Vidhyarthi Satradi Bruhat Atichar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vidhyarthi Satradi Bruhat Atichar" by Chinubhai G. Shah:

Title: Vidhyarthi Satradi Bruhat Atichar (Student Session-based Great Transgressions)

Author: Chinubhai G. Shah

Publisher: Chinubhai G. Shah

Core Purpose:

This book is a unique and insightful adaptation of traditional Jain Atichars (transgressions or faults) specifically tailored to the context of a student's life, particularly in a college or educational setting. It aims to help students identify and confess their shortcomings in a way that aligns with Jain ethical principles, using a language and examples that are relatable to their daily experiences. The work serves as a parody or satirical imitation of the more elaborate "Bruhat Atichar" (Great Transgressions) recited during the annual Samvatsari festival in Jainism.

Context and Background:

The book acknowledges the Jain practice of "Pratikraman," a ritual of self-reflection, confession, and seeking forgiveness for faults committed. Pratikraman is performed regularly, with more detailed versions during fortnightly periods and the Chaturmas (four-month rainy season), and a comprehensive recitation on the annual Samvatsari day.
The "Atichar Vidhi" within Pratikraman lists various sins or faults. This book, "Vidhyarthi Satradi Bruhat Atichar," mirrors this structure but focuses on the specific transgressions that a student might commit during their academic journey.
The author, Chinubhai G. Shah, created this text as a response to requests from friends and for wider dissemination, as the first edition had garnered attention. It's presented as a way for students to engage with the concept of introspection and ethical conduct.

Structure and Content:

The book systematically categorizes transgressions based on the five main Jain "Acharas" (Codes of Conduct) and further elaborates on the twelve vows (Vratas) of a householder, applying them to student life. For each category, it lists specific "Atichars" or examples of faults.

Key Themes and Examples of Atichars within each category:

