Updesh Prasad Part 01

The text "Updesh Prasad Part 01" by Vishalsensuri, published by Virat Prakashan Mandir, is the first volume of a comprehensive collection of Jain teachings. This particular volume, written by Acharya Shrimad Vijayalakshmisurishwarji and inspired by Acharya Shrimad Vijayvishalsen Surishwarji, is a detailed exposition of Jain principles, presented in Gujarati. It is meant for private and personal use only.

Key aspects of the text based on the provided pages:

• Author and Inspiration: The primary author is Acharya Shrimad Vijayalakshmisurishwarji, with inspiration from Acharya Shrimad Vijayvishalsen Surishwarji. Acharya Rajeshwar Rajshekharsurishwarji Mahasagar is also mentioned as a motivator.

• Content and Structure: The book is part of a larger series titled "Updesh Prasad Mahagranth" (The Palace of Teachings). This first volume is the first of five parts, translated into Gujarati. It contains daily teachings for an entire year, with 360 subjects, their explanations, and 360 illustrative stories.

• Purpose: The aim is to provide profound and beneficial teachings to a wide audience, including monks, nuns, and householders. The re-writing of previous translations aims for better language and more specific explanations of subjects, along with refined stories to enhance understanding and benefit.

• Key Themes Introduced in Volume 1:

  • Mangalacharan (Invocation): The book begins with auspicious prayers and salutations to Tirthankar Paramatmas, particularly Lord Neminath and Lord Parshvanath, as well as to the spiritual lineage of Acharyas.
  • Tirthankar Prabhutva (The Greatness of Tirthankaras): It highlights the thirty-four special attributes (Atishayas) of Tirthankaras, describing them in detail, including those present from birth and those that manifest after the destruction of karmas.
  • Bhil's Analogy (Bhil nu Drushtant): This story illustrates how a single word can have multiple interpretations, emphasizing the profundity of the Lord's teachings.
  • Dharma no Aadhar (The Foundation of Dharma): The text emphasizes that just as a body is lifeless without breath, Dharma is meaningless without Samyaktva (Right Faith).
  • Samyaktva (Right Faith): This is a central theme. The text delves into the nature of Samyaktva, describing it as unwavering faith in the true Dev (Arhant), Guru (Gitasarth), and Dharma. It discusses the importance of understanding the true essence of reality and the potential pitfalls of doubt and misbelief.
  • Illustrative Stories (Drushtants/Kathas): The teachings are powerfully conveyed through numerous stories from Jain tradition, featuring characters like Mahabal Kumar, Sudarshan Sheth, Queen Chellana, King Shrenik, Abhay Kumar, King Udayi, King Vajrakarna, King Harivahan, King Sangramsur, King Vikrama, Chandkoshik, Kookvalak Muni, Malvadi Suri, Devsuriji, Haribhadrasuri, Koshika, Kakatgh and Kokash, Kookdu Muni, Chandkoshik, and others. These stories illustrate concepts like the nature of reality, the importance of adherence to vows, the consequences of actions, the power of faith, the path to liberation, and the pitfalls of misguidance.
  • Types of Samyaktva: Different aspects and classifications of Samyaktva are discussed.
  • Gunas (Virtues): The text elaborates on various virtues like Vinay (humility), Shraddha (faith), Shushrusha (devotion/service), Anukampa (compassion), Sthirta (steadfastness), Vachan Shuddhi (purity of speech), Kaya Shuddhi (purity of body), Samyakdarshan's six Bhavanas (meditations), and Samayik's six sthanas (places/stages).
  • Pre-requisites for Understanding: The text stresses that understanding the teachings requires a certain level of intellectual capacity and a sincere desire for spiritual growth.

• Publisher and Edition: The fifth edition was published in Veer Samvat 2537 / Vikram Samvat 2067 / Nemi Samvat 58 / 2010 CE.

• Distributors: The book is available through various Jain centers, including Shri Piyushpani Parshwanath Tirthdham in Maharashtra and Shri Vishal Jain Kala Sansthan (Jain Museum) in Palitana.

• Jain Museum: The text prominently features the "Vishal Jain Kala Sansthan" (Jain Museum) in Palitana, highlighting its uniqueness in preserving ancient Jain art and artifacts. It outlines the objectives of the museum, which include preventing the theft and destruction of ancient Jain heritage and educating the public about its cultural and historical significance.

In essence, "Updesh Prasad Part 01" serves as a foundational text in Jainism, aiming to guide individuals towards spiritual enlightenment through detailed explanations of core principles and captivating narratives from Jain history and tradition.