Updesh Ratnamala Granth

This document is the Gujarati translation and explanation of the Jain text "Updesh Ratnamala Granth" ( माला of Jewels of Advice).

Here's a comprehensive summary:

1. Title and Author:

• Title: Updesh Ratnamala Granth (ઉપદેશરત્નમાલા ગ્રન્થ)
• Original Author: Shri Padmajineshwarsuri (શ્રી પદ્મજિનેશ્વરસૂરિ)
• Creator of Savaiya Chhand (meter): Acharya Kundakundsuri (આ. કુન્દકુન્દસૂરિ)

2. Publisher and Edition:

• Publisher: Shri Dhurandharsuri Samadhi Mandir Trust (શ્રી ધુરન્દરસૂરિ સમાદિ મન્દિર ટ્રસ્ટ)
• First Edition: Published in Vir Nirvana 2541 (2002 CE), with 500 copies.

3. Introduction and Purpose of the Book:

• The book is a collection of 26 Prakrit verses (shlokas) by Shri Padmajineshwarsuri, offering guidance on ethics, Dharma (righteousness), and detachment (vairagya).
• The compilation aims to guide readers towards self-welfare and spiritual progress through reading, contemplation, and application of the teachings.
• The text emphasizes that knowledge is the soul's primary quality and that written scripture is a tool for acquiring knowledge.

4. Nature of Shlokas and Authorship:

• The text acknowledges that composing shlokas requires deep knowledge of grammar, literature, lexicography, and logic.
• It mentions that ancient sages used to write on leaves, and the word "patra" (letter/paper) originates from this practice.
• Many individuals are capable of composing shlokas in various meters like Geet, Kavita, Harigeet, Savaiya, Duha, Chopai, and Sanskrit meters like Anushtup, Indravajra, Vasanta Tilaka, Malini, Shikhari, Shardula Vikridita, and Sragdhara.
• However, only shlokas with good content, appropriate meter, and sound reasoning are appreciated by scholars.

5. Details of the Compilation:

• Shri Padmajineshwarsuri's original 26 Prakrit shlokas form the core of the text.
• Pandit Paurikbhai has provided Sanskrit translations (chhaya) of these shlokas.
• Acharya Kundakundsuri has composed 27 Savaiya meter verses with explanations, enriching the original text.