Panchendriya (Five Senses) and Man (Mind): While not explicitly detailed in the provided pages, this foundational aspect is implied as the basis for all transgressions.
Panchaviddha Achar (Five Codes of Conduct):
- Jnānāchār (Conduct of Knowledge):
  - Not studying at the right time, or studying inappropriately.
  - Showing disrespect or lack of appreciation towards professors, teachers, or senior students.
  - Speaking negatively about gurus or teachers.
  - Relying on study tips from unreliable sources instead of one's own guru.
  - Distracting oneself with irrelevant knowledge like "hotel knowledge," "drama knowledge," or indulging in "masti" (fun/mischief).
  - Wasting time on non-academic pursuits during study hours.
- Darshanāchār (Conduct of Faith/Right Perception):
  - Lack of unwavering faith in one's college, guru, or knowledge.
  - Not taking advantage of educational opportunities when one has the ability.
  - Choosing subjects or courses based on external pressures or perceived ease rather than genuine interest or capability (e.g., switching to law due to a lack of first-class results in science, or resorting to unethical means to pass).
  - Misuse of library books (not returning them on time, not taking care of them).
  - Misappropriating stationery or other college resources.
  - Not respecting or acknowledging notes or guidance from elders or gurus.
  - Being critical or judgmental of the appearance of professors or fellow students (e.g., commenting on messy attire, ill-fitting clothes).
  - Engaging in smoking or other prohibited activities within the college campus.
  - Using inappropriate or distracting items in class, such as rubber balls that make noise.
- Chāritrāchār (Conduct of Behavior/Conduct):
  - Disrupting classes or making noise.
  - Consuming unauthorized food and drinks (tea, coffee, soda) during class.
  - Occupying reserved seats meant for others.
  - Not maintaining cleanliness in washrooms or other facilities.
  - Engaging in inappropriate thoughts or "Raudra Dhyana" (fierce contemplation) about a romantic interest during class.
  - Making noise or disturbing others in class.
  - Moving around unnecessarily during class.
  - Failing to adhere to the principles of conduct (Pravachanamata) and the duties of a student.
- Tapāchār (Conduct of Austerity/Penance):
  - Bahya Tap (External Austerity): Not studying consistently even when capable, overeating before exams, failing to renounce enjoyable activities like dramas, hotels, and cinemas, avoiding physical discomfort (like waking up early), and neglecting personal hygiene.
  - Abhyantar Tap (Internal Austerity): Not taking confession or seeking forgiveness when rules are broken, disrespecting gurus or elders, not helping or serving others (partners, friends, gurus), neglecting proper self-study (Vachana, Puchchhana, Paravartana, Anupreksha, Dharmakatha), and dwelling on non-academic thoughts or daydreams during lectures.
- Vīryāchār (Conduct of Energy/Effort):
  - Not utilizing one's full potential in studies or other activities.
  - Disrespectful behavior towards self and others.
  - Leaving class before the scheduled time.
  - Engaging in prohibited or inappropriate actions, such as disrespecting professors, engaging in strikes, dressing immodestly, tearing up books, sacrificing money for movies instead of education, and impersonating others in exams.
Dvadasha Vratas (Twelve Vows) applied to Students:
- Ahimsā (Non-violence): Causing harm to others (staff, servants), demanding excessive work, eating food that is not purely vegetarian or is prepared unethically, consuming non-vegetarian items or ingredients like eggs and liver, not caring for living beings, and causing harm to insects or animals.
- Mṛṣāvāda (Falsehood): Making excuses to skip classes, falsely marking attendance for absent friends, feigning illness to get leave, using forged medical certificates, deceiving college staff, lying about one's achievements or origins.
- Adattādāna (Stealing/Taking what is not given): Taking items from classmates, cutting hair from a female student's braid, taking personal belongings like combs, toothpaste, or stationery without permission, misappropriating college funds or resources, and enjoying luxuries paid for by others.
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): Engaging in romantic pursuits with classmates, harboring impure thoughts, engaging in inappropriate physical contact, attending weddings or functions of friends and family where such conduct is prevalent, having sexual intercourse with one's spouse without desire or using contraceptives, and experiencing impure dreams.
- Parigraha Parimāṇa (Limitation of Possessions): Exceeding limits on personal belongings like books, furniture, or clothing; spending excessively on personal needs using parental or other's money; and not controlling the desire for more.
- Dig Parimāṇa (Limitation of Directions): Traveling to unauthorized or inappropriate places, requesting study materials from other colleges without proper permission, and engaging in unnecessary travel or recreational activities.
- Bhogopabhoga Parimāṇa (Limitation of Enjoyment of Consumables): Consuming forbidden foods, enjoying food without proper consideration for the presence of insects or impurities, eating late at night, consuming food that is not allowed on specific days or occasions, and preparing food in an unhygienic manner.
- Anartha Danda (Useless Vows/Wasteful Actions): Engaging in frivolous activities, talking excessively, watching movies or dramas, sleeping excessively, harboring negative emotions like anger or jealousy towards others, and neglecting studies for entertainment.
- Sāmāyika (Equanimity/Meditation): Allowing the mind to wander during study periods, having inappropriate thoughts, singing songs instead of studying, falling asleep during study, and becoming engrossed in idle chatter.
- Deshāvākaśika (Limited Residence/Time-bound Abstinence): Eating food from outside the designated eating areas, calling out to others for food or entertainment, and engaging in activities that go against dietary restrictions.
- Pauṣadha Upavāsa (Fasting/Temporary Abstinence): Not maintaining proper hygiene during fasting periods, not adhering to the rules of the fast, sleeping or resting inappropriately during the fast, making excuses to break the fast, and consuming forbidden foods or drinks even when fasting.
- Atithi Samvibhanga (Hospitality/Charity to the Deserving): Not offering food or drink to guests when available, hiding resources, and showing reluctance or displeasure when entertaining guests.
Saṃleṣaṇa (Attachment/Desire):
- Desiring worldly success, such as becoming a wealthy merchant, professor, or minister after completing education.
- Continuing to seek knowledge or fame even after leaving college.
- Frequently watching movies and dramas.
Specific Transgressions Mentioned: The book highlights several specific, often humorous or satirical, examples of student misconduct, such as:
- Attaching a classmate's hair braid to another's.
- Using hair gel, powder, or other cosmetic items excessively.
- Singing romantic songs during study time.
- Taking shortcuts or making excuses to avoid academic responsibilities.
- Disrespecting professors with colloquial or derogatory terms.
- Dishonestly obtaining admission or scholarships.
- Improper use of college facilities and resources.

Conclusion:

"Vidhyarthi Satradi Bruhat Atichar" is a valuable resource for Jain students. It bridges the gap between traditional Jain ethical teachings and the realities of modern student life. By presenting common student failings within the framework of Jain vows and codes of conduct, it encourages introspection, self-correction, and a deeper understanding of Jain principles in a relatable and engaging manner. The book's satirical tone makes the lessons more memorable and encourages students to reflect on their actions with both seriousness and a touch of lightheartedness.