Vrat Harie Guru Sakh Part 01

This document is the first part of a Jain text titled "Vrat Harie Guru Sakh Part 01" authored by Meghdarshanvijay and published by Akhil Bharatiya Sanskriti Rakshak Dal. The catalog link is provided as jainqq.org/explore/006020/1. The text is intended for private and personal use only by Jain Education International.

The book is dedicated to the birth centenary of P.P. Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji M. Sahab. Its primary aim is to explain the twelve vows (Bar Vrat) of a true Jain follower (Shravak) in simple language, encouraging individuals to accept a life of self-control and discipline.

The book's core message is conveyed through a detailed explanation of the "Gyan Deepak Yojana" (Light of Knowledge Scheme). This initiative, inspired by P.P. Panyas Shri Chandrashekhar V.M. Saheb and promoted by P.P. Panyas Shri Meghdarshan V.M. Saheb, aims to cultivate disciplined, ethically upright Shravaks who possess fundamental knowledge of Jainism and strictly observe its rituals. The goal is to create individuals who can perform and lead the five daily recitations (Panch Pratikraman) and other Jain practices.

Key aspects of the Gyan Deepak Yojana include:

• Objective: To create knowledgeable and observant Shravaks in every Jain community, who will be the future protectors of Jainism.
• Structure:
  • Communities are encouraged to set targets for the number of "Gyan Deepaks" (knowledge bearers) they wish to create (e.g., 25, 50, 100, 300, 500).
  • Financial rewards are to be given to both the students who become "Gyan Deepaks" and the teachers who guide them. The amount varies based on the wealth of the community (e.g., Rs. 5000 for students and 25% of that for teachers in affluent communities; Rs. 1000 for students and 25% for teachers in ordinary communities).
  • Funds are to be raised for these rewards.
  • A committee of responsible individuals will be formed to manage the scheme.
  • Children aged 6-14, as well as youth and adults, can participate.
  • Promotional materials like flexes and posters will be used to encourage participation.
  • An application form with a Rs. 50 deposit will be issued.
  • Students will study the "Gyan Deepak" book with a chosen teacher who is proficient in Jain practices.
  • Teachers will be responsible for training the students and conducting examinations.
  • Examinations will cover parts of the "Gyan Deepak" book, with passing marks set at 80.
  • Upon passing, students will be honored with cash rewards (10% of the total reward for Part 1, 30% for Parts 1-2, and 60% for Parts 1-3).
  • Teachers will also be honored with 25% of the student's reward.
  • "Gyan Deepaks" are required to attend evening recitations at the Upashray for at least ten Chaturdashi (14th lunar day) occasions for five years and also to teach the syllabus to others.
• Curriculum: The program covers essential Jain knowledge, including:
  • Understanding the principles of Samyagdarshan (Right Faith).
  • Learning the 66 principles (Bol) related to Samyagdarshan.
  • Understanding the characteristics, restrictions (Aagar), contemplations (Bhavna), and positions of Samyagdarshan.
  • The vows of Samyagdarshan and their acceptance.
  • Specific vows like abstaining from major violence, major falsehood, major theft, sexual misconduct, and excessive possession.
  • Understanding of 45 Agamas, seven fields, five Mahavratas, twelve Shravak vows, fourteen rules, 32 faults of Samayik, 18 faults of Paushadh, 22 prohibited foods (Abhakshya), etc.
  • Learning to perform and teach Paushadh.
  • Proficiency in Ashtaprakari Puja (eight-fold worship) and Snatra.
  • Ultimately aiming to create a disciplined and knowledgeable Jain Shravak.
• Proposed Activities: A week-long camp for "Gyan Deepaks" during summer vacation is also planned for holistic development.

The book also includes introductory parables and philosophical explanations of core Jain concepts. For instance, the parable of the three monkeys and the mango tree on page 8-10 is used to illustrate the different paths of spiritual seeking: the ultimate goal (ripe mangoes), the intermediate path (unripe mangoes), and those who are unable to reach either (falling without obtaining anything). This parable is mapped to Jain spiritual stages: Sadhvi life (ripe mangoes), Shravak life (unripe mangoes), and those who are unable to achieve either but still aspire for the spiritual path.

