Vinshativinshika Prakaranam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vinshativinshika Prakaranam" by Haribhadrasuri and Kulchandrasuri, based on the provided text:

Title: Vinshativinshika Prakaranam (A Treatise of Twenty Chapters)

Authors: Haribhadrasuri (original author), Kulchandrasuri (commentator)

Publisher: Shree Jain Sangh, Sihor (Saurashtra)

Overview:

The "Vinshativinshika Prakaranam" is a significant Jain text composed by the renowned scholar Haribhadrasuri, consisting of twenty "Vimshikas" (chapters or sections), each typically comprising around twenty verses. The text is highly praised for its ability to encapsulate profound philosophical concepts and practical guidance within a concise format, true to the saying "Sindhu in a drop." The work is further enriched by a detailed Sanskrit commentary by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Kulchandrasurishwarji Maharaj, who undertook the challenging task of explaining the complex and often abbreviated teachings of Haribhadrasuri, addressing the lack of prior commentaries on this particular work.

The summary below details the content of each of the twenty Vimshikas as described in the preface:

Summary of Each Vimshika:

Adhikara Vimshika (Chapter on Authority/Scope): This Vimshika begins by mentioning the names of all twenty Vimshikas in order. It emphasizes that one should not abandon virtuous acts even when faced with the jealousy or hatred of wicked individuals. It concludes by stating the necessity of equanimity and clear intellect for achieving philosophical understanding. It also highlights the importance of respect for teachers, service to ascetics and the helpless, and how these practices help advanced souls progress on the path to liberation.
Lokanaaditva Vimshika (Chapter on the World's Beginninglessness): This section argues, using scriptural evidence and logical reasoning, that the universe, composed of the five eternal substances (Astikayas), has existed eternally and was not created by any God. It also touches upon the impossibility of an eternally free being being the creator.
Kulneeti Lokadharma Vimshika (Chapter on Family Ethics and Worldly Duties): This Vimshika discusses various traditional and ethical practices considered as dharma within families and society, even if not explicitly forbidden in scriptures. Examples include grooming and serving one's husband for women, lighting lamps at sunset, worshipping constellations, remembering revered figures, and superstitions. It also elaborates on marital duties and the importance of maintaining chastity. It states that adherence to such practices leads to worldly welfare. The chapter also notes that some virtues like abstaining from alcohol and respecting women are seen even among those considered outcasts. It argues that worldly duties, when performed with detachment and not driven by ignorance or false asceticism, can be beneficial.
Charama Parivarta Vimshika (Chapter on the Final Cycle of Existence): This chapter explains that the attainment of pure dharma occurs in the final "Pudgala Paravarta" (cycle of matter interaction). In earlier cycles, even the aspiration for liberation might be absent. It defines "Pudgala Paravarta" and explains that pure dharma is attained through the subtle play of inherent impurities. It further states that in the latter cycles, souls gain the ability to correctly discern what is to be avoided (Heva) and what is to be embraced (Upadeya). It emphasizes that the confluence of time, nature, destiny, karma, and effort leads to the accomplishment of true tasks, with time being a primary factor. It contrasts the non-final cycles as childhood or madness in terms of religious understanding, while the final cycle is considered youth for religious practice.
Dharmabijaadi Vimshika (Chapter on the Seeds, etc., of Dharma): This Vimshika identifies the seeds, sprouts, trunk, leaves, flowers, and fruits of dharma, asserting that their acquisition is possible only in the final cycle. It discusses the continuous and discontinuous attainment of these dharma-elements and analyzes the concept of "Abhavyatva" (incapacity for liberation). It elaborates on the relative strength of destiny and personal effort, concluding that both are powerful in their respective domains and that all actions arise from the combination of both. It encourages souls in the final cycle to abandon fleeting pleasures and pursue dharma seeds and sprouts through effort.
Shuddhadharma Vimshika (Chapter on Pure Dharma): This section discusses pure dharma, stating that it is obtained through a gradual process leading to right faith (Samyagdarshan). It describes the process of overcoming karmic states (especially the eight types of karma) and achieving "Yathapravrittikaran," "Apuvvaakaran," and "Anivrittikaran" to attain right faith. It outlines the results of right faith, such as tranquility, contemplation, detachment, compassion, and faith (Aastikya). It explains the location of right faith in the fourth and seventh stages of spiritual progress (Gun Sthanas) from a behavioral and absolute perspective, respectively. It concludes that right faith is essential for making acts of charity, morality, penance, and devotion pure and conducive to liberation.
Daan Vimshika (Chapter on Charity): This chapter elaborates on the dharma of charity, identifying its three main types: knowledge-charity (Gyana Daan), fearlessness-charity (Abhaya Daan), and charity to the worthy (Supatra Daan). It discusses who are the rightful recipients and donors of these charities, and the proper methods of giving. It also emphasizes the importance of compassionate charity and states that other virtues are attained through the virtue of charity.
Poojavidhi Vimshika (Chapter on Worship Procedures): This chapter delineates the procedures for Jin worship. It discusses the qualifications of those who perform worship and the materials used. It categorizes worship into three types: Samatbhadra, Sarvamangala, and Sarva Siddhi Phala, emphasizing the prominence of body, speech, and mind in each, respectively. It states that the rightful performers are those with right faith and those who follow advanced vows. It also discusses the benefits of worship, the five-step and eight-step rituals, and compares the worship of self-created versus guru-created idols, offering a balanced perspective based on Sadvada (Syadvada). It compares the act of worship to a drop of water in the ocean becoming eternal, stating that anything offered in Jin worship becomes eternal and brings eternal happiness. It encourages performing Jin worship with complete reverence as a means to cross the ocean of worldly existence.
Shravak Dharma Vimshika (Chapter on Lay Follower's Duties): This section describes the duties of a lay follower (Shravaka), outlining the six characteristics of a "Bhav Shravaka" (spiritual lay follower) and the twelve vows. It explains that after attaining right faith, one progresses through stages of karmic states to achieve partial renunciation (Deshvirati). It emphasizes the importance of formally accepting the duties of a lay follower from a good teacher, cultivating seven types of vigilance, maintaining existing spiritual qualities, developing dormant virtues, residing in the vicinity of fellow lay followers, temples, and ascetics. It provides detailed guidance on daily routines from waking to sleeping, including what to do if one wakes up in the middle of the night. It concludes that those who live according to the prescribed methods will manifest the result of complete renunciation.
