Updhan Vidhi Tatha Posah Vidhi

This Jain text, "Updhan Vidhi Tatha Posah Vidhi" (ઉપધાન વિધિ તથા પોષધ વિધિ) authored by Kanchanvijay, is a comprehensive guide to two significant Jain rituals: Updhan and Posah. Published by Pramodrai Jagjivandas Gundigara, it aims to provide detailed instructions for performing these practices correctly.

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

I. Updhan Vidhi (ઉપધાન વિધિ):

• Meaning of Updhan: It explains that Updhan is a ritualistic practice prescribed by the scriptures for lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas) to gain proficiency in the mantras and scriptures recited during Dev-vandan (worship of deities). It is likened to the purification rituals undertaken by monks to study the Siddhanta. The text emphasizes that Updhan involves specific austerities, maintaining certain postures and locations, continuous recitation of mantras, and enduring hardships to achieve proficiency in sacred texts like Namaskaradi Sutras.
• Etymology of Updhan: The term "Updhan" is broken down into "Up" (near) and "Dhan" (to hold), signifying holding or learning the scriptures near the guru through austerities. It also suggests an interpretation of bringing the soul closer to Moksha (liberation) or strengthening the soul through the purification of karma and development of virtues.
• Necessity of Updhan: The text stresses that performing Updhan is a duty for all lay followers. It addresses the misconception that these rituals are merely physical hardships, arguing that they are essential for generating good thoughts and purifying the soul. It highlights that Updhan is considered a high-level religious practice that brings numerous benefits, including adherence to Jinendra's commandments, purification of karma, spiritual growth, and preparation for potential monastic life.
• Types of Updhan: It details six main types of Updhan, each associated with specific scriptures or texts:
  1. Panchmangal Mahashrutkandh (Navkar Mantra)
  2. Pratikraman Shruthskandh (Iriyavahi, Tas Utari)
  3. Shastravadhyayan (Namuthunnu)
  4. Shastravadhyayan (Arihant Cheyano, Ashvatth Sasieno)
  5. Namastavdhyayan (Logassa)
  6. Shrutstav Siddhvadhyayan (Pukkharvardo and Siddhano Buddnano-Vaiyavachgarano)
• Duration and Austerities: The text specifies the duration and the required austerities (tapas) for each of the six Updhans, totaling 110 days and 67 fasts. It explains how different forms of austerities like Ayambil, Ekashana, and Nivvi are counted towards a single fast.
• Practical Guidance: It covers various aspects of performing Updhan, including:
  • Vachana (Readings): Detailed procedures for taking readings from the guru at different stages of the Updhan and the specific parts of the scriptures to be covered.
  • Entry Rituals (Pravesh Vidhi): The process of formally entering the Updhan practice.
  • Morning Rituals (Prabhat Vidhi): Daily morning routines.
  • Evening Rituals (Sandhya Anushthan Vidhi): Evening rituals.
  • Daily Practices: Specific daily actions to be performed.
  • Kaussarga (Meditative Posture): Instructions for performing Kaussarga.
  • Khama Samanu (Bowing): Proper etiquette for bowing.
  • Sajhay (Recitation) and Dhyan (Meditation): Guidance on these practices.
  • Required Utensils (Upkarana): Lists of items needed by men and women.
  • Reasons for Violations (Aalayan) and their Consequences (Divas Pade): Explaining what constitutes a lapse in the ritual and the prescribed penances.
  • Specific Regulations: Details on items that are prohibited, the timing for certain actions (like covering the head with a blanket or using purified water), and the number of "bols" (syllables/phrases) for reciting specific mantras during Padilehan (cleaning of utensils/objects).
  • Temple Visits and Devi Vandana: Proper conduct for visiting temples and worshipping deities.
  • Various Doshas (Faults) to Avoid: Specific faults to be avoided during Samayika and Kaussarga.
  • Concluding Rituals: Procedures after completing the Updhan, including wearing a garland (Malāroppan), and subsequent religious observances.
  • Penances (Ayalayan): Detailed information on penances for various transgressions.
  • Special Instructions: Including the specific meaning of certain prayers and hymns like "Mah Jinaano Aanu" and "Sagar Chando."
• Importance of Procedure: The text consistently emphasizes the importance of performing these rituals according to the prescribed procedure, stating that actions done without proper vidhi are unfruitful.

II. Posah Vidhi (પૌષધ વિધિ):

• Definition of Posah: Posah is defined as a special observance undertaken on auspicious days (like Pervadi) to strengthen one's spiritual practice, or as a specific vow for purification and devotion. It is identified as the eleventh of the twelve vows of a lay follower.
• Types of Posah: It outlines four main types of Posah:
  1. Ahar Posah: Abstinence from food (fasting, Ayambil, Nivvi, Ekashana).
  2. Sharir-satkar Posah: Abstaining from beautifying the body (bathing, applying scents, etc.).
  3. Brahmacharya Posah: Maintaining celibacy.
  4. Avyapar Posah: Abstaining from worldly or sinful activities. It further elaborates on country-specific (Desh-sevi) and all-encompassing (Sarva-sevi) forms of these, leading to a total of 80 variations. However, it notes that currently, only Ahar Posah is commonly practiced in two forms (Tivihar/Chovihar fasting) and other forms are usually observed completely.
• Duration: Posah can be observed for four prahars (a part of the day or night) or eight prahars (a full day and night).
• Timing and Procedure: It specifies when Posah can be undertaken and the order of rituals, including taking Posah before Pratikraman (confession) as the primary method, although exceptions are noted. It provides guidance on performing Pratikraman, Samayika, Dev-vandan, and Padilehan.
• Essential Items: Lists are provided for items required for Posah observances, including clothing, bedding, and personal hygiene items.
• Detailed Instructions: Similar to Updhan, it offers meticulous instructions for various aspects of Posah, such as:
  • Padilehan (Cleaning): Specific instructions on how to clean clothes and utensils using "bols" (phrases).
  • Doshas and Atichars: Identifying faults and transgressions to avoid during Posah and Samayika.
  • Specific Prayers and Hymns: Including the correct recitation of verses like "Iriyavahiyam" and "Logassa," and the meaning of certain hymns.
  • Mantras and Rituals: Detailing the recitations and actions for various stages of the observance, including "Karemi Bhante," "Kausarga," "Sagar Chando," and "Santhara Parisī."
  • Etiquette for Temple Visits: How to conduct oneself when visiting temples during Posah.
  • Malāroppan (Garland Ceremony): The ritual of crowning with a garland after Updhan.
  • Ayalayan (Penances): Penances for violating the vows.
• Importance of Intention and Purity: The text emphasizes the purity of intention and action in performing these rituals.

III. Additional Sections:

• Meaning of Specific Prayers: The text provides the meaning of several key Jain prayers and hymns, such as "Mah Jinaanu" and "Sagar Chando," to enhance understanding and devotion.
• Life of the Author: A biographical sketch of the author, Panyasji Maharaj Shri Kanchanvijayji, is included, detailing his life journey, spiritual awakening, diksha, and his significant contributions to Jain literature and practice.

In essence, "Updhan Vidhi Tatha Posah Vidhi" is a foundational text for Jain lay followers seeking to engage in these important spiritual disciplines. It serves as a practical manual, combining theological explanation with step-by-step guidance to ensure the correct and meaningful performance of these rituals, leading to spiritual purification and progress.