Vasunandi Shravakachar - Book Summary

This document is the Hindi publication of the Jain text "Vasunandi Shravakachar" (also known as "Upaasakadhyayana") by Acharya Vasunandi, edited and translated into Hindi by Pandit Hiralal Jain. It was published by Bharatiya Jnanapitha in Kashi in April 1952.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

1. Title and Author:

Title: Vasunandi Shravakachar (also known as Upaasakadhyayana)
Author: Acharya Vasunandi
Editor & Translator: Pandit Hiralal Jain, Siddhant Shastri, Nyayatirtha

2. Publisher and Publication Details:

Publisher: Bharatiya Jnanapitha, Kashi
Series: Jnanapitha Murtidevi Jain Granthamala (Prakrit Grantha No. 3)
Edition: First Edition, 1000 copies
Publication Date: Vaishakh, Vir Samvat 2478 / Vikram Samvat 2009 (April 1952)
Founded By: Seth Shanti Prasad Jain in memory of his mother, Shrimurti Devi.
Purpose of Granthamala: To research, edit, and publish Jain texts in Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhransha, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, etc., along with their translations. It also aims to publish catalogs of Jain Bhandaras, inscriptions, studies by scholars, and popular Jain literature.

3. Dedication:

The book is dedicated to Param Udaseen Prashantmurti Sachal Sadhu Shraddhey, Pujya, Shri Pt. Ganeshprasadji Varni Nyayacharya.

4. Table of Contents (Key Sections): The table of contents outlines the structure of the book, covering:

Editorial Statement
Introduction (including description of manuscripts, introduction to the text, author, Nayanandi, Upaasaka/Shravaka, Shravakachar, types of Shravak dharma, characteristics of Vasunandi Shravakachar, variations of Ashtamul Guna, nature of Sheel, worship rituals, influence on Vasunandi, Vasunandi's influence, gradual development of Shravak dharma).
List of influences (Kundakunda, Kartikeya, Umasvati, Samantabhadra, Jinsen, Somdev, Devsen, Amitgati, Amritchandra, Vasunandi, Ashaadh).
Main Text (Vasunandi Upaasaka Adhyayana - original text and translation).
Appendices (special notes, Prakrit verb forms, Prakrit glossary, historical names, geographical names, vows list, verse index).

5. Editorial Statement (by Hiralal Jain):

Hiralal Jain mentions the long-standing need for an authentic edition of Vasunandi Shravakachar, citing the availability of manuscripts from Jhalrapatan and Beawar.
He faced delays due to his involvement in editing the Dhavala text.
He prepared the manuscript and translation, completing it in 1944.
He expresses gratitude to Bharatiya Jnanapitha for agreeing to publish the work.
He acknowledges the contributions of Dr. A. N. Upadhye and others in the editing and preparation process.
He discusses the challenges of editing a text on the gradual development of Shravak dharma and topics like Kshullaka and Ailaka.
He humbly requests scholars to review the work, point out errors, and share any supporting evidence for his hypotheses.
He mentions personal tragedies (wife's illness and son's death) that prevented him from incorporating all suggestions from Dr. Upadhye.
He expresses hope that scholars will forgive the remaining errors and remains willing to revise in future editions.

