Vandittu Valu Pratikramana Ane Chattari Mangalam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vandittu Valu Pratikramana ane Chattari Mangalam" by Santbal, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vandittu Valu Pratikramana ane Chattari Mangalam (વંદિત્તુવાળું પ્રતિક્રમણ અને ચત્તારિ મંગલ) Author: Santbal (સંતબાલ) Publisher: Mahavir Sahitya Prakashan Mandir, Ahmedabad

Overall Purpose and Content:

This book, released as a "Hirak Mahotsav Prakashan" (Diamond Jubilee Publication), focuses on two key Jain practices: Vanditu Valu Pratikramana and Chattari Mangalam. It aims to provide a deeper understanding and accessibility to these concepts, particularly for the common practitioner. The text includes detailed explanations, poetic interpretations, and spiritual insights derived from the teachings of the esteemed Jain Muni Shri Santbal.

Key Sections and Themes:

1. Introduction and Background (Pages 3-4):

   • The book's origin is traced back to Muni Shri Santbal's poetic translation of the Prakrit Pratikramana into Gujarati verse in 1937.
   • This work is presented as a part of a larger collection called "Triveni Sangam" which includes "Repentance of Sin," "Vanditu Valu Pratikramana," and "Patitpavan."
   • The current edition was prompted by a demand from devotees who wished to study "Vanditu" after hearing about its spiritual significance and the related work by Sadhviji Lalitaba and others.
   • The publication is a small booklet (punstika) that combines the Pratikramana in Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Gujarati, along with Santbal's extensive Gujarati commentary.
   • The publisher, Mahavir Sahitya Prakashan Mandir, has a long history of publishing Santbal's literature, emphasizing its value for character building.

2. Jainism as a "Quality-Based" Religion (Page 5):

   • A foundational principle of Jainism is highlighted: its focus on qualities (guna) rather than exclusive adherence to a particular name or person.
   • Jainism believes that salvation (moksha) can be attained by developing virtues within any religious path, not exclusively within Jainism.
   • This principle extends to the Panch Parmeshthi Mantra (Navkar Mantra), which enumerates virtues (qualities of the supreme beings) rather than personal names.
   • The order of "Arihant" being first in the mantra is explained as representing those who not only save themselves but also show the path to others, emphasizing the Jain ideal of "saving oneself and saving others." True moksha involves achieving oneness with the universal soul.

3. Samayika and Pratikramana (Page 6):

   • Samayika: This is described as a practice of achieving equanimity (samta yoga) for 48 minutes, involving reading, contemplation, and meditation. While monks and nuns are in a state of constant Samayika, householders practice it for training.
   • Pratikramana: This involves a review of all actions (mental, verbal, and physical) performed during the day. It includes:
     • Alochana: Contemplation of actions.
     • Nindana: Condemnation of observed faults.
     • Gana: Making new resolutions after rectifying mistakes.
     • Kshamapana: Seeking forgiveness, from the Panch Parmeshthis and all living beings.
   • The author, Santbal, reflects on his experiences in Ranapur, describing a "natural life force" in his writings from that period, suggesting these Pratikramanas are a "blessing" from those days.

4. Detailed Explanation of "Vanditu Pratikramana" (Pages 7 onwards):

   • Page 7: Sadhviji Lalitaba praises Muni Shri Santbal's poetic rendition of the "Vanditu Sutra," noting its clarity, depth of thought, and awareness of character. She highlights how the essence of vows is woven into the verses, showcasing his spiritual attainment. His detachment and ability to switch between service and writing are also admired.
   • Page 7 (cont.): The Pratikramana is described as an "Ayina" (mirror) for the soul, where one cleanses the "stains" (doubts, impurities) from the "mirror" of knowledge, perception, and conduct (Gyan, Darshan, Charitra). The purpose is to remove faults and recommit to virtuous living.
   • Pages 9-29: These pages contain the core Pratikramana verses in Prakrit (with Sanskrit translation and Gujarati explanation), systematically addressing various faults and their renunciation. Key themes covered include:
     • Renunciation of Faults: Remorse for unintentional harm, breaking vows, improper conduct, negligence, and sins.
     • Developing Virtues: Cultivating friendship, compassion, tolerance, and joy in the progress of others.
     • Ethical Conduct: Refraining from violence in all forms (even to minute beings), speaking truthfully, practicing non-stealing, controlling senses, respecting family, and abstaining from illicit relations.
     • Spiritual Aspirations: Recognizing the impermanence of the body, the eternal nature of the soul, detachment from worldly possessions, and the pursuit of self-realization.
     • The Navkar Mantra: The text includes the full Navkar Mantra with a detailed explanation of each word (Arhant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu) and its significance. It is presented as the essence of all Jain scriptures and a universal mantra. The explanation emphasizes the qualities of each Parmeshthi.
   • Pages 31-46: These sections provide the poetic verses of "Vanditu Pratikramana," elaborating on the concepts of renouncing sins, seeking forgiveness, the importance of right faith (Samyaktva), the five vows, three conduct-enhancing vows, and four disciplinary vows. The verses delve into the root causes of suffering, the nature of the soul, the impermanence of worldly pleasures, and the path to liberation. There's a strong emphasis on introspection and sincere repentance for past wrongdoings. The verses also highlight the importance of seeking the grace of the divine (Jineshwar Dev) and the guidance of saints.
   • Pages 47-50: These pages provide the Gujarati translation and philosophical explanation of the Panch Parmeshthi Mantra (Navkar Mantra). It explains the meaning of each term and its profound significance as the core of Jainism and a universal mantra for all religions. The text explains the importance of the order of the Parmeshthis and how Jainism's focus on qualities makes it a universal religion. It also briefly mentions the addition of four more concepts (Gyan, Darshan, Charitra, Tap) by the Shvetambar community, forming the Navpad.
   • Page 51: This page contains a prayer titled "Atma-Chintan" which encourages daily reflection on one's actions, resolutions, and spiritual progress.
   • Page 52: This concluding page offers a spiritual message from Santbal, emphasizing that Samayika and Pratikramana are essential tools for spiritual growth, awakening inner consciousness, and progressing on the path of the soul. Sadhviji Lalitaba further defines Pratikramana as turning away from sin and towards virtue and the self.

Overall Message:

The book "Vandittu Valu Pratikramana ane Chattari Mangalam" serves as a guide for spiritual practitioners to understand and implement the core principles of Jainism, particularly the practices of Pratikramana and the veneration of the Panch Parmeshthis. It encourages introspection, sincere repentance, the cultivation of virtues, and a deep understanding of the soul's true nature. The poetic and commentary-rich presentation makes these profound spiritual concepts accessible and relatable for a wider audience. The overarching theme is the pursuit of purity, self-realization, and ultimately, liberation through diligent spiritual practice and adherence to Jain ethical principles.