Solahkaran Dharma Dipak

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Solahkaran Dharma Dipak" (The Lamp of Sixteen Causes of Dharma) by Deepchand Varni:

The book, "Solahkaran Dharma Dipak," authored by Deepchand Varni, is a devotional and instructive work dedicated to the Sixteen Causes of Dharma (Solahkaran Dharma). These sixteen causes are considered instrumental in the attainment of the Tirthankar Prakriti (the karma that leads to becoming a Tirthankar, a spiritual teacher in Jainism), which is the highest form of spiritual merit.

Introduction and Publisher's Note:

The preface highlights the book's enduring popularity, noting that this is the fifth edition. The first edition was published in Samvat 2402 (corresponding to 1845-46 AD), and subsequent editions were released due to high demand. The book aims to provide a detailed explanation of the sixteen devotional practices, their significance, accompanying verses (Savaiya), and narratives (Vratkatha). It is presented as an essential guide for those undertaking the Solahkaran Vrat (vow) and for anyone seeking to understand the essence of the sixteen causes of Dharma. The publisher encourages distributing this book as an offering during the observance of the Solahkaran Vrat.

The Sixteen Causes of Dharma (Tirthankar Prakriti Bandh):

The book commences by quoting from the Tattvartha Sutra, listing the sixteen fundamental principles or causes that lead to the binding of the Tirthankar Prakriti. These are:

1. Darshan Vishuddhi (Purity of Faith/Right Perception)
2. Vinay Sampannata (Possession of Humility/Reverence)
3. Sheel Vratetsu Anachar (Non-transgression in Observance of Vows/Conduct)
4. Abhikshna Gyan Upayog (Constant Application to Knowledge)
5. Samveg (Enthusiasm/Aspiration for Liberation, coupled with a sense of worldly sorrow)
6. Shaktitah Tyag (Giving according to one's capacity)
7. Tapa (Austerities)
8. Sadhu Samadhi (Peaceful contemplation of the soul, especially at the time of death)
9. Vaiyavritya Karan (Rendering service)
10. Arhat Bhakti (Devotion to the Arhats/Tirthankaras)
11. Acharya Bhakti (Devotion to the Acharyas/Spiritual Preceptors)
12. Bahushrut Bhakti (Devotion to the Bahushrutas/ Learned Monks)
13. Pravachan Bhakti (Devotion to the Jain scriptures/Jinvani)
14. Avashyakaparihani (Unwavering adherence to the six daily essential duties)
15. Marg Prabhavna (Promoting and propagating the Jain path)
16. Pravachan Vatsalya (Affection and kindness towards fellow Jains and all beings)

Explanation of Key Concepts:

The text then delves into explaining fundamental Jain principles:

• Asrava (Influx of Karma): Differentiated into spiritual (Bhava Asrava) and material (Dravya Asrava), and further categorized as auspicious (Punya) and inauspicious (Papa).
• Karma: The text explains the eight types of karma, categorizing them as Ghāti (destroying) and Aghāti (non-destroying). It highlights the Tirthankar Prakriti within the Nāmkarma (name karma) as the most potent auspicious karma, responsible for immense spiritual merit.
• The Goal of Tirthankar Prakriti: Binding this karma leads to the destruction of all Ghāti and Aghāti karmas in the same life, resulting in liberation (Siddha Pad).
• The Importance of Darshan Vishuddhi (Purity of Faith): This is emphasized as the primary and most crucial cause, as without right faith, other practices become ineffective. It is likened to a helmsman guiding a ship towards liberation.

Detailed Explanation of Each of the Sixteen Causes:

The book then elaborates on each of the sixteen causes, providing philosophical explanations and practical guidance. Here's a brief overview of the depth of explanation for each:

1. Darshan Vishuddhi: Explains the nature of right faith (Samyak Darshan) as the true understanding of the soul and the principles of Jainism (Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksha). It distinguishes between Nischaya (ultimate) and Vyavahar (conventional) Samyaktva.
2. Vinay Sampannata: Details the five types of humility: Darshan Vinay (respect for right faith), Gyan Vinay (respect for right knowledge), Charitra Vinay (respect for right conduct), Tapa Vinay (respect for austerities), and Upachar Vinay (conventional respect). It emphasizes that humility makes one beloved and aids in learning.
3. Sheel Vratetsu Anachar: Focuses on the rigorous observance of the five vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha) and associated conduct. It stresses the importance of Brahmacharya (celibacy) for spiritual and worldly success, noting the decline of this practice and its impact on strength and vitality. It condemns practices that lead to the violation of Brahmacharya.
4. Abhikshna Gyan Upayog: Highlights the necessity of continuous study and contemplation of spiritual knowledge. It explains how knowledge leads to happiness, security, and the avoidance of mistakes, comparing it to an inexhaustible treasure. It also discusses the significance of idol worship as a means to remember and emulate the virtues of the enlightened.
5. Samveg: Describes Samveg as a feeling of awe and aspiration for spiritual liberation, combined with an understanding of the sorrow inherent in worldly existence. It emphasizes detachment from the perishable body and worldly possessions and relationships.
6. Shaktitah Tyag: Details the four types of charity: Ahara Dan (food), Aushadhi Dan (medicine), Shastra Dan (knowledge/scriptures), and Abhaya Dan (fearlessness). It further categorizes these as Nischaya (ultimate) and Vyavahar (conventional) and discusses different motivations for giving (Bhakti Dan, Karuna Dan, Sam Dan, Kirti Dan), prioritizing devotional and compassionate giving.
7. Tapa: Explains the twelve types of austerities (six external: Anashan, Unodara, Vritti Parishankhyan, Ras Tyaga, Vivikta Shayyasana, Kaya Klesh; and six internal: Prayashchitta, Vinaya, Vaiyavrutya, Swadhyaya, Vyutsarga, Dhyana). It stresses that these should be performed according to one's capacity and without attachment.
8. Sadhu Samadhi: Focuses on dying peacefully and without any lingering regrets or attachments (Nishalya Maran). It describes this as a state of equanimity achieved through long practice of austerities and self-control, leading to higher rebirths or immediate liberation.
9. Vaiyavritya Karan: Emphasizes the importance of serving the sick, elderly, and those in need, particularly monks and nuns. It highlights the virtue of compassion and detachment, noting that such service purifies the soul.
10. Arhat Bhakti: Discusses devotion to the Arhats or Tirthankaras, who have achieved liberation through their spiritual efforts. It explains their journey and the attainment of omniscience (Keval Gyan). It also clarifies the Jain perspective on idol worship, stating that idols are revered as reminders of the Arhats' virtues, not as divine beings in themselves.
11. Acharya Bhakti: Stresses devotion to the Acharyas (spiritual leaders) who guide the community. It highlights their role in maintaining the spiritual tradition and teaching the path to liberation.
12. Bahushrut Bhakti: Explains devotion to learned monks (Bahushrutas or Upadhyayas) who possess deep knowledge of the scriptures. Their service involves teaching and disseminating spiritual knowledge.
13. Pravachan Bhakti: Focuses on devotion to the Jain scriptures (Jinvani or Agamas), emphasizing their study, recitation, and propagation. It underscores the importance of scriptures as the source of true knowledge.
14. Avashyakaparihani: Details the adherence to the six essential daily duties: Samayika (equanimity), Vandana (obeisance), Stavan (praise), Pratikraman (confession and atonement), Pratyakhyan (renunciation), and Kayotsarga (meditation and detachment).
15. Marg Prabhavna: Explains the importance of spreading the Jain Dharma through various means, including preaching, publishing scriptures, organizing conferences, building temples, and promoting ethical conduct. The goal is to guide beings towards liberation.
16. Pravachan Vatsalya: Encourages showing love, compassion, and kindness towards fellow Jains and all living beings. This involves mutual support, respect, and selfless service.

Vratkatha (The Narrative):

The book includes a narrative that illustrates the power of these sixteen vows. It tells the story of a Brahmin couple, Mahasharma and Priyavada, who had a very unattractive daughter named Kalabhairavi. Through the guidance of a Muni, they learn that Kalabhairavi's ugliness is a result of past-life transgressions against a Muni. To overcome this, she is advised to strictly observe the Solahkaran Vrat. By diligently following the sixteen practices, she attains liberation and is reborn as a divine being, eventually becoming a Tirthankar. This story serves as a testament to the transformative power of these vows.

Conclusion:

The book concludes with verses summarizing the benefits of observing the Solahkaran Vrat, reiterating that its diligent practice leads to the attainment of Tirthankarhood and eventual liberation. It also includes the author's personal reflection on the significance of these practices.

In essence, "Solahkaran Dharma Dipak" is a comprehensive guide to the devotional practices essential for spiritual advancement in Jainism, particularly for those aspiring to achieve the highest spiritual attainment of becoming a Tirthankar. It emphasizes faith, humility, virtuous conduct, knowledge, detachment, charity, austerities, peaceful contemplation, service, devotion to the enlightened beings and their teachings, adherence to rituals, propagation of the faith, and compassion for all.