Sukta Ratna Manjusha Part 02 Updeshmala Pushpmala Bhavbhavna

This Jain text, titled Sukta Ratna Manjusha Part 02: Updeshmala, Pushpmala, Bhavbhavna (compiled as Sarth meaning with meaning/explanation), authored by Bhavyasundarvijay, and published by Shramanopasak Parivar, is a collection of teachings and verses from significant Jain scriptures.

The book is presented as part of the Shruta-Ratna-Nidhi Granthamala (Treasury of Scriptural Gems). The core texts included are:

• Updeshmala (ઉપદેશમાળા): This section contains verses that offer moral and ethical guidance. The content highlights the importance of:

  • Patience and Forgiveness (Kshama): The verses emphasize enduring hardships and insults with equanimity, drawing parallels with the behavior of enlightened souls who remain unfazed by praise or blame, or even physical suffering.
  • Detachment and Equanimity: It speaks of maintaining a balanced state of mind, whether facing pleasant or unpleasant situations, and understanding the impermanence of worldly possessions and relationships.
  • The Path of a Monk (Sadhu): It details the strict adherence to principles, the acceptance of suffering, and the unwavering commitment to Jain vows even in difficult circumstances.
  • The Importance of Guru-Bhakti: The text stresses the significance of obedience, respect, and devotion to one's spiritual teacher, highlighting that true understanding and spiritual progress stem from accepting their guidance.
  • The Dangers of Negative Qualities: It warns against pride, anger, ego, backbiting, and attachment, explaining how these lead to suffering and hinder spiritual growth.
  • The Significance of Knowledge and Conduct: The verses underline that true spiritual progress comes from the combination of right knowledge (Jnana) and right conduct (Charitra), and that mere outward appearances are insufficient.
  • The Eightfold Conduct (Samiti) and Restraints (Gupti): The text outlines the principles of careful movement, speech, eating, excretion, and the three-fold restraints of mind, speech, and body, essential for monks.
  • Brahmacharya (Celibacy): It elaborates on the principles of maintaining celibacy, warning against lustful thoughts, association with the opposite sex, and sensual indulgence.
  • Renunciation and Detachment from Worldly Pleasures: The verses advocate for detachment from sensory pleasures, recognizing their fleeting nature and ultimate contribution to suffering.
  • The Consequences of Actions (Karma): The inherent principle of karma is reiterated, stating that actions lead to corresponding consequences.

• Pushpmala (પુષ્પમાળા): This section focuses on various aspects of Jain spiritual practice and philosophy. Key themes include:

  • Samayaktva (Right Faith): It is presented as the foundation for all virtues and the key to liberation, emphasizing the importance of righteous belief and conduct.
  • The Five Great Vows (Mahavratas): The core Jain vows of non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha) are discussed in detail, highlighting their importance for spiritual advancement.
  • Compassion (Daya): It is described as the source of all virtues and the means to overcome worldly suffering.
  • The Power of Truthfulness (Satya): The text emphasizes the absolute necessity of speaking the truth, even in dire situations, citing examples of those who upheld truth even in the face of death.
  • The Seriousness of Untruthfulness (Aliyavadi): It warns against the devastating consequences of lying, which leads to distrust, condemnation, and familial discord.
  • The Virtues of Celibacy (Brahmacharya): This is highlighted as the highest of vows, essential for spiritual purity and the path to liberation.
  • The Importance of Charity (Dana): It stresses the merit of giving, particularly to worthy recipients, and the offering of fearlessness (Abhaya Dana).
  • The Power of Austerity (Tapa): The text explains how austerities, when performed with the right spirit and knowledge, can purify the soul and lead to spiritual progress.
  • The Role of Right Attitude (Bhava): It underscores that the intention and inner disposition are crucial for the efficacy of religious practices like charity, vows, and austerities.
  • The Significance of the Sangha (Community): The text implicitly emphasizes the importance of community support and adherence to the collective spiritual path.
  • The Value of Knowledge (Jnana): It highlights the transformative power of right knowledge in guiding conduct and leading to liberation.
  • The Impermanence of Worldly Life: The verses repeatedly point to the transient nature of life, relationships, and possessions, encouraging detachment.

• Bhavbhavna (ભવભાવના): This section delves into the contemplation of the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) and the various realms of existence. It includes the contemplation of the Twelve Bhavanas (Meditations), which are central to Jain spiritual practice for developing detachment and understanding the nature of reality:

  • Anitya Bhavana (Impermanence): Reflecting on the transient nature of all worldly things, including life, body, wealth, and even celestial abodes.
  • Asharan Bhavana (Lack of Refuge): Understanding that in the face of old age, disease, and death, no worldly entity or relationship offers true refuge, except the teachings of the Jinas.
  • Ekattva Bhavana (Oneness/Solitariness): Contemplating that one is alone in experiencing the consequences of their karma, in birth, death, and the journey to the next life.
  • Anyattva Bhavana (Otherness): Realizing that family, wealth, and the body are separate from the true self, and only the path of the Jinas accompanies one in the afterlife.
  • Samsara Bhavana (Cycle of Existence): Understanding the endless cycle of birth and death across different realms (hells, animal kingdom, human, and celestial). This section vividly describes the torturous experiences in the hellish realms and the suffering of animals.
  • Shuchi Bhavana (Purity): Contemplating the inherent impurity of the physical body and worldly possessions.
  • Ashrava Bhavana (Influx of Karma): Reflecting on how desires, passions, and attachment lead to the influx of karmic particles.
  • Samvara Bhavana (Stoppage of Karma): Understanding the practices and disciplines that prevent the influx of new karma.
  • Nirjara Bhavana (Shedding of Karma): Contemplating the processes through which existing karma is shed, primarily through austerities and righteous conduct.
  • Loka Swabhav Bhavana (Nature of the World): Reflecting on the changing relationships and states within the world and the cycle of rebirth.
  • Jain Shasan (Religion) Bhavana: Recognizing the invaluable nature of the Jain teachings and the path to liberation offered by the Jinas.
  • The Difficulties of Human Birth: Highlighting the rarity of human birth and the numerous obstacles that prevent individuals from engaging in righteous practices, even when born human.

The publication aims to make these profound teachings accessible by presenting them in a condensed and explained format, particularly for those who might find the original vast scriptures overwhelming. The editor, Muni Bhavyasundarvijay, has meticulously selected verses and provided explanations to facilitate memorization and understanding, thereby promoting the practice of internalizing Jain principles. The book is dedicated to the Golden Jubilee of the spiritual life of Acharya Shri Vijay Ratnasundersurishwarji Maharaj Saheb.