6. Introduction (Key Points):

Manuscript Analysis: The editor describes five primary manuscripts used for the edition, detailing their locations, physical characteristics, purity, and variations, including the inclusion or exclusion of certain verses. Manuscript 'b' from Beawar (dated VS 1654) is identified as the most ancient and accurate, forming the basis of the press copy.
Text Identification: The text is self-identified by Vasunandi as "Upaasaka Adhyayana" but is popularly known as "Vasunandi Shravakachar." It deals with the conduct (Achar) of Upaasaka (Shravaka).
Connection to Agamas: The text is linked to the "Upaasaka Adhyayana" Ang (part) of the Dwadashanga Shruta (twelve parts of Jain scripture), which describes the characteristics and conduct of eleven types of lay followers.
Author's Lineage: Vasunandi mentions his "grand-guru" Nayanandi, who composed "Sudarshan Charita" in Apabhramsha in VS 1100, placing Vasunandi in the early 12th century. Nayanandi was a disciple of Manikyanandi.
Vasunandi's Works: Besides the "Upaasaka Adhyayana," Vasunandi is credited with commentaries on Aptamimamsa and Jinashataka, and independent works like Pratishtha Sangraha (in Sanskrit).
Shravaka Dharma: The text covers various aspects of Shravak dharma, including the seven vices (vyasanas) and their severe consequences, the twelve vows (vrata), donations (dana), worship (puja), image consecration (pratishtha), and the eleven stages (pratimas) of lay discipleship.
Language: The original text is in Sauraseni Prakrit, a language widely adopted by Digambara Jain authors.
Textual Size: The author indicates the text's size as 650 shlokas, but the editor notes discrepancies in the actual verse count across manuscripts, estimating it around 546-548 verses.
Structure of Shravak Dharma: The introduction discusses three primary ways Shravak dharma is presented in Jain literature:
1. Based on the eleven stages (pratimas).
2. Based on the twelve vows and Sallekhana (voluntary fasting till death).
3. Based on Paksha (conviction), Charya (practice), and Sadhana (spiritual effort).
Vasunandi's Unique Approach: The text highlights several distinguishing features of Vasunandi's "Upaasaka Adhyayana":
- It elaborates extensively on the seven vices and their consequences, as well as the practice of image consecration, which constitute about half of the text.
- It begins with a detailed description of the seven vices and their hellish consequences, followed by the twelve vows and eleven stages, and concludes with discussions on Vinaya, Vairavruttya, Puja, Pratishtha, and Dana.
- It deviates from the tradition of Ashtamul Guna (eight fundamental virtues) and abstains from detailing the transgressions (atichara) of vows.
- It presents the vows in a new direction, starting with the renunciation of vices.
- It divides the Shikshavrata of Bhogopabhoga Parimana into two separate Shikshavratas: Bhoga Virati and Upabhoga Virati.
- Sallekhana is classified as a Shikshavrata.
- The sixth stage, despite being named "Ratri Bhuktitayaga" (renunciation of night meals), is described as "Divya Maithuna Tyaga" (renunciation of sexual intercourse during the day).
- The eleventh stage is described with two variations, detailing specific practices for the highest class of lay disciples.
Reasons for Originality: The editor posits that Vasunandi likely wrote this independent work to address contemporary social issues (prevalence of vices) and to promote virtuous practices not sufficiently emphasized in existing Shravakachara texts. He chose Prakrit to reach a wider audience, despite his proficiency in Sanskrit.

7. Detailed Sections within the Introduction: The introduction delves into specific aspects:

Types of Shravaka: Definitions and meanings of terms like Upaasaka, Shravaka, Deshsanyami, Agari.
Upaasaka Adhyayana/Shravakachar: Historical context, mentioning Samantabhadra's "Ratnakaranda" as the first independent work, and listing other important Shravakachara texts.
Methods of Propagating Shravak Dharma: Discusses the three approaches (pratimas, vows, Paksha/Charya/Sadhana) and Vasunandi's adherence to the first, ancient method.
Influence on Vasunandi: Highlights the significant impact of Acharyas Kundakunda, Kartikeya, Yatrusabha, and Devsen on Vasunandi's work.
Vasunandi's Influence: Notes the substantial impact of Vasunandi's work on subsequent Shravakachara texts, particularly Ashaadhaji's "Saagar Dharmamrita."
Gradual Development of Shravak Dharma: Traces the evolution of Shravak dharma through the works of Kundakunda, Kartikeya, Umasvati, Samantabhadra, Jinsen, Somdev, Devsen, Amitgati, Amritchandra, and finally Vasunandi, discussing their contributions and differing views on concepts like Ashtamul Guna, Atichara, and Pratimas.
Ashtamul Guna Variations: Details the different interpretations of Ashtamul Guna by various Acharyas (Samantabhadra, Jinsen, Somdev, Devsen, Amitgati), noting the debate around five vs. eight virtues and the inclusion of specific fruits or practices.
Nature of Sheel: Explains Sheel as the protector of vows, comparing it to a fort protecting a city.
Worship Rituals (Puja Vidhan): Describes the process of internal and external purification for worship, the meaning and six types of worship (including Pratishtha), and elaborates on the steps involved in Sthapana Puja (Tadakara and Atadakara).
Historical Context of Kshullaka and Ailaka: Discusses the origins and meanings of these terms, linking Kshullaka to specific social groups and Ailaka to the evolution of the term "Achchhelaka" for lay followers who maintained certain monastic practices with minimal attire.

