Traivarnikachar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Traivarnikachar" by Somsen, based on the provided catalog link and text excerpts:

Book Title: Traivarnikachar (त्रैवर्णिकाचार) Author: Somsen (सोमसेन) Publisher: Rajubai Bhratar Virchand (राजूबाई भ्रतार वीरचंद) and Amiychand Bhratar (आवलबाई भ्रतार अमीचंद) Publication Year: 1910 Language: Primarily Sanskrit with a Marathi translation included.

Overall Purpose: The "Traivarnikachar," also referred to as "Dharmarasikashastra," is a Jain text that details the conduct and prescribed duties for the first three varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya) within Jainism. The text emphasizes that true happiness is unattainable without Dharma, and it provides guidance on various rituals, daily observances, and ethical conduct to achieve both worldly prosperity (Abhyudaya) and ultimate liberation (Nihshreyasa).

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured into thirteen chapters, covering a wide range of topics related to Jain daily life, rituals, and ethics for householders, primarily focusing on the three higher varnas. The summary below is based on the chapter titles and the content described within them:

• Chapter 1: Introduction (Upoadghat) and Mangalacharan (Blessing):

  • The chapter begins with a prologue explaining that all beings in the world strive for happiness, and the text will reveal the means to achieve it.
  • It establishes Dharma as the ultimate and lasting means to happiness, contrasting it with transient worldly pleasures derived from wealth, progeny, etc.
  • It introduces the concept of two types of happiness: Abhyudaya (worldly/heavenly) and Nihshreyasa (liberation), both attainable through Dharma.
  • It highlights the importance of religious practices (Kriyakanda) and knowledge (Jñanakanda) within Dharma.
  • It introduces the author, Bhattaraka Somsen Muni, and his motivation for writing this text, which is to revive the knowledge of daily Jain rituals that has been declining.
  • It also includes a discussion on the classification of listeners (Shrotas) and the characteristics of a speaker (Vakta).
  • The chapter begins the discussion on meditation (Dhyana), categorizing it into Artadhyana (sorrowful), Raudradhyana (fierce), Dharmadhyana (religious), and Shukladhyana (pure).

• Chapter 2: Purity (Shauchaachar) and Daily Rites:

  • This chapter focuses on the importance of physical and internal purity for spiritual progress.
  • It details rules regarding the places for excretion (Malamutrotsarga), acceptable and unacceptable times and locations, and the proper procedures for cleansing.
  • It discusses the types of earth (Mrittika) to be used for purification, specifying different rules based on purity and impurity.
  • It covers dental hygiene (Dantdhawan), including the types of wood to be used, forbidden days, and methods of cleaning.
  • It discusses the application of oil (Tailamardan) and the bathing ritual (Snana Vidhi), including rules about water and purification.
  • It also touches upon wearing clean clothes (Shuddha vastra dharan) and restrictions related to clothing.

• Chapter 3: Bathing Rituals (Snana Vidhi), Clothing (Vastra Dharan), and Daily Prayers (Sandhya):

  • This chapter continues the detailed discussion on bathing, including specific rituals, the use of different types of water, and purification practices.
  • It elaborates on the rules for wearing clothes, including prohibitions on certain colors (black), materials, and styles.
  • It covers the practice of Achamana (ritual sipping of water) and its various rules and procedures.
  • The concept of Pranaayama (breath control) is introduced, along with mantras.
  • The chapter details the process of Sandhya Vandana (daily prayer rituals), including the times for performing them, the mantras to be recited, and the importance of observing them correctly.
  • It covers Tarpana (offering water to deities, sages, and ancestors) and its specific procedures.

• Chapter 4: Household Duties (Grihadharma) and Worship (Devapuja):

  • This chapter shifts focus to the duties of a householder, including rules for entering the home, observing auspicious practices, and performing worship.
  • It describes the layout and auspicious placement of different areas within a house, such as the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and temple.
  • It details the process of installing idols and worshiping deities, including the use of various materials (Amala, Pavitra), tilak application (based on caste and gender), and the significance of different tilak shapes.
  • It extensively covers Homa (fire sacrifice) rituals, including the construction of Homa kundas (fire pits), the specific rituals for different types of sacrifices (e.g., Shanti Karma, Paushtika Karma), the use of specific samidhas (sacrificial wood), and the worship of various deities associated with Homa.
  • It also outlines the rules for different types of donations and offerings.

• Chapter 5: Temple Visits, Worship, and Rituals:

  • This chapter focuses on entering temples, performing worship, and associated rituals.
  • It details the proper etiquette for entering a temple, including purification, circumambulation, and respectful behavior.
  • It provides hymns and prayers for worshiping the Jinabimba (idol of the Tirthankara).
  • It covers the procedures for various types of worship, including Archana (offering), Abhiseka (ritual bathing of the idol), and the use of Panchamrita (five ambrosias).
  • It explains the significance of various ritualistic items and their proper use.
  • The chapter also delves into specific rituals like Vastu Puja and the worship of Dikpalas (guardians of directions) and Navagrahas (nine planets).

• Chapter 6: Daily Conduct, Social Etiquette, and Food Rules:

  • This chapter covers general conduct, social interactions, and dining rules.
  • It discusses the importance of seeking wealth (Dravya Sampadan) and engaging in honest trade.
  • It outlines rules for handling grains, preventing spoilage, and proper storage.
  • It defines the characteristics of a good citizen and the duties of a king.
  • It provides detailed guidelines on food rules, including prohibitions on certain foods (honey, meat, alcohol), the proper way to eat, rules about water consumption, and the etiquette of dining.
  • It describes the ideal physical characteristics and conduct for householders.

