Vividh Vishay Vicharmala Part 05 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vividh Vishay Vicharmala Part 05," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vividh Vishay Vicharmala (Various Subject Discourse Series) Part: 05 Author: Munishri Manivijayji M.S. (original compilation) Editor: Munishri Ratnatrayvijay M.S. (re-editor) Publisher: Ranjanvijay Jain Pustakalay, Malwara, District Jalore, Rajasthan

Overall Purpose and Context:

This book is the fifth part of a larger series, "Vividh Vishay Vicharmala," compiled by Munishri Manivijayji and re-edited by Munishri Ratnatrayvijay. The series aims to present complex Jain philosophical and practical concepts in a simplified and accessible language, supported by numerous stories and examples. The preface highlights the necessity of samyakgyan (right knowledge) for understanding the eternal truths of the universe and emphasizes that while delving into original scriptures (Agams) might be challenging for many, books like this series, based on them, offer an easier path to enlightenment. This specific volume, Part 5, appears to focus on detailed classifications and characteristics within the Jain cosmology and ethical framework.

Key Themes and Content:

The provided pages reveal a systematic and detailed exploration of various Jain principles. The content is structured as a dialogue between a Guru and a disciple, facilitating a clear understanding of the subject matter. The book extensively covers the following:

The 24 Danda ks (Categories of Existence): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to enumerating and describing the 24 Danda ks. These are fundamental categories representing different types of souls and their states of existence, including:
- Hell beings (Naraki)
- Various classes of celestial beings (Bhuvanapati, Vanavyantar, Jyotishi, Vaimanika)
- Moneras (Ekendriya - Prithvikaya, Apkaya, Teukaya, Vayukaya, Vanaspatikaya)
- Beings with two, three, and four senses (Dvi-indriya, Tri-indriya, Chaurindriya)
- Beings with five senses (Tiryanchan-pancendriya, Manushya)
Physical Attributes and States: The book details various physical characteristics of beings within these categories, such as:
- Body Types (Sharir Dvar): Oudarika, Vaikriya, Aharaka, Taijasa, Karmana.
- Stature (Avagahana Dvar): Extensive tables provide the height (in dhanushya and hath) of beings in different layers of hell and celestial realms.
- Bone Structure (Sanghata Dvar): The six types of bone structures are mentioned.
- Sentience (Sanjna Dvar): The ten types of sentience are listed.
- Bodily Forms (Sansthan Dvar): The six types of bodily forms are described.
- Kashayas (Karmic Dispositions): The four types of Kashayas (Anger, Ego, Deceit, Greed) are discussed.
- Complexions (Leshya Dvar): The six types of Leshya (colors of karmic aura) are explained, detailing which beings possess which Leshya.
- Senses (Indriya Dvar): The five senses are discussed in relation to different categories of beings.
Life Spans and Duration (Ayushya Dvar): Detailed tables present the minimum and maximum lifespan (in sagaroopam and palyopam) for beings across various hells and celestial abodes. This includes intricate breakdowns of lifespan within different layers (pathada) of the hellish realms.
Life Processes (Paryapti Dvar): The six types of Paryapti (developmental stages for acquiring vitalities) are listed.
Diet and Sustenance (Ahar Dvar): The concept of dietary intake from six directions is mentioned.
Consciousness and Perception (Sanjna Dvar): Three types of consciousness are identified.
Cause of Rebirth (Gati): The text outlines the destinations (rebirths) of beings from different Danda ks.
Inclusion in Danda ks: It explains which beings belong to which of the 24 Danda ks.
Qualities and States: The book delves into:
- Vedas (Genders): The three types of genders (male, female, neutral).
- Avastha (States): The concept of Alpabahu (relative quantities) related to 98 principles.
- Dwelling Places (Bhuvan Dvar): Descriptions of the abodes of celestial beings and the structure of the universe.
- Planetary and Stellar Systems (Graha, Nakshatra Dwar): Information about the mansions of planets and constellations.
- Devlok (Celestial Realms): Details about the mansions of the twelve celestial realms.
- Separation (Virah Dvar): Discussion on separation.
- Life Force (Prana Dvar): The ten types of life forces.
- Discipline (Sanyati Dvar): Aspects of control and discipline.
- Digestion (Ahar Dvar): The process of digestion.
Time Calculations (Kalaman Koshtak): Two tables provide detailed calculations for time units in Jain cosmology, from samay to pudgalaparaavartan.
Measurements and Proportions: Explanations of measurement units like angul and yojan, and the three types of pudgal (matter).
Sacred Architecture and Figures: Information on the number of Jin temples, idols, Indra's assemblies, and the Viharmans (wandering Tirthankaras) in Mahavideh.
Tirthankaras: Details about the birth and death places of the 24 Tirthankaras, their Panch Kalyanak sites, and charts for Chakravartis, Baldevas, Vasudevas, and future Tirthankaras.
Practices and Virtues: Discussion on concepts like Samayika, Pratikramana, Paushadha, and the importance of adhering to ethical principles (neeti and sadachar).
The Path to Self-Improvement (Atmollati): Emphasis on embracing pure Dharma and understanding the nature of the soul and its states (bhavas).
The Goal of Life: The text highlights Dharma as the ultimate refuge for a successful human life, leading to Nihsreyas (liberation) and Abhyudaya (worldly prosperity).
Ethical Principles: The book emphasizes the importance of nitya (daily vows) and vrata (vows) for spiritual progress.

Structure and Style:

The book is highly structured, presenting information in a systematic, almost encyclopedic manner. The table of contents (Vishayanukramanika) indicates a comprehensive coverage of topics. The language is Gujarati, presented with a focus on clarity and accessibility, as mentioned in the preface. The use of Guru-disciple dialogue makes it engaging for learners.

Target Audience:

The text is intended for a broad audience, including scholars, students of Jainism, and general practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of Jain philosophy and practices. It is presented as a valuable resource for monks and nuns (Sadhu-Sadhviji M.S.) as well.

Significance:

"Vividh Vishay Vicharmala Part 05" serves as a vital repository of Jain knowledge, distilling complex doctrines into a digestible format. Its re-publication aims to make this valuable spiritual and philosophical content available to a wider audience, fostering greater understanding and adherence to Jain principles. The book's detailed nature, covering numerous categories and their attributes, makes it a valuable reference work for those dedicated to the study of Jainism.