Published by Indira Mansukhlal Doshi Memorial Trust VOL. 17 NO. 01 LOOKING BACK

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1 Published by Indira Mansukhlal Doshi Memorial Trust January 2007 Editor: Manu Doshi VOL. 17 NO. 01 Hun Kon Chhun? Kyänthi Thayo? Shun Swaroop Chhe Märun Kharun? Konä Sambandhe Valaganä Chhe? Räkhun Ke E Pariharun? Enä Vichär Vivekpoorvak Shäntabhäve Jo Karyä, To Sarva Ätmik Jnänanän Siddhänt-tattva Anubhavyän. Who am I? Where did I come from? What is my true nature? What connections am I entangled in? Should I retain or give them up? If these questions are prudently and peacefully addressed to self, one can realize all the fundamentals of the spiritual science AmoolyaTattvavichär LOOKING BACK By now Jain Darshan has completed 16 years of existence, and with this issue it starts the 17 th year. As the first issue was published in November 1990, its year used to end in October. That pattern continued for 10 Years. Thereafter it took a break of two months so as to coincide its year with the Gregorian calendar. Apart from that break and a combined issue for the months of May and June 1993 on the occasion of installation ceremony of JSMC temple, Jain Darshan is being regularly issued every month. 16 years is a long enough period for a monthly publication, which deals with Jainism and other spiritual aspects related to it. Because of the form in which it is presented, some people tend to call it a newsletter. It has, however, been our policy to stay away from the news as well as the advertisements. The readers might have noticed that it is exclusively a spiritual periodical. The editorial board of Jain Darshan consists of Manu Doshi, Dilip Shah, Rajni Shah, Chandan Shah, Dr. Chandrakant Shah, Indrajit Shah and Neha Shah. Manu Doshi has been its founder-editor. He has been writing the main article of every issue as well as the matter for Children s Corner. Sub-editors Dilip Shah, Rajni Shah and Chandan Shah have been associated with him since the inception. Dilip Shah has been presenting the matter of Jain Darshan in the form it is published, while Rajni Shah and Chandan Shah have mainly been in charge of mailing. Neha Shah joined as junior editor from April Dr. Chandrakant Shah joined as sub-editor in July 2000 and Indrajit Shah in August Moreover, Sagar Shah had worked as junior editor from 1999 to The editors have been of the opinion that most people do not like to go in for long reading, particularly when it is of spiritual nature. Whether it is because of shortage of time or of disinclination to devote time for serious reading, we had given an undertaking in the first issue of Jain Darshan that we would give material that could be gone through in half an hour. While it was being published by Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago, there had been times, when we were urged to make the publication a bimonthly or a quarterly. We have consistently resisted the same and Jain Darshan continues to retain its original size. At the end of 16 years it is worth looking back in order to have a bird s-eye view of the coverage. During this period we have tried to cover almost every aspect of Jainism. To count a few, we have covered six basic substances, nine

