Vivek Vilas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vivek Vilas," authored by Bhimji Harjivan and published by Meghji Hirji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vivek Vilas (or "Vivek Vilas Kiwa Sree Purush Na Sacha Salahkar" - Vivek Vilas, or the True Advisor for Men and Women)

Author: Acharya Shri Jinadattasuri (written in the form of a dialogue between the Guru and disciple)

Compiler/Publisher: Bhimji Harjivan, Sushil, Shivsadan, Madhda (Kathiawad) (Compiler of the Fourth Edition); Meghji Hirji, 569 Paydhuni, Mumbai (Publisher)

Publication Details:

• Fourth Edition
• Published in Vikram Samvat 1969 (which corresponds to 1912-1913 CE, though Page 4 mentions printing in 1920 CE, indicating a later publication date for this specific edition or printing).
• Printed by Shahu Gulabchand Lalbhai at Anand Printing Press, Bhavnagar, for Meghji Hirji Bookseller, Mumbai.
• Price: Rs. 2-8-0

Core Purpose and Nature of the Book:

"Vivek Vilas" is essentially a guide and advisor for both men and women, presented as a dialogue between a Guru (Suri) and his disciple. The book aims to impart practical wisdom and ethical guidance on various aspects of life, drawing heavily from Jain philosophy and principles. It covers a wide range of topics, touching upon daily conduct, health, spiritual practices, social responsibilities, and philosophical insights.

Key Themes and Content Areas (as indicated by the Table of Contents and introductory sections):

The book is structured into numerous chapters, each exploring a specific aspect of life and conduct. Some of the prominent themes include:

1. Daily Routine and Health:

   • Waking up at the proper time (Amrit).
   • Causes of nightmares and when dreams might come true.
   • Methods to overcome anger (Mala Prakop).
   • The importance of drinking water and proper excretion (Malotsarg).
   • The necessity of exercise.
   • The impact of diet on the mind.
   • Methods of teeth cleaning (Dantdhavan vidhi), nasal cleansing with water (Karna Kshepan), and paying respects to parents.
   • Bathing rituals (Snaan Vidhi), including the benefits of oil massage (Telabhya), auspicious times for bathing, and the relationship between bathing and constellations.
   • Proper wearing of clothes and their relationship with days and constellations.
   • The etiquette of eating (Tambul bhaan vidhi nyay), food combinations, and the importance of timely meals.
   • Understanding indigestion and its types.
   • The significance of mother's or sister's cooking.
   • Proper times and places for eating, and identifying poisonous food.

2. Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha: The book addresses the pursuit of the four Purusharthas, emphasizing Dharma as the foundation.

3. Dharma and Righteous Living:

   • The importance of wealth acquisition through ethical means (Artha) and the balance between accumulation and renunciation.
   • Various avenues for earning wealth, the significance of agriculture, and the necessity of food storage.
   • Qualities of a good merchant, including honesty and caution.
   • The relationship between business and Dharma.
   • The importance of character and conduct.
   • Understanding wealth (Lakshmi) and its proper management.

4. Social Conduct and Governance:

   • Qualities of a good king and minister.
   • How a merchant's son can serve as a minister.
   • The role and virtues of a commander (Senapati).
   • Dignified behavior in assemblies and offering advice to superiors.
   • The characteristics of a good guest and the importance of guest service (Atithi Seva).
   • The significance of Anna Daan (food donation).

5. Human Nature and Character Analysis:

   • Understanding human characteristics based on physical features, including palmistry (Hasta Samudrika Shastra), hand lines, finger analysis, and palm color.
   • Identifying auspicious and inauspicious signs in the body (e.g., moles, birthmarks).
   • Examining characteristics of men and women based on their physical attributes, gait, voice, and outward appearance to understand their nature and destiny.
   • Analysis of different types of women (Padmini, Chitini, Shankhini, Hastini) based on their physical characteristics and behavior.
   • The importance of virtuous qualities in women.
   • Discussion on marital relationships, the sanctity of marriage, the avoidance of child marriage, and the negative impacts of marrying incompatible partners.
   • The effects of negative traits in women (e.g., quarrelsome, addicted to vices).
   • The impact of age difference in marriage.
   • The growing problem of widowhood and its societal implications.
   • The importance of observing strict rules and regulations for women during their menstrual cycles and pregnancy.
   • The role of auspicious days and times for various activities, including childbirth and marriage.

6. Philosophy and Spirituality:

   • Discussions on various philosophical schools (Darshan Shastra), including Jainism, Mimamsa, Buddhism, Sankhya, Shaivism, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, and Nastika.
   • Explanation of core Jain concepts like Anekantavada (multi-faceted reality) and Syadvada.
   • The nine Tattvas (principles) in Jainism: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punya (merit), Papa (demerit), Ashrava (influx of karma), Samvara (stoppage of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).
   • The importance of meditation (Dhyan) and yogic practices.

7. Astrology and Omens (Shukanshastra):

   • Interpretation of dreams.
   • Understanding omens and their significance in predicting future events, including national calamities and individual fortunes.
   • The influence of stars and planets on human life.
   • Analyzing physical characteristics (like palm lines, facial features, gait) to predict destiny.

8. Health and Well-being:

   • The book emphasizes holistic health, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
   • It details practices that promote longevity and disease prevention, often rooted in Ayurvedic principles.

9. Social Reform and Morality:

   • The compiler, Bhimji Harjivan, expresses a desire to present the book in a new style, incorporating relevant commentary and organization.
   • The text advocates for ethical conduct, truthfulness, and moral uprightness.
   • It critiques societal ills like child marriage, the dowry system, and the misuse of wealth.
   • A strong emphasis is placed on the importance of good character and avoiding negative influences.
   • The book seems to encourage Swadeshi (indigenous products and practices), as seen in the dedication to Acharya Shri Kamal Surishwar Maharaj, who adopted the Swadeshi vrat.

10. Practical Advice and Etiquette:

    • Guidance on various social interactions and personal conduct.
    • Instructions on how to behave in different situations and with different people.
    • The importance of cleanliness and purity in all actions.

Overall Tone and Style:

The book is written in a dialogue format, making complex philosophical and practical ideas accessible through the Guru-disciple interaction. The language is Gujarati, and it aims to be instructive, persuasive, and morally uplifting. The compiler's notes suggest an effort to enhance the original text while preserving its essence. The book also promotes a sense of responsibility towards oneself, family, society, and Dharma.

In essence, "Vivek Vilas" aims to be a comprehensive manual for living a virtuous, healthy, prosperous, and spiritually fulfilling life according to Jain principles. It addresses a wide spectrum of human experiences and provides guidance on navigating them with wisdom and ethical consciousness.