Vaddhamana Deshna

This is a summary of the Jain text "Vaddhamana Deshna" by Rajkirti Gani and Surchandra Gani, as presented in the provided catalog link and page excerpts. The book appears to be a collection of teachings and narratives related to Jain principles, particularly focusing on the virtues and practices advocated by Lord Mahavira (Shri Vardhamana).

Overall Structure and Content:

The book is structured into ten "Ullasa" (chapters or sections), each seemingly focusing on different aspects of Jain philosophy and practice, often illustrated through stories of virtuous individuals. The text also includes a separate section titled "Shri Jain Tattvasaar" (essence of Jain principles) with commentary. A significant portion of the provided pages is dedicated to detailing the vows (Vrata) of a lay follower (Shravaka) and the spiritual journey of individuals who practice them.

Key Themes and Chapters (Ullasa):

The table of contents (Page 3 onwards) provides a clear outline of the book's structure and themes:

• Prathamo Ullas (First Chapter):

  • Samaktvadhi-kara (Discussion on Right Faith/Belief): This section emphasizes the foundational importance of Samaktva (right faith) in Jainism, defining it as having correct perception of divinity, scripture, and renunciants. It highlights that without Samaktva, even good actions are fruitless.
  • Samaktvopari Aram-shobha Katha (Story of Garden Splendor on Right Faith): This likely illustrates the benefits and positive outcomes of adhering to right faith.

• Ahinsa Adhikara (Discussion on Non-Violence):

  • Ahinsa Adhikara: This section focuses on the core Jain principle of Ahinsa (non-violence), defining it as the abstention from harming any living being.
  • Pranatipataviramanavratopari Shri Haribal Katha (Story of Haribal on the Vow of Abstinence from Killing): This narrative likely explains how Haribal practiced Ahinsa and the merits he gained from it, possibly illustrating the concept of Jiv Daya (compassion for living beings).

• Dvitiyo Ullas (Second Chapter):

  • Shri Ratnasar Katha: This story probably relates to the "essence of jewels" or precious qualities, perhaps linked to the principles discussed in the first chapter.
  • Shri Kamdevsyopasaraga: This might detail the afflictions or temptations faced by Kamdev and how he overcame them, potentially relating to virtuous conduct.

• Tritiyo Ullas (Third Chapter):

  • Sahasramallakatha: Story of Sahasramalla.
  • Chulani-pita Shravaka Charitram: The life story of Chulani-pita, a lay follower, likely highlighting his adherence to Jain vows.

• Chaturtho Ullas (Fourth Chapter):

  • Dhishta Charitra: Life of Dhishta.
  • Suradev Shradhha Charitra: Life of Suradev, a lay follower, possibly illustrating virtues like generosity or compassion.

• Panchamo Ullas (Fifth Chapter):

  • Dhanadev-Dhanamitra Katha: Stories of Dhanadev and Dhanamitra, possibly illustrating the merits of virtuous conduct and the impermanence of wealth.
  • Chullagshatak Charitra: Life of Chullagshatak.

• Shashtho Ullas (Sixth Chapter):

  • Kuladhvajakatha: Story of Kuladhvaj.
  • Kundkolik Charitra: Life of Kundkolik, likely demonstrating adherence to vows despite adverse circumstances.

• Saptamo Ullas (Seventh Chapter):

  • Damanakakatha: Story of Damanak.
  • Saddalaputra Charitra: Life of Saddalaputra, possibly highlighting the importance of contentment or the consequences of greed.

• Ashtamo Ullas (Eighth Chapter):

  • Asammata Katha: Story of Asammata.
  • Mahashatak Charitra: Life of Mahashatak.

• Navamo Ullas (Ninth Chapter):

  • Bhimkumar Charitra: Life of Bhimkumar.
  • Nandini Priya Charitra: Story of Nandini Priya, likely illustrating virtues like devotion or righteousness.

• Dashamo Ullas (Tenth Chapter):

  • Sagarachandra Katha: Story of Sagarachandra.
  • Tetali-putra Charitra: Life of Tetali-putra.
  • Shri Jain Tattva Saar (with commentary): This is a separate treatise on the essence of Jain principles.

Detailed Content from Excerpts (Page 7 onwards):

The excerpts provided offer a glimpse into the specific content:

• Page 7-8: Introduces the title and dedication, then begins the narrative of Shri Vardhaman Jin Deshna with Shri Anand Charitra. It describes the wealthy householder Anand and his wife Shivani, and the arrival of Lord Mahavira (Shri Vardhamana) in the city of Vanijyagrama.