2 fundamentals (Navtattva), Karma, six essentials of Sämäyik, Devvandan, Guruvandan, Pratikraman, Käusagga & Pachchakhän, major and minor restraints, concept of Anuvrat as presented by Ächärya Tulsi and Ächärya Mahäprajna, austerities (Tap), five-fold spiritual code (Knowledge, perception, conduct, austerity and valor), Ashtäng Yog (Eightfold meditation technique of Maharshi Patanjali), Jain Yog, Tattvärtha Sutra, significance of idol-worship, Paryushan and Dashlaxanä Parvas, etc. Moreover, we have dealt at length with Namokkär Mantra & other Mängliks, Ratnäkar Pachchisi and other prayers. Our approach is more oriented towards Shrimad Rajchandra. As such, we have also dealt with a few phases of his life and explained at length some of his letters as well as the compositions like Chha Padno Patra, Apoorva Avasar, Amoolya Tattvavichär, Kshamäpanä etc. The quotation from Amoolya Tattvavichär given at the top of this article is a guiding star for us. Moreover, we have narrated more than 100 stories in Children s Corner. Though such stories are normally associated with miraculous undertones, we have tried to focus on the spiritual learning to be gleaned from them. When the first issue was prepared in 1990, the editor had no concept that he would continue to write in Jain Darshan so long. An unseen hand seems to be operating in such activities. Bhagvad Geetä says in verse 40 Adhyäy VI, Na Hi Kalyänkrutkashchid Durgatim Tät Gachchhati (One resorting to wholesome activity does not go to an evil state.). As stated therein, not only has the editor s writing in Jain Darshan been continuing, it has also led him to write several books like Essence of Jainism, Sämäyik, Spiritual Code & Restraints, Jain Stories of Ancient Times, Ätmopanishad and Adhyätmageetä. Jain Darshan does not belong to any sect; its approach is non-sectarian. It endeavors to deal with true Jain principles and practices. While it tries to avoid controversial aspects, it does present whatever is seen as of genuine interest to Jainism. Meditation, for instance, virtually seems to be forsaken in Jain tradition, even though Lord Mahävir considered it of vital importance in spiritual pursuit and spent the long period of twelve and a half years in meditation. In view of its importance we saw the significance of Vipashyanä and Prekshädhyän techniques in spiritual realm and wrote about the same. That very approach led us to deal with Anuvrat movement of Ächaryas Tulsi and Mahaprajna. With the same idea in mind we started explaining Stavans (spiritual songs) of Änandghanji. Though the series stands suspended after dealing with 12 Stavans, we hope to resume the same at early date. The readers might have noted that every issue of Jain Darshan starts with some quotation from sacred books or other trustworthy sources. Most of them happen to be the Jain sources, but the editors have not hesitated in resorting to other sources like Bhagvad Geetä. Their intention is to indicate that the message of Truth is not restricted to Jainism. While transliterating the words of such quotations as well as other Indo-Aryan terms or phrases, it is kept in mind that the people not acquainted with our languages should be enabled to correctly pronounce such terms. With that end in view the approach of Jain Darshan differs from the set usage. Let us make this clear with two illustrations. The English term for non-violence is usually spelt as Ahimsa; even the English dictionary spells it as such. Here the problem arises about the right use of nasal. In English there are two nasals, M & N. The former belongs to the labial group of consonants and the latter to the dental group. Since the letter S belongs to the dental group, the nasal preceding it must be the dental nasal N ; and the term is actually pronounced accordingly. The use of the labial M with diacritical mark over it can be acceptable, because with that marking M is pronounced as dental nasal. The people, however, make use of M without such marking, which is incorrect. The following observation of Chitrabhanuji would be of interest in that respect. I do not see the sense in writing M, when the sound I wish to denote is N. Hence I spell the word Ahinsa as A H I N S A. I think it is silly to spell Ahinsa, which is such a common and simple word, with an M, especially since most people using this spelling do not bother to put a dot on top of the M. Also, while writing s it is difficult to use the diacritical marks. Jain Darshan therefore consistently spells it as Ahinsä. Another illustration relates to the words ending in vowels, but pronounced as ending in consonants. Take the familiar terms like Yog, Ram and Nirvan. Though they are meant to end in vowels, they are pronounced as ending in consonants. Applying A at their ends and writing Yoga, Rama or Nirvana leads not only to wrong pronunciations, but also changes their connotation at times. For instance, Rama in Sanskrit language stands for a woman. It needs to be borne in mind that there are no set spellings in English for such terms. We transliterate them in order to enable the English-speaking people to pronounce the same as they need to be pronounced. Our policy in JD V17.01 PAGE 2 countinued on the last page

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6 CHILDREN'S CORNER Dear young friends, REPAYMENT of DEBT Today we are going to talk to you about an instructive story. There was a businessman named Shashikant, who was conducting the business of cloth dealing in his native place. Since he was selling reliable qualities at reasonable rates, most people used to buy from him. He could thus earn fairly well. He had a loving wife named Meenä. He had two children, a son named Piyush and a daughter named Priti. The parents were eager to see that the children were well educated. When Piyush passed the tenth grade and Priti the eighth, Shashikant thought that he should better move to a bigger place, where he could expand his business and his children could get better education. He was particular about the education of the son, because his cousin, who had settled in U.K, had promised that if Piyush secured first class at the S.S.C (high school) examination, he would call him to U.K. for higher education so that he could be a wellqualified engineer and join his machine tools business. Accordingly Shashikant decided to move to the capital city of his State. For that purpose he bought out a clothing store at that place and rented the residence in a good locality. Initially he had to remain busy with the business at the new place. Meenä, however being social, she cultivated friendly relations with the neighbor Sarla Desai, who was a High School teacher. With her recommendation Piyush and Priti were admitted to a reputed school. mind to keep watch over the progress of his son. Accordingly the teacher started coming in the morning for one hour in order to teach Piyush. The latter, however, did not feel comfortable with the teaching. He could not make out much of what the teacher used to say, and still could not present his problems because of the inamicable nature of the teacher. Thus he continued to lag behind in both the subjects. As Shashikant could notice it, he started thinking of making some alternative arrangements. As he talked to Sarla about it, she said that teachers had been after money and did not take personal interest in their students. She had, however, in mind a teacher named Harivadan Päthak, who was wedded to teaching. He was not hankering after money and stayed satisfied with his salary. She had not mentioned his name earlier, because he was not a high school teacher. However, two years back when his son Sharad was in S.S.C. class, he had given him the coaching. Thereby the boy cleared the examination with distinction and was now undergoing an engineering course. She therefore asked Shashikant to figure out if Harivadan was willing to coach Piyush. Thereupon Shashikant went to Harivadan s home. It was a small cottage of two rooms with a verandah and a kitchen garden. It looked like the residence of a hermit. Harivadan welcomed him and asked for the purpose of his visit. As Shashikant suggested about coaching his son for S.S.C. examination, Harivadan laughed and said, I am not a high school teacher; I teach in elementary grades. Shashikant: I know that; I have, however, come on hearing about your capability and sincerity. Harivadan: Being an elementary grade teacher I do not know how I could be helpful to your son. At the end of the year when the school results were out, it was noticed that Priti had obtained all A s, while Piyush was stuck up with Shashikant: I have learnt about your successful coaching of your son. Similarly if you un- B s. Shashikant was upset; he knew that if Piyush did not get A grade at the final, he dertake to coach my son, I am willing to pay would not have the chance to go to U.K. and any amount that you may suggest. make a career there. As such, he had to lend attention to his training. Under the advice of Harivadan: I do not charge any fee for teaching. I am happy with what I get from the Sarla Desai he hired the services of a schoolteacher for intensively training Piyush in Science and Mathematics. He also made up his ever, not an expert teacher, as you seem to be school and do not care for more. I am, how- JD V17.01 PAGE 6

7 thinking. I simply give guidance to those, who come to seek my help. Shashikant: In that case can I assume that you would be guiding my son the way you guided yours? Harivadan: Your son is welcome to get similar guidance. Moreover he can make use of the notes that my son had prepared. They are well maintained; you can take them with you, if you like. Shashikant: It is not necessary; you can show the same to Piyush when he comes to you for learning. From the next day Piyush started going to the home of Harivadan. His guidance was so simple and lucid that Piyush could quickly grasp the same. Moreover, the straightforward nature and friendly approach of Harivadan encouraged him to ask, if any doubt lurked in his mind. He could thus make speedy progress in both the subjects and passed the S.S.C. examination with distinction. Shashikant was very happy for the son s performance. He informed his cousin about it. Thereupon Piyush was called to U.K. for higher studies and in due course he secured the degree in engineering. Thereafter he joined the business of his maternal uncle and got well settled. When Priti got the college degree, he called her to U.K. for further studies. He remembered that the credit for what he had got went to his Guru. He never forgot him and used to enquire about his well being from time to time. While they were moving down carefully, the horse that Sharad was riding limped and Sharad fell down. On account of the icy surface he slipped down the deep valley and died. Harivadan and his wife had now to depend upon the meager pension. Shashikant, of course, took care to see that they got the necessities of life. Though it was hard for Harivadan to bear the loss of his son, he attributed it to his earlier unwholesome Karma and spent most of his time in spiritual pursuit. But his Karma did not allow him to stay peacefully. He developed heart problem and was advised to undergo bypass surgery. How could he afford the cost thereof? Shashikant called his son and told him about the situation. Piyush had not forgotten the obligation of his guru. He saw that it was the opportunity to repay the debt that he owed to him. He asked his dad to come to U.K. along with the mother, his guru and his wife and said that he would bear the entire cost of the travel and surgery. As Shashikant went to Harivadan with the massage, Harivadan declined to accept the offer of Piyush. He said, What have I done so as to load so much burden upon Piyush? Shashikant: You had taught him and he considers his present position due to that. Harivadan: What teaching? Can guiding for a couple of months justify the cost of travel to U.K. and of heart surgery? I am not interested in surviving at so much cost to Piyush. I would better die of the heart problem. Meanwhile Harivadan s son Sharad had become an engineer, and after securing M.B.A. degree he had joined a well-reputed corporation in an executive position. Thus Harivadan had no longer to face the financial stringency and could lead a comfortable life. He, however, did not leave the teaching job that he loved, and continued to work till he retired. Sharad had once been on a tour to Kashmir organized by his corporation for its executives. All of them rented a luxurious houseboat in Shrinagar and enjoyed moving about the places like Dal lake, Nishät and Shälimär gardens etc. Then they went to visit Gulmarg and Khilanmarg on horseback. On the way back they got in the midst of a snowstorm. Shashikant: Guruji, your equation is no good here. My mathematics works differently; let me go ahead with that. I am arranging for our tickets. Please make preparations for proceeding to U.K. next week. All the four of them thus flew to U.K. the succeeding week. Piyush had set up the appointment with a cardiac surgeon. Harivadan was accordingly examined and it was decided to perform bypass surgery after a week. After his recuperation Piyush took both the couples on a tour to Europe. Priti was too busy to join them. All of them enjoyed going round the places of interest like Paris, Zurich, Florence, Venice, Pisa, Rome, etc. and came back to U.K. Thereafter Shashikant and Harivadan came back to India along with their spouses. JD V17.01 PAGE 7

8 Indira Mansukhlal Doshi Memorial Trust A non-profit tax-exempt organization 931 Goldenrod Lane Lake Forest, IL Send Comments & Suggestions to: Manubhai Doshi - Editor Tel: mansukhdoshi@yahoo.com Dilip Shah - Sub-Editor Tel: dilshah@gmail.com Rajnikant & Chandan Shah - Sub-Editors Tel: rtshah41@yahoo.com Indrajit Shah - Sub-Editor Tel: ishah80@gmail.com Dr. Chandrakant Shah - Sub-Editor Tel: cshah@joltmail.com Neha Shah - Jr. Editor Tel: Printed at Sir Speedy Printing, 311 South Wacker Drive Chicago, Il by courtesy of Kishor & Trupti Kuvadia countinued from page 2... transliteration has therefore been to drop A at the end of the terms, which are pronounced as ending in consonants. From its very inception the editors had conceived of giving replies to questions from the readers. This can be seen from the Mailbox section of Jain Darshan. There are many aspects of our tradition and belief that would arouse curiosity. For instance, Posh Dashami (The tenth day of the dark half of the month of Posh) is the birthday of Lord Pärshwanäth, but we celebrate it in the month of Mägshar. That would apparently look as an anomaly. We would like to explain such anomalies. Unfortunately, however, we are not receiving enough questions and hence many issues of Jain Darshan do not contain Mailbox section. Since questions and answers serve as a vital tool of communication, we urge all of our readers to send questions that might occur to them. Such questions would help in establishing lively contact between the editors and the readers. We would even welcome suggestions for improving the quality and contents of Jain Darshan. Since we have already covered many aspects of Jainism, the question would arise about our plan for the topics to be covered now. Frankly speaking, we do not have any specific plan. For the time being we have been thinking of four popular contemplative songs (Sajzäy) of Udayratnaji dealing with Krodh (anger), Män (arrogance), Mäyä (deception) and Lobh (greed). Thereafter we may take up the discussion of eight ascetic states that were initially presented by Ächärya Haribhadrasuri. Our discussion would be mainly based on the simple version prepared by Upädhyäy Yashovijayji. That would be intercepted on the occasions like Lord Mahäveer s birthday, Paryushan Parva etc. when we would be writing something pertaining to such occasions. Before concluding we would like to acknowledge the services of Kishor and Trupti Kuvadia, who have been kind enough to print Jain Darshan without any charge for last five years. We heartily compliment them for their spirit of servicing. We also take the opportunity of expressing our thanks to JSMC for putting Jain Darshan on its website.

Das Lakshan Parva. Dharma Ke Das Lakshan by Dr. Bharill

Das Lakshan Parva. Dharma Ke Das Lakshan by Dr. Bharill Das Lakshan Parva Dharma Ke Das Lakshan by Dr. Bharill Das Lakshan Parva is the festival celebrated by the Digambara Jains. In the Digambar tradition, the ten cardinal virtues, Dashlakshan Dharma, are