Updhan Vidhi - Book Summary | JainGPT

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Updhan Vidhi" by Kunvarji Anandji, based on the provided catalog link and text snippets.

Book Title: Updhan Vidhi (उपधान विधि) Author: Kunvarji Anandji (शा. कूंवरजी आणंदजी) Publisher: Shri Jain Dharma Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar (श्री जैन धर्म प्रसारक सभा, भावनगर) Edition: Third Edition Publication Year: Samvat 1983 (Vir Samvat 2453)

Purpose and Context:

The book "Updhan Vidhi" is a detailed guide to the Jain ritual of "Updhan," specifically prepared with the assistance of Panyasji Shri Danvijayji Maharaj, based on Sanskrit and Magadhi texts. The author, Kunvarji Anandji, felt the need for this book after observing a lack of complete understanding of the Updhan rituals among participants during an Updhan ceremony in Bhavnagar in Samvat 1971. The aim is to provide clear instructions and knowledge to Shravaks (lay followers) and Shravikas (lay followers) who wish to perform or understand the Updhan ritual. This third edition is published to further disseminate this essential knowledge.

What is Updhan?

Updhan is a significant Jain practice that involves the ritualistic learning and adherence to sacred scriptures, primarily focusing on the Namaskar Mahamantra (Navkar Mantra) and other important stotras (hymns). Just as monks (Munis) undertake "Gadhvahan" to gain proficiency in scriptures, lay followers are instructed by the scriptures to perform "Updhan vahan." It is described as a process of learning scriptures according to prescribed rules, involving specific austerities (tapas), postures, chanting, and undergoing hardships. The term "Updhan" itself signifies "to hold near" or "to grasp near," implying holding scriptures near to oneself by learning them from a Guru.

Necessity of Updhan:

The book emphasizes that performing Updhan is a duty for all Shravaks and Shravikas. Those who question its necessity are considered to lack faith and are referred to as having "Mithyādr̥ṣṭi" (wrong view) and are destined for "anantasanṣārī" (endless cycles of birth and death). While the practice is gaining momentum, the book notes that a significant portion of participants are women, often lacking complete knowledge. However, it clarifies that the merit belongs to all wise Shravaks and Shravikas, and it's considered a high form of religious practice for householders. The author encourages men to participate more actively to gain immense benefits.

Benefits of Updhan:

Performing Updhan leads to numerous benefits, including:

Adherence to the Lord Jin's commands.
Discipline through austerities.
Extracting essence from the material body.
Great devotion to the scriptures.
Enduring hardships akin to monastic life, which facilitates future monasticism.
Control over senses and passions.
Daily practice of restraint.
Devotion to deities and Gurus through rituals.
It is considered one of the highest religious acts achievable in this era for lay followers.

Six Types of Updhan:

The book details six main types of Updhan, performed for studying specific scriptures:

First Updhan: For the Panchmangal Mahashrutskandh (Navkar Mantra).
Second Updhan: For the Pratikraman Shrutsakandh (Iriyāvahi Sūtra, etc.).
Third Updhan: For the Shastravadhayayan (Namostukāṇam).
Fourth Updhan: For the Chaitya Stavadhyayan (Arhant Cheiyāṇuṁ, Annathū Usiyēṇuṁ).
Fifth Updhan: For the Namastaraadhyayan (Logas).
Sixth Updhan: For the Shrutstave Siddhastavādhyayan (Pukhara Varadi and Siddhāṇaṁ Buddhāṇaṁ - Vaiyāvachkarāṇaṁ).

Austerities and Duration:

The duration and austerities for each Updhan are specified, totaling 110 days for all six. The recommended austerities involve a significant number of fasting days (upavās) and one-meal days (ekāśana), totaling 67 fasts. The text elaborates on how different types of austerities (like trivihar, chaturvihar, āyambil, ekāśana, nivī) count towards a "fast."

Combined Updhan and Modifications:

Due to the time commitment, often only four Updhans (first, second, fourth, and sixth, totaling 47 days) are performed together, followed by a ceremony called "Mala Pāripāvan" (garland wearing). The text also outlines specific rules regarding when Updhans are counted and when they need to be repeated if certain conditions aren't met, particularly concerning the "Mala Pāripāvan."

Austerity Modifications:

The book acknowledges that the austerity structure has been modified by previous Acharyas to accommodate people's physical conditions, increasing the number of days while maintaining the essence of the austerities.

Ekāśana in Updhan:

The "ekāśana" (one-meal day) during Updhan is not ordinary. It involves specific dietary rules, using processed ingredients (like ghee cooked properly), limited use of oil, no buttermilk, yogurt used only in preparations, and no green leafy vegetables. Raw items are generally prohibited.

Readings (Vāchanā):

The text details the "Vāchanās" (readings or recitations) given by the Guru at specific intervals during each Updhan. These readings are crucial for the progression of the ritual. The number of readings varies for each Updhan.

Ritual Procedures:

The book provides detailed step-by-step guidance for various aspects of the Updhan ritual:

Entrance Ritual (Pravesh Vidhi): How to begin the Updhan.
Morning Ritual (Prabhāt Vidhi): Daily routines, including taking pausad (austerity observance), performing pratikraman (confession and repentance), deity worship, and receiving instructions from the Guru.
Evening Ritual (Sandhya Anushthan Vidhi): Evening routines, including confession, performing pachchakkhan (vows), and other daily observances.
Daily Activities: Specific daily duties like performing pratikraman twice a day, padilehan (inspection of utensils and robes), deity worship, chanting Navkar, offering khama samana (penitential gestures), and observing vows.
Use of Sacred Cloth (Muhapatti): Instructions on the proper use and inspection of the muhapatti (mouth cloth).
Items to be Kept: A list of essential items (upkarana) that men and women should have for Updhan.
"Ālōchana" (Confession of Errors): Detailed reasons why certain errors might occur during Updhan and the process of seeking penance and forgiveness from the Guru. This section highlights that even without actual transgression, some form of penance is prescribed to maintain purity.
Mala Pāripāvan Vidhi (Garland Wearing Ceremony): The elaborate rituals involved in the ceremony that marks the completion of Updhan. This includes processions, chanting, and specific offerings.
Post-Updhan Observances: Guidelines on maintaining religious discipline after completing Updhan, including vows of celibacy, simple living, and continued spiritual practices.

Special Information and Clarifications:

The book also includes special points and clarifications, such as:

Updhan is performed for scriptures related to deity worship, not for daily āvasyak (obligatory rituals) like Sāmayik.
Rules regarding the timing of taking pausad (only in the first quarter of the day).
Dietary restrictions even on normal ekāśana days.
Importance of maintaining the purity of the ritualistic space and vastrā (robes).
The need to confess and atone for any transgressions, whether physical, verbal, or mental.
The significance of the Guru's guidance in all these practices.

Concluding Message:

The book concludes with prayers and verses, emphasizing the importance of Updhan for achieving liberation and spiritual merit. It highlights the role of knowledge, penance, and self-control as key elements for spiritual progress in the Jain tradition. The author expresses hope that this book will be beneficial to those who wish to undertake Updhan, enabling them to perform the rituals with proper understanding and devotion.

This summary covers the core content and intent of the "Updhan Vidhi" as presented in the provided text.