Updhan Tap Alochana Book

This comprehensive document is a guide and manual for Upadhan Tap, a significant ritualistic practice within Jainism. The book, titled "Updhan Tap Alochana Book" by Tirthbhadravijay, published by Palaiben Gelabhai Gala, is designed to provide detailed instructions and spiritual guidance for participants undertaking this rigorous spiritual discipline.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the document:

1. Introduction and Objectives:

• The book is presented with blessings from prominent Jain spiritual leaders, including Suri Nagar and Ganivarya Shri Tirthbhadravijayji.
• It is organized by the Matri family of Palaiben Gelabhai Gala.
• The primary purpose of Upadhan Tap is to purify the soul and prepare the practitioner for the deeper understanding and adherence to essential Jain scriptures and practices.
• It emphasizes that Upadhan is a crucial duty for householders (shravakas), analogous to the 'yogadvahan' for ascetics (shramanas).

2. Spiritual Benefits and Significance:

• The document elaborates on the immense spiritual benefits of Upadhan Tap, quantifying the merits gained from various practices like Samayiks, Navkar Jap, and Kaussarg.
• It highlights how these practices lead to the destruction of negative karma, accumulation of merit, and the cessation of rebirth in lower realms.
• The benefits are often expressed in terms of immense amounts of gold spent in charity or vast lifespans in celestial realms.

3. Preparations and Requirements:

• A detailed list of essential items to be brought by male and female participants for the Tap is provided, including items like charavala, muhpatti, santhariyu, clothing, and mala.
• Emphasis is placed on carrying minimal possessions to ensure purity and efficiency in daily rituals.

4. Daily Rituals and Procedures:

• The book meticulously outlines the daily routine and rituals, including:
  • Waking up early (4 AM).
  • Performing Eriyavahi verse recitation and introspection.
  • Engaging in Samayik and Kaussarg.
  • Reciting the Navkar Mantra and other devotional verses.
  • The procedures for taking Paushadh (a day of fasting and observance) and Samayik are detailed, including specific prayers and recitations.
  • The importance of Padilehan (purification of utensils and objects) is stressed, with step-by-step instructions.
  • Detailed guidelines are given for the morning and evening Pratikraman (confession and introspection rituals).

5. Specific Rituals and Prayers:

• The document includes the full text of various important Jain prayers and verses, such as:
  • The Navkar Mantra.
  • Eriyavahi verse.
  • Logass verse (for Kaussarg).
  • Namoththunam (Shakrastav).
  • Jinvandana (various forms).
  • Jay Viray prayer.
  • Numerous Thoy (short devotional songs/praises).
  • Sutras related to Puskarvar Dwip, Suas Bhagavan, Siddhanam Buddhanam, and Veyavacchagaranam.
  • The Amritvel Sajjhay and Manh Jinaani Sajjhay.
  • The Kumar Pal Batrisi (a set of verses on self-reflection and devotion).
  • The Amritvel Sajjhay and the Kala Purn Surivar prayers, dedicated to the lineage of spiritual preceptors.
  • The Ashta Pravachan Mata (Eight Principles for Jain way of life) explaining the importance of five Samitis and three Guptis for maintaining spiritual purity.
  • Detailed explanations of the doshas (faults or errors) that can invalidate Paushadh and Samayik.

6. Rules and Guidelines for Participants:

• The book provides specific rules and behavioral guidelines for those undertaking the Upadhan Tap:
  • Maintaining silence during meals and purification rituals.
  • Avoiding gossip and worldly conversations.
  • Cultivating patience, courage, and tolerance.
  • Strict adherence to the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) in all actions.
  • The importance of seeking guidance from the spiritual preceptor for any doubts or issues.
  • A list of common causes for Alochana (confession of faults) and Divas Padavva (losing a day's merit) during the Tap is provided, along with guidance on how to approach confession with sincerity.

7. Conclusion and Blessings:

• The book concludes with blessings for the participants and emphasizes the transformative power of the Upadhan Tap in purifying one's life and soul.
• It highlights the importance of consistent practice and spiritual dedication throughout life.

In essence, "Updhan Tap Alochana Book" is a comprehensive spiritual manual for Jains aspiring to undertake the Upadhan Tap. It serves as a guide, a source of spiritual inspiration, and a detailed instruction book for a profound ritual aimed at spiritual purification and progress.