Pictorial Philosophical Balpothi - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pictorial Philosophical Balpothi" authored by His Holiness Acharya Shree VijayBhuvanBhanusurishwarji Maharaj Saheb, published by Divya Darshan Trust. The book aims to explain fundamental Jain principles in a simplified, pictorial manner for religious education.

Overall Purpose and Approach:

The "Pictorial Philosophical Balpothi" is designed as an introductory text for those with limited religious knowledge, particularly children. Its core objective is to present the essential elements of Jain philosophy and practice through clear, accessible language and engaging illustrations. The author, Acharya VijayBhuvanBhanusurishwarji, is highlighted as a pioneer in bringing Jain teachings to practical life and making them relatable through various mediums, including spiritual camps, speeches, writings, and this book. The book serves as an effort to fill a gap in Jain literature by explaining complex concepts with relatable daily activities and visual aids.

Key Topics Covered (as per the Index and content):

The book systematically covers a wide range of Jain philosophical and practical aspects, including:

Deity and Spiritual Hierarchy:
- Our God (Page 10-11): Identifies Bhagwan Arihant (Tirthankar, Jineshwar) as the supreme God. It explains their qualities as omniscient, virtuous beings who have conquered inner passions. It mentions the 24 Tirthankaras and the existence of 20 Tirthankaras in Mahavideha, emphasizing their role as preachers of truth and happiness. It also highlights that anyone can become a Tirthankar through devotion and service.
- Our Guru and Parmeshthi (Page 12-14): Defines the Guru as Sadhu-Muniraj who have renounced worldly attachments and follow strict vows. It details the five great vows (non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possession). It explains the three categories of Gurus (Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu) and the concept of the Five Parmeshthis (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu), to whom the Navkar Mantra is dedicated. The power of the Navkar Mantra in annihilating karma is also explained.
The Religion (Pages 14-16):
- Defines religion as practicing dharma, which leads to happiness, while sin leads to suffering and rebirth in lower forms.
- Four Pillars of Religion: Explains the four core duties:
  - Charity (Daan): Includes worship of God, giving alms to monks, helping the needy, practicing non-violence, donating for religious causes, and spreading religious knowledge.
  - Character (Sheel): Encompasses celibacy, good conduct, abstinence, performing Samayik (equanimity), and having faith in God, Guru, and religion.
  - Penance (Tapa): Details various forms of penance like fasting (Navkarshi, Porasi, Ayambil, Upvas), eating less, renouncing certain foods, enduring hardships peacefully, studying scriptures, confessing sins, and serving the community.
  - Spirit (Bhav): Emphasizes cultivating devotional thoughts, recognizing the impermanent nature of the world and body, and understanding oneself as a soul.
- Highlights non-violence, restraint, and penance as the core of religion, with Samyaktva (right faith) as its foundation.
Daily Life and Practices:
- Daily Routine of Shravakas (Pages 16-18): Outlines a prescribed daily schedule for householders, including waking up, chanting the Navkar Mantra, introspection, respecting elders, performing Pratikraman or Samayik, visiting the temple, offering worship, listening to religious discourses, and finishing dinner before sunset. It emphasizes the importance of adherence to rituals and vows.
- The Rituals of Jain Temple (Derasar) (Pages 18-20): Describes the proper conduct for visiting a Jain temple, from approaching the temple with reverence to performing rituals like circumambulation, worship, Abhishek (ritualistic bathing of the idol), and offering. It stresses looking down while walking to avoid harming small beings and maintaining respectful behavior within the temple premises.
Ethics and Prohibitions:
- Renouncing Seven Vices & the Uneatables (Pages 20-22): Identifies seven major vices (gambling, non-vegetarianism, alcohol, visiting prostitutes, hunting, theft, adultery) and the importance of taking vows against them. It lists various "uneatables" that are prohibited due to the presence of microscopic living beings or for other religious reasons, including meat, alcohol, honey, butter, certain roots, stale food, improperly prepared dairy products, and hotel food. The negative consequences of consuming these are illustrated with pictorial examples.
Metaphysical Concepts:
- The Body and the Soul (Pages 22-24): Differentiates between the inert body and the sentient soul. It explains that all feelings, thoughts, and actions originate from the soul, which is distinct from the physical form. The soul is described as being imprisoned within the body and has transmigrated through various life forms over infinite lifetimes.
- Six Natures Regarding a Soul (Pages 24-26): Explains key aspects of the soul: it's not the body, it's eternal, it's the operator and enjoyer of karma, it attains liberation (Moksha), and there are specific paths to achieve it.