• Page 9-10: Lord Mahavira begins his discourse emphasizing the rarity and importance of human life, the need to abandon vices like anger and attachment, and the paramount importance of Samaktva (Right Faith). It quotes scripture: "One who is deprived of sight is deprived; for one deprived of sight, there is no liberation." The text then quotes a definition of Samaktva: "Right faith is the understanding of God as God, the Guru as Guru, and Dharma as Dharma."

• Page 10-15: This extensive section delves into Samaktva Adhikara. It praises Samaktva as the foundation of all virtues and the key to liberation, comparing it to the sun dispelling darkness. It criticizes various non-Jain deities and philosophies, arguing that they are not truly divine because they are attached to worldly pleasures, possess weapons, show attachment to wives, and are subject to passions like anger and desire. It discusses the limitations of deities like Shankar, Brahma, and Vishnu, as well as the flaws in concepts like Shunyata-vada (emptiness) and momentary existence. The discourse contrasts these with the qualities of Jain Tirthankaras (omniscient, free from passions, worshipped by all three worlds). The essence of the discourse is to establish the superiority of the Jain path based on Right Faith.

• Page 15-28 (Aram Shobha Katha): This section details the story of Aram Shobha (Garden Splendor). It narrates the life of Vidyutprabha, the daughter of Agnisharma, who, despite a difficult life, practices kindness and helps a snake escape its enemies. As a reward for her compassionate act, a divine being creates a celestial garden for her. The story further illustrates how her virtuous actions lead to prosperity and a happy life, eventually leading to her marriage with King Jitsatru. The narrative emphasizes the power of good deeds and righteousness. It also touches upon themes of overcoming adversity, the consequences of past actions, and divine grace.

• Page 29-41 (Ahinsa Adhikara and Haribal Katha): This section focuses on Ahinsa (non-violence). It discusses the importance of avoiding harm to all beings, from the smallest to the largest. The story of Haribal is presented to illustrate the practice of non-violence. Haribal, a fisherman, vows to his Guru not to kill even the first fish caught in his net. Despite facing hardship and the risk of his wife's anger, he remains steadfast in his vow. His unwavering commitment is rewarded by a divine being who bestows upon him great wealth. The story highlights the profound merit of even a small act of non-violence, especially when practiced with unwavering resolve, even in the face of personal hardship.

• Page 41-58 (Haribal Katha continued, and Second Vow - Satya): The story of Haribal continues, detailing his further trials and the divine intervention he receives due to his commitment to non-violence. The text then transitions to the Second Vow: Satya (Truthfulness). It praises truthfulness, stating that it leads to respect from gods and humans. It contrasts truthfulness with falsehood, highlighting the negative consequences of lying, such as birth in lower realms. The story of Hansraja is introduced to illustrate the importance of truthfulness. Hansraja, a righteous king, is tested when he encounters various individuals who try to make him deviate from the truth through deceitful questions. Despite facing personal danger and loss, Hansraja remains truthful, earning divine favor and protection.

• Page 58-71 (Hansraja Katha continued, and Third Vow - Asteya): The story of Hansraja concludes, further emphasizing the rewards of unwavering truthfulness. The text then moves to the Third Vow: Asteya (Non-stealing). It defines this vow as not taking what is not given, including things lost or forgotten. The story of Lakshmipunj is presented. Lakshmipunj, a wealthy merchant's son, is tested by his father and a divine being through various temptations of wealth. He steadfastly refuses to take anything that is not rightfully his, even when facing extreme hardship and danger. His unwavering integrity is rewarded with immense wealth and prosperity, reinforcing the principle that adhering to non-stealing leads to ultimate success and happiness.

• Page 71-84 (Fourth Vow - Brahmacharya and Fifth Vow - Parigraha Pariman):

  • Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): This section discusses the vow of chastity, emphasizing the dangers of lust and the importance of fidelity. The story of Mairavati is presented, illustrating the virtue of chastity. Mairavati, a virtuous princess, faces severe trials, including being cursed and turned into a snake. She remains devoted to her husband and steadfast in her chastity, ultimately overcoming her afflictions and achieving a righteous life. The narrative highlights the power of chastity in protecting one from suffering and leading to a better destiny.
  • Parigraha Pariman (Limited Possession): This vow focuses on limiting one's possessions and attachments, recognizing the inherent suffering associated with excessive greed. The story of Dhanasar is presented. Dhanasar, a wealthy but miserly merchant, experiences the loss of his wealth due to his greed and lack of charity. Through spiritual guidance, he learns the importance of detachment and giving. His transformation leads to renewed prosperity and a life of virtue, emphasizing that true wealth lies in contentment and generosity, not in accumulation.

