Swadhyay Granth Sandoh

This document is the "Swadhyay Granth Sandoh," compiled by Sha Sarabhai Jeshingbhai and published by the same. The catalog link is provided as jainqq.org/explore/022315/1. The text appears to be a collection of Jain philosophical and ethical texts, likely intended for spiritual study and practice (Swadhyay).

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages and the catalog link's description:

Key Information:

• Title: Swadhyay Granth Sandoh (સ્વાધ્યાય ગ્રન્થ સંદોહ) - "Collection of Spiritual Study Texts"
• Compiler/Publisher: Sha Sarabhai Jeshingbhai (શા સારાભાઈ જેશીંગભાઈ)
• Location: Ahmedabad (અમદાવાદ), Hatashing Ni Pole, Navi Pole
• Purpose: For private and personal use only (JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY)
• Dedication: Printed in memory of Pujya Sadhviji Maharaj Shri Hirshriji (પૂ. સાધ્વીજી મહારાજ શ્રીહીરશ્રીજીના સ્મરણાર્થે)
• First Edition: 1000 copies, published in Vikram Samvat 2013 (Ashadh month)

Content Summary:

The document serves as an introduction to and compilation of several important Jain texts, aiming to facilitate spiritual study and understanding. The compiler, Sarabhai Jeshingbhai, presents this work with a deep sense of reverence and gratitude towards the spiritual lineage and scholars who contributed to Jain literature.

Key Themes and Texts Mentioned:

1. The Problem of Suffering and Ignorance: The introductory sections (Pages 6-8) highlight the cycle of birth and death (samsara) caused by ignorance and attachment to worldly substances. It emphasizes how living beings, unable to understand their true nature, become even more distressed in their pursuit of happiness. The text points to the Tirthankaras' enlightenment as the solution to this fundamental error.

2. The Role of Knowledge (Gyan): The importance of knowledge is stressed, especially in the current Kaliyuga, which is described as a difficult and corrupt era where trust is lost even between family members (Page 7, quoting a Sanskrit verse). Knowledge is presented as the sole refuge and the key to understanding one's true state and the value of the human birth, Arya desh, noble lineage, and divine guidance.

3. Critique of Modern Education: The compiler expresses concern about the contemporary pursuit of knowledge, noting the immense cost, the lack of discernment between true and false knowledge, the disregard for proper gurus and the absence of essential virtues like restraint and humility. It laments the disappearance of good conduct as education increases, leading to vices like violence, theft, deceit, adultery, greed, anger, pride, envy, hatred, greed, strife, quarrels, and slander.

4. The Nature of True Knowledge: True knowledge is defined as that which, upon manifesting in the soul, protects the individual from misconduct and fills their life with virtuous conduct. If the opposite occurs, it's considered ignorance disguised as knowledge, or taking poison in the name of nectar.

5. The Solution: Self-Realization and Virtue: The path to true happiness lies in realizing and cultivating the soul's innate virtues. The text asserts that this can be achieved through the study and contemplation of literature composed by past Jain sages.

6. Compilation of Texts for Self-Improvement: The book aims to collect and present valuable texts that aid in the development of self-virtues. The compiler has organized selected works of ancient scholars, which are categorized as:

   • Shraddhavak (Faith-inducing): Likely texts that instill faith in Jain principles.
   • Dharmjanak (Virtue-generating): Texts that promote virtuous conduct.
   • Sadachar-poshak (Character-nurturing): Texts that uphold good character.

