Vedankush

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vedankush," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vedankush Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Veerchand Prabhudas Pandit Publisher: Hemchandracharya Sabha

Introduction and Context (Pages 1-2):

The text, "Vedankush," is published by the Hemchandracharya Sabha and was compiled and revised by Shravak Pandit Veerchand Prabhudas. The introduction notes that the text exists in various manuscripts and there's some confusion regarding its exact title and authorship. Some manuscripts suggest titles like "Jivadan Chapeta" or "Dinan Chapeta," and authorship is attributed to both Acharya Hemchandrasuri and Acharya Haribhadrasuri. The publishers have preserved the variations found in the manuscripts. The introduction also mentions a possibility that parts of the text might be from different works, with earlier sections possibly belonging to "Jivadan Chapeta" and later sections to "Vedankush." The text is presented as a compilation of valuable sayings from various scriptures, intended for the enlightenment of those who discuss philosophical subjects.

Content and Themes:

"Vedankush" is essentially an anthology of verses and sayings, primarily drawing from Vedic and Puranic literature, but presented within a Jain philosophical framework. The book aims to elucidate ethical and moral principles, drawing parallels and contrasts with broader Indian traditions. The main themes discussed, as indicated by the index and the body of the text, include:

• Pity and Benevolence (Paropakar): The text strongly emphasizes the virtue of helping others, citing numerous verses from Puranas and Itihasas to highlight its supreme importance. It is considered a greater virtue than charity or ritualistic practices. The text condemns harming others and praises those who offer help even to those who have wronged them.
• Dharma (Righteousness): Dharma is presented as the guiding principle for life, with an emphasis on its perennial nature. It is achievable through various means like truth, compassion, charity, and control of senses. The text stresses that adherence to dharma purifies family lines and helps overcome difficulties.
• Truthfulness (Satya): Speaking the truth, especially when it is pleasant and beneficial, is highly valued. However, the text also advises against speaking unpleasant truths that cause harm, and suggests prioritizing beneficial words even if they are not entirely pleasant. The severe consequences of bearing false witness are detailed.
• Abstinence and Morality:
  • Non-violence (Ahimsa): This is repeatedly highlighted as the supreme dharma and penance. The text condemns any form of violence and emphasizes protecting all living beings. It details the severe karmic consequences of harming animals and humans.
  • Celibacy (Brahmacharya): This is considered a fundamental virtue for all religious practitioners, essential for spiritual progress. The text elaborates on the importance of maintaining celibacy, especially during specific times and under certain conditions.
  • Dietary Restrictions: The text discusses the prohibition of consuming meat and other prohibited food items like radish, onion, garlic, and certain types of fruits. It cites scriptures that warn against the consumption of meat and the consequences thereof.
  • Honesty and Charity (Dana): The importance of giving, especially to the needy, is stressed. The text differentiates between various types of charity and emphasizes the merit of selfless giving.
  • Control of Senses (Indriya Nigraha): The text emphasizes the need to control one's senses to achieve spiritual liberation.
  • Charity: The book extensively discusses the virtue of giving, with emphasis on feeding the hungry, providing medicine to the sick, and imparting knowledge to students. Giving protection (Abhaya Dana) is highlighted as the highest form of charity, surpassing even the gift of the earth or wealth.
• Critique of Ritualism and Superficial Practices: The text subtly critiques the blind adherence to rituals and external practices without inner purity or true understanding. It suggests that true purification comes from within through virtues like truth, compassion, and self-control, not merely through external actions or bathing in holy waters.
• The Nature of Brahman/The Divine: Drawing from various Hindu scriptures, the text discusses the omnipresence and all-pervading nature of the Divine (Vishnu, Hari, Govinda, Shiva, Brahma). It emphasizes seeing the Divine in all beings and acting with universal love and equality.
• Social and Ethical Conduct: The text delves into various aspects of social conduct, including the importance of respecting elders, the duties of kings, and the consequences of actions. It offers guidance on proper behavior in different situations and the importance of ethical conduct in acquiring and using wealth.
• The Concept of 'Brahmin' Redefined: A significant portion of the text (pages 31-36) critically examines the traditional definition of a Brahmin. It argues that true Brahminhood is not determined by birth, lineage, physical body, or even ritualistic knowledge alone. Instead, it is defined by virtues like truthfulness, self-control, compassion, non-violence, honesty, and adherence to a righteous path. The text uses examples from scriptures to illustrate that individuals from lower castes or non-Brahmin backgrounds achieved spiritual eminence through virtuous conduct, while those born as Brahmins but lacking in virtue were considered spiritually inferior. This section seems to align with Jain emphasis on conduct over birth.
• Consequences of Actions (Karma): The text frequently refers to the law of karma, emphasizing that every action has a consequence, and individuals reap the results of their deeds, whether good or bad. It details various hellish realms and the suffering that awaits those who commit sins.
• The Nature of the Self: The text touches upon the eternal nature of the soul (Atman) and its distinction from the physical body. It highlights the impermanence of worldly life and the importance of focusing on spiritual pursuits.

Sources Cited:

The text cites a wide range of ancient Indian scriptures, including:

• Puranas (Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Mrigendra Purana, Aditya Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Dev Purana, Nagar Purana, Shiva Purana)
• Itihasas (Mahabharata)
• Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda)
• Smritis (Manusmriti, Yājñavalkya Smṛti, Parashara Smriti, Daksasmriti, Katyayana Smriti, Brihaspati Smriti, Vasistha Smriti, Vamana Smriti, Yama Smriti, Sankha Smriti, Svarupa Smriti)
• Other Philosophical Texts (Gita, Mitakshara, Vivek Vilas, Chaturaranyaka, Sukasamvad)

Overall Purpose:

"Vedankush" aims to provide a comprehensive collection of moral and ethical teachings derived from various traditions, emphasizing virtues like non-violence, truthfulness, compassion, self-control, and the importance of righteous conduct. It appears to be a work intended to guide individuals towards a virtuous life and spiritual liberation, drawing upon a broad spectrum of Indian religious and philosophical literature. The critical examination of the Brahminical concept suggests an attempt to promote a universalistic view of righteousness based on conduct rather than birth.