Sutra Vidhi Sahit Akshay Nidhi Tapovidhan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sutra Vidhi Sahit Akshay Nidhi Tapovidhan":

Book Title: Sutra Vidhi Sahit Akshay Nidhi Tapovidhan (Sutra Vidhi with Akshay Nidhi Fasting Ritual) Author: Acharya Shri Vijaynityanandsuri Publisher: Chinubhai Shantilal Doshi Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/035281/1

Overview:

This book, "Sutra Vidhi Sahit Akshay Nidhi Tapovidhan," is a guide to performing the "Akshay Nidhi Tap" (Unfading Treasure Fast) ritual, a significant ascetic practice in Jainism. It provides the necessary scriptural procedures (Sutra Vidhi) and rituals for its successful completion. The text emphasizes the profound importance of fasting and austerity in spiritual progress and highlights the specific benefits of the Akshay Nidhi Tap.

Key Themes and Content:

1. The Greatness of Tap (Fasting/Austerity):

   • The book begins by explaining that the Jain way of life is structured around four main principles: Dana (charity), Shila (virtue/morality), Tapa (austerity), and Bhava (meditation/devotion).
   • Tapa is presented as a fundamental path to liberation. It's highlighted that even Tirthankaras (Enlightened beings) perform intense austerities in their lives, even when aware of their imminent liberation.
   • Tapa is considered a powerful tool for destroying accumulated karmas, especially deeply ingrained ones, and for purifying the soul.
   • It details that various forms of Tapa exist in Jainism, such as Navapad Oli, Vardhaman Tap, Akshayanidhi Tap, etc., and categorizes them into six external and six internal austerities.

2. Akshay Nidhi Tap - Significance and Purpose:

   • The Akshay Nidhi Tap is specifically linked to the worship and attainment of Shrut Gyan (scriptural knowledge).
   • Shrut Gyan is described as knowledge that illuminates both oneself and others, unlike other forms of knowledge which primarily benefit the self. Its importance is greatly emphasized in the scriptures.
   • This Tap is considered a primary means to worship and cultivate Shrut Gyan, leading to the purification of the soul and the manifestation of its innate qualities of infinite knowledge and perception.
   • Tapa is also presented as a practice for achieving a non-dependent state (anahaari).

3. Ritual Procedures (Sutra Vidhi):

   • Timing of Commencement: The Tap should ideally be started around the 4th day of Bhadrapada Shukla (Sanvatsari) so that the 16 days of the Tap conclude on Sanvatsari. This means starting around the 4th day of Shravana Vadya. Specific adjustments are mentioned for lunar months with intercalary days (Kshay) or extra days.
   • Structure of the Tap: The Tap involves 15 "Ekasanas" (eating one meal at one sitting) and one fast (Upavasa) on the day of Sanvatsari. It is particularly recommended for lay followers (Shravak and Shravika).
   • Duration: It is advised to perform this Tap for four years (64 days in total) with sincere devotion.
   • The Ritual Vessel (Ghada): A key element is the establishment of a pot (Ghada) made of gold, silver, or another noble metal (or clay if metal is not feasible). This pot is to be placed in the ritual area and worshipped. A coconut is placed on top, and the pot is decorated. This pot is to be carefully maintained for all 16 days. A separate pot is to be kept for community use.
   • Daily Practices:
     • Performing Pratikraman (repentance) and Padilehan (examination of oneself and belongings) twice daily (morning and evening).
     • Sleeping on the ground (Bhoomi Samtharo) for all 16 days.
     • Observing Brahmacharya (celibacy).
     • Performing Tri-kaal Devpuja (worship of deities three times a day).
     • Worshipping knowledge (Gyan Puja).
     • Honoring the Guru (Guru Vandana).
     • Observing fasts and vows (Pachkkhhan).
     • Listening to religious discourses (Vyakhyan Shravan).
     • Daily Deva-Vandan (worship of deities) in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
     • Reciting the 20 "Logassa" (a specific Jain prayer) and 20 "Khama-Samana" (a gesture of respect).
     • Chanting the "Namo Narayan" mantra 20 times.
     • Drawing 20 "Sathiya" (auspicious symbols).
     • Performing Gyan Puja daily, with more elaborate worship on the first and last days.
     • Placing a "Pasli" (a collection of rice, almonds, coins, etc.) into the pot each day, with the aim of filling the pot by the last day.

4. Special Rituals:

   • Night Vigil (Ratri Jagran): A night vigil is to be observed on the last day of the Tap.
   • Celebration (Ujmana): A grand procession is to be organized on the day of breaking the fast (Parana), which is the 5th day of Bhadrapada Shukla. The procession should include music, bands, palanquins, and chariots. The pot, adorned with garlands, should be carried by a married woman. Offerings of fruits and sweets should also be carried. The procession culminates at the temple, where circumambulations are performed, and the offerings are presented to the deities.

5. The Purpose of the Rituals: The text stresses that these practices are to be performed with great enthusiasm and grandeur to spread the glory of the Jain faith.

6. Stories (Kathas): The book includes two compelling stories that illustrate the power and efficacy of the Akshay Nidhi Tap and Shrut Gyan worship:

   • The Story of Sundari: This story recounts the life of Sundari, a virtuous woman who, despite facing immense hardships due to past negative karma (related to envy of a virtuous person), eventually embraced the Akshay Nidhi Tap. Through this practice, she not only purified herself and overcame her misfortunes but also acquired immense wealth (represented by the literal manifestation of treasures wherever she walked). She lived a righteous life, ultimately attained spiritual liberation, and became known as "Akshayanidhi" due to the Tap's blessings.
   • The Story of Saumayari: The second story highlights the destiny of Saumayari, who was reborn as a princess named Sarvkriddhi. Despite her royal status, she faced numerous calamities, including the death of her father, the looting of the palace, exile, and abandonment. This was due to her past life's envy and negative actions towards a religious person. Upon meeting a Muni, she learned about her past deeds and was advised to perform the Akshay Nidhi Tap. By doing so, she not only purified her negative karma but also regained her prosperity and ultimately achieved salvation.

7. Invocations and Prayers: The text includes various Jain prayers, such as:

   • Chaiitya Vandans: Prayers for venerating temples and deities.
   • Kaussagga: Meditative practices for self-purification.
   • Navkar Mantra: The core mantra of Jainism.
   • Stavans: Devotional hymns praising the Tirthankaras and other revered figures.
   • Pachkkhhan: Vows and commitments for fasting and self-discipline.
   • Deva Vandana: Rituals for worshipping celestial beings and Tirthankaras.

8. Emphasis on Pure Intention: The book strongly advocates that the Tap should be performed with pure intentions, free from any desire for worldly possessions or pleasures. The true aim is spiritual upliftment and the ultimate attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience).

Conclusion:

"Sutra Vidhi Sahit Akshay Nidhi Tapovidhan" serves as an invaluable resource for Jain followers seeking to undertake the Akshay Nidhi Tap. It meticulously outlines the procedures, the underlying philosophical significance, and the transformative power of this Tap. The included stories reinforce the message that by diligently practicing this ritual with devotion and pure intent, individuals can overcome past karmic obstacles, attain worldly prosperity, and ultimately progress towards the highest spiritual goal of liberation. The book is a testament to the Jain emphasis on penance, knowledge, and devotion as pathways to spiritual enlightenment.