DAY 1 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teachers “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place and sit for a whole new subject Jain Dharam
Teacher: Which is the maha mantra [the greatest chant] of the jains? Pranati: Is it the Namaskar mantra?
Teacher: Yes, it is. We also call it the Navkar Mantra, Panch Parmeshti Mantra.
Prerana: Why is it called as “navkar mantra”?
Teacher: In the Namaskar mantra, after the 5 padhs, when, Namo Nanasa, Namo Dansana, Namo Charitasa, Namo Tapasa, these 4 padhs are added it comes as a total of 9 padhs, which is why it is called “Nav-Kar Mantra”.
The 5 Padhs are: Namo Arihantanam Namo Siddhanam Namo Aayariyanam Namo Uvajjayaanam Namo Loesavsahunam
In these 5 padhs there are 2 dev padhs- Arihant and Siddh, and there are 3 guru padhs- Aacharya, Upadhyaya and Sadhuji.
Pinky: Why is it known as the “Panch Parmeshtri mantra”?
Teacher: it describes about the great 5 padh, that is the reason it is known as the “Panch Parmeshtri mantra”.
Payal: What does namaskar mean?
Teacher: joining both hands touching the forehead and bowing one’s head is known as Namaskar.
Pratiksha: when can one remember and chant the “Navkar mantra”?
Teacher: In a clean and pure place, whenever one wishes, we can chant Navkar Mantra.
Luksh: What is a mantra? Teacher: a mantra is a chant that contains a few words but possesses a deep meaning. Namo means to greet [Namaskar]. This greeting is the root of dharma, as we greet to those who are polite, respectful and virtues.
Payal: What do you mean by Namo Arihanthanam?
Teacher: It means I do Namaskar to Arihant Bhagwan. Arihant is one who has overcome and destroyed enemies like anger, hatred and 4 karmas which are Gyanavarniya, Dharshanvarniya, Mohaniya and Antraya.
Preksha: How many karmas of Arihant are left? Teacher: 4 are left which are Vedhniya, Aayush, Naam and Gotra.
Luksh: What do you mean by karma?
Teacher: Its a very interesting topic and a very long one. Will surely explain you about it in future classes. For now you should know Karma is the reason for us not attaining Salvation.
The second Padh is Namo Siddhanam. Who can be called Siddh? Any idea children.
Hmmm. Huh,.. (Children Thinking) Teacher: The one who as destroyed all the 8 karmas can be called a Siddh.
Riaan: if Siddh Bhagwan has destroyed all 8 karmas, which is more than Arihant Bhagwan, why do we still worship them as the second padh in Navkar mantra and not the first?
Teacher: Arihant Bhagwan is the preacher/ teachers who guide us in the path of virtuesness that’s why we bow before him and thus we bow before Siddh Bhagwan.
Ok, now its story time. Today i will be telling you a storyAbout Arjunmali
There lived a gardener named Arjun in Rajgrih, Skandashri was his dear and beautiful wife.
Arjun gardener use to worship the semi-god-yaksha daily.Once upon a time his wife- Skandashri after serving lunch to him was approaching with flowers towards the temple of that semi-god-yaksha.
Six men with lust and intoxication were c in the temple of yaksha. They happened to see her.
Then they possessed by passions took her to the temple and before Yaksha god they all inturn frequently seduced her.
Meanwhile Arjun Mali came for prayers to the temple on seeing him those men tied him up, and they started to misbehave with his wife. Oh seeing the lewd persons fixing his wife before him began to think that he was worshipping with flowers Yaksha dev regularly.
Today in the presence of Yaksha dev I am humiliated so it is the fact that Yaksha dev does not reside in this temple. Knowing his deity trust is going ,Yaksha dev soon entered Arjun’s body and broke the bonds and killed the 6 men and his wife too.
After that Arjun mali was killing everyday one woman and six men wandering outside the city.
On hearing this fact the citizens did not move out of the city until Arjun mali has not killed down one lady and six men.
During that time Bhagwan Mahavir wandering passed through this city but out of fear from Arjunmali nobody came out to receive and respect Bhagwan.
Sudarshan the chief master deciding what may come I will go and greet Bhagwan Mahavir. On his wat He saw Arjun mali ready to kill him. Seeing this he took a vow of fasting and he stood in a state of a Meditation chanting Navkar Maha- Mantra.
Then Arjun Mali immediately rushed towards the master Sudarshan but because of the power of the religion he could not do any harm to him. After lot of trying he got tired and he fell unconscious. When he woke he did not remember anything. He exclaimed with wonder What did I do ? Where am I ?
