Vishwa Shiksha Kulakam - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vishwa Shiksha Kulakam" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vishwa Shiksha Kulakam Author(s): Purushottam Jain, Ravindra Jain Publisher: Purshottam Jain, Ravindra Jain Core Content: The book "Vishwa Shiksha Kulakam" is a compilation of teachings and guidelines related to the Jain monastic and lay follower conduct, attributed to Acharya Mani Dhari Shri Jin Chandra Suri Ji Maharaj. The text provides a detailed outline of the principles governing the behavior and responsibilities of Sadhus (monks), Sadhvis (nuns), Upasak (male lay followers), and Upasika (female lay followers).

About Acharya Mani Dhari Shri Jin Chandra Suri Ji Maharaj:

Lineage and Prominence: He was a prominent Acharya from the Swetambar Jain Khartargachh, succeeding Acharya Jin Datta Suri. He is described as a highly talented scholar and a propagator of Jainism.
Prophecy of Birth: The text recounts a prophecy by his guru, Acharya Jin Datta Suri, stating that his successor would be a celestial being reborn on Earth. This successor was to be born to Dalhan Devi, the younger wife of Seth Rasal of Vikrampur.
Early Life and Initiation: Born in Vikram Samvat (V.S.) 1197, Acharya Jin Chandra Suri Ji displayed exceptional brilliance from a young age. He took initiation (diksha) at the tender age of six and attained the Acharya pada (position) at the age of eight, a rare event in Jain history.
Education and Training: Under the guidance of his guru, Acharya Jin Datta Suri, he mastered various subjects, including Jain Agamas, mantras, tantras, and astrology. He was always devoted to serving his guru.
Guru's Guidance and Warning: Acharya Jin Datta Suri had great affection for him and imparted extensive knowledge. He also warned Jin Chandra Suri Ji not to go to Delhi due to the presence of malevolent deities and sorceresses, and also because his astrological calculations indicated a risk to his life there.
Succession and Preaching: Upon the passing of Acharya Jin Datta Suri in V.S. 1211, Acharya Jin Chandra Suri Ji assumed responsibility for the entire Gachh (sect). He actively propagated Jainism in various cities like Mathura, Bhim Palli, and Marot, attracting many individuals to monastic and lay life. He also oversaw the construction and consecration of Jain temples.
Miracles and Influence: His life was filled with miracles. He once protected a large sangh (group) from dacoits by drawing a protective circle. He was called "Mani Dhari" because a gem was present on his forehead from birth. This gem was prophesied to be consumed with milk after his demise, but it was reportedly taken by a yogi. He also demonstrated his powers by making a merchant named Kul Chandra a millionaire and even preached to a deity.
Visit to Delhi: Despite his guru's warning, he eventually visited Delhi at the request of King Madan Pal (Anang Pal). He was received with royal honors, and the king and his subjects listened to his sermons.
Demise: Acharya Jin Chandra Suri Ji passed away in V.S. 1223, on the second day of Bhadrapada, month. His final words included a prophecy that the farther his cremation site was from the city, the greater the city's population would grow. His cremation took place near Qutub Minar in Mehrauli, Delhi, where his samadhi sthal (mausoleum) is located.

About the Book "Vishwa Shiksha Kulakam":

Authorship and Translation: The book is attributed as the sole surviving work of Acharya Jin Chandra Suri Ji Maharaj. The translation and compilation were done by Ravindra Jain and Purushottam Jain.
Language and Subject Matter: The original text is in Ardha Magadhi Prakrit. The book deals with the discipline and etiquette of Sadhus, Sadhvis, Upasaks, and Upasikas. It delves deeply into these subjects.
Praise and Acknowledgment: The book acknowledges the contribution of Shri Vinod Daryapurkar, Chairman of Jain World Foundation USA, for making the book accessible globally through the Jain World website. Gratitude is also extended to Shri Muhammad Shabbir (Yunairha Computers) for his support. The translators also seek forgiveness for any errors in the translation and welcome suggestions for future editions.