• Page 84-99 (Fifth Vow - Parigraha Pariman continued, and Sixth Vow - Bhimkumar): The discussion on limiting possessions continues, with Dhanasar's story further elaborating on the principles of detachment and charity. The text then moves to the Sixth Vow: Bhimkumar. The story of Bhimkumar is presented, likely illustrating the virtues of strength, righteousness, and perhaps overcoming challenges through adherence to vows.

• Page 99-117 (Seventh Vow - Ratribhojan Viraman and Eighth Vow - Deshavakashik):

  • Ratribhojan Viraman (Abstinence from Night Eating): This vow emphasizes the Jain practice of avoiding food after sunset, citing reasons related to the welfare of subtle beings and the purity of the practice. The story of Keshav is used to illustrate the merits of this vow. Keshav, despite facing severe temptations and the loss of his family due to his adherence to this vow, remains steadfast. His unwavering commitment is ultimately rewarded with divine intervention and a happy life, demonstrating the power of even a single virtuous observance.
  • Deshavakashik (Limited Area of Movement): This vow involves restricting one's travel and activities to a defined area to minimize harm to living beings. The story of Sumitra Mantri is presented, likely showing how his adherence to this vow led to prosperity and peace.

• Page 117-138 (Ninth Vow - Paushadh and Tenth Vow - Ahinsa):

  • Paushadh (Fasting and Observance on Holy Days): This vow involves specific observances on designated days, often involving fasting and increased spiritual practice. The story of Ranshur illustrates the merits of this vow, showing how his unwavering commitment to Paushadh during a crisis leads to divine intervention and protection.
  • Ahinsa (Non-violence): This section revisits Ahinsa, likely with more detailed explanations and perhaps a different illustrative story. The text emphasizes that true non-violence is not just the absence of physical harm but also the absence of harmful thoughts and intentions.

• Page 138-153 (Eleventh Vow - Atithi Samvibhag and Twelfth Vow - Samayik):

  • Atithi Samvibhag (Charity to the Worthy/Guest): This vow focuses on the importance of giving to the deserving, particularly monks and ascetics. The story of Jindatt illustrates how timely and appropriate charity leads to immense merit and prosperity. Jindatt, despite facing poverty, offers food to a monk, which ultimately leads to the restoration of his wealth and well-being.
  • Samayik (Equanimity/Meditation): This vow involves dedicating time to spiritual contemplation and maintaining equanimity. The story of Keshav (possibly a different Keshav than the one mentioned earlier, or a further elaboration) is used to highlight the power of Samayik in overcoming challenges and achieving spiritual progress. The narrative of Anand Shravaka's adherence to the eleven pratimas (stages of spiritual development for lay followers) and his ultimate attainment of Avadhi Jnana (clairvoyant knowledge) is also mentioned here.

Key Takeaways:

• Centrality of Samaktva: The text firmly establishes Samaktva (Right Faith) as the bedrock of Jainism, without which other practices lack true spiritual efficacy.
• Importance of Vows (Vrata): The book meticulously details the twelve vows of a lay follower (Shravaka), explaining their meaning and illustrating their practice through compelling stories. The vows covered include:
  1. Pranatipat Viraman (Non-violence)
  2. Mriduvaach (Truthfulness)
  3. Asteya (Non-stealing)
  4. Brahmacharya (Chastity/Celibacy)
  5. Parigraha Pariman (Limitation of Possession)
  6. Mentioned briefly, possibly linked to virtues like strength or righteousness.
  7. Mentioned briefly, possibly related to good conduct.
  8. Mentioned briefly, possibly related to avoiding harmful activities.
  9. Mentioned briefly, possibly related to spiritual practices.
  10. Mentioned briefly, possibly related to mindfulness of one's surroundings.
  11. Paushadh (Fasting/Observance)
  12. Atithi Samvibhag (Charity to the Worthy) Note: The numbering in the table of contents appears slightly different from the flow of the excerpted vows, but the core vows are covered.
• Power of Karma: The stories consistently demonstrate the Jain doctrine of Karma, where actions in this life determine future destiny. Virtuous actions lead to prosperity and spiritual progress, while vices lead to suffering and downfall.
• Role of Compassion (Daya): Ahinsa and Daya (compassion) are presented as fundamental virtues with profound positive repercussions.
• Spiritual Journey: The book traces the spiritual development of individuals through their adherence to Jain practices, highlighting the path from worldly attachment to ultimate liberation.
• Illustrative Narratives: The effectiveness of the teachings is amplified through a rich collection of stories about kings, merchants, and lay followers who exemplify these principles.

This summary is based on the provided textual excerpts and the table of contents. A complete understanding would require access to the full text.