Sudershan Master told Arjun mali the whole story on hearing which he repented much and began to think.
Oh ! I am a fool who out of ignorance committed a nefarious deed leading to the hell. Thinking thus he again asked the master.
Oh dear Sudershan ! Why have you come out ? He replied,”I have come here to bow to Bhagwan Mahavir.’
On hearing the words of Sudershan master Arjun Mali said,”Oh wise Sudershan ! I also come with you to meet and greet Bhagwan Mahavir.
Then Sudershan master being pleased and eager to see his Bhagwan came with Arjun to Bhagwan Mahavir swami.
After sermons Arjun the gardener bowed to omniscient Bhagwan and asked,”Bhagwan ! I am a sinner ! How can I be Purified ?’
In reply to Arjun’s question Bhagwan and “If you are desirous of self purification,observe the hard penance through continence samyam Vrat.’
On hearing Bhagwan’s words Arjun Mali got initiated through Bhagwan Mahavir and began to wander in the city Rajagriha to destroy the misdeeds.
Thus Arjun mali endured the criticism for six months and destroyed all misdeeds and attained the eternal knowledge and truth and attained Salvation.
DAY 2 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teachers “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place and sit to know more about Namaskar Mantra
The 3rd Padh Namo Ayariyanam is the AAacharya’s Padh. Tirthankar bhagwan has established the Jain Tirth. To run the tirth he appointed a Head. In this 21st century the head of the Jain Tirth is our saviour. He is the Aacharya. The message of the 24th tirthankar, bhagwan Mahavir , is carried by the Aacharya, our spiritual leader. The Aacharya first practices the principles of Jainism in their life and then preach the world through examples. They are the living example of good character and conduct. They are endowed with the quality of knowledge, vision, character and strength.
Riaan: Mam Can a lady become an Aacharya?
Teacher: A sadhvi cannot become an Aacharya(Exceptions are there, which are one among infinite)
According to Jain Agamas the life of an Aacharya is full of hardship. a sadhvi cannot become an Aacharya because:
Meditation in jungle alone is not possible Spending night in a jungle alone is not possible All 365 days Meditation is not possible as their body is an hindrance Ladies are soft by nature hence they are unable to break earthly attachments completely. Ladies are less sedate compared to a man which is required in many situations.
If we see by nature leadership qualities are found in men only. This is proved: The king of a jungle is a lion The head of a family of an elephant is a male.
Priyansh: What do you mean by Namo Uvajjayaanam?
Teacher: Namo Uvajjayanam is “I bow down to the Upadhyayas”. Upadhyayas are the Spiritual teachers. They have complete knowledge of the Jain Aagams. They teach the right pronunciation and also explain briefly the meaning of each Aagam to Sadhus and Sadhvis. An Upadhyaya ji is the one who imparts knowledge.
We are bowing down to their knowledge and develop the feeling within us that we also should become as knowledgable as them.
Pratiksha: What are Jain Aagams? How many Jain Aagams are there?
Teacher: Jain scriptures are popularly known as Aagams. The word Aagam means Knowledge. Each Aagam is the essence of the teachings of the Tirthankars. It is the life line of the entire Jain sashan in the absence of a Tirthankar. There are 32 Aagams
Pranati: Do Aacharyas also have knowledge of the 32 Aagams?
Teacher: Yes dear an Aacharya has to have knowledge on the Aagams.
Preksha: Mam, then what is the difference between an Aacharya and an Upadhyaya?
Teacher: Aacharya Upadhyaya He is the leader of Sadhu, Sadhvi, Shravak and He is a Spiritual teacher Shravika. He explains his disciples the meaning of each He teaches the disciple how to Aagam deeply and in detail read the aagam.
All Aacharyas are Upadhyayas All Upadhyayas are not Aacharyas
Pratigya: So can an Upadhyaya become an Aacharya?
Teacher: Of course an Upadhyaya can become an Aacharya.
Namo Loesavsahunam means “I bow down to all the Sadhus and Sadhvis”. A sadhu and Sadhvi is the one who protects all living things, They follow all the 5 Mahavrats and the one who follows the path set by an Aacharya and Upadhyaya.
Payal: Mam, in navkar mantra other than these 5 padhs there are these lines too;
(Payal recites it)
Eso Panchnamokkaro,
Savvapavappanasano Mangalanam cha Savvesim,
Padhamam Havai Mangalam
What is the meaning of it?
Teacher: After we bow down to the 5 padhs we say
Eso Panchnamokkaro: Bowing down to these five padh,
Savvapavappanasano: Destroy all the sins,
Mangalanam cha Savvesim: Amongst all that is auspicious,
Padhamam Havai Mangalam: This Navkar Mantra is the foremost.