• Chapter 7: Business, Social Interaction, and Economic Conduct:

  • This chapter focuses on the economic and social responsibilities of householders.
  • It details rules for conducting business honestly, weighing goods accurately, and engaging in fair trade.
  • It outlines the occupations considered appropriate for different varnas.
  • It discusses the proper conduct in social interactions, emphasizing politeness, respect for elders, and avoiding negative behaviors like gossip and criticism.
  • It provides guidance on managing household affairs, including cleanliness, food preparation, and the responsibilities of women in the household.
  • It also touches upon the concept of charity and its various forms.

• Chapter 8: Life Cycle Rituals (Sanskaras) and Family Conduct:

  • This chapter deals with the important life cycle rituals (Samskaras) performed from conception to birth and childhood.
  • It describes the rituals for conception (Garbhadhana), the ceremonies during pregnancy (Pumsavan, Seemantonnayan), naming ceremony (Namkaran), first outing (Nishkraman), first solid food feeding (Annaprashana), and tonsure ceremony (Chaulkarma).
  • It emphasizes the importance of these rituals for the well-being of the child and the family.
  • It also outlines the duties of parents and the household during these significant life events.

• Chapter 9: Upanayana, Vows, and Spiritual Purity:

  • This chapter focuses on the Upanayana ceremony, the sacred thread investiture, and the importance of vows.
  • It details the appropriate age and rituals for Upanayana for different varnas.
  • It explains the significance of the sacred thread (Yajnopavita) and its proper use.
  • It elaborates on the concept of different types of vows (Vratas) and their observance.
  • It discusses the qualities of a good disciple and the guru-shishya relationship.
  • It introduces the eight Angas of Samyaktva (right faith) and explains their importance for spiritual purity.

• Chapter 10: Samyaktva, Samyama, and Spiritual Conduct:

  • This chapter delves deeper into the path of spiritual development, focusing on Samyaktva (right faith), Samyama (restraint), and their associated practices.
  • It explains the different types of Samyaktva (Kshayika, Aupashamika, Kshayopashamika) and their characteristics.
  • It details the eight Angas of Samyaktva (Nihshankita, Nishkankshita, Nirvichikitsa, Amudhadrishti, Upaguhana, Sthitikaran, Vatsalya, and Prabhāvana) and their significance.
  • It discusses the importance of cultivating virtues like Vairagya (detachment) and the various forms of penance (Tapas).
  • It also touches upon the characteristics of a true ascetic (Yati) and the rules they should follow.

• Chapter 11: Marriage (Vivaha) and Family Life:

  • This chapter is dedicated to the institution of marriage within Jainism.
  • It outlines the auspicious times and procedures for marriage, including the qualifications for a suitable bride and groom.
  • It describes the various rituals involved in a Jain wedding, such as betrothal (Vagdaana), exchange of vows (Saptapadi), and other ceremonies.
  • It discusses the importance of family harmony and the roles and responsibilities of each member.
  • It also touches upon the rules regarding remarriage and the conduct of widows.

• Chapter 12: Economic Activities, Social Responsibilities, and Conduct of Varnas:

  • This chapter revisits economic activities and social responsibilities from the perspective of householders.
  • It details the specific duties and occupations suitable for Brahmins (scholarly pursuits, religious rites), Kshatriyas (governance, protection, military service), and Vaishyas (trade, agriculture, animal husbandry).
  • It emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct in all dealings.
  • It discusses the concept of Dharma in relation to economic activities and the need to balance worldly pursuits with spiritual duties.
  • It also reiterates the importance of charity and providing for the less fortunate.

• Chapter 13: Auspicious Occasions, Purity, and Funeral Rites:

  • This final chapter covers auspicious occasions, purity rules related to births and deaths, and funeral rites.
  • It details various Samskaras related to childbirth and childhood, including their timings and procedures.
  • It explains the rules of purity (Ashaucha) related to births, deaths, and menstrual impurity, providing specific guidelines for purification rituals.
  • It describes the proper procedures for funeral rites, including cremation, bone collection (Asthisanchayan), and post-funeral ceremonies (Shraddha).
  • It emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity throughout these sensitive periods and the role of penance (Prayschitta) for any unintentional lapses.

Key Principles Emphasized:

• Dharma as the Foundation of Happiness: The text consistently highlights Dharma as the sole path to both worldly and spiritual happiness.
• Purity (Shaucha): Both external and internal purity are considered essential for spiritual growth and the performance of religious duties.
• Ethical Conduct: The text stresses the importance of honesty, truthfulness, non-violence (Ahimsa), and compassion in all aspects of life.
• Respect for Elders and Gurus: The text emphasizes the significance of respecting parents, teachers, and elders.
• Self-Restraint: The importance of controlling desires and passions is a recurring theme.
• Ritualistic Observance: The text provides detailed instructions on performing various rituals and daily observances accurately.
• Varnas and Duties: While focusing on the first three varnas, the text implicitly acknowledges the social structure of the time and outlines their respective duties and responsibilities.

Significance: "Traivarnikachar" serves as a comprehensive guide for Jain householders, particularly those belonging to the higher varnas, offering a detailed roadmap for living a righteous and spiritually fulfilling life. It aims to integrate spiritual principles into daily activities, ensuring that worldly actions are performed with Dharma as the guiding principle.