Upmiti Bhav Prapancha Katha Part 06

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Upmiti Bhav Prapancha Katha Part 06," authored by Pravin K Mota and published by Gitarth Ganga. The text is a detailed commentary (Shabdashah Vivechan) on the fifth chapter (Pancham Prastav) of the original work by Shri Siddharshi Gani, focusing on the consequences (Vipak Varnan) of delusion (Maya), theft (Steya), and the sense of smell (Dhranedriya).

Key Aspects and Summary:

1. Context and Authorship:

• Book Title: Upmiti Bhav Prapancha Katha Part 06 (શબ્દશઃ વિવેચન, ભાગ-૧)
• Original Author: Shri Siddharshi Gani (પૂ. સિદ્ધર્ષિગણિ)
• Commentator (Vivechak): Pandit Praveenchandra Khimji Mota (પંડિતવર્ય શ્રી પ્રવીણચંદ્ર ખીમજી મોતા)
• Publisher: Gitarth Ganga (ગીતાર્થ ગંગા)
• Spiritual Guidance: His Holiness Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Ramchandra Surishwarji Maharaj and His disciple Muni P. Shri Mohjitvijayji Maharaj.
• Inspiration: His Holiness Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad Vijay Yugbhushansurishwarji Maharaj.
• Compilation: Rakhiben Ramanlal Shah.
• Focus of this Volume: Part 1 of the Fifth Chapter, detailing the consequences of Maya, Steya, and the sense of smell.

2. Publisher's Note (Prakashakiy): The publisher's note draws an analogy between a person stumbling in darkness without a torch and a soul lost in the cycle of worldly existence (Bhav Prapancha) without the knowledge of Jin Shasan. It emphasizes that mere attainment of Jin Shasan is insufficient; deep understanding of its secrets and unwavering devotion and commitment to the spiritual path are crucial. The Gitarth Ganga institution aims to illuminate these secrets through various subjects, consolidating scattered scriptural verses, resolving contradictions, and revealing hidden meanings. The commentary by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Yugbhushansurishwarji Maharaj makes these profound secrets accessible in a simplified style, considering both classical and modern perspectives. The current publication is part of this endeavor, making complex teachings understandable.

3. Characters and Setting: The fifth chapter introduces a vast cast of characters and a detailed mythological geography. Key elements include:

• Bahirang Vardhaman Nagar: An external, beautiful city.
  • Dhawal Raja: King of Vardhaman Nagar.
  • Kamal Sundari: Queen, mother of Vimal.
  • Vimal: Son of Dhawal Raja and Kamal Sundari.
  • Somdev: A wealthy merchant, father of Vamdev.
  • Kankasundari: Wife of Somdev Seth.
  • Vamdev: Son of Somdev and Kankasundari; a symbolic representation of the worldly soul (Sansari Jiv).
  • Tei: Friend of Vamdev (a metaphor for theft).
  • Bahalika (Maya): Companion of Vamdev.
• Kridanandan Bhavana: A garden.
  • Ratnachud: A Vidyadhar (celestial being), friend of Vimal, descendant of Meghanad and Ratnashikha, grandson of Maniprabha.
  • Achal: Son of Manishikha and Amitprabha, rival of Ratnachud.
  • Chapal: Brother of Achal.
  • Chutamanjari: Wife of Ratnachud, daughter of Ratnashekhar.
• Vaitadhya Mountain, Gaganshekhar Nagar:
  • Maniprabha: King of Gaganshekhar.
  • Kanakshikha: Queen of Maniprabha.
  • Ratnashekhar: Son of Maniprabha.
  • Ratnashikha: Daughter of Maniprabha, wife of Meghanad.
  • Manishikha: Daughter of Maniprabha, wife of Amitprabha.
  • Chandan: Son of Siddhi, friend of Ratnashekhar.
• Other significant characters: Buddhacharya (a great Mahatma, benefactor), Bathar Guru (a Shaivacharya disguised), Satyagraha (a messenger of Charitra Raja), Samyam (governor of Charitra Raja), Lilavati, Kamar, Vishadmanas Nagar, Shubhabhisandhi, Papabhiruta, Rujuta, Achoarta, Saral Seth, Bandhumati, Bandhul, and many others who appear throughout the narrative.

