Virprabhuna Vachano Part 1

This document is the first part of a collection of sayings and teachings of Lord Mahavir, titled "Virprabhuna Vachano Part 1" (वीरप्रभुना वचनो भाग - १).

Here's a breakdown of the content:

• Title: Virprabhuna Vachano Part 1 (वीरप्रभुना वचनो भाग - १)
• Author: Ramanlal C. Shah ( રમણલાલ ચી. શાહ )
• Publisher: Shree Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh ( શ્રી મુંબઈ જૈન યુવક સંઘ )
• Publication Details: First Published: January 2000, Second Edition: October 2001. The book is priced at Rs. 80-00 and has no copyright.
• Dedication: The book is respectfully dedicated to Param Pujya Shasanprabhavika Vidushi Sadhvi Shri Nipunashriji Maharaj Saheb ( પ. પૂ. શાસનપ્રભાવિકા વિદુષી સાધ્વી શ્રી નિપુણાશ્રીજી મહારાજ સાહેબ ).
• Author's Works: Page 5 and 6 list an extensive bibliography of Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah's published works, spanning various genres including plays, biographies, travelogues, essays, literary criticism, research and editing, and religious/philosophical texts.
• Copyright Release: Page 7 contains a declaration from Ramanlal C. Shah releasing all copyrights for his published works, including translations, abridgments, and republications, and also waiving copyright for any future writings.

Content of the Sayings (Vachano):

The book then presents a series of Lord Mahavir's sayings (vachano) with explanations. Here are the key sayings and their summarized meanings as presented in the text:

1. काले कालं समायरे (Kāle kālaṁ samāre): "At the right time, do the right deed." This emphasizes the importance of timely action in all aspects of life, from daily routines to spiritual practices. It highlights that time is constantly flowing and the present moment is crucial for effective action.
2. णाइवेलं वएजा (Naivelam vaejā): "Do not speak excessively" or "Do not speak without limit." This advises against excessive talking or speaking beyond the appropriate time and context. It stresses the importance of measured speech and avoiding gossip, slander, and unnecessary chatter, especially for monks and spiritual practitioners.
3. आतुरा परितावेन्ति (Āturā paritāventi): "The eager/impatient cause distress." This points out that impatient and restless individuals, driven by their desires and anxieties, often cause trouble and suffering not only to themselves but also to others. This section discusses various forms of "eagerness" like greed for wealth, desire for fame, lust, and hunger, and how they lead to negative actions and suffering.
4. दुक्करं करेउं तारुण्णे समणत्तणं (Dukkaraṁ kareuṁ tāruṇṇe śamaṇatanaṁ): "In youth, the practice of asceticism is difficult." This chapter addresses the challenges faced by young monks and ascetics in adhering to strict spiritual disciplines. It acknowledges the powerful influence of youth, including strong desires and emotions, and the immense effort required to maintain celibacy and detachment. It also discusses various weaknesses and misconduct found among some monks.
5. जं छन्नं तं न वत्तव्यं (Jaṁ channaṁ taṁ na vattavyaṁ): "That which is to be kept secret should not be spoken." This emphasizes the importance of discretion and confidentiality. It advises against revealing private matters, secrets, or gossip, highlighting that such indiscretion can lead to negative consequences, damage reputation, and cause harm. The text differentiates between professional journalism that uncovers truths for public good and malicious gossip or betrayal of trust.
6. अट्ठजुत्ताणि सिक्खिजा, निराणि उ वजिए (Aṭṭhayuttāṇi sikkhijā, nirāṇi u vajie): "Learn meaningful things; renounce meaningless ones." This encourages learning and acquiring knowledge that is beneficial and purposeful, while discarding trivial, useless, or harmful information. It stresses the importance of discernment in what one learns and listens to.
7. आयंकदंसी न करेइ पावं (Ātaṅkadansī na karei pāvaṁ): "One who understands the nature of suffering does not commit sin." This highlights that true understanding of the causes and consequences of suffering (sin/paap) naturally leads to avoidance of sinful actions. It explains that recognizing the painful outcomes of wrongdoing prevents one from engaging in such acts.
8. नातिवेलं हसे मुणी (Nātivelaṁ hase muṇī): "Monks should not laugh excessively." This advises monks and spiritual practitioners to maintain dignity and composure, avoiding unrestrained or excessive laughter. While acknowledging the health benefits and naturalness of laughter, it emphasizes that for ascetics, excessive mirth can undermine their spiritual gravitas and lead to inappropriate behavior.
9. मायन्ने असणपाणस्स (Māyāññe asaṇapāṇassa): "Knowers of the measure of food and drink." This emphasizes the importance of moderation and understanding the correct quantities of food and drink. It suggests that by knowing and adhering to the right measure, one can avoid illness, maintain health, and support spiritual practices, ultimately leading to a life free from dependence and distress.
10. अन्ने हरंति तं वित्तं (Anne haranti taṁ vittaṁ): "Others carry away that wealth." This reflects on the impermanence and external nature of material wealth. It suggests that wealth can be lost through various means like theft, fraud, economic downturns, or simply by not using it wisely. The text touches upon the idea that true wealth is internal and spiritual.
11. परिग्गह निविट्ठाणं वेरं तेसिं पवड्ढई (Parigraha niviṭṭhāṇaṁ veraṁ tesiṁ pavaḍḍhaī): "Those engrossed in accumulation increase enmity." This points out that excessive attachment to material possessions and accumulation (parigraha) often leads to conflict, jealousy, and enmity with others. It suggests that the pursuit of wealth can foster negative emotions and strained relationships.
12. लोभाविले आययईं अदत्तं (Lobhāvile āyayaīṁ adattaṁ): "The greedy, corrupted by desire, take what is not given." This highlights how greed and excessive desire can lead individuals to transgress ethical boundaries, including theft or taking what does not belong to them. It discusses how materialistic attractions can corrupt a person's mind and actions.
13. मोहरिते सच्चवयणस्स पलिमंथू (Moharite saccavayaṇassa palimanṭhū): "Through garrulity, the truth is obstructed." This emphasizes that excessive talking, chatter, or garrulity can distort or obscure the truth. It suggests that when one talks too much, the clarity and integrity of their speech are compromised, making it difficult to convey or maintain the truth.
14. अलं बालस्स संगेणं (Ataṁ bālassa saṅgeṇaṁ): "It is enough to associate with the ignorant." This advises against associating with the immature, ignorant, or ill-intentioned. It highlights the negative influence of bad company and the importance of choosing associations wisely to avoid moral and spiritual degradation.
15. असंविभागी न हु तस्स मोक्खो (Asaṁvibhāgī na hu tassa mokkho): "One who does not share or distribute does not attain liberation." This states that liberation (moksha) is not possible for someone who is unwilling to share their resources, wealth, or knowledge with others. It emphasizes the importance of generosity, distribution, and a charitable spirit in the pursuit of spiritual goals.

In essence, "Virprabhuna Vachano Part 1" serves as a guide to understanding and implementing the profound wisdom of Lord Mahavir in daily life and spiritual practice, with a focus on ethical conduct, moderation, discretion, truthfulness, righteous association, and generosity.