Vimal Bhakti

The text "Vimal Bhakti" by Syadvatvati Mata, published by Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad, is a comprehensive Jain text detailing various forms of devotional practices and rituals, primarily focusing on "bhakti" (devotion) towards spiritual figures and principles within Jainism. The book is presented as a commentary ("Prabodhini Tika") by Arya Shri Syadvadmati Mataji.

The text is structured into various sections, each dedicated to a specific form of devotional worship or practice, as indicated by the detailed table of contents:

1. Ratrik (Daily) Pratikraman: This section likely deals with the daily repentance and purification rituals performed by Jain ascetics or practitioners.
2. Pakshik Pratikraman-Vidhi: This covers the fortnightly repentance rituals.
3. Shravak Pratikraman: This section focuses on the repentance rituals specifically for lay followers (Shravakas).
4. Shri Iiyapath Bhakti: Devotion related to the righteous path or conduct.
5. Shri Siddh Bhakti: Devotion towards the liberated souls (Siddhas).
6. Shri Chaitya Bhakti: Devotion towards temples or sacred shrines.
7. Shri Shrut Bhakti: Devotion towards Jain scriptures or knowledge.
8. Shri Charitra Bhakti: Devotion towards righteous conduct or vows.
9. Shri Yogi Bhakti: Devotion towards yogis or ascetics.
10. Shri Acharya Bhakti: Devotion towards the spiritual preceptors (Acharyas).
11. Shri Pancha MahaGuru Bhakti: Devotion towards the five supreme gurus (Arhat, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu).
12. Shri Shanti Bhakti: Devotion towards achieving peace.
13. Shri Samadhi Bhakti (Priyam Bhakti): Devotion towards attaining equanimity and peace of mind.
14. Shri Nirvana Bhakti: Devotion towards liberation or salvation.
15. Shri Nandishwar Bhakti: Devotion towards Nandishwar Dweep, a sacred abode in Jain cosmology.

The provided pages delve into the initial sections, focusing heavily on the concept and practice of Pratikraman (repentance/atonement).

Key themes and practices covered in the excerpt:

• Pratikraman as Purification: The text emphasizes that Pratikraman is the process of rectifying past errors and purifying oneself from sins generated by negligence (pramada). It's a way to shed the accumulated karmic impurities from multiple lifetimes.
• Vows and Renunciations: The text details the vows taken, such as the five Mahavratas (great vows of Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha) and the five Samitis (right conduct in walking, speech, eating, taking and leaving, and excretion). It also explains the Panca-Indriya Nirodh (control of the five senses) and the six essential daily duties (Shad Avashyakas).
• The 28 Mulgunas (Fundamental Virtues): The text elaborates on the 28 fundamental virtues or conduct rules that monks adhere to, including practices like 'loch' (plucking out hair), 'acelakatva' (nudity/non-possession of clothes), 'asnan' (abstaining from bathing), 'bhumishayan' (sleeping on the ground), 'adantavanan' (not cleaning teeth with a brush), 'sthiti bhojan' (eating while standing), and 'ekabhakta' (eating only once a day).
• Detailed Description of Ethical Conduct: The book meticulously outlines the 46 defects related to 'Eshana Samiti' (proper conduct during alms rounds and receiving food), distinguishing between 'udgam dosh' (defects in the preparation or offering of food) and 'utpadan dosh' (defects related to the monk's conduct while receiving food). It also details the 32 obstacles ('antaray') and 14 impurities ('mal') that can affect alms.
• The Five Mahavratas: The text dedicates significant space to explaining the five Mahavratas (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession), detailing their significance and the ethical conduct required for their observance.
• The Five Samitis: It provides detailed explanations of each of the five Samitis, which are crucial for monks to practice to avoid causing harm to microscopic organisms ('nigoda').
• The Five Indriya Nirodhas: The control of the five senses (touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing) is explained as a vital aspect of yogic and monastic practice.
• Six Avashyakas: The six essential daily duties of a Jain monk are described: Samayika (equanimity), Stuti (praise of Tirthankaras), Vandana (obeisance), Pratikraman (repentance), Pratyakhyana (renunciation), and Vyutsarga (abandonment of the body's attachment).
• The 28 Mulgunas: The text lists and explains the 28 fundamental virtues for monks, including practices like Louch (plucking hair), unclothed state (acelakatva), not bathing (asnan), sleeping on the ground (bhumishayan), not cleaning teeth (adantavanan), eating while standing (sthiti bhojan), and eating once a day (ekabhakta).
• The concept of "Achar": The text discusses the different types of Achar (conduct) such as Jnanachar (conduct related to knowledge), Darshanachar (conduct related to faith), Viryachar (conduct related to effort/energy), Tapachar (conduct related to austerities), and Charitranachar (conduct related to righteous living).
• The concept of "Atichar" and "Anachar": The text details various lapses or deviations ('atichar') and gross misconduct ('anachar') that can occur in observing these practices and vows.
• Renunciation and Atonement: A significant portion of the text involves the process of repentance ('pratikraman') for these lapses, emphasizing the need for sincere confession, self-criticism, and seeking forgiveness.
• Invocations and Prayers: The text includes various invocations and prayers, particularly the Namokar Mantra, and praises for the Tirthankaras, Siddhas, Acharyas, and other venerated beings, highlighting the importance of devotion and seeking their blessings.
• Philosophical Underpinnings: The text touches upon Jain philosophical concepts like karma, soul, liberation, and the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct (Ratna-traya).

The provided pages meticulously detail the Pratikraman process, starting with the initial vows and affirmations, moving through the detailed confession of faults related to each category of conduct and elemental beings, and concluding with prayers for purification and spiritual progress. The detailed explanations of the 28 Mulgunas, the five Samitis, and the various defects or lapses highlight the rigorous ethical framework and devotional practices prescribed in Jainism for spiritual advancement. The text appears to be a guide for performing these complex rituals with the correct understanding and intention.