- How Many Types of Living Beings Are There? (Pages 26-28): Classifies living beings into worldly (bonded by karma) and free (liberated). Worldly beings are further divided into immovable (one-sensed) and movable (two to five-sensed). It details the classification based on the number of senses and the different types of bodies (earthly, watery, fiery, airy, botanical, and sensual bodies).
- The Nature of a Soul (Original and Artificial) (Pages 28-30): Uses the analogy of gold mixed with impurities to explain the soul's original pure nature marred by karmas. It lists the eight types of karmas and their effects on the soul, obscuring its inherent virtues like infinite knowledge and vision.
- Soul, Karma and the God (Pages 30-32): Clarifies that God (Arihants) does not create souls or the world. Souls are eternal, and the world comprises monosensual bodies created due to karma. Karma, a subtle matter, attaches to the soul and dictates its experiences and rebirths. Gods are revered for their teachings, not as creators.
- Non-Living Beings and Six Substances (Pages 32-34): Introduces the concept of non-living beings (ajiv) and the six fundamental substances (Dravyas) in Jainism: Jiv (living), Pudgal (matter), Dharmastikay (medium of motion), Adharmastikay (medium of rest), Akash (space), and Kaal (time). It explains the nature and function of each.
- The World (Substance and its Vivid Modes) (Pages 34-36): Describes the Jain cosmology, the universe (Lok), and the different realms of existence, from hells to heavenly abodes and the Siddhashila. It explains the concept of "substance" and its "modes" using examples like gold.
- Nine Elements (Pages 36-38): Lists and explains the nine fundamental elements (Tattvas) of Jainism: Jiv (soul), Ajiv (non-living), Punya (merits), Pap (sins), Asrav (influx of karma), Samvar (cessation of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Bandh (bondage of karma), and Moksha (liberation). Attaining Samyaktva (right faith) in these elements is crucial for liberation.
- The Merits and the Sins (Pages 38-40): Elaborates on how merits lead to happiness and favorable circumstances, while sins lead to suffering and unfavorable rebirths. It details various types of merits and sins and their specific consequences, and lists actions that generate them.
- Asrav (Pages 40-42): Explains Asrav as the influx of karmas into the soul, akin to dust entering a house through open windows. It identifies the five main sources of Asrav: senses, passions (Kashayas), not taking vows (Avrata), mental-verbal-physical activities (Yoga), and other activities.
- Samvar (Pages 42-44): Defines Samvar as the process that stops the influx of new karmas. It lists the six means of Samvar: Samiti (carefulness in actions), Gupti (control of mind, speech, body), Parishah (tolerance of hardships), Yatidharma (qualities of ascetics), Bhavana (contemplation), and Charitra (right conduct).
- Nirjara (Pages 44-46): Explains Nirjara as the shedding of accumulated karmas, primarily through penance. It categorizes penance into external (fasting, reduced eating, renouncing tastes, physical austerity, self-control) and internal (expiation, modesty, service, study, contemplation, Kayotsarg) forms.
- Bandh (Pages 46-48): Describes Bandh as the attachment of karmas to the soul, akin to a prisoner being tied. It explains how karma determines the nature, duration, intensity, and quantity of the bondages. Both merits and sins bind the soul.
- Moksha (Pages 48-50): Defines Moksha as liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved by stopping new karma influx (Samvar) and shedding old karma (Nirjara). It emphasizes that Moksha is a state of eternal happiness, infinite knowledge, and freedom from all suffering, attained by purifying the soul from all karmic matter.
Supporting Information:
- Hymns to be Chanted Daily (Page 2): Includes "Chattari Mangalam" and "Chattari Loguttama" and "Chattari Sharanam Pavvajjami" along with the determination of Samyaktva.
- List of Tirthankaras and other important figures (Page 51): Provides names of the 24 Tirthankaras, chief disciples of Bhagwan Mahavir, great followers, and important Jain concepts.
- Past Editions (Page 50): Mentions previous editions of the book.

Author and Publisher:

Author: His Holiness Acharya Shree VijayBhuvanBhanusurishwarji Maharaj Saheb is presented as a significant spiritual leader, a pioneer of religious study camps, and a leader of a large group of Jain Sadhus. His life achievements and contributions to Jainism are detailed, highlighting his efforts in religious education, pictorial representations of philosophy, and social causes.
Publisher: Divya Darshan Trust, with contact details provided, indicating their role in disseminating Jain religious literature.

In essence, "Pictorial Philosophical Balpothi" is a valuable resource for understanding the core tenets of Jainism in an accessible and visually engaging manner, making complex philosophical ideas understandable for a wide audience.