara.
  - Mallinath: The nineteenth Tirthankara, who is considered the only female Tirthankara. The text recounts a story of her choosing her husband.
  - Munisuvratnāth: The twentieth Tirthankara.
  - Namināth: The twenty-first Tirthankara.
  - Arishtanemi: The twenty-second Tirthankara, a historical figure mentioned by scholars like Dr. Radhakrishnan, who renounced marriage upon witnessing animal sacrifice. He is associated with the Yadava dynasty and Krishna.
  - Mahavira: The twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara, whose life story and teachings are detailed, emphasizing his austerities, compassion, and the establishment of the four-fold Jain order. His teachings are highlighted as being in common people's language.
- The text contrasts the strict adherence to five Mahavratas by the first and last Tirthankaras with the four Mahavratas (Chaturyama) followed by the 2nd to 23rd Tirthankaras. It notes the similarity of Chaturyama to Buddhist teachings.
Ethical Principles and Virtues (Covered in detail through the "Shlokas" or verses):
- Importance of Dharma: Essential for worldly and spiritual pursuits.
- Value of Human Birth: A rare opportunity to be utilized for spiritual growth.
- Renunciation of Worldly Attachments: To avoid suffering and achieve liberation.
- Ahimsa (Non-violence/Compassion): The root of Dharma, leading to happiness, prosperity, and liberation. Violence is condemned as the cause of suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
- Satya (Truthfulness): The foundation of trust, leading to respect, prosperity, and spiritual progress. Lying leads to degradation and suffering.
- Asteya (Non-stealing): Honesty in possessions brings happiness, respect, and spiritual advancement. Stealing leads to suffering, loss, and lower births.
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): Control over senses and passions leads to purity, fame, spiritual power, and liberation. Unchastity brings disgrace, suffering, and obstacles to spiritual progress.
- Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): Renouncing excessive possessions and attachments leads to contentment, peace, and spiritual freedom. Greed breeds discontent, anger, ignorance, and suffering.
- Krodha Tyaga (Renunciation of Anger): Anger is a destructive emotion that destroys virtues, relationships, and spiritual progress.
- Mana Tyaga (Renunciation of Ego): Pride and arrogance lead to ignorance, loss of virtues, and disharmony. Humility is essential for spiritual growth.
- Maya Tyaga (Renunciation of Deceit): Dishonesty and cunning lead to a loss of integrity, trust, and spiritual merit, ultimately causing suffering.
- Lobha Tyaga (Renunciation of Greed): Greed is a source of endless suffering and attachment. Contentment (Santosh) brings peace and fulfillment.
- Santosh (Contentment): The path to inner peace and happiness, fulfilling all desires naturally.
- Daya (Compassion): The foundation of virtue, leading to all good fortune and liberation.
- Sajjanata (Goodness/Kindness): Cultivating good qualities and associating with virtuous people leads to respect, spiritual growth, and ultimate liberation.
- Sat-sang (Good Company): The association with virtuous individuals is crucial for spiritual upliftment.
- Indriya Nigraha (Control of Senses): Mastering the senses is vital for spiritual progress; otherwise, they lead to downfall.
- Dhan (Wealth): Wealth is transient, fickle, and often a source of attachment and suffering. It should be used for righteous purposes.
- Daan (Charity): Generosity, especially to deserving recipients, leads to increased merit, prosperity, and spiritual benefits.
- Tapa (Austerities): Practices like fasting, meditation, and self-discipline are essential for shedding karma and achieving spiritual purification.
- Shubh Bhavana (Auspicious Thoughts): Positive mental states are necessary for spiritual practices to bear fruit.
- Samyaktva (Right Faith): Correct understanding of Jain principles is fundamental for spiritual progress.
- Vairagya (Detachment): Developing detachment from worldly pleasures and attachments is crucial for liberation.
- Nirvana: The ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
The "Sindur Prakaran" itself:
- The text describes itself as a work that dispels ignorance and darkness, leading to the realization of right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
- It is attributed to Acharya Somprabh Suri and translated by Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain, published in connection with the 26th Mahavir Janmashatabdi.
- The book is praised for its clarity and ability to convey Jain philosophy to a wider audience.

In essence, "Sindur Prakaran" serves as a comprehensive guide to Jain philosophy, from the grand cosmic perspective of Tirthankaras to the practical daily ethical conduct of individuals, all aimed at achieving spiritual liberation.