DAY 3 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teachers “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place and sit to know more about Jain Dharma
Teacher: What is Vandana? Does anyone know.
Pranay: Vandana is bowing down respectfully in front of people who are following the path of Tirthankar.
Teacher: Absolutely right. Vandana can be done by saying Mattha-ein Vandami or by Tikkutto ke paat se.
Mattha-ein Vandami is a short vandana. It means I bow down to you. This is usually done when sadhu/sadhvi are in vihar or if they are on their way for gochri.
Pinky: What is Tikkutto?
Teacher: Tikkutto is a complete Vandana which is done to sadhus and sadhvis. Teacher recites it:
Tikhutto----3 times
Ayahinam---from right side of the one to whom we are doing Payahinam----pradakshina Karemi----I am doing
Vandami---- I am doing your stuti
Namansami---- I am doing namaskar Sakkaremi----I respect you Sammanemi----I honour you Kallanam----you are the salvation provider Mangalam---you are the destroyer of sins Davyam----you are a celestial figure Cheiyam----you are a learned person Pajjuvasami----I serve you Mattha-ein Vandami—I do your stuti and I bow my head down to you respectfully
Hrday: What is Pradakshina?
Mam: Pradakshina here means standing in one place joining both hands and moving the hand from the right side of the Sadhu(to whom we are doing) and from the person(the one doing it) left ear from upward move it round 3 times. The round should be as much as your own face.
Luksh: Why is pradakshina done only from the right side of the Sadhu?
During olden times people use to do pradikshana around the sadhu and sadhvi. They used to take a circle(it would start from right) around them. The reason for them to start from right is: Right symbolizes auspiciousness. Hence we keep Honourable people on our right when going around them Pradakshina is a Parikrama which is always started from the right side of the honourable soul. Other than Jain dharam other religions also follow this system. For example in temple, church the parikrama is done from the right of the statue. In masjid people have to step in with right leg first.
So nowdays people instead of going around sadhus/sadhvis they stand in one place and do vandana. Tikkhutto Ayahinam Payahinam Karemi Vandami Namansami
Sakkaremi Sammanemi Kallanam Mangalam Davyam Cheiyam
Pajjuvasami Mattha-ein Vandami
Riaan: How many times do we need to do Pradikshana?
Teacher: Pradakshina is done thrice. It is done thrice because we believe that when its done thrice our thoughts become firm. For example the judge says ‘order’ thrice. Every vandana done by us should be done from mann(heart) vachan(speech) and kaya(body).
Payal: Is vandana also done 3 times?
Teacher: Vandana is also done 3 times because of the same belief that anything done thrice is firm and stronger.
Pranati: Why should we do Vandana?
Teacher: We destroy the bad Gotra karma A person becomes courteous He/she learns knowledge fast He/ she destroys paap and gives rise to Punya Their nature becomes good We want the honourable person attributes to develop in us.
Prithvi: When should we do vandana?
Teacher: Tikkutto vandana is to be done: Daily in the morning Before taking Samaiyak When we do darshan of sadhu sadhvi Before and after learning any new knowledge When sadhu come home for gochri
DAY 4 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teachers “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place and sit to know what is Saamayik
Teacher: Today we will learn about Saamayik? Who does Saamayik? How should we do Saamayik? What does Saamayik comprise of?
Priyaansh: Oh wow! It’s indeed a very interesting topic. Every day we come to Paatshala you give us Saamayik. Today we all will know the reason behind it.
Teacher: Yes, children today i will explain you about Saamayik. Saamayik is the only time when a person gives Abhaydaan to all living beings. Those 48 minutes we are not indulged in any work which causes hinsa to even the smallest living thing like air, water, earth etc.
Samaayik brings equality in thoughts of a person. This happens because a person in Samaayik is under a vow of not doing any Paap which helps in learning how to control the mind and soul. It also develops patience and increases knowledge in a person as he/she is learning or meditating in Samaayik.
Pranshav: What kind of act is considered as Paap?
Teacher: There are 18 types of Paap. They are: 1. Pranaatipaat—means to cause hinsa 2. Mrishawaad—means to lie 3. Adhathadaan—means to rob or take away things without permission. 4. Maithun ---means not to follow Celibacy 5. Parigraha— means to have attachment towards objects. 6. Krodh—means Anger 7. Maan---Means Ego 8. maaya—means Pretence/perfidy 9. lobh---means greedy 10. Raag—Means attachment 11. Duewesh—means hatred 12. Kalaha—to arouse vexation or to create hatred atmosphere. 13. Abhyakhyaan—means to say words of reproach or to blemish someone 14. Paeshunya—means to back bite 15. Parparivaad—means back biting 16. Rati-Arati—means to like and dislike things 17. Maaya Mrishavaad—means to lie cunningly 18. Mithya darshan Shalya— not to believe in Thirthankars words.
