Traivarnikachar - Book Summary

Certainly! Based on the provided text, here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Traivarnikachar" by Pannalal Soni, which is a Hindi translation and explanation of the Sanskrit work by Shri Somsen Bhattarak:

Book Title: Traivarnikachar Author: Shri Somsen Bhattarak (Original Sanskrit), Shri Pannalal Soni (Hindi Translator) Publisher: Jain Sahitya Prakashak Karyalaya, Girgaon, Bombay Core Subject: This text is a comprehensive guide to the conduct and rituals for the three varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya) within the Jain tradition. It also touches upon the conduct of ascetics (yati) and occasionally mentions the practices of Shudras.

Key Aspects and Structure:

The book, Traivarnikachar (meaning "Conduct of the Three Varnas"), is a detailed exposition of daily life, religious observances, and social responsibilities according to Jain principles. It's structured into thirteen chapters, covering a wide range of topics from morning rituals to funeral rites.

Summary of Chapters (Based on Table of Contents and content snippets):

First Chapter: Samayika and Morning Rituals: This chapter focuses on the daily routine beginning with waking up, personal hygiene, contemplation of the universe and the self, the practice of Samayika (equanimity), and the importance of meditation (dhyana). It details the four types of meditation (Arta, Raudra, Dharma, Shukla) and their characteristics, as well as the four stages of meditation (Pindastha, Padistha, Rupastha, Rupatita). It emphasizes the cyclical nature of suffering across different realms and the importance of cultivating right knowledge and conduct.
Second Chapter: Purity (Shaucha) and Daily Rituals: This chapter delves deeply into the principles of external and internal purity. It covers detailed procedures for personal hygiene, including the proper methods and locations for excretion, purification after excretion, teeth cleaning, bathing, dressing, and anointing the body. It also touches upon the impurity associated with menstruation and purification practices. The importance of cleanliness in all aspects of life is highlighted.
Third Chapter: Purification After Bathing and Evening Rituals: This chapter continues the discussion on daily rituals, focusing on post-bathing activities like kurlas (rinsing the mouth), dant-dhavana (teeth cleaning), purification of the body and clothes, and achamana (sipping water for purification). It also describes Sandhya-vandan (evening worship) and the associated mantras and rituals, including tarpana (offering water to deities, sages, and ancestors) and Pranayama (breath control). It emphasizes the significance of these practices for spiritual well-being.
Fourth Chapter: House Construction, Worship, and Fire Rituals: This chapter shifts focus to broader household activities and religious ceremonies. It outlines the principles of constructing a Jain temple and homes, including auspicious times, locations, and rituals. It details various types of fire rituals (homa), including pujas for deities, directional guardians (dikpalas), and the importance of offerings. It covers the procedures for sthapana (installation) of images and deities, havan (fire sacrifice) with specific materials, and the auspiciousness of fire rituals for overall well-being.
Fifth Chapter: Temple Visits, Worship, and Mantras: This chapter details the procedures for visiting a Jain temple, including proper conduct, chanting mantras, and performing puja (worship). It elaborates on the significance of visiting temples, the proper way to offer prayers, and the importance of darshana (seeing the idol). It also includes various mantras for different purposes, purification rituals, and the significance of various symbolic acts during worship.
Sixth Chapter: Daily Routines, Social Conduct, and Charity: This chapter covers a broad spectrum of daily life for householders. It discusses the importance of maintaining cleanliness, performing rituals, offering charity (dana), respecting elders, and the rules for eating and drinking. It also touches upon social etiquette, the duties of women in the household, and the merits of various forms of charity. The text emphasizes the integration of religious principles into everyday activities.
Seventh Chapter: Earning a Livelihood and Social Duties: This chapter focuses on the professional and social aspects of life for householders. It outlines the duties of different varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and indirectly Shudras) in earning a livelihood, managing household affairs, and contributing to society. It discusses principles of ethical business practices, the importance of honest earning, and the duties towards family and community.
Eighth Chapter: Life Cycle Rituals and Social Conduct: This chapter details various important ceremonies and rituals throughout a person's life, starting from conception (garbhadhana) up to childbirth and naming ceremonies (namakarana). It covers rituals related to prenatal care, birth, naming, childhood milestones (choulakarma, upanayana), and the conduct expected from individuals at different stages of life. It also touches upon social interactions and ethical considerations in daily life.
Ninth Chapter: Funeral Rites and Purification: This chapter addresses the sensitive topics of death and subsequent purification rituals. It outlines the procedures for funeral rites, including mourning periods (sutaka), the rules for purification after contact with death pollution, and the specific rituals for different types of deaths. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and performing these rites with respect and adherence to scriptural injunctions.
Tenth Chapter: Vows and Ethical Conduct: This chapter focuses on the vows and ethical principles for lay followers (shravakas). It elaborates on the concept of samyaktva (right faith) and its constituent principles, the vows (anuvratas, gunavratas, shikshavratas), and the avoidance of aticharas (transgressions). It highlights the path to spiritual progress through ethical conduct and the cultivation of virtues.
Eleventh Chapter: Marriage and Associated Rituals: This chapter provides a detailed account of the rituals and customs associated with marriage in Jain tradition. It covers the qualifications of a bride and groom, the significance of various marriage ceremonies (varna-labha, saptapadi, kankana-bandhana), the importance of auspicious times, and the conduct of the couple and their families. It also discusses the implications of certain planetary positions and their impact on the marriage.
Twelfth Chapter: Life Cycle Rituals and Social Roles: This chapter revisits and expands on life cycle rituals, detailing ceremonies like varnalabha (determining one's social role), kulacharya (family traditions), prashanti (peace rituals), grihasta (householder's duties), and diksha (initiation into monastic life). It further elaborates on the roles and responsibilities within the family structure, including the duties of men and women.
Thirteenth Chapter: Sutaka (Impurity) and Purification: This chapter delves into the concept of sutaka (impurity periods) associated with birth and death, and the specific purification rituals required according to Jain law. It details the varying periods of impurity for different individuals and situations, and the methods to regain purity. The chapter also touches upon the significance of performing these rituals correctly for spiritual merit.

Overall Significance:

Traivarnikachar is a vital text for understanding the practical application of Jain ethics and principles in the daily lives of householders. It provides a detailed roadmap for maintaining purity, performing religious duties, upholding social responsibilities, and navigating the various stages of life according to the teachings of the Tirthankaras. The Hindi translation by Pannalal Soni aims to make these profound teachings accessible to a wider audience. The book also serves as a valuable resource for understanding the historical context of Jain social and religious practices.