Key Teachings from "Vishwa Shiksha Kulakam":

The text provides a set of guidelines covering various aspects of Jain spiritual life:

Importance of the Guru: Strong emphasis is placed on devotion, respect, awe, and obedience towards the Guru. Disrespectful or critical disciples are considered enemies of the Guru.
Qualities of a True Disciple: A disciple who possesses right faith (samyak darshan) and right knowledge (samyak jnan) and acts according to the time and place is considered a true preacher of pure Dharma.
Qualities of a Great Guru: Gurus possessing virtues like forgiveness, knowledge of various principles, and who are not afraid of debates are considered paramount spiritual guides.
Adherence to Agamas and Guru's Commands: All actions, whether it's studying, meditating, traveling, performing penance, eating, sleeping, giving donations, or acquiring knowledge, should be done according to the Guru's command. Disobedience to the Guru leads to wandering in the wilderness of the world.
Rules for Sadhus and Sadhvis:
- Conduct: Sadhus should not deviate from their path. They should not accept things without the Guru's explicit instruction.
- Protection of Sadhvis: The appointed guardian of Sadhvis must act according to the Guru's directives. Sadhvis should respect and obey their guardian as they would their Guru.
- Receiving Gifts: Gifts from relatives for Sadhvis should only be accepted with the guardian's permission. If the guardian redirects these gifts, Sadhvis should accept them. Disregarding the guardian's instructions and acting according to personal will is a breach of discipline.
- Greed of Guardians: A guardian who withholds gifts from Sadhvis due to greed is considered corrupt and incapable of fulfilling their role.
Lay Follower's Responsibilities (Upasakas/Upasikas):
- Religious Funds: Lay followers should categorize their donations into Dev Dravya (for deities), Gyan Dravya (for knowledge), and Sadharan Dravya (general religious purposes).
- Purity of Intent: Sadhus and Sadhvis who accept donations and then misuse them are considered to have deviated from the path and will face negative consequences.
- Harmony: Disputes among monks, nuns, and lay followers are a disrespect to the Dharma and lead to a loss of right faith.
- Food and Sustenance: Sadhus and Sadhvis should not waste food and water received from householders. Those who hoard sexual energy and do not disclose it to their Guru are also considered fallen.
- Righteous Living: Lay followers should strive to earn a living and fulfill their familial duties while also supporting the spiritual community. Failure to support Sadhus and Sadhvis can undermine their right faith.
- Service to Gurus: Serving Gurus, cultivating attachment to Dharma, enhancing the Guru's well-being, and engaging in physical service are signs of right vision.
- Generosity: Virtuous lay followers are encouraged to donate a portion of their earnings for the welfare of Sadhus. Even those with limited means should make an effort to provide essentials.
- Avoiding Misconduct: Lay followers should not engage in disputes or disrespect fellow Dharma practitioners.
Acceptance of Conditions: The text emphasizes the importance of understanding and following the principles outlined by the Āgamas and enlightened Acharyas. Ignorant adherence without understanding is not considered right faith.
The Nature of Penance and Difficulties: The text discusses how to navigate difficult situations, illness, or adverse circumstances. It states that the Tirthankara does not prohibit or mandate specific actions but emphasizes sincerity of intention. During hardships, a sadhu should act with dignity and caution.
Support during Famine and Crisis: The text allows for the acceptance of food and provisions under difficult circumstances such as famine, political unrest, or illness, acknowledging that "apavada" (exceptions) exist for such situations.
Dharma as a Protective Fence: The community of Sadhus, Sadhvis, and lay followers is described as a protective fence for the tree of Dharma. Neglecting or denigrating them breaks this fence and leads to spiritual downfall.
The Importance of Self-Reflection and Compassion: Great souls are those who do not get angry upon hearing negative words and who inspire others towards Dharma. Individuals with self-awareness and a desire for the welfare of all beings, free from attachment and ego, should follow the Guru's commands diligently.

In essence, "Vishwa Shiksha Kulakam" serves as a foundational text within Jainism, providing a moral and ethical framework for all followers, emphasizing the paramount role of the Guru and the disciplined conduct necessary for spiritual progress.