Shravaka Pratima Vimshika (Chapter on Lay Follower's Stages): This chapter elaborates on the eleven stages or vows of a lay follower, a topic also discussed in texts like "Panchalakji" and "Upasaka Dashang."
Yati Dharma Vimshika (Chapter on Ascetic's Duties): This section outlines the duties of an ascetic (Yati), discussing the ten types of ascetic dharma and five types of forgiveness. It compares the attainment of complete renunciation (Sarva Virati) to overcoming the mountain of delusion in the forest of worldly existence. It also describes five types of qualities like simplicity and humility. It further details seventeen types of restraints (Sanyam) and discusses virtues like truthfulness, purity, non-possession (Akincanata), and celibacy (Brahmacharya). It concludes by suggesting the contemplation of ascetic duties according to the principle of self and other realization.
Yati Shiksha Vimshika (Chapter on Ascetic's Training): This chapter focuses on the training and adherence to scriptural knowledge for an ascetic. It states that an ascetic gains greater joy from these disciplines than a monarch from their kingdom. It emphasizes the importance of diligently receiving and understanding scriptural knowledge (Agama) from a guru according to proper procedures, internalizing its meaning and higher truths, and diligently practicing accordingly. It warns that hearing without practice yields no specific spiritual benefit and can be detrimental if practiced incorrectly. It further outlines four types of adherence: affection, devotion, speech, and non-attached practice (Asanga Anushthan). It uses the analogy of a sick person consuming improper food to show that an ascetic practicing contrary to the scriptures, even outwardly observing rituals, will not gain spiritual benefit.
Shuddha Bhiksha Vidhi Vimshika (Chapter on Pure Alms-Collecting): This chapter details the rules for pure alms-collecting for ascetics. It states that an ascetic can accept alms, clothing, and shelter that are free from 42 specific defects, including 16 defects in collection (Udgama), 16 in production (Utpadana), and 10 in reception (Eshana). It emphasizes that pure alms-giving can only occur if the five defects related to food are avoided. It also discusses the seven types of alms-collection principles and four principles for water. It mentions the importance of a blameless dwelling free from women and animals.
Ashuddhilina Bhikshaantaraya Vimshika (Chapter on Impurity Signs and Obstacles in Alms-Collecting): This chapter discusses the methods for identifying impurity in alms-related matters. Following the teachings from the fifth chapter of Dashavaikalika Sutra, it explains that upon receiving the opportunity to go for alms after scriptural study, one should carefully check the purity of the circumstances in three ways. If impurities are observed through mind, speech, or body, one should restart the process after performing rituals like saluting the temple. It also mentions that even with pure circumstances, certain obstacles in alms-collecting should be considered prohibitive. The text notes that the original verses for this Vimshika are incomplete, and the commentator has supplemented them based on the "Moolachar" text.
Alochana Vidhi Vimshika (Chapter on Confession Procedures): This section extensively covers confession. It begins by discussing the procedure and timing of confession. It urges disciples and lay followers to confess their faults to their guru without hiding anything, similar to a patient not hiding their illness from a doctor. It compares faults to thorns and emphasizes that purity of faults comes not just from penance but from exposing the thorn of faults through confession, otherwise, these thorns become the cause of prolonged wandering in the cycle of birth and death. It stresses the importance of immediate confession of faults to stabilize the mind in the path of conduct. It concludes that purity of faults is achieved by confessing to the guru with strong renunciation and penance, which are more potent than the feelings during the commission of the sin.
Prayashchitta Vidhi Vimshika (Chapter on Penance Procedures): This chapter defines penance, explains its necessity, lists ten types of penance, and discusses the appropriate penance for various occasions. It states that a practitioner who undergoes penance after confession receives favorable circumstances in future lives and the enthusiasm to utilize them well. Therefore, it advises properly bearing the penance prescribed by the guru after confession to attain the bliss of liberation.
Yoga Vidhi Vimshika (Chapter on Yoga Procedures): This chapter offers a profound analysis of Yoga, detailing its five types. It categorizes Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga and discusses their respective performers, desires, and gradual variations. It explains the underlying principles, causes like faith, and five resulting actions like compassion. It connects these concepts to the interpretation of rituals like Chaitya Vandan. It also prohibits the practice of improper methods due to fear of temple destruction, and warns against initiating unqualified individuals into Yoga. It encourages adherence to prescribed methods in worship, leaving aside societal opinions. It concludes by discussing the four types of adherence (preeti, bhakti, vachan, asanga), the concepts of support and unsupported states, and ultimately the attainment of omniscience and liberation after crossing the ocean of attachment through unsupported Yoga.
Kevalagnaan Vimshika (Chapter on Omniscience): This chapter extensively discusses omniscience (Kevalagnaan). It portrays omniscience as the non-dual state of knowledge and perception, encompassing all time, all substances, qualities, and states. It explains that the form of knowledge is not a reflection but a state of grasping the known. It clarifies that omniscience is incorporeal. It provides a detailed analysis of the equanimity in omniscience using the example of light and concludes by describing the attainment of the Siddha state as the fruit of omniscience.
Siddha Vibhakti Vimshika (Chapter on the Divisions of Siddhas): This section provides a detailed description of the fifteen divisions of Siddhas (liberated souls). It elaborates on the liberation of women and the number of Siddhas attained in different time intervals. It states that all Siddhas enjoy infinite happiness, free from comparisons, and reside together in the same spatial dimension.
Siddha Sukha Vimshika (Chapter on the Bliss of Siddhas): The final Vimshika discusses the bliss of Siddhas with illustrations, scriptural evidence, and logical reasoning. It elaborates on eight aspects of Siddha bliss: (1) resulting from the destruction of karma, (2) self-experienced, (3) infinitely superior to all worldly pleasures, (4) eternal (Kshaya), not acquired through partial destruction and manifestation (Kshayopashama), (5) independent of body, senses, mind, or any association, (6) free from eagerness, (7) mutually non-obstructive, and (8) natural.

