Trailokya Prakash - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Trailokya Prakash" by Hemaprabha Suri, based on the provided Table of Contents and Foreword:

Title: Trailokya Prakash (The Illumination of Three Worlds) Author: Shri Hemaprabha Suri (Disciple of Shri Devendra Suri) Publisher: Indian House Editor: Ram Sarup Sharma Publication Year: 1946 (First Edition)

Overall Subject: Trailokya Prakash is a significant Jain text focused on astrology (Jyotisha Shastra). It provides a detailed framework for understanding the celestial influences on human life and various events, drawing from a synthesis of Jain cosmological principles and astrological techniques. The title itself, "Illumination of Three Worlds," suggests its aim to shed light on the realms of the universe and their impact on individuals.

Key Themes and Content:

The text is structured into numerous chapters, each addressing specific aspects of astrological prediction and interpretation. Based on the detailed Table of Contents, the book covers a vast array of topics, including:

Introduction and Foundation:
- Mangalacharan (Invocation): Beginning with prayers and salutations, likely to Jain deities and spiritual figures.
- Praise of Lagna (Ascendant): Emphasizing the paramount importance of the ascendant in astrological charts as the key to understanding an individual's destiny.
- Purpose of the Text: Explaining the aim to illuminate the three worlds (upper, middle, lower) across time (past, present, future).
- Definitions of Technical Terms: Clarifying astrological terminology.
Planetary Analysis:
- Classification of Planets: Identifying planets as auspicious (Saumya/Naisargika) and inauspicious (Kraura/Pāpa), and classifying them by gender and state (e.g., child, youth, old).
- Planetary Attributes: Assigning various characteristics to planets such as color, taste, smell, temperament (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), diet, and social status (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, Mleccha).
- Planetary Strength (Bala): Detailed discussions on various types of planetary strength derived from their position in signs (Uccha, Swagraha, Mitragraha, Shatrugraha), directional strength, time-based strength, strengths from different divisions of a sign (Shadvarga), and other influential factors.
- Aspects and Conjunctions: Explaining how planets affect each other through aspects and conjunctions.
- Dasha System: Discussing planetary periods (Dashas) and their influence.
Astrological Divisions and Calculations:
- Shadvarga (Sixfold Division): Analysis of various divisions of the zodiacal signs, such as Rashi, Hora, Drekkana, Navamsa, Dwadasamsa, and Trimsamsa, which are crucial for detailed predictions.
- Bhava Analysis: Examining the twelve houses of the horoscope and their significations for different aspects of life.
- Navamsa and Trimsamsa: Specific focus on these divisional charts for deeper insights.
Predictions and Applications:
- Human Life Aspects: Predictions related to birth of children, health, wealth, marriage, knowledge, career, journeys, conflicts (war, lawsuits), weather, commodity prices, and more.
- Specific Yogic Combinations: Identifying planetary combinations (Yogas) that indicate specific outcomes, such as wealth acquisition, progeny, illness, victory, and prosperity.
- Question Astrology (Prashna Shastra): Extensive coverage of using horary astrology to answer specific questions about an individual's situation, including:
  - Lagna and Bhavas in Prashna: How the ascendant and houses at the time of the question reveal answers.
  - Outcome of Questions: Predicting success or failure in various endeavors, the nature of people involved, and the specific timing of events.
  - Finding Lost Objects (Nidhi Prakaran): Detailed methods for locating hidden treasures based on planetary positions.
  - Predicting Food and Meals: Astrological indications for the type, quality, and circumstances of meals.
  - Journeys and Travel (Gamana-Agamana Prakaran): Predicting the success, timing, and potential dangers of travel.
  - Warfare and Conflict (Yuddha Prakaran): Analyzing horary charts to predict the outcome of battles, the strength of armies, and the results of conflicts.
  - Diplomacy and Peace (Sandhi-Vigraha Prakaran): Astrological insights into peace treaties and conflicts between rulers.
  - Agriculture and Weather (Vrishti Prakaran): Predicting rainfall, droughts, crop yields, and the influence of weather patterns.
  - Marriage and Relationships (Stri Prakaran/Jataka): Astrological analysis of marriage, spouse, marital harmony, and the characteristics of women.
  - Health and Illness (Roga Prakaran): Identifying diseases, their origins, and the prognosis for recovery.
  - Life and Death (Jivit-Mrityu Prakaran): Astrological indications for longevity, causes of death, and survival.
  - Entrances and Exits (Pravahana Prakaran): Astrological analysis related to sea voyages and the fate of travelers.
  - Renunciation and Spiritual Paths (Pravajya Prakaran): Indications for taking up a spiritual path or monasticism.
  - Career and Status (Pada Prakaran): Predicting attainment of positions and rank.
  - Wealth and Commerce (Argha Khanda/Laabha Prakaran): Astrological insights into trade, profit, loss, and the value of goods.
  - Lost and Found Objects (Nashta-Laabha Prakaran): Methods for determining the recovery of lost items.
  - Daily and Monthly Predictions: Indications for daily and monthly auspiciousness based on planetary transits.
  - Interpreting Planetary Positions: Understanding the influence of planets in different zodiacal signs and houses.

Author's Stance and Jain Context:

The Foreword by Dr. Banarsi Das Jain highlights the role of astrology within Jainism. While Jain philosophy emphasizes karma and self-effort in shaping destiny, astrology was nonetheless a practical tool used for auspicious timing and understanding planetary influences. The text itself, by a Jain Acharya, integrates astrological knowledge within a Jain framework. The author acknowledges the spread of astrological sciences among "Mlechas" (foreigners) but asserts its continuation within Jainism through divine grace.

Significance:

Trailokya Prakash is a valuable resource for understanding the Jain tradition's engagement with astrology. It demonstrates the sophisticated astrological knowledge prevalent in ancient India and its application to a wide range of life events. The comprehensive nature of its coverage, from planetary mechanics to intricate predictions, makes it a significant work in the field. The Hindi commentary and the attempt to collate manuscripts also underscore the effort to make this knowledge accessible.

In essence, Trailokya Prakash is a detailed astrological treatise that seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cosmic influences that shape the three worlds and human destiny, presented within the philosophical and cultural context of Jainism.