Smruti Sandarbh Part 04

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Smruti Sandarbh Part 04," based on the provided information:

Book Title: Smruti Sandarbh Part 04 Author: Maharshi Publisher: Nag Publishers Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032670/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Smruti Sandarbh Part 04" is the fourth volume in a collection of Dharmashastric texts compiled by Maharshi. This particular volume contains 14 distinct Smriti texts authored by various Rishis. The collection is presented with the financial assistance of the Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development, indicating its significance in preserving and disseminating traditional knowledge.

The text emphasizes the importance of Smritis as a guide for human conduct, covering aspects of physical, cultural, and social life. It aims to provide a framework for individuals and society to live a peaceful, moral, and cultured existence, leading to spiritual realization and ultimately, liberation (Mukti).

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Nature of the Universe and Existence: The introduction likens the universe to an ocean with rising and falling tides, suggesting that the changing world is an illusion, a manifestation of the Eternal Spirit. Men of knowledge are not perturbed by creation or destruction.
• Two Opposing Forces: The universe is seen as influenced by two opposing currents: learning versus illiteracy, knowledge versus ignorance, and godly life versus satanic ill-will. The former leads to truth and peace, while the latter leads to sensory gratification, disorder, and destruction of brotherhood.
• The Role of Smritis: Smritis, meaning recollection, are presented as the foundational texts that laid down the physical, cultural, and social codes of conduct for mankind. They are derived from the "Shabda-Praman" or divine utterances perceived by Rishis through Yoga.
• The Importance of Manners and Conduct: Manners and conduct are highlighted as the basis of cultural life. Smritis discuss ceremonies from conception to marriage, emphasizing that a child born with "Sanskar" (virtues and discipline) is a pride to society.
• The Varna System and Equality: The text explains the division of human society into four Varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) based on the principles of Varnashram and the three Gunas (Sat, Raj, Tam). It stresses that all Varnas are equal, and one's respect is earned through spiritual knowledge, citing examples of revered individuals from various castes.
• Sanskaras and Upnayan: The Upnayan ceremony is identified as the most crucial of the sixteen Sanskaras, imparting the teaching "O God! Evolve and develop my intelligence."
• The Prohibition for Shudras: The prohibition of Shudras from certain ceremonies is explained not as inferiority but as a measure to avoid burdening them further due to their service to all other castes. The text asserts that Shudras also enjoy the fruits of the Yajnas performed by others.
• The Concept of Repentance (Prayashchitta): The third section of the Smriti Shastra deals with repentance, outlining various types of sins (e.g., kamaj, krodhaj, agnanaj) and suggesting ways to atone for them. This is intended to encourage good deeds and the pursuit of "Sanyas Dharma" (the knowledge of the ephemeral nature of the universe and the realization of God).
• The Importance of Dharma and Vyavahar: Dharma, acting according to the teachings of Rishis, is considered the foundation. Vyavahar (law or conduct) entered government when truth and Dharma declined. The text notes that the Indian Penal Code has roots in Manu and Yajnavalkya.
• The Fear of God: Fear of God is deemed essential for maintaining order and preventing barbarism and distrust in the world. The Vedas are cited as evidence that celestial bodies follow their orbits due to God's fear.
• The Goal of Cultural and Moral Development: The ultimate aim of all Smritis is to foster cultural development and evolve moral, religious, social, and personal life, leading to both worldly prosperity (Abhyudaya) and spiritual liberation (Nihshreyas).

Contents of Volume IV (as indicated by the Index):

The volume is structured into sections focusing on manners, social law (Vyavahar), and repentance. The specific Smriti texts included, with their primary topics, are:

1. Gautam Smriti: Covers conduct, the time and rules for the Upnayan Sanskara, Brahmachari duties, marriage (including eight types of marriages), Grihastha (householder) duties, rules for times of distress (Apaddharma), Sanskaras, duties of a graduate (Snathak), Varna occupations, Royal duties (Rajdharma), punishment for various sins, rules for witnesses, impurity periods (Ashaucha), rules for Shraddha, periods of prohibition from study (Anadhyayan), what is edible and inedible (Bhaksya-Abhakshya), rules for conjugal relations during menstruation, penance for forbidden acts, consequences of various sins in future lives, peace rituals for all sins, rebirth consequences for forbidden acts, penance, penance for great sins, secret penance, penance for Avakirni and miscreants, Krichchha Vrat rituals, Chandrayan Vrat rituals, and division of property among sons.
2. Vriddha Gautam Smriti: Discusses religious teachings, the nature of God, praise of Dharma, details of donation (Dan Prakaran), qualities and faults of Brahmins, consequences of good and bad deeds, praise of various donations, characteristics of Brahmins, description of sins and their karmic results, the glory of Vrisha Daan (donation of a bull), praise of Kapila cows, characteristics of a Brahmin killer, rules for Dharma and purity, the significance of good manners, and the importance of food.
3. Yama Smriti: Focuses on penance and purification for all four Varnas.
4. Laghu Yama Smriti: Deals with various kinds of penances and the construction of Yajnas, ponds, and wells.
5. Brihad Yama Smriti: Contains various types of penances, the Chandrayan Vrat, rules for penance for children, and characteristics of worthy Brahmins.
6. Aruna Smriti: Discusses the act of receiving gifts (Pratigraha) and the penance associated with improper acceptance.
7. Pulastya Smriti: Describes the Varnashram Dharma as taught by Pulastya Rishi.
8. Budha Smriti: Briefly outlines the duties of the four Varnas.
9. Vashistha Smriti (No. 2): Details the daily and occasional duties of Varnashrams, naming ceremonies for Vaishnavas, and Sanskaras from conception to Upanayana. It also covers Grihastha Dharma, types of marriages, and the conduct of women.
10. Brihad Yogiyajnavalkya Smriti: A detailed text covering mantra-yoga, the significance of Omkara, Vyahrutis, Gayatri mantra, Pranayama, meditation, evening and morning prayers (Sandhyopasana), bathing rituals, chanting, deep meditation, the importance of food, and spiritual knowledge (Adhyatma).
11. Brahmo-ktayajnavalkya Samhita: Details the branches of the four Vedas, daily and occasional duties, Pancha Mahayajnas, rules for bathing, Tarpana, Varna-specific duties, and the importance of rituals like Shraddha.
12. Kashyapa Smriti: Focuses on penance for various offenses, including violence against animals, and outlines purification methods and rules for dealing with pollution.
13. Vyaghrapada Smriti: Discusses the significance of Smriti, Yuga Dharma, Varna Dharma, ancestral rituals (Pinda Daan), the importance of Tirtha and Gaya Shraddha, Shraddha rituals and rules, the conduct of priests, the decision of a childless woman's inheritance, division of property, and the rules for donating Tila (sesame seeds).

Publication Information:

• ISBN: 81-7081-170-8 (Set)
• Published: 1988

Significance:

"Smruti Sandarbh Part 04" serves as a valuable resource for understanding the intricate legal, ethical, and religious frameworks provided by the ancient Jain traditions. The inclusion of diverse Smritis offers a comprehensive view of Dharmashastra, covering a wide range of human activities and spiritual pursuits. The publication's support from the Indian government underscores its cultural and academic importance.