Commentary and Significance:

The commentary by Kulchandrasuri is highly regarded for its scholarly depth, patience, and perseverance. It clarifies many subtle and complex points of Haribhadrasuri's philosophy, which is often condensed into brief statements. The commentary draws upon various scriptural traditions and provides cross-references to other Jain works. It highlights the "Kula Niti Dharma" (family ethical codes) and the "Srishti Vada Mimamsa" (discussion on creation theories) as particularly noteworthy aspects of the original text. The commentary's richness stems from its detailed analysis of concepts like the definition of "Pudgala Paravarta," the contemplation of the five causes, the explanation of dharma seeds, the process of attaining right faith, the scriptural discussion of charity, worship procedures and their fruits, the compilation of lay follower's duties, the proper exposition of lay follower stages, the precise definition of ascetic dharma and its sub-categories, the exceptional skill in ascetic training, the indication of alms-collecting purity, the revelation of obstacles in alms-collecting, the cautious presentation of confession and penance, the analysis of yoga types, the arrangement of meditation according to different perspectives (Naya), and the simplified explanation of Siddha bliss using mathematical terms.

The preface also acknowledges the valuable contributions of various scholars and individuals who assisted in the publication of this edition, including Acharya Shrimad Vijay Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj, Munivar Shriyashovijayji, Acharya Shri Munehchandrasurishwarji Maharaj, Nyas Shri Abhayashekharvijayji Ganivarya, Nyas Shri Rashmiratnavijayji Ganivarya, Munivar Shri Taporatanvijayji, Munivar Shri Kalyanbodhvijayji, and Pandit Vasantbhai of Mahesana Pathshala.

In essence, the "Vinshativinshika Prakaranam" with its commentary serves as a comprehensive guide to Jain philosophy, ethics, and practice, making the profound teachings of Haribhadrasuri accessible to a wider audience.