Parvna Vyakhyano - Book Summary

The book "Parvna Vyakhyano" (Festivals Discourses) by Sadhviji Shri Kirtipurnashriji is a compilation of spiritual discourses focusing on various Jain festivals and essential aspects of Jain practice. The text is organized into several chapters, each delving into a specific theme or occasion.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key topics covered in the book, based on the provided text:

Core Themes and Festivals:

Jñana Panchami (The Fifth Day of Knowledge): This discourse emphasizes the paramount importance of knowledge in Jainism, stating, "First knowledge, then compassion." It highlights that knowledge leads to compassion and enables understanding of various life forms and Jain principles like non-violence. The text stresses that true penance lies in the pursuit of knowledge, not just its acquisition, but its worship and practice. It criticizes the decline of knowledge propagation through traditional schools. The discourse outlines five essential conditions for acquiring knowledge: a healthy body, sharp intellect, humility, diligence, and love for scriptures. It also mentions five supporting factors: a teacher, scriptures, a suitable place, fellow students, and adequate sustenance. Eight conduct rules for knowledge acquisition are detailed, including avoiding inappropriate times for study, respecting the guru, undertaking observances, speaking correctly, understanding meanings, and combining scripture and meaning. The text also lists acts of disrespect towards knowledge, such as touching scriptures with unclean hands or using them inappropriately.
Kartik Sud-14 Discourse: This chapter focuses on understanding happiness and sorrow not as external conditions but as consequences of internal states, specifically kashayas (passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed). It suggests that true happiness comes from reducing these passions. The discourse also touches upon the importance of forgetting past hurts and remembering those who have helped, and the concept of attributing suffering to one's own past karmas.
Maun Ekadashi (Silent Eleventh Day): This discourse discusses the significance of observing silence on this particular day, linking it to the celestial realms and the rarity of human birth. It highlights the importance of a single day of devotion yielding great merit, comparable to feeding large numbers of Brahmins or undertaking arduous pilgrimages. The story of King Nimi and the significance of the Maun Ekadashi fast is narrated, emphasizing its power to overcome obstacles and lead to spiritual progress. The narrative of Suvrat Sheth and his devotion to Maun Ekadashi, leading to his rebirth as a deva and subsequent spiritual advancements, is a central part of this chapter.
Posh Dashmi (The Tenth Day of Posh Month): This chapter explains the significance of Posh Dashmi as the birth anniversary of Lord Parshvanath. It outlines the recommended practices for this day, including performing Snana Mahotsava (ritual bath for the deity), Navangi Puja (worship with nine types of offerings), and observing a fast. The story of Surdatt Sheth, who suffered immense losses but eventually found prosperity and spiritual merit through his devotion to Posh Dashmi, is presented to illustrate the power of this observance.
Shri Shankheshwarprabhu: This detailed discourse traces the history and significance of the idol of Lord Parshvanath at Shankheshwar. It highlights its miraculous nature and the numerous instances of its worship by various beings and rulers across different epochs, from the past Chovisi (era of twenty-four Tirthankars) to the present. The narrative recounts how the idol was established, hidden, rediscovered, and revered through various challenges, emphasizing the profound faith and devotion associated with Shankheshwar Parshvanath. The discourse details the destruction and reconstruction of the temple, and the eventual revelation of the idol, underscoring its enduring spiritual power.
Parvadhiraj – The King of Festivals: This chapter focuses on the Paryushana festival, considered the king of Jain festivals. It explains the concept of Atthai (eight-day periods of spiritual practice) and the distinction between eternal (shashwati) and temporary (ashashwati) observances. It emphasizes the five core duties during Paryushana:
1. Amari Pravartan (Preventing Violence): This is the primary duty, advocating for non-violence in thought, word, and deed, especially during the festival.
2. Sadharmik Vatsalya (Compassion for Fellow Jains): This involves showing love, respect, and support to fellow community members, recognizing the rarity of finding such spiritual connections. The text provides examples of kings and wealthy individuals who demonstrated extraordinary Sadharmik Vatsalya.
3. Kshama Pana (Seeking and Granting Forgiveness): This is highlighted as the heart of Paryushana, emphasizing the need for mutual forgiveness to purify the soul and overcome kashayas (passions). The story of King Udayan and Chandradyotan exemplifies this principle.
4. Attham Tapa (Fasting for Eight Periods): This refers to specific fasting practices observed during the festival to purify the body and mind and overcome desires.
5. Chaitya Paripati (Circumambulation of Sacred Sites/Temples): This involves visiting and venerating Jain temples, contributing to the maintenance and upliftment of the Jain faith. The story of Acharya Vajraswami using his powers to transport the entire Jain community during a famine illustrates the importance of preserving and supporting Jain places of worship.
Eleven Virtuous Deeds for Annual Observance: The text lists eleven specific acts of devotion that should be undertaken annually by devout Jains:
1. Sangh Puja (Worship of the Jain Community - monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen)
2. Sadharmik Vatsalya (Compassion for fellow Jains)
3. Three types of pilgrimage: Ashtahanika Mahotsava, Rath Yatra (Chariot Procession), and Tirtha Yatra (Pilgrimage to holy sites).
