Tejbai Vrat Grahan Sazzaya

This document is a Jain text titled "Tejbhai Vrat Grahan Sajjaya" (Tejbhai's Vow Taking Song). It was written by the poet Devachandra Muni and is presented here by Munisujsasachandra and Suyasasachandra Vijay.

Here's a summary of the content:

Context and Significance:

• The text describes the vow-taking ceremony of a Jain laywoman named Tejbhai in the year VS 1682 (1625 CE).
• The author, Devachandra Muni, composed this "Sajjaya" (a type of Jain devotional poem) to commemorate this event.
• The introduction highlights the importance of vows in Jainism as a path to avoid sin and achieve spiritual progress. It mentions the progression from Mahavratas (great vows for ascetics) to Anuvaratas (minor vows for laypeople), Gunavratas (qualifying vows), and Shikshavratas (training vows), totaling twelve vows.
• The historical context suggests that Devachandra Muni might have been a disciple of Mahopadhyay Bhanuchandra Gani, who was a disciple in the lineage of Hirsuriji Maharaj. Bhanuchandra Gani joined the faction of Shri Vijayanand Suriji around VS 1672, making it plausible that he and Devachandra Muni were present during Tejbhai's vow-taking.

Structure and Content: The document is divided into several parts:

1. Introduction (Page 1-4):

   • Discusses the significance of the "Sajjaya" and its authorship.
   • Explains the Jain vow system and its purpose.
   • Provides biographical context for the poet Devachandra Muni and his potential connection to Vijayanand Suriji.
   • Includes a glossary of Gujarati terms used in the text, explaining archaic or specific vocabulary. This glossary is extensive and covers terms related to vows, religious practices, daily life, agriculture, and trade.

2. The "Sajjaya" (Poem) (Page 5-10):

   • Opening Verses (Page 5): The poem begins with salutations to Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, and the Arhants (Jinas), the liberated souls, and the Sadhus (monks). It emphasizes the importance of pure conduct and avoiding false teachings and associations.

   • The Twelve Vows (Page 5-10): The core of the "Sajjaya" details the observance of the twelve Jain vows by Tejbhai.

     • First Vow (Page 5): Emphasis on daily rituals like reciting the Navkar Mantra, showing respect to deities, and understanding the principles of faith.
     • Second and Third Vows (Page 5-6): Adherence to the vows related to non-violence (Ahimsa), specifically avoiding harm to living beings (even unintended) and refraining from actions that cause sin. It also covers the vows related to truthfulness (Satya) and non-stealing (Asteya), emphasizing honesty in dealings and avoiding any form of dishonest acquisition.
     • Fourth Vow (Page 6): Observance of Brahmacharya (celibacy or chastity), indicating strict control over sensual desires.
     • Fifth Vow (Page 6-8): Details the vow of Aparigraha (non-possession) or limited possession, with specific limitations on wealth, grains, land, animals, household items, jewelry, and daily consumables like sugar, oil, and ghee. This section is quite detailed, listing specific quantities of various items.
     • Sixth Vow (Page 8-10): Encompasses the vow of Deshavakashik (limited travel or movement), restricting travel in all directions. It also outlines limitations on food items, such as specific quantities of grains, vegetables, fruits, and prohibitions on certain types of food.
     • Seventh Vow (Page 10): Focuses on the vow of Bhoga-Upabhoga Pariman (limitation of enjoyment and consumption), setting daily limits on certain items and prohibiting the use of specific things.
     • Eighth Vow (Page 10): Details the vow of Anarthadand Viraman (abstaining from purposeless violence and sinful activities), including avoiding harmful thoughts and actions.
     • Ninth Vow (Page 10): Relates to Samayika (equanimity and meditation), with an emphasis on regular practice.
     • Tenth Vow (Page 10): Concerns Poshadha (fasting and spiritual observance), with specific days for its practice.
     • Eleventh Vow (Page 10): Refers to Atithi Samvibhag (offering food to deserving guests or ascetics), emphasizing the practice of charity.
     • Twelfth Vow (Page 10-11): The final vow is integrated with the concept of accepting the four specific types of exceptions (Aakaras) for vow observance, which are Anukampa, Abhyasa, and Niyoga (as mentioned in the context of the fourth vow of Brahmacharya) or the four accepted conditions for using forbidden items when necessary due to compassion, practice, duty, or maintaining equanimity.

   • Concluding Verses (Page 11): The poem concludes by reiterating that Tejbhai took these twelve vows under the guidance of Shri Vijayanand Suriji to cross the ocean of worldly existence. It identifies the work as the "Vrat Sajjaya" of Tejbai, composed by Devachandra Muni as a means to achieve good destiny.

Overall Purpose: The "Tejbhai Vrat Grahan Sajjaya" serves as a devotional composition that illustrates the commitment of a lay follower to the Jain way of life by meticulously observing the twelve vows. It is a source of inspiration and guidance for aspiring lay practitioners, detailing the specific rules and limitations involved in upholding these vows. The accompanying introduction and glossary make it a valuable text for understanding historical Jain practices and the Gujarati language used in devotional literature.