Vrat Harie Guru Sakh Part 02 - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary covers the Jain text "Vrat Harie Guru Sakh Part 02" by Meghdarshanvijay, published by Akhil Bharatiya Sanskriti Rakshak Dal.

Book Title: Vrat Harie Guru Sakh Part 02 (Let Us Take Vows with the Guidance of the Guru) Author: Pu. Pannas Shri Meghdarshanvijayji M. Sa. (Disciple of Pu. Pannas Shri Chandrashekharvijayji M. Sa.) Publisher: Akhil Bharatiya Sanskriti Rakshak Dal Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006021/1

Overall Theme: This book is the second part of a series that aims to explain the twelve vows of a Jain layperson (Shrवक - Shravak) in simple language. It is dedicated to the birth centenary year of Pu. Pu. Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji M. Sa., encouraging readers to become true Shravaks by accepting and observing these vows with a desire for a life of restraint (Sanyam).

Structure and Content:

The book is structured into a series of chapters, each delving into a specific aspect of the Jain vows and principles, emphasizing their practical application in daily life. The underlying message is about achieving spiritual progress and ultimately liberation (Moksha) through righteous conduct and adherence to vows.

Key Chapters and Concepts:

"Soune Naddato Graha: Parigrah" (The Planet That Afflicts Everyone: Possessiveness): This chapter likely introduces the concept of Parigrah (possessiveness/attachment to possessions) as a primary obstacle to spiritual progress. It sets the stage for understanding the importance of controlling desires and attachments.
"Parigrah Parimanano Prabhav" (The Impact of Limiting Possessiveness): This chapter, illustrated with the story of Vidhyapati and Shringar Sundari, emphasizes the profound positive effects of observing the Parigrah Pariman Vrat (vow of limiting possessions). It highlights how excessive attachment leads to suffering and how controlling it brings peace and spiritual growth. The story of Vidhyapati, who despite immense wealth, lived a life of detachment and eventually attained liberation by limiting his possessions, serves as a powerful example.
"Vrat Palie Dadhata Dhari" (Observing Vows with Firm Determination): This chapter likely focuses on the importance of steadfastness and commitment in practicing Jain vows. It underscores that mere intention is not enough; consistent effort and courage are needed to uphold these principles in the face of challenges.
"Duniyaman Faranaaro Sansarma Rakhade" (One Who Roams the World Gets Lost in the Cycle of Birth and Death): This chapter probably addresses the wanderings of the soul through the cycle of existence due to uncontrolled desires and actions. It connects the concept of limitlessness in desires to continued suffering in the world.
"Jivan Jivie Vivek Dhari" (Living Life with Discernment): This emphasizes the need for wisdom and careful consideration in all aspects of life, particularly in consumption and behavior, to avoid unnecessary harm and spiritual decline.
"Shravak Jivanano Pran: Jayana" (The Lifeblood of a Shravak: Jayana): Jayana refers to meticulous care and avoidance of causing harm to living beings, especially in one's daily activities. This chapter highlights the core principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) as central to a Shravak's life.
"Palma Papaane Pele Paar" (From Sin in a Moment to the Other Shore): This suggests the transformative power of mindful actions and the ability to overcome sin through quick repentance and correction.
"Shravak: Papothi Darpok" (A Shravak: Fearful of Sin): This chapter likely emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and cautious to avoid sinful actions, stemming from a deep-seated respect for ethical principles.
"Dharmano Mahima Chhe Aparampaar" (The Glory of Dharma is Limitless): This chapter probably speaks about the vast benefits and spiritual significance of adhering to Dharma (righteousness) and its vows.
"Kam Vina Kai Na Kariye" (Let's Do Nothing Without Purpose): This likely promotes purposeful action, avoiding frivolous or harmful activities and focusing on tasks that contribute to spiritual or worldly well-being.
"Vatoe Vivek Visray" (Discernment is Forgotten in Conversation): This highlights how idle talk and gossip can lead to a loss of wisdom and ethical awareness.
"Sanyam Jeevanano Rasaswad" (The Taste of a Life of Restraint): This chapter focuses on the joy and fulfillment derived from living a life of self-control and adherence to vows, anticipating the ultimate experience of liberation.

