Tarak Shree Samyktvana 67 Prakar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tarak Shree Samyaktvana 67 Prakar" by Gunsagarsuri, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

The book, "Tarak Shree Samyaktvana 67 Prakar" (Sixty-Seven Types of Guiding Right Faith), authored by Acharya Devshri Gunsagarsurijdharji, emphasizes the supreme importance of Samyaktva (Right Faith or Right View) in Jainism. The author, through this extensive explanation, aims to guide individuals towards understanding and attaining this fundamental principle, which is described as the foundation of the entire religious edifice.

The Essence of Samyaktva:

Foundation of Religion: The text clearly states that without Samyaktva, even vows like Ahimsa (non-violence) are not truly effective or "saving." This is because Samyaktva is the prerequisite for developing true faith in Lord Jinneshvara (the enlightened beings) and their teachings.
Attainment through Karma: Samyaktva is achieved through the suppression (Upashama), destruction (Kshaya), or partial destruction and suppression (Kshayopashama) of the Darshanamohaniya Karma (delusion pertaining to right faith).
- Kshayika Samyaktva (Destructive Right Faith): This is the purest and truest form of Samyaktva, achieved by the complete destruction of Darshanamohaniya Karma. It leads directly to Moksha (liberation) and is described as the state where the soul reaches the fourth stage of spiritual development (out of fourteen) and eventually attains eternal bliss, free from all karmic bondage.
- Mithyatva Mohaniya Karma: This karma completely covers Samyaktva.
- Mishra Mohaniya Karma: This karma partially covers Samyaktva.
- Samyaktva Mohaniya Karma: This karma only slightly covers Samyaktva.
- The text identifies these three types of Darshanamohaniya Karma along with the four types of Anantanuibandhi Krodha, Mana, Maya, and Lobha (infinite attachment anger, pride, deceit, and greed) as the seven primary Karmic obstructions to Darshanamohaniya.

Practical Aspects of Samyaktva:

The book outlines a practical framework for understanding and cultivating Samyaktva, dividing it into twelve sections (Adhikaras) encompassing sixty-seven distinct types (Prakaras). The author asserts that practicing even one type from any section is beneficial for attaining or sustaining Samyaktva.

The twelve sections are:

Four Virtues/Beliefs (Chaar Sadhunna): This section details four core aspects of Right Faith:
- Belief in the Nine Tattvas (Fundamentals): Faith in the reality of soul (Jiva), non-soul (Ajiva), merit (Punya), demerit (Paap), influx (Ashrava), restraint (Samvara), extinction (Nirjara), bondage (Bandha), and liberation (Moksha) as explained by the omniscient Tirthankaras. It emphasizes understanding the meaning and implications of these Tattvas.
- Service to Virtuous Monks: Reverence and service to enlightened monks (Gitasth Muni) who practice the pure Jain path, impart knowledge, and exhibit equanimity.
- Rejection of Corrupted Monks: Eschewing individuals who deviate from the teachings of the Tirthankaras, behave arbitrarily, and disgrace the monastic order.
- Avoidance of Non-Jain Religious Followers: Abstaining from association with those who propagate other religions and attempt to lead Jains astray.
Three Signs/Characteristics (Teen Ling): These are the signs of a person with Samyaktva:
- Insatiable Desire to Hear the Teachings: An intense and irresistible longing to listen to the scriptures.
- Great Joy in Practicing the Faith: Profound happiness derived from acquiring and practicing the Jain Dharma.
- Diligent Service: Unwavering and diligent service (Vaiyaavachcha) to Jain deities and gurus, akin to a seeker of knowledge.
Ten Types of Humility/Respect (Dash Prakar no Vinay): This involves showing respect through various means:
- Respect for Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus.
- Respect for Jain images, temples, and scriptures.
- Respect for the monastic way of life and the four-fold Jain Sangha.
- Respect for individuals who possess Samyaktva and the means to attain it.
- This respect can be expressed through devotion (Bhakti), admiration (Bahuman), praise of virtues (Gunstuti), covering up minor faults that could harm the faith (Avagun Dhankava), and avoiding disrespect (Ashatana na karvi).
Three Purities (Teen Shuddhi):
- Purity of Mind (Man Shuddhi): Firm conviction that only Lord Jinneshvara and the Jain path are truly liberating.
- Purity of Speech (Vachan Shuddhi): Declaring that no task can be accomplished without devotion to Lord Jinneshvara.
- Purity of Body (Kaya Shuddhi): Refusing to bow down to any deity other than Lord Jinneshvara, even under duress or pain.
Five Faults/Defilements (Paanch Dooshana): These are things to be avoided to maintain pure Samyaktva:
- Doubt (Shanka): Doubting the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
- Desire (Kanksha): Yearning for other religions or paths.
- Disbelief/Skepticism (Vichikitsa): Doubting the efficacy of religious practices or harboring aversion towards the virtuous.
- Praise of False Teachers (Mithyamati-uparapakhadiyon ni Prashansa): Praising those who propagate false doctrines.
- Association with False Teachers (Mithyamati-upapakhadiyon no Parichay): Associating with those who promote false ideologies.
Eight Magnificences/Radiance (Aath Prabhav): These are individuals or actions that enhance the glory of Jainism:
- Scholars/Preachers (Pravachnik): Those who are learned in scriptures and can effectively impart knowledge.
- Exponents of Dharma (Dharmakathi): Those who inspire others towards the Jain path through their teachings.
- Debaters (Vadi): Those who can logically defend Jainism against opposing views.
- Astrologers/Prognosticators (Nimitik): Those skilled in Vedic sciences who can demonstrate Jainism's superiority.
- Ascetics (Tapasvi): Those who perform severe penances and, through their spiritual prowess, elevate the faith.
- Learned in Sciences and Mantras (Vidyamantrabali): Those who possess knowledge of various sciences and spiritual incantations.
- Achievers of Yogic Powers (Anjanadi Gasisiddha): Those who attain powers through specific yogic practices.
- Great Poets (Mahakavi): Those who compose devotional poetry that promotes Jainism.
- Also includes actions like organizing large pilgrimages, building temples, installing idols, and celebrating festivals.
Five Ornaments (Paanch Bhooshana): These adorn the soul with Samyaktva:
- Skill in Religious Practices: Proficiency in performing daily rituals like puja, meditation, and confession.
- Service to Sacred Places (Tirth Seva): Visiting and facilitating pilgrimages to holy sites and serving the monastic community.
- Devotion to Jain Deities and Gurus: Faith and acts of service towards Tirthankaras and their followers.
- Steadfastness in Jain Dharma: Unwavering adherence to Jainism despite external pressures.
- Promotion of Jainism (Jain Shasan ni Prabhavna): Engaging in activities that bring praise and admiration to the Jain faith.
Five Characteristics (Paanch Lakshana): These are inherent qualities of a soul with Samyaktva:
- Equanimity (Sham): Not harboring ill will even towards wrongdoers.
- Spiritual Yearning (Samveg): Finding worldly pleasures unsatisfying compared to the bliss of liberation.
- Dispassion/Renunciation (Nirved): Perceiving this worldly existence as a prison, with a strong desire to escape it.
- Compassion (Anukampa): Showing kindness and helping others, both materially and spiritually, by guiding them towards the Dharma.
- Faith in the Teachings (Astikata): Unwavering belief in the truthfulness of the words of the omniscient Tirthankaras.
Six Restraints/Precautions (Chhah Yatana): These are strictures to protect Samyaktva:
- Avoidation of veneration (Vandan) or bowing (Naman) to non-Jain deities or idols.
- Refraining from giving donations (Daan) or repeated donations (Anupradan) to those considered unworthy.
- Avoiding unnecessary conversation (Aalap) or frequent interaction (Samlapana) with those who could lead one astray. These precautions are vital to prevent the loss of Samyaktva.
Six Allowances/Exceptions (Chhah Aagar): These are permissible exceptions to vows when facing extreme circumstances, which do not constitute a breach of the vow itself but may incur minor faults requiring penance:
- Royal Compulsion (Rajabhig Aagar): Acting against vows under pressure from a king.
- Societal Compulsion (Ganabhig Aagar): Acting against vows due to the pressure of a collective group.
- Forceful Compulsion (Balabhig Aagar): Acting against vows due to coercion by criminals or armies.
- Divine Compulsion (Devabhig Aagar): Acting against vows under the influence of deities or spirits.
- Elder Compulsion (Gurunigrah Aagar): Acting against vows due to pressure from elders like parents.
- Livelihood Compulsion (Vritti Durlabh Aagar): Acting against vows when facing extreme difficulty in earning a livelihood or other life-threatening challenges.
Six Meditations/Reflections (Chhah Bhavana): These highlight the importance of Samyaktva:
- Samyaktva is the root of the Dharma tree.
- Samyaktva is the gateway to the city of liberation.
- Samyaktva is the foundation of the palace of Dharma.
- Samyaktva is the treasury that protects the gems of spiritual virtues.
- Samyaktva is the support for virtues like equanimity.
- Samyaktva is the vessel that holds the essence of right knowledge and conduct.
Six Positions/Statements about the Soul (Chhah Sthan): These are fundamental philosophical truths:
- The Soul Exists: The soul is distinct from the body and is the agent of all actions.
- The Soul is Eternal: The soul is imperishable and unchanging in its essential nature, though it undergoes transformations in its manifestations.
- The Soul is the Doer of Karma: The soul actively performs actions that lead to karmic influx.
- The Soul is the Experiencer of Karma: The soul reaps the consequences of its actions, experiencing happiness and sorrow.
- The Soul Has Moksha: Liberation from all karmic bondage is attainable for the soul.
- There are Means to Attain Moksha: The path of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct (Ratnatrayi) is the prescribed method for achieving liberation. The text uses the analogy of a blind man and a lame man helping each other to illustrate the necessity of both knowledge and conduct.

The book concludes by emphasizing that by understanding and practicing these sixty-seven types of Samyaktva, one's desires, anger, pride, deceit, and greed diminish, leading to a significant reduction in the cycle of birth and death, and paving the way for early liberation. The author strongly encourages all aspiring souls to gain knowledge of these principles and integrate them into their lives.