4. Synopsis of the Fifth Chapter (Pancham Prastav): The chapter, particularly this segment of the commentary, delves into the following narrative threads:

• Birth of Vimal and Vamdev (Sansari Jiv): The story begins with the birth of Vimal, son of King Dhawal and Queen Kamal Sundari, and Vamdev, son of the merchant Somdev and Kankasundari, symbolizing the soul's journey through worldly existence.
• Friendship of Vimal and Vamdev: Despite their different backgrounds, a friendship develops between Vimal and Vamdev.
• Kridanandan Garden: Vimal and Vamdev visit this beautiful garden.
• Detailed Descriptions of Human Characteristics: The text includes detailed descriptions of male and female physical attributes, interpreted as auspicious or inauspicious signs. This section appears to be a significant portion, offering a blend of traditional physiognomy and symbolic representation.
• Theft by Vamdev: Vamdev, influenced by his companions Maya and Steya, steals a valuable gem.
• The Return of Ratnachud: Ratnachud, an ally of Vimal, arrives and is involved in a significant event.
• Vimal's Encounter with Virtues: Vimal meets Buddhacharya, who transforms him, highlighting the path to spiritual knowledge and liberation.
• Vamdev's Misfortunes: The narrative follows Vamdev's struggles due to his negative qualities (Maya, Steya).
• The Story of Ratnachud: Ratnachud's lineage, his marriage to Chutamanjari, and his rivalry with Achal are depicted.
• The Role of Buddhacharya: Buddhacharya plays a pivotal role in guiding characters towards righteousness and revealing the nature of the soul's attachment to worldly existence.
• The Nature of the Soul and its Attachments: The narrative delves into the soul's journey, its entrapment by desires (Maya, greed, theft), and the path to liberation through spiritual understanding and detachment.
• The Significance of Jain Principles: Throughout the story, Jain principles like non-violence, truthfulness, self-control, and detachment are implicitly or explicitly conveyed through the characters' actions and destinies.
• The Transformation of Characters: Characters often undergo significant transformations, particularly Vamdev (representing the ignorant soul) and the protagonist's realization of spiritual truths.
• Metaphorical Representation: Many characters and events serve as metaphors for spiritual concepts, illustrating the cycle of birth and death, the influence of karma, and the path to liberation.

5. Specific Narrative Elements Covered in the Text: The extensive table of contents and the translated verses reveal a rich narrative:

• The birth and early life of Vimal and Vamdev.
• Vimal and Vamdev's friendship.
• The Kridanandan garden setting.
• Detailed descriptions of human features and their interpretations.
• The story of Ratnachud, his Vidyadhar heritage, and his interactions with Vimal.
• The theft committed by Vamdev.
• Vimal's spiritual awakening after receiving a gem and encountering Buddhacharya.
• The narrative progresses through various characters like Buddhacharya, King Dhawal, and others, illustrating moral and philosophical lessons.
• The story of the acquisition of powers, the defeat of enemies, and the eventual spiritual realization of characters.
• A significant portion is dedicated to explaining the characteristics of a virtuous person and the consequences of negative actions, particularly related to theft and delusion.
• The text also features dialogues and philosophical discussions, notably between Vimal and Buddhacharya, and Vimal and Vamdev.
• The latter part of the text details the conversation between Buddhacharya and King Dhawal, explaining the nature of worldly existence and the path to liberation. It also elaborates on the story of Bathar Guru, a Shaivacharya, and his misguided actions, serving as a cautionary tale.

6. Key Themes:

• Karma and its Consequences: The text vividly illustrates how actions (karma) lead to specific consequences (vipaka), affecting one's destiny across lifetimes.
• Delusion (Maya) and Theft (Steya): These are highlighted as significant obstacles on the spiritual path, leading to suffering and entanglement in the cycle of rebirth.
• The Importance of True Knowledge: The narrative underscores the necessity of discerning true spiritual knowledge (Jain Shasan) from worldly illusions and the guidance of enlightened beings (Gurus).
• Spiritual Transformation: Characters often undergo journeys of realization and transformation, moving from ignorance to enlightenment, often through divine intervention or the guidance of great souls.
• The Cycle of Birth and Death (Samsara): The entire narrative serves as a commentary on the illusory nature of worldly existence and the soul's arduous journey through it.

7. Commentary Style: The commentary by Pandit Praveenchandra Khimji Mota is described as "Shabdashah Vivechan" (word-for-word commentary), indicating a meticulous and detailed explanation of the original text, making profound Jain philosophy accessible to a wider audience.

8. Overall Purpose: The book serves as an educational tool within the Jain tradition, using a narrative approach filled with allegorical characters and events to impart spiritual wisdom, ethical teachings, and philosophical insights derived from Jain scriptures. It aims to guide readers towards understanding the true nature of reality, the consequences of actions, and the path to liberation.