Tapagacchiya Pratikraman Me Pramukh Tin Sutra Stavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tapagacchiya Pratikraman me Pramukh Tin Sutra Stavan" by Chhaganlal Jain, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

The article discusses three primary Sutra Stavans (hymns or prayers) that are integral to the Pratikraman (repentance and confession) rituals within the Tapagacchiya tradition of Shvetambara Jainism. These three are:

1. Vandittu Sutra:

   • Also known as: Shravak Pratikraman Sutra (Layperson's Repentance Sutra).
   • Format: Poetic (padyamaya), consisting of fifty verses (gathas).
   • Origin of Name: It begins with the word "Vandittu" (salutation/bowing).
   • Core Purpose: It is directly related to the twelve vows of a layperson (Shravaka) and their transgressions (aticharas).
   • The Twelve Vows:
     • Five Anuvratas (Minor Vows): Non-violence (Ahimsa), Truthfulness (Satya), Non-stealing (Achaurya), Celibacy/Chastity (Brahmacharya), and Non-possession/Non-attachment (Aparigraha).
     • Three Gunavratas (Qualifying Vows): Vow of directional limitations (Disha Pariman Vrata), Vow of limited use of consumables (Upabhoga-Paribhoga Pariman Vrata), and Vow of abstaining from unrighteous activities (Anarthadanda Vrata).
     • Four Shikshavratas (Training Vows): Vow of equanimity (Samayika Vrata), Vow of partial renunciation of location (Deshavakashika Vrata), Vow of fasting on observance days (Paushadhopavas Vrata), and Vow of congregational sharing (Atithisamvibhaga Vrata).
   • Repentance: The Sutra details the process of sincerely repenting for faults committed in upholding these vows, whether daily, nightly, fortnightly, quarterly, or yearly.
   • Aticharas (Transgressions): The text elaborates on various transgressions, including those related to right faith (Samyagdarshana). Some common aticharas mentioned are:
     • Samyagdarshana Aticharas (Five): Doubt (Shanka), desire for the fruits of Dharma (Kanksha), aversion to the unholy (Vigichchha), praise of the unholy (Prashansa), and imitation of unholy practices (Sansthava/Kulingisu).
     • Vows-related Aticharas: Binding living beings through worldly activities, piercing noses/ears, revealing secrets, using false weights/measures, writing false documents, possessing stolen goods, selling fake goods as genuine, illicit relations, compromising the vow of non-possession, engaging in unproductive activities, frivolous talk, unnecessary accumulation, slavery to taste, being a witness to sins, lack of equanimity during Samayika, not adhering to time limits, sleeping during Samayika, not properly observing directional vows, trading in weapons, engaging in harmful trades like operating mills or oil presses, cutting, fire-related activities, carelessness in cleaning the ground, violating Paushadha vows, desiring worldly and other-worldly pleasures.
   • Importance of Self-Criticism: The Sutra emphasizes the importance of self-criticism and confession. It states that confessing sins to a Guru and self-reproach lightens the burden of sin, just as unloading weight makes a person feel lighter. It compares this to a skilled doctor curing an illness.
   • Universal Forgiveness: The ritual concludes with seeking forgiveness from all living beings and offering forgiveness to them, as expressed in the phrase: "I forgive all beings, may all beings forgive me. I am friendly with all beings, no one is my enemy."

2. Sakal Arhat Stavana:

   • When recited: After the Vandittu Sutra, specifically during Pakshika (fortnightly), Chaturmasika (quarterly), and Sanvatsarika (yearly) Pratikramans.
   • Content: It is a brief description of the adoration of the twenty-four Tirthankaras. It also includes verses dedicated to shrines (Chaityas), holy places (Tirthas), and idols (Pratimas).
   • Language: Composed in Sanskrit.
   • Nature: The verses are described as powerful, profound, and unparalleled examples of spiritual scripture.
   • Examples Provided: Verses praising Rishabhadeva (the first Tirthankara) as the first king, first non-possessor, and first Tirthankara; Abhinandananatha as the moon that illuminates the ocean of anekanta (multiplicity of views); Shitalanatha as a cloud showering the nectar of Syadvada (the doctrine of conditioned predication); Shreyanshanatha as a skilled physician removing the disease of transmigration; Anantanatha as possessing infinite compassion; Dharmanatha as a wish-fulfilling tree; Shantinatha whose teachings illuminate directions; Kunthunatha as possessing immense divine powers; Mallinatha as a powerful force against karmas; and Viraprabhu (Mahavir Swami) as worshipped by gods and humans, whose karmas are destroyed by severe penance, and who embodies knowledge, patience, radiance, and fame. It also mentions the veneration of holy sites like Ashtapada, Sammeta Shikhar, Girnar, Shatrunjaya, and Abu.

3. Ajit Shanti Stavana:

   • When recited: Similar to Sakal Arhat Stavana, it is recited during Pakshika, Chaturmasika, and Sanvatsarika Pratikramans.
   • Content: It comprises forty verses composed by the ancient Acharya Nandisena. The Stavana is a joint praise of Ajitnatha and Shantinatha, situated between their respective shrines on Shatrunjaya hill.
   • Authorship: Acharya Nandisena is believed by some to be a disciple of Lord Mahavir and by others, a disciple of Lord Neminatha. His mention is found in the Shatrunjaya Mahakalpa.
   • Literary Merit: It is considered an unparalleled example in the spiritual world for its depiction of peace (Shantarasa), beauty (Saundarya), and erotic sentiment (Shrungara Rasa) in Prakrit language, showcasing excellent poetic skill.
   • Examples Provided: Verses acknowledging Ajitnatha and Shantinatha as Jinavaras who remove all sins, bring peace, and dispel seven types of fear. Another verse highlights Ajitnatha as the giver of happiness and the enhancer of patience and intellect, while Shantinatha is praised for bestowing peace. The overall sentiment expressed is a constant aspiration for peace.

Conclusion: The article concludes by stating that the Vandittu Sutra focuses on self-purification through the confession of vow transgressions. The Sakal Arhat Stotra and Ajit Shanti Stavana, on the other hand, are devoted to the veneration and praise of the Tirthankaras. Together, all three Sutra Stavans serve to strengthen and uphold the path of lay Jainism (Shravaka Dharma).