Updesh Ratnamala Tatha Prakirna Updesh

This document is the Gujarati translation and publication of "Updesh Ratnamala" by Acharya Padmajineshwarsuri and "Prakirn Updesh" by Acharya Munisundersuri. It is published by the Suriramchandra Diksha Shatabdi Samiti as part of their literary service to commemorate the Diksha Shatabdi (centenary of initiation) of Acharya Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji.

Here's a breakdown of the content and its significance:

Overall Purpose:

The book is presented as a spiritual guide offering valuable teachings and guidance for ethical and religious living according to Jain principles. It aims to provide wisdom for spiritual upliftment and well-being.

Key Components:

1. Commemoration and Dedication:

   • The publication is a tribute to Acharya Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji, highlighting his significant role in promoting the Jain faith, particularly his efforts in facilitating and encouraging initiation (Diksha).
   • The book is part of a series, "Shasan Shirtaaj Suri Ramchandra Diksha Shatabdi Granthmala," dedicated to this commemoration.
   • The preface extensively details the struggles and triumphs of Acharya Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji in revitalizing the practice of Diksha, facing opposition, and ultimately achieving great success, leading to the initiation of many individuals from various walks of life.

2. Updesh Ratnamala (The Jewel Garland of Precepts) by Acharya Padmajineshwarsuri:

   • This section, translated and commented upon by Shri Manilal Nathubhai Doshi, contains a collection of ethical and moral precepts, presented in a verse-by-verse manner.
   • Core Teachings: The early verses emphasize the fundamental principles of Jainism:
     • Jivdaya (Compassion for Living Beings): This is highlighted as the essence of Dharma. It's about not harming any living being with thoughts, words, or actions.
     • Indriya Nigraha (Control of Senses): The senses are tools for spiritual experience, not masters. Uncontrolled senses lead to worldly attachment and suffering.
     • Satya Vachan (Speaking Truth): Truthfulness purifies the mind and leads to spiritual progress.
   • Ethical Guidelines: The subsequent verses provide practical advice on various aspects of conduct:
     • Maintaining Purity (Sheel): Avoiding the breach of chastity and associating with virtuous people.
     • Respect for Gurus: Honoring the words and guidance of spiritual preceptors.
     • Understanding the Essence of Dharma: Knowing the true purpose of religious practices.
     • Proper Conduct: Walking with awareness, avoiding ostentatious dress, and not looking with lustful eyes.
     • Controlling Speech and Actions: Speaking thoughtfully, acting wisely, and not making impulsive decisions.
     • Upholding Family Traditions (Kulachar): Respecting and maintaining ancestral customs.
     • Avoiding Harm to Others: Not speaking hurtful words, not falsely accusing, and not harboring anger.
     • Cultivating Virtues: Practicing kindness, humility, forgiveness, and gratitude.
     • Avoiding Negative Associations: Staying away from bad company and not being swayed by others' negative influences.
     • Self-Control and Perseverance: Not giving in to despair during hardship, not abandoning the righteous path, and maintaining a balanced perspective in wealth and adversity.
     • Humility and Non-Attachment: Not boasting, not being proud, not being surprised by every new thing, and understanding the transient nature of the world.
     • Living a Virtuous Life: Practicing non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession, and cultivating qualities like love, compassion, and service.
   • The teachings are presented in a simple, direct, and practical manner, making them accessible for daily life.

3. Prakirn Updesh (Miscellaneous Precepts) by Acharya Munisundersuri:

   • This section contains various spiritual and moral teachings, often presented through anecdotes, proverbs, and cautionary tales.
   • Key Themes:
     • True Welfare: Emphasizing that only the practice of Dharma brings true, lasting welfare, not worldly possessions, relationships, or even life itself.
     • Parents and Gurus: Highlighting the importance of parents and spiritual teachers who guide towards Dharma as the true benefactors. Those who hinder one's spiritual progress are considered enemies.
     • Causes of Prosperity and Adversity: Discussing virtues like generosity, humility, devotion to gurus and deities, filial piety, altruism, and purity of conduct as causes of prosperity, while impiety towards deities and gurus, disrespect for parents, improper actions, association with the unrighteous, neglect of duties, and deception are causes of downfall.
     • The Importance of Discerning Companionship: Warning against bad company and advising to learn even from children if their words are beneficial.
     • Avoiding Pride and Despair: Maintaining equanimity in both prosperity and adversity.
     • The Value of Knowledge and Its Application: The importance of practical application of knowledge.
     • Cautionary Tales (Drishtanta): A significant portion of this section consists of illustrative stories (like the sheep, the quail, the water droplet, the mango tree, the three merchants, etc.) that vividly portray the consequences of attachment, indulgence, carelessness, greed, and spiritual neglect. These stories serve as powerful warnings against falling prey to worldly temptations and losing the precious human life and the opportunity for spiritual liberation.
     • The Perils of Maya (Illusion/Deception): A strong emphasis is placed on overcoming Maya, which obscures the true nature of reality and leads to spiritual downfall.
     • The Path to Liberation: The final teachings in this section summarize the path to liberation: meditation on the Divine, seeing others as oneself, and detachment from desires and aversions.

Significance of the Publication:

• Spiritual Guidance: The book serves as a comprehensive guide for spiritual practitioners, offering practical advice for daily conduct and ethical living.
• Revival of Teachings: It ensures that the valuable teachings of esteemed Jain Acharyas are preserved and made accessible to a wider audience.
• Commemorative Value: It plays a vital role in celebrating and honoring the legacy of Acharya Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji, particularly his impactful contributions to the Jain monastic order.
• Literary Contribution: As part of the "Shasan Shirtaaj Suri Ramchandra Diksha Shatabdi Granthmala," it contributes to the rich body of Jain literature.
• Moral and Ethical Development: The precepts and stories aim to foster moral and ethical development, leading individuals towards a more virtuous and spiritually fulfilling life.

In essence, "Updesh Ratnamala Tatha Prakirn Updesh" is a treasure trove of Jain wisdom, combining philosophical insights with practical advice and cautionary narratives, all presented to guide individuals towards spiritual liberation and well-being.