7. Specific Texts Compiled (with brief descriptions):

   • Rishimandal Stotra (ऋषिमंडलस्तोत्र): Described as mantra-like, its regular study destroys inner impurities like lust and anger, brings external prosperity, and channels it towards virtuous living. It is attributed to Gautam Ganadhar.
   • Upadeshmala (उपदेशमाला): A very ancient and profound work, possibly dating back over two thousand years, authored by Shrimad Shridhanagani. It contains complete material for the development of self-virtues, offering guidance for ascetics and laypeople alike, and extensively describes the nature and consequences of passions like lust, anger, delusion, and ignorance.
   • Kullak Sangrah (कुलक संग्रह): A collection of 19 "Kullaks," which are groups of five or more poems on a single topic. The text emphasizes the efforts made to collect and correct these based on ancient manuscripts, though acknowledging potential textual variations over time. These short texts offer concise teachings by ancient sages.
   • Dharmaratna Prakaran (धर्मरत्नप्रकरण): Authored by the learned Shanti Suri, this work accurately describes the essential virtues required for both householders and monks. It provides a simple guide to manifesting the soul's three fundamental virtues: faith, knowledge, and conduct. It stresses that without these foundations, true self-knowledge and happiness as taught by the Jinas are unattainable. It identifies these virtues as the core capital of religious practice that is vanishing today.
   • Pap Pratighat Gunabijadhana Sutra (पापप्रतिघात गुणबीजाधानसूत्र): The first of five sutras by Chirantanacharya. It outlines the first duties for soul development: taking refuge in the three jewels, abandoning evil deeds, and embracing good deeds. Its recitation is said to evoke inner peace. It is described as an potent medicine given by Lord Mahavir for the suffering soul, destroying enmity and fostering friendship.
   • Shilalankadi Rath Sangrah (शीलाङ्गादि रथ संग्रह): This includes 21 "Raths" (chariots), named for literary reasons. They describe methods for worshipping virtues like chastity, suggesting the creation and study of 18,000 verses each. This practice is believed to lead to concentration and self-empowerment in virtue.
   • Gun Sthanak Krama-aroh (गुणस्थानक्रमावरोह): Authored by the knowledgeable Suri Purandar Shrimad Ratnashekhar Suri, this text systematically describes the soul's progress through the 13 stages of spiritual development in just 136 verses. While differing on some points from Karmagrantha, it offers a clear perspective.
   • Hriday Pradeep Patrishika (हृदयप्रदीपषट्त्रिंशिका): A 36-verse text by an unknown ancient Acharya, offering profound advice for spiritual growth, summarizing the essence of knowledge for the soul's well-being and explaining how to live in the world to escape the cycle of birth and death.
   • Vardhman Dwattrishika (वर्द्धमानद्वात्रिंशिका): Composed by Suri Purandar Shrimad Siddhasen Diwakar, these 32 verses praise Lord Vardhaman (Mahavir) through various utterances. They describe the external and internal beauty of the Jinas, their immense kindness, and express complete surrender and devotion. Reciting these poems is believed to purify one's right faith, foster connection with the Arihants, weaken karmic bonds, and ultimately lead to liberation.
   • Agavyavachhedika and Anyayogavyavachhedika (अगव्ययच्छेका and अन्ययोगव्यवच्छेका): Authored by the famous Kkalikalsarvajna Shrimad Hemchandracharya, these are presented as a continuation of Siddhasen Suri's work. The former praises Lord Vardhaman, distinguishing the Vitraga's detachment from the false claims of other sects, and expresses profound love and devotion for the Jineshwara. The latter points out the flaws of other doctrines, highlighting the uniqueness and greatness of the Vitraga Shasan and Anekanata-vada (the doctrine of manifold aspects). The author expresses the aspiration that Jainism may never decline until liberation is achieved and that no one should be attached to other philosophies.

8. The Importance of Swadhyay: The title "Swadhyay Granth Sandoh" emphasizes the purpose of the book – Swadhyay (self-study). The compiler emphasizes that these texts are not meant for rote memorization but for active engagement through reading, questioning, contemplation, reflection, and sharing (Dharmakatha). True self-benefit comes from internalizing knowledge and making it a tool for life. This mental Swadhyay is a great penance leading to purification and the shedding of ancient karmic bonds.

9. Spiritual Lineage and Devotion: The book is dedicated to the memory of Sadhviji Shri Hirshriji Maharaj. The compiler expresses deep gratitude for the spiritual guidance received from her and her lineage, including her grand-guru Shri Chandanshrishriji Maharaj and guru Shri Ashokshriji Maharaj. The dedication highlights their virtuous lives and the benefit they brought to the community. The text also includes detailed biographical sketches of these revered spiritual figures, emphasizing their renunciation, spiritual practices, and influence.

10. Financial Supporters: A list of financial contributors is included at the end, indicating community support for this spiritual endeavor.

11. Errata: A detailed errata (Shuddhipatraka) is provided, listing corrections for printing errors, indicating a meticulous effort in compiling and publishing the work.

Overall Impression:

"Swadhyay Granth Sandoh" is a profound and comprehensive collection of Jain spiritual literature. It not only presents key philosophical and ethical teachings but also emphasizes the practical application of this knowledge in daily life for self-improvement and ultimate liberation. The compiler's devotion and meticulousness are evident throughout the text. The inclusion of biographical details of revered saints adds a personal and devotional dimension to the compilation.