6. Key Teachings and Advice from the Shlokas (Summarized through the Savaiya explanations):

• Shloka 1: Salutations to Lord Mahavir and introduction of the "Updesh Ratnamala" as a treasury of advice that eradicates worldly suffering.
• Shloka 2: The Essence of Dharma: The path to a healthy, prosperous life and good reputation lies in practicing compassion towards all living beings (Jivdaya), controlling the senses, and speaking the truth. Excessive indulgence leads to suffering.
• Shloka 3: Importance of Character (Sheel): Uphold chastity (Brahmacharya). Avoid friendship with the unvirtuous. Do not disrespect elders or Gurus. Adherence to these principles leads to true Dharma.
• Shloka 4: Conduct and Demeanor: Walk with focus and purpose, not with a haughty or aimless gait. Dress modestly and avoid flashy attire. Do not walk with a crooked gaze; maintain a straight, humble demeanor. Even slandering individuals cannot harm those who walk a righteous path.
• Shloka 5: Control of Speech and Conduct: Restrain your tongue. Act with deliberation, not impulsively. Uphold your family traditions and customs. By following these, even the Kali Yuga (era of strife) will not disturb you.
• Shloka 6: Non-Violence and Honesty: Do not cause pain to others through words, thoughts, or actions. Do not falsely accuse anyone. Refrain from anger and harsh words. The path of the virtuous is difficult but leads to liberation.
• Shloka 7: The Virtue of Helpfulness: Extend help to all beings without expecting anything in return. Never forget the kindness shown by others. Support those who are falling. Helping others is a sign of wisdom.
• Shloka 8: Self-Sufficiency and Compassion: Do not beg. If someone approaches you for help, fulfill their request. Even in times of great distress, do not speak words of begging or despair. Live a life that avoids such situations.
• Shloka 9: Humility and Discretion: Do not praise yourself. Listen to praise from others but remain humble. Avoid excessive laughter and never mock or ridicule others. Do not criticize even the wicked. Those who embody these qualities earn respect.
• Shloka 10: Distrusting Enemies and Trusting Friends: Do not trust your enemies (internal or external, representing passions and karma). Do not betray those who trust you. Remember kindness and do not be deceitful. Living ethically ensures a life free from suffering.
• Shloka 11: Appreciation of Virtues: Associate with and appreciate virtuous people; their qualities will inspire you. Avoid forming attachments with those devoid of noble qualities. Before accepting or trusting someone, thoroughly examine their character.
• Shloka 12: Righteous Action and Self-Respect: Do not engage in inappropriate actions. Maintain self-respect without being arrogant. Do not be overly boastful about your achievements. Act courageously and thoughtfully, with the guidance of divine beings and Gurus.
• Shloka 13: Resilience and Equanimity: Do not get disheartened by difficulties. Maintain composure even in adversity. Do not abandon justice when facing death. Continue to give even when you lose wealth. Practicing vows is like walking on a sword's edge; it requires great courage.
• Shloka 14: Moderation in Attachment and Anger: Avoid excessive attachment (Moh). Do not get angry with loved ones frequently. If you desire wealth, avoid disputes and quarrels. Following these three principles helps overcome sorrow and poverty.
• Shloka 15: Good Company and Learning: Avoid bad company; associate with the virtuous. Learn from others, even from children, what is beneficial. Turn away from injustice and adhere to what is right. Those who do this will not be criticized.
• Shloka 16: Detachment and Equanimity: Do not become elated by prosperity or depressed by adversity. Maintain an even temper and equanimity. This practice eliminates inner turmoil and suffering. Generosity brings its own rewards.
• Shloka 17: Discretion in Praising: Do not publicly praise the virtues of servants or even accomplished sons. Similarly, do not discuss women's qualities, whether in person or behind their backs. This discretion preserves your dignity. (An illustrative story of a painter and his son is provided to explain the concept of not hindering progress through premature praise).
• Shloka 18: The Four Pillars of Influence: Speak kindly and truthfully. Show respect to elders. Give in charity according to your capacity. Seek out the virtues of others. These four are powerful means to influence and achieve self-improvement.
• Shloka 19: Timely Action and Understanding: Just as timely sowing yields a good harvest, timely speech brings benefits. Even the wicked can be influenced by respect in a large assembly. Understanding the distinction between self and others, and the consequences of actions, leads to the fulfillment of all objectives.
• Shloka 20: Prudence in Conduct: Do not follow esoteric or deceitful paths. Do not visit others' homes alone, especially if there are no men present, to avoid suspicion. Uphold your vows and commitments diligently. This path leads to high spiritual attainment.
• Shloka 21: Qualities of Friendship: Accept gifts from friends with appreciation. reciprocate generously when the time comes. Share meals and host friends. Confide in friends and listen to their secrets; this strengthens the bond of friendship.
• Shloka 22: Humility and Respect: Do not disrespect anyone. Do not boast about your own virtues. Arrogance diminishes what you possess. True virtue lies in not diminishing others. The earth is full of many virtues; there is no need to be amazed by them.
• Shloka 23: Gradual Progress and Humility: Start with small tasks and gradually move to larger ones. Do not become arrogant when you achieve greatness. Humility leads to respect and a fulfilling life.
• Shloka 24: Meditation and Equality: To attain liberation, meditate on the soul and the Tirthankaras. Consider all beings equal to yourself, fostering love for them. This practice eradicates attachment and aversion, breaking the cycle of Samsara.
• Shloka 25: Benefits of the Updesh Ratnamala: Those who internalize and follow this "Garland of Jewels of Advice" will attain the bliss of liberation and prosperity.
• Shloka 26: Praise for the Author: Acknowledges Shri Padmajineshwarsuri for composing this work in Prakrit. Mentions Pandit Paurikbhai's Sanskrit translation and Acharya Kundakundsuri's Savaiya verses. Reciting these shlokas leads to the welfare of all beings.
• Concluding Verse (27): Reiterates that the "Updesh Ratnamala" contains wisdom on ethics and detachment, composed by Shri Padmajineshwarsuri in Prakrit. Highlights the contributions of Pandit Paurikbhai and Acharya Kundakundsuri.

7. Acknowledgements:

• Mentions the support from Muni Shri Vinaydhamvijayji.
• Thanks Shri Paushikbhai from Shri Nemi-Dhurandhar Pathshala for reviewing the press copy.
• Expresses gratitude to Shravika Amita ben (Tikuben) for preparing the press copy.

8. Dhurandhar Thoughts (Dhurandhar Vichar):

• A collection of insightful aphorisms attributed to the Dhurandhar tradition:
  1. Those who meditate on the Supreme Being are kept in His meditation.
  2. To escape the wicked, one should not become wicked.
  3. Those who respect time are also respected by time.
  4. We say "let it happen" when things are difficult, but after they happen, we want to escape or regret.
  5. If one has it, even the impermanent is considered permanent; if one doesn't have it, even the permanent seems impermanent.
  6. A true person does not put on airs.
  7. The difficulty or ease of a task depends on one's liking for it.
  8. The weather does not affect the strong.
  9. There is no power weaker than the seemingly weak (or weak people).

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the content and context of the "Updesh Ratnamala Granth" based on the provided Gujarati text.