Traivarnikachar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Traivarnikachar" by Somsen Bhattarak, based on the provided content:

Title: Traivarnikachar (त्रैवर्णिकाचार) Author: Somsen Bhattarak Translator/Commentator: Pannalal Soni Publisher: Jain Sahitya Prasarak Karyalay, Bombay Language: Sanskrit (original), Hindi (translation and commentary) Date of Publication: Kartik Shukla, Veer Nirvana Samvat 2451 (approx. 1895 CE)

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Traivarnikachar" is a significant Jain text authored by Somsen Bhattarak, with a Hindi translation and commentary by Pannalal Soni. The title itself, "Traivarnikachar," signifies "Conduct for the Three Varnas" (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya). The book is a comprehensive guide to the daily conduct, rituals, and ethical principles for householders within the Jain tradition, specifically focusing on the practices and observances considered appropriate for the three higher social classes as understood within the context of the text. It details the rules and regulations governing a householder's life from morning to night, covering personal hygiene, religious observances, social conduct, dietary laws, and even aspects of life like marriage and purity.

The text emphasizes the importance of Āchāra (conduct) as the foundation of Dharma, applicable to all Jains. It delves into the meticulous details of daily routines, aiming to instill a sense of purity, discipline, and spiritual awareness in everyday life.

Key Areas Covered:

The book is structured into thirteen chapters, each addressing specific aspects of Jain conduct:

Mangalācaraṇ (Chapter 1): Begins with invocations to Tirthankaras and Goddess Saraswati, followed by an introduction to the text's purpose. It also discusses the nature of right speech, the qualities of a speaker and listener, and the concept of different types of listeners (represented by various objects/animals).
Shauchachāra (Chapter 2): Focuses on personal purity and hygiene. This includes detailed instructions on cleansing rituals, washing hands and feet, dental hygiene, appropriate places for excretion, purification of water, rules regarding clothes, and the importance of physical cleanliness for spiritual practice.
Snāna-Vastra-Āchamana-Sandhyā-Tarpaṇa (Chapter 3): Covers bathing rituals, the rules for wearing clothes, the process of Āchamana (sipping water for purification), Sandhyā Vandan (daily prayers, often performed at dawn and dusk), and Tarpaṇa (offerings of water). It emphasizes the specific procedures and mantras associated with these daily observances.
Grihakarma & Devatāpūjā (Chapter 4): Details the rituals for householders, including home construction guidelines, the importance of auspicious timing, rules for decorating the home and temples, and various aspects of Deva Pūjā (worship of deities). It describes the placement of deities, the use of materials like sandalwood, flowers, lamps, and incense, and the rituals involved in offering oblations.
Homa-Vidhi (Chapter 5): Focuses on the ritual of Homa (fire sacrifice), outlining the construction of Homakundas (fire pits), the types of fires, the procedures for igniting the fire, the offerings to be made, and the significance of various mantras. It also includes specific rituals for appeasing planets and directions.
Varnalabha etc. (Chapter 6): Covers various social and household rituals, including Vermalabha (a ritual for householders), Pūjā (worship), and the importance of wealth, charity, and honest livelihood. It also touches upon women's duties and men's responsibilities in maintaining household order and religious practices.
Dravya Samādhan (Chapter 7): Deals with the principles of earning wealth and managing household affairs, including the duties of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas in economic activities, the importance of honest trade, and the ethical conduct required in financial dealings.
Garbhadhāna etc. (Chapter 8): This chapter is dedicated to the rituals and observances surrounding life stages, starting from pregnancy (Garbhadhana) through naming ceremonies, first outings, first feeding, tonsuring (Chaulkarma), and upanayana (sacred thread ceremony). It provides detailed instructions and mantras for each stage.
Upanayana etc. (Chapter 9): Continues the discussion on life-stage rituals, elaborating on the Upanayana ceremony, its importance, the conduct expected of a Brahmachari, and the different types of Brahmacharis. It also touches upon the concept of Samyaktva (right faith) and its eight supporting qualities, as well as the detrimental effect of the twenty-five faults of Samyaktva.
Vratas & Achāra (Chapter 10): Focuses on the vratas (vows) that householders should observe. It details the five Anu-vratas (minor vows), three Guna-vratas (augmenting vows), and four Shiksha-vratas (disciplinary vows). It also discusses the specific prohibitions and observances related to food and conduct, including the rules for bathing, wearing clothes, and respecting elders.
Vivaha Vidhi (Chapter 11): Provides a detailed account of the marriage rituals, including the qualifications for a bride and groom, the various types of marriages, the ceremonies involved in betrothal (Vāgdāna), giving away the bride (Pradāna), the joining of hands (Pāṇigrahaṇa), and the seven circumambulations (Saptapadī). It also describes post-marriage rituals and the conduct expected of a married couple.
Mourning & Purity (Chapter 12): This chapter addresses the rituals and rules surrounding death and mourning, including the different types of impurity (Sūtaka) arising from birth and death, the purification rituals, the conduct expected of mourners, and the procedures for cremation and subsequent observances. It also discusses the concept of Dūrmaraṇa (untimely death) and its associated expiations.
Concluding Remarks & Praise of Dharma: The text concludes with the author's reflections on the importance of righteous conduct and the blessings derived from it. It emphasizes the overarching benefit of Dharma for personal and societal well-being.

Author and Context:

Somsen Bhattarak was a prominent Jain scholar and pontiff. The "Traivarnikachar" reflects the detailed and prescriptive nature of Jain ethical literature, aiming to guide individuals in living a life aligned with Jain principles. The inclusion of Hindi translation by Pannalal Soni makes the text accessible to a wider audience interested in Jain conduct literature. The book is noted for its emphasis on practical aspects of daily life, ensuring adherence to Jain principles in every action.

Significance:

"Traivarnikachar" is valuable for understanding the social and religious customs of Jain householders. It provides a detailed blueprint for living a virtuous life, emphasizing purity, self-control, and devotion to Jain principles. The text's comprehensive nature, covering a wide array of daily activities and rituals, highlights the Jain emphasis on integrating spirituality into all aspects of life.