8. Text Content (Gatha Numbering and Key Topics): The extensive table of contents (Pages 65-150) provides a detailed breakdown of the text's content, chapter by chapter, verse by verse, covering:

Tattvas (Realities): Detailed explanation of Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksha.
Sammyaktva (Right Faith): Its definition, eight supporting qualities (angas), and famous historical figures embodying these qualities.
Seven Vices (Saptavyasana): Extensive condemnation of gambling, intoxication, meat-eating, prostitution, hunting, theft, and adultery, with graphic descriptions of their consequences in various hells, animal realms, and human lives.
Twelve Vows (Dvadasa Vrata): Detailed explanation of the five Anuvratas (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Parigraha Parimana) and the three Guna Vratas (Digvrata, Deshavrat, Anarthadanda Virati), and the four Shiksha Vratas (Bhoga Virati, Upabhoga Virati, Atithi Samvibhaga, Sallekhana).
Eleven Stages (Pratimas): Comprehensive description of each of the eleven stages of lay discipleship, starting from Darshan Prathima up to Udiddas tyaga. The text explores the practices and renouncements at each level.
Vinaya, Vairavruttya, Puja, Pratishtha, Dana: Explanations of the importance and practice of respect for teachers and scriptures, service to the community, worship of deities, idol consecration, and charity.
Types of Dana: Details the four types of charity (Ahar, Aushadh, Shastra, Abhaya) and the significance of the recipient (Upaya, Prati-patra, Kupaatra, Apastra), donor (Sapta Guna), and method (Navadha Bhakti).
Merits of Dana: Discusses the resulting celestial and human rebirths and the ultimate path to liberation.
Sallekhana: Describes the process of voluntary fasting until death, emphasizing its importance for lay followers, particularly in the context of frail health or societal circumstances.
Puja Vidhi: Elaborates on various forms of worship, including Dravya Puja, Kshetra Puja, Kala Puja, and Bhava Puja, with detailed rituals for image consecration (Pratishtha), Abhishek, Mantra Nyasa, and offerings.
Fruition of Virtues and Vows: Explains the rewards of practicing Jain principles, leading to celestial rebirths, human prosperity, and ultimately, liberation (Moksha).
Kshullaka and Ailaka: Discusses the classification of the eleventh stage into Kshullaka and Ailaka, linking them to social origins and the development of practices related to minimal attire and conduct.
Prakirnaka: Miscellaneous important points not covered in earlier sections, including clarification on certain practices and historical context.
Prashasti: The concluding verses by Vasunandi himself, reiterating his lineage and the purpose of the text.

9. Key Philosophical and Practical Aspects:

Tattvas: The text meticulously explains the Jain Tattvas (Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksha) as the foundation of understanding reality.
Sammyaktva: It emphasizes the foundational role of Right Faith (Sammyaktva) and its eight qualities for spiritual progress.
Renunciation of Vices: A significant portion is dedicated to the detailed and often graphic descriptions of the seven vices and their catastrophic consequences, serving as a strong deterrent.
Progressive Spiritual Path: The eleven stages (pratimas) represent a structured, progressive path for lay followers to ascend towards spiritual liberation, gradually increasing their renunciation and practices.
Importance of Vinaya, Vairavruttya, and Puja: These are presented as essential components of a devout lay life, fostering respect, service, and devotion.
Charity: The text provides extensive guidelines on the principles and fruits of giving charity, highlighting the importance of proper intention, recipient, and method.
Sallekhana: While outlining the practice, Vasunandi's description of Sallekhana for lay followers, allowing for minimal attire and restricted food intake, offers a slightly modified approach compared to monastic practices.
Rituals of Pratishtha: The detailed explanation of image consecration provides insights into the elaborate ceremonies performed in Jainism.

This extensive work aims to provide a comprehensive guide for Jain lay followers (Shravakas) on how to live a virtuous and spiritually progressive life, covering ethical conduct, religious observances, and the ultimate goal of liberation.