4. Snana Mahotsava (Ritual bath for deities) in temples.
5. Growth of Devadravya (Donations to Jain temples/institutions).
6. Mahapuja (Grand worship).
7. Ratri Jagaran (Staying awake at night for spiritual activities).
8. Special worship of Shrut Gyan (Scriptural knowledge).
9. Udyapan (Completion ceremony of vows/fasts).
10. Jain Shasan Prabhavna (Promoting and glorifying Jainism).
11. Alochanā (Confession and seeking absolution for sins).
Kshamā ka Amrut (The Nectar of Forgiveness): This chapter elaborates on the profound significance of forgiveness, using examples from various religious traditions (Jainism, Christianity, Hinduism). It explains that true forgiveness involves not only granting it but also truly letting go of resentment and offering love even to enemies. The stories of Jagdish Chandra Bose's father, Jesus Christ, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Sant Tukaram, and the Vankar saint illustrate the transformative power of forgiveness. It emphasizes that forgiveness purifies the mind and fosters peace. The text distinguishes between true forgiveness and mere lip service or coerced forgiveness.
Sadharmik Bhakti ka Prabhav (The Influence of Devotion to Fellow Jains): This section reiterates the importance of Sadharmik Vatsalya, highlighting the difficulty of obtaining a human birth with spiritual inclinations and the rarity of encountering fellow Jains. It underscores that true Sadharmik Bhakti is selfless and leads to immense spiritual merit. Examples like Vishakhadatt Sheth, who was guided by a righteous friend and the principles of Jainism, and King Vikramaditya's grand pilgrimage, are cited.
The Five Duties of Paryushana: This chapter revisits the five core duties of Paryushana: Amari Pravartan, Sadharmik Vatsalya, Attham Tapa, Chaitra Paripati, and Kshama Pana. It further breaks down the importance and practice of each, linking them to overcoming specific negative tendencies and developing positive spiritual qualities like Maitri (friendship), Pramod (joy in virtue), Karuna (compassion), and Madhyasthata (equanimity).
Gautamswami (First Disciple of Mahavir): This chapter delves into the life and teachings of Shri Gautamswami, highlighting his initial arrogance and how his encounter with Lord Mahavir led to his enlightenment. It focuses on his three key transformations: his ahankara (ego) becoming a catalyst for bodh (enlightenment), his raga (attachment) leading to guru bhakti (devotion to the guru), and his shoka (sorrow) paving the way for kevalgyana (omniscience). It also discusses the concept of Panchangi (the five parts of Jain scriptures: Sutra, Nirukti, Bhashya, Churni, Tikā) and the importance of understanding their interconnectedness.
Karthik Purnima: This discourse marks Karthik Purnima as a day of multiple auspicious conjunctions: the end of Chaturmas (four-month rainy season retreat for monks and nuns), the pilgrimage to Shatrunjay mountain, and the birth anniversary of the great scholar Acharya Shri Hemchandrasuriji. It emphasizes the need for self-reflection and spiritual practice, comparing human life to a temporary resting place on a long journey.
New Year's Greetings: This section touches upon the cyclical nature of time and the importance of reflecting on past actions and setting intentions for the future, drawing parallels with a child's growth and evolving understanding of life's purpose.
Bhadarva Sud Ekadashi: This discourse commemorates the swargavasa (ascension to heaven) of Pujya Shri Hirasuriji Maharaj. It recounts his early life, his devotion to Jain principles, and his significant contributions to the faith. The narrative also highlights the importance of humility and the transformative power of a guru's guidance, even in the face of adversity.
Diwali Discourse: This chapter connects the festive spirit of Diwali with Jain principles. It interprets the traditions of cleaning one's home, lighting lamps, and celebrating with sweets as symbolic of inner purification, dispelling ignorance, and cultivating virtues like Maitri (friendship), Pramod (joy in virtue), Karuna (compassion), and Madhyasthata (equanimity).
Dhanteras - Kali Chaudas: This section briefly mentions the discourse delivered by Shri Ajitshekhar Vijayji Maharaj, hinting at the significance of these days within Jain traditions.
Paryushana – Five Duties (Further Elaboration): This section provides a deeper dive into the five duties of Paryushana, explaining their relevance in overcoming negative tendencies like violence, jealousy, anger, and attachment. It connects these duties to the development of specific virtues and the purification of karmas.
Bhādarvā Sud Ekadashi (Revisited): This part revisits the life of Shri Hirasuriji Maharaj, emphasizing his resilience in the face of challenges and his profound impact on the Jain community. It highlights his ability to inspire and uplift even those in positions of power, like Emperor Akbar.
Gautamswami's Discourse: This chapter continues the discussion on Gautamswami, focusing on his journey from arrogance to enlightenment. It underscores the idea that even negative traits can become stepping stones to spiritual growth when approached with the right attitude and under the guidance of a true guru.
Final Discourse: The concluding sections touch upon the core tenets of Jainism, including the importance of Amari (non-violence), Sadharmik Bhakti (devotion to fellow Jains), Kshama Pana (forgiveness), Attham Tapa (specific fasts), and Chaitya Paripati (worship of sacred sites). It reiterates the value of these practices for spiritual progress and liberation. The text also includes various anecdotes, parables, and examples to illustrate these teachings effectively.

In essence, "Parvna Vyakhyano" serves as a guide for Jains to deepen their understanding and practice of their faith, particularly during the auspicious festival periods, emphasizing knowledge, compassion, forgiveness, devotion, and adherence to Jain principles.