Specific Vows Discussed (as indicated by the chapter titles):

Parigrah Pariman Vrat (Vow of Limiting Possessions): The text delves deeply into controlling attachment to material wealth and possessions. It explains the nine types of possessions and the need to set limits on them. The story of Vidhyapati is used to illustrate the detrimental effects of excessive possessiveness and the benefits of limiting desires. The concept of calculating limits based on purchase price or equivalent gold value is discussed to mitigate future anxieties (Arta Dhyan). The five aticharas (infringements) of this vow are also detailed.
Disha Pariman Vrat (Vow of Limiting Directions): This vow restricts movement in cardinal and sub-ordinal directions. The text explains how this helps control desires, avoid unnecessary harm to beings, and prevent attachment to worldly places and experiences. The story of King Kirtipal's son Bhim and the merchant Simh, and how Simh's adherence to his Disha Pariman vow led to his spiritual upliftment and eventual liberation, is a key illustration. The five aticharas are also outlined.
Bhogoopbhog Pariman Vrat (Vow of Limiting Enjoyment and Consumption): This vow involves setting limits on the consumption of food, clothing, and other worldly items. The text lists 22 types of forbidden items (Abhakshya) and discusses the concept of Anantkaya (organisms living in vast numbers within a single plant part) and the importance of their avoidance. It also touches upon limiting the use of vehicles, furniture, and personal care items. The importance of Chauvis Prakarana (twenty-four types of conduct) and the fourteen daily vows (Niyam) are also mentioned. The five aticharas are detailed.
Anarthadand Viraman Vrat (Vow of Abstaining from Useless Endeavors): This vow aims to prevent actions, speech, and thoughts that are purposeless and lead to karmic bondage. It covers avoiding harmful thoughts (Artadhyan and Raudradhyan), discouraging others from sinful acts, refraining from lending instruments of harm, and abstaining from purposeless activities. The text provides detailed examples of the consequences of Artadhyan (e.g., the story of Charudatta) and Raudradhyan (e.g., the story of Muni Kurud and Utkad). The five aticharas are explained.
Samayik Vrat (Vow of Equanimity for a Period): This is the first of the four Shikshavratas (training vows). It involves abstaining from sinful activities for a period of 48 minutes. The immense spiritual benefits of Samayik, including attracting immense merit and spiritual growth, are highlighted through stories. The text emphasizes the importance of proper conduct during Samayik, including the use of purified materials and the avoidance of the five aticharas.
Deshavagasik Vrat (Vow of Limited Daily Practice): This vow involves restricting activities to a specific geographical area for a day or a period. It's presented as a way to practice the principles of vows on a daily basis, often by observing Pratikraman (repentance) and taking limitations on activities. The story of King Kirtipal and merchant Simh is referenced here. The five aticharas related to this vow are discussed.
Paushadopvas Vrat (Vow of Fasting on Auspicious Days): This involves observing a fast or partial fast on specific religious days. The text outlines four types of Paushadh, with the most common being the dietary restrictions. It stresses the importance of performing Paushadh with devotion and avoiding the five aticharas.
Atithi Sanvibhag Vrat (Vow of Offering to the Worthy): This is the final vow, emphasizing the importance of charity and offering food, clothing, and other necessities to ascetics (Atithi) without any ulterior motives, following strict Jain guidelines regarding purified food (Achitta) and conduct. The significance of offering with joy and devotion is highlighted. The five aticharas related to this vow are also explained.

Key takeaway:

The book serves as a practical guide for Jain laypeople, offering a clear and accessible path to understanding and practicing the fundamental vows of Jainism. It uses stories and analogies to illustrate complex concepts, making them relatable and actionable for the reader. The emphasis is on gradual progress, the importance of sincere effort, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation through the disciplined observance of vows.