Vrat Vichar Ras

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vrat Vichar Ras" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Vrat Vichar Ras" is a significant literary work by the medieval Jain poet Rishabhdas, who was a distinguished lay follower. The text aims to systematically explain the principles and practices of Jain lay life, primarily focusing on the importance and detailed exposition of the twelve vows (vratas) that are to be observed by Jain men and women (Shravaks and Shravikas). The author's primary intention is to impress upon every Jain householder the necessity of accepting and adhering to the code of conduct for lay followers, which includes Sammyaktva (Right Faith) and the twelve vows.

Structure and Composition:

The "Vrat Vichar Ras" is a long composition structured into 81 dhals (sections/chapters) and 863 verses (kadi). It includes various poetic forms such as duha (couplets), chaupai (quatrains), kavit, and samasyageet. The entire work is divided into approximately 144 couplets, 272 quatrains, 443 verses, 4 songs, and 2 stanzas.

Key Themes and Topics Covered:

The text delves into various aspects of Jain philosophy and practice, organized thematically across its dhals:

• Invocation and Praise (Mangalacharan): The ras begins with couplets praising Lord Parshvanath, the five supreme beings (panch parameshti), and Goddess Saraswati, reflecting the poet's deep devotion. The extensive praise of Saraswati highlights his reverence for learning and the divine muse.

• The Nature of True Devotion: The text emphasizes the importance of worshipping correct deities (dev), contrasting them with false deities (kudev). It argues that deities exhibiting anger, attachment, hatred, and other worldly passions are not true gods and that worshipping them is a form of delusion (mithyatva).

• The Role of Spiritual Guides (Guru): The importance of true gurus (sadguru) is highlighted, emphasizing their 36 virtues. Conversely, the text warns against false gurus (kuguru) and the practices associated with them.

• The Principles of Jainism: The work discusses the fundamental tenets of Jainism, including the nine cardinal principles (nava-pad), the importance of the Jain path (jain dharm), and the concept of karma. It clarifies the Jain perspective on the impermanence of worldly possessions and the strength of karma.

• The Twelve Vows (Bar Vrat): This forms the core of the text. The dhals systematically elaborate on:

  • The five main vows (anu-vrata): These include vows related to abstaining from violence (prana-tipat-viraman), lying (mushavad-viraman), stealing (adatta-dan-viraman), illicit sexual conduct (swadara-santosh), and excessive possession (parigraha-parimana). Each vow is explained in detail, with examples and the associated pitfalls (atichara).
  • The seven auxiliary vows (guna-vrata): These include vows related to limiting spatial movement (disha-parimana), limiting consumption of edibles and enjoyable things (bhogopbhoga-parimana), abstaining from harmful or unnecessary actions (anartha-dand-viraman). The detailed explanation of bhogopbhoga-parimana includes restrictions on consuming prohibited items (abhakshya) and food prepared with living beings (sachitta).
  • The three subsidiary vows for practice (shiksha-vrata): These are samayika (equanimity for a period), desh-avakashika (limiting vows to specific times and places), and paushadh-upvasa (observing a day of fasting and quasi-monastic conduct).
  • The final vow of atithi-samvibhaga (distribution to the deserving) is also discussed, emphasizing charity and the upliftment of the needy.

• The Importance of Right Faith (Sammyaktva): The text repeatedly stresses that Sammyaktva is the foundation of Jainism, and the twelve vows are to be undertaken with the support of Right Faith. It refutes arguments against the veneration of idols (pratima) and temples, using logic and scriptural references. The author argues that even inanimate objects like coins can represent value, implying that idols can serve as focal points for devotion.

• Moral and Ethical Teachings: The work provides guidance on daily conduct, including the importance of observing rituals, the benefits of knowledge and its dissemination (writing books), the virtue of generosity over hoarding, the dangers of bad company, and the significance of self-control. It also includes a humorous description of a "fool."

• Historical and Cultural Context: The introduction mentions that the manuscript was prepared from the poet's own handwritten copy, which was partially damaged. It notes that the poet was a merchant by profession, and his language reflects colloquial usage. The text also refers to historical figures like Emperor Akbar and the spiritual lineage of the poet's gurus.

• Poetic Style: The poet's language is described as conversational and engaging. He employs various rhetorical devices and comparisons to make his teachings relatable. The text also notes the poet's use of specific linguistic features, such as the frequent use of 'y' instead of 'j' and the insertion of 'r' in certain words, which are of interest to linguists.

Key Figures Mentioned:

• Kavi Rishabhdas: The author, a respected lay poet.
• Shilchandrasuri: The editor or annotator of the text.
• Hiravijayasuri: Mentioned in relation to the poet's earlier works.
• Mohanlal Dalichand Desai: A historian cited for his observations on the poet.
• Vijayaseensuri Maharaja: The poet's guru, who received the title 'Sawai' from Emperor Akbar.
• Vijayadevasuri: A disciple of Vijayaseensuri.
• Meghkumara, Mrugaputra Lodhia, Kalikacharya, Harikeshi Muni, Kushalchapala, Rishabhdeva, Nabhiraya, Bharat, Ravana, Rama, Yudhisthira, Srimad Bhagavat, Chandrabala, Shrenika, Malli, Durlabhadatta, Madhukara, Meghakumara, Dharmakirti, Megharatya, Mahavira, etc.: Various figures from Jain scriptures and history used as examples or references.

Overall Significance:

"Vrat Vichar Ras" serves as a comprehensive guide for lay Jains, providing spiritual and practical guidance for a virtuous life. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to vows, cultivating right faith, and understanding the true nature of deities and spiritual guides. The text is a valuable contribution to Jain literature, offering insights into the devotional practices, ethical standards, and linguistic nuances of its time.