A person who understands the importance of Dharma and who beliefs in protecting living beings will do Saamayik. Many people take Saamayik by saying 3 navkar mantra or sometimes only Karemi bhante. There is a procedure to be followed when we take Saamayik.
Pratiksha: What procedure mam?
Teacher: In Saamayik we have to say the following: 3 times Tikkutto Navkar mantra once Icchakarenam once Tassauttari once Lougasu once in dhyan mudra Navkar mantra and dhyan shudhi paat Lougasu once Saamayik ka paat that is karemi bhante Namo Thu nam twice
Pranati: What is Icchakarenam?
Teacher: The word “Iccha” means “selflessly I want to take the almighty’s permission first, after which I want to ask forgiveness from all living beings whom I have knowingly or unknowingly hurt”.
ICCHAKAARENAM- willingly SANDISAHA- grant permission to me BHAGAVAM- Siddha Bhagwan IRYAAVAHIYAM- the kriya caused by my movement PADHIKKAMAAMI- i ask for forgiveness.
ICCHAM- with your permission ICCHAMI- i wish to PADHIKKAMIUM- ask for forgiveness IRIYAAVAHIYAAE- while walking VIRAAHANAAE- if i have hurt any living being
GAMNAAGAMNE- while walking PAANAKKAMNE- i may have a living being BEEYAKKAMNE- i may have a seed HARIYAKKAMNE-- i may have a plant OSA-dew drops UTHING-ant hills PANAG-moss DAG-living water MATTEE-living mud MAKKDA SANTANAM-spider web SANKMANE-crushed it JE-if MAI- i JEEVA- living thing VIRAAHIYA- hurted and caused pain EGINDIYA- one sensed living thing BAEINDIYA- 2 sensed living thing TAEINDIYA- 3 sensed living thing CHAURINDIYA-4 sensed living thing PANCHINDIYA- 5 sensed living thing ABHIHAYA-while coming near i have hurted them VATIYA- covered them with dust LAESIYA- rubbed them SANGAIYA- bought them together in 1 place SANGATIYA- collided them together PARIYAVIYA- inflicited pain on them KILAMIYA- caused pain by tilting or touching them UDDAVIYA- frightened and irritated them TAANAAO-from 1 place TAANAM-to another place SANKAAMIYA- i have shifted them JEEVIYAAO- from life VAVROVIYAA- i made them lifeless TASS-for that MICCHAMI- i apologise and ask for forgiveness DUKKDAM- for all the sins(paap)
Pratiksha: So mam totally 14 types of living things are mentioned in Icchakarenam. How many types of Viraadanaa are there in it?
Teacher: 10, Abhihaya to Jeeviyaao are the Viraadhanaas.
DAY 5 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teachers “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place and sit to know what is Tassauttari
Preksha: Mam, in last class you explained us about Icchakaarenam, can u tell us what is Tassauttari?
Teacher: The way Icchakaarenam is asking for forgiveness to all living things for causing pain to them while we move to and fro. Similarly Tassauttari is asking for forgiveness for any movement done during meditation. Hence we always say Tassauttari before every meditation.
Pranav: Mam if we are asking for forgiveness why do we say it before the meditation. We should recite it after the meditation?
Teacher: Sometimes while meditating we need to protect other living things hence we say Tassauttari before itself, also in Tassauttari we keep aagaar during meditation hence it is recited before.
Riaan: What is aagaar?
Teacher: The exceptions that we keep when we take any vow.
