Updhan Margopadeshika

This document, titled "Updhan Margopadeshika" by Samyagdarshanvijay, published by Ladol S M P Jain Sangh, is a comprehensive guide to the Upadhan ritual and practices within Jainism. It serves as a manual for devotees, particularly lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas), who undertake this rigorous spiritual discipline.

The book is structured to provide detailed instructions and guidance on various aspects of the Upadhan practice, emphasizing its significance and the proper conduct required for its successful completion.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content:

1. Introduction and Significance of Upadhan:

• The text highlights Upadhan as a paramount duty for a Jain householder, leading to spiritual purification and progress.
• It describes Upadhan as a way to earn the right (hak ni mudi) to chant sacred mantras like the Namaskar Mahamantra and to experience a glimpse of the monastic life.
• The book equates the stages of Upadhan with increasing levels of spiritual wealth (lakhpati, karodpati, abjapati).
• It emphasizes that Upadhan is a comparison to the life of a monk, and its practice should be in accordance with the teachings of the Jinas.

2. Duties of a Jain Householder and the Twelve Vows:

• Page 2 outlines the twelve vows of a Jain householder (Shravak) and then presents a table of daily, nightly, festival, quarterly, yearly, and life-cycle duties. These duties range from waking up early and performing prayers to observing vows, performing rituals, and living a life of piety.

3. The Upadhan Ritual and its Components:

• Six Divisions of Upadhan: The book details six primary divisions of Upadhan, each focusing on the recitation and understanding of specific Jain scriptural sections (Shrutskandh) and mantras:
  1. Panchamangal Mahashrutskandh (Namaskar Mahamantra)
  2. Pratikraman Shrutskandh (Iriyavahi, Tassamuttari, etc.)
  3. Shastavadhyayan (Namostu)
  4. Chaityastavdhyayan (Arihant Cheiyana, Annyath)
  5. Namastavdhyayan (Logass)
  6. Shrutstav-Siddhirutavdhyayan (Pufkharvaradivede, Siddhana Buddhana)
• Duration and Fasting: The text specifies the number of days and the type of fasting (fasts, Ayambil, Nivi) associated with each Upadhan division, culminating in a total of 67 fasts.
• Modified Practices: It acknowledges that due to declining physical strength, Acharyas have adapted the duration and practices, sometimes increasing the days of Upadhan.

4. Practical Guidance and Instructions:

• Entry Requirements: Lists items to bring upon commencing Upadhan.
• Daily Activities: Details the specific rituals to be performed daily, including Pratikraman (twice daily), Padilehan (twice daily), Devavandan (thrice daily), recitation of 100 Logass, 100 Khama Samana, and reciting Navkaravali.
• Dietary Observances: Explains the rules for fasting and specific dietary observances like Ayambil, Nivi, and Ekasanu, including the rules for breaking fasts.
• Rules for Day Falling (Divas Pade Che) and Confession (Alochana): The book meticulously lists reasons that would cause a day of Upadhan to be considered invalid (Divas Pade Che) or require confession (Alochana), emphasizing strict adherence to rules.
• Methods of Meditation (Kaussarg): Provides instructions on how to perform Kaussarg, a form of meditation, specifically for contemplating one's spiritual practice.
• Specific Rituals: Detailed step-by-step procedures are given for:
  • Taking Poushadh (fasting for a day).
  • Padilehan (purifying objects with a cloth).
  • Devavandan (worshipping deities).
  • Paveyana (a ritual related to purification).
  • Reciting specific Gujarati hymns (Sajhay).
  • Using the Muhapatti (mouth cloth).
  • Evening rituals.
  • Counting Navkaravali.
  • Fasting regulations (Pachchakhan).
  • Breaking fasts (Parvan vidhi).
  • Santhaara Porisi (a ritual before sleeping).
  • Gamanagaman (moving about mindfully).
  • The correct posture for Khama Samana.
  • The 50 "bolts" or principles to keep in mind for Muhapatti.
  • The 18 faults of Poushadh and 32 faults of Samayik.

5. Rules and Guidelines for Participants:

• Daily Routine: The book outlines a rigorous daily schedule for Upadhan participants, emphasizing regularity and adherence to religious practices.
• Interaction with Gurus: It stresses the importance of seeking permission and guidance from the spiritual teacher (Guru) for all actions.
• Purity of Space: Instructions are given on ensuring the purity of the place where rituals are performed (Vasati Shuddhi).
• Post-Upadhan Observances: Rules for the day of emerging from Upadhan, including performing Ekasanu and Poushadh.

6. Spiritual Benefits and Principles:

• Uplifting the Soul: Upadhan is presented as a means to attain spiritual upliftment and progress towards liberation (moksha).
• Discipline and Control: It emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, control over senses and passions, and living a life of righteousness.
• Devotion and Gratitude: The text highlights the role of devotion to deities and respect for gurus in the Upadhan practice.
• The Eightfold Rules of Jainism (Ashta Pravachan Mata): The book explains the significance of the five Samitis (mindful conduct in movement, speech, eating, taking/giving, and disposing of waste) and three Guptis (control of mind, speech, and body) as foundational principles for a pure Jain life.
• The Ten Essential Vows and Thirty-Two Faults: Detailed explanations of the faults to be avoided during Poushadh and Samayik are provided to ensure the sanctity of the practice.

7. Specific Rituals and Mantras:

• The book provides the correct pronunciation and recitation of various mantras and hymns, including the Navkar Mantra, Logass, and other devotional verses.
• It also explains the significance and method of performing specific rituals like Padilehan, Devavandan, and Sajhay.

8. Upadhan and Alochana:

• The text elaborates on the concept of Alochana (confession or seeking absolution from a Guru for transgressions) and its importance in the spiritual journey. It details the immense benefits of taking Alochana, such as purification of the soul, removal of karmic burdens, and progress towards liberation.

9. The Core Message: The "Updhan Margopadeshika" is a meticulous and devotional guide that aims to equip Jain followers with the knowledge and practices necessary to undertake the Upadhan ritual with utmost sincerity and adherence to principles. It underscores the transformative power of this spiritual discipline in leading a pure, disciplined, and ultimately, a liberated life, aligning with the core tenets of Jainism. The book emphasizes the guidance of a Guru as essential throughout the entire process.