The text extensively discusses Samyagdarshan (Right Faith) starting from page 14, emphasizing its foundational importance in Jainism. It explains its various aspects, including:

• The story of Halik the farmer: Illustrating how even after losing the path of asceticism due to past karma, the attained Samyagdarshan can lead to ultimate salvation.
• The significance of Samyagdarshan: It's the entry point to Jainism, providing spiritual illumination and the ability to bind good karma, leading to a better rebirth.
• The influence of Samyagdarshan: It even affects the lifespan and type of rebirth, potentially leading to heavenly abodes.
• The example of Goshala: Despite his animosity towards Lord Mahavir, his past Samyagdarshan ensured a favorable rebirth.
• The example of Tamli the ascetic: Highlighting that mere austerity without Samyagdarshan is fruitless, like zeros without a leading digit.
• The definition of Samyagdarshan: Unwavering faith in the Tirthankaras' teachings (true God, true Guru, true Dharma).
• The 66 points of Samyagdarshan: Detailing four types of faith, three signs, ten types of respect (Vinay), three purities, five faults to avoid, eight enhancers, five ornaments, six earnest endeavors, six exceptions (Aagar), six contemplations (Bhavna), and six bases (Sthan).
• The story of King Shrenik: Demonstrating the profound impact of steadfast Samyagdarshan even in the face of intense challenges and karmic consequences, ultimately leading him to become the first Tirthankara in the next era.
• The importance of adherence: The text stresses the need to avoid doubts, desires for other religions, contempt for Jain practices, praise of wrong beliefs, and association with wrongdoers.
• The three signs of Samyagdarshan: Eagerness to listen to Jain scriptures (Sushrusha), strong devotion to the ascetic path (Dharmaraag), and service to God and Guru (Dev-Guru Seva).
• The ten types of respect (Vinay): Respect for Arihants, Siddhas, Sadhus, the Dharma of Right Conduct, Jinendalayas (temples), scriptures (Shrutgyan), the Jain community (Sangh), Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Samyagdarshan itself.
• Three purities: Purity of mind, speech, and action.
• Five faults to avoid: Doubt, desire for other religions, contempt for one's own religion, praise of wrong beliefs, and association with wrong beliefs.
• Eight enhancers: Praveni, Dharmakatha, Vadiprabhu, Naitik, Tapasvi, Vidyavan, Siddh, and Kavi.
• Five ornaments: Steadfastness, propagation of Dharma, skillful execution of rituals, inner devotion to Jin, and service to holy places (Tirth Seva).
• Six bases (Sthan) of Jain philosophy: Existence of soul, soul's distinct and eternal nature, soul as the doer of karma, soul as the experiencer of karma, soul's liberation from karma, and the means to achieve soul's liberation.

The book then proceeds to detail the five Anuvratas (minor vows), which are simplified versions of the five Mahavratas (major vows) taken by monks. These are explained with stories and examples:

1. Sthool Pranatipt Viraman Vrat (Abstinence from gross violence): Emphasizes the importance of compassion and avoiding harm to living beings, particularly innocent ones. It contrasts the actions of King Chandra, who adhered to his vow of non-violence even when facing hardship and the wrath of his father, with his brother Surya, who succumbed to worldly desires and karma.
2. Sthool Mrushavada Viraman Vrat (Abstinence from gross falsehood): Highlights the power of truth through the story of King Hans, who protected innocent monks from hunters by using clever, non-harmful truths, and the story of Chunilal, who suffered immense personal loss due to his dishonesty.
3. Sthool Adattadan Viraman Vrat (Abstinence from gross theft): Illustrated by the story of Gunadhar, who through his unwavering adherence to this vow, received divine assistance and prosperity, and the story of Lakshmi-Poonj, whose life was blessed due to the same principle. It also touches upon the consequences of dishonesty through the story of Chunilal and the importance of respecting property rights.
4. Svadarasantosh - Parastrigaman Viraman Vrat (Contentment with one's own spouse and abstinence from adultery): Discusses the significance of marital fidelity and celibacy, highlighting the immense power and benefits of Brahmacharya (celibacy) through examples of Swami Vivekananda and Bhishma Pitamah. It explains the concept of gross and subtle forms of lust and the importance of controlling desires.
5. Parigrah Pariman Vrat (Limitation of possessions): This vow is discussed at the end of the provided text, though its full explanation seems to be in the subsequent parts.

The book consistently encourages readers to adopt these vows, emphasizing that even partial adherence with limitations (Jayanā) is beneficial and leads to spiritual progress, ultimately guiding towards the path of liberation. It also provides guidance on how to uphold these vows, including the importance of understanding and avoiding their faults (Atichara).

The document also lists other books by the author, making them available through jainelibrary.org.