Tassa – For the
Uttari Karanenam – elevation (of my soul)
Payachhchhitta Karanenam – expiation (removal of sins)
Visohi Karanenam – more purification (of my soul)
Visalli Karanenam – the darts (in the form of hypocrisy, ardent desires and false faith)
Pavaanam – sinful actions
Kammanam – karma
Nigghayanthae – for destroying
Thami – I stay
Kaussaggam – in a motionless posture
Annaththa – with (twelve) exceptions as follows:
Usasienam – breathing in deeply (1)
Nisasienam – breathing out deeply (2)
Khasienam – due to coughing (3)
Chhienam – due to sneezing (4)
Jambhaienam – due to yawning (5)
Udduenam – due to burbs (6)
Vaya-Nisaggenam – due to burbs of bodily gas (7)
Bhamalie – due to feeling of giddieness or dizzy (8)
Pitta Muchhchhae – due to vomiting sensation, or fainting (9)
Suhumehim – due to subtle (little)
Anga Sanchalehim – bodily movements (10)
Suhumehim – due to subtle
Khel Sanchalehim - cough movements (11)
Suhumehim – due to subtle
Diththi Sanchalehim – eyes movements (12)
Eva Maiehim – these twelve types and other
Agarehim – exceptions
Abhaggo – let my steady posture be undisturbed
Avirahio – not violated (without violating the mode)
Hujja Me – let my
Kaussaggo – motionless posture be
Java Arihantanam – as long as to Arihantas
Bhagavantanam – to the Bhagwans
Namokkarenam – by reciting the Namaskar pad mentally
Na Paremi – (I) do not complete (the motionless posture)
Tava Kayam – till then (I keep) my body
Thanenam – in motionless posture at one place
Monenam – in complete silence (without speaking but reciting mentally)
Jhanenam – in meditation
Appanam – (I give up) my soul
Vosirami – by remaining aloof
Preksha: Oh, so the coughing, sneezing all thse are the Aagars mentioned in Tassa uttari.
Teacher: yes, Tassauttari talks on 12 aagaars during meditation. Ussasiaenam to dittisanchalaim are the Aagaars.
DAY 6 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teachers “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place and sit to know the next paat of Saamayik “Logassu”.
Teacher: The other name of Logassu is CHATURVISHTISTVA SUTRA. As this is a Paat where we Praise the Virtues of 24 Tirthankars hence it’s called by this name too.
Pranay: Why do we Praise the 24 Tirthankars?
Teacher: As explained before about Arihants and Siddhs, these 24 Tirthankars are the Arihants which have attained salvation by destroying their 8 Karmas. Hence, we praise them.
In this Sutra the Tirthankars are compared with the Sun, Ocean and Moon. I will explain you line by line:
“Logassu jjoyagare, dhamma titthayare jine arihante kittaissam, chauviisampi kevalii”
Who have enlightened the world, have established the dharma-tirth, I praise the Arihantas, the 24 kevalis.
“Usabhamajiyam cha vande, sambhavam_abhinadaNam cha sumaimcha| paumappaham supaasam, jinam cha chandappaham vande”
I worhship Rishabhdev swamyji, & Ajitdev swamiji, Sambhavnath ji, Abhinandan swamyji and Sumatinath ji, Padmaprabhaji, Suparshvanathji, I worship the Chandraprabhaji.
“suvihim cha pufahadantam, siyal-sijjansa-vaasupujjam cha vimalamanantam cha jinam, dhammam santi cha vandaami”
Suvidhinathji or Pushpadantaji, Shitalnathji, Shreyansnathji and Vasupujyaji, Vimalnathji and Anantanathji, I worship Dharmnathji and Shantinathji.
“kunthum aram cha mallimvande muNisuvvayam namijiNam cha vandaami riTThanemim, paasam taha vaddhamaNam cha “
Kunthunathji, Aranathji and Mallinathji, I worship Muni-Suvratji and Naminathji, I worship Arishtanemiji, Parshvanathji and Vardhmanji.
Now the next few lines highlights the qualities of the Tirthankars
“Aevam maye abhithuaa, vihuya-rayamalaa pahiiNa-jara_maraNaa chauviisampi jiNavaraa, titthayaraa me pasiiyantu”
These who I praise, without the dirt of Karma, beyond old age and death, the 24 Jinas, may Tirthankars bless me.
“kittiya-vandiya-maiya, je ae logassa uttamaa siddha aarogga-bohilabham, samaahivaram_uttamam dintu”
Those who I praise and worship by speech, bowing down physically and mentally, noble Siddhs in the world, freedom from disease, possession of wisdom give me the noble blessing of Samadhi.
Now the next lines compare the Tirthankars with Sun, moon and ocean
“chandesu nimmalayara, aaichchesu ahiyam payaasayaraa saagara_var_gambhiiraa siddhaa siddhim mama disantu”
Purer than the moon, brighter than the Sun, deeper than the ocean, the Siddh may bless me with Siddhi.
Pranshav: How great are Our Tirthankars. I will surely learn it and recite it daily.
DAY 7 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teachers “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place and sit for a whole new subject Nammothu Nam
Namothu nam – let my respects be to
Arihantanam Bhagvantanam – Bhagwan Arihants
Aigaranam – the First Leaders of Jain Dharma
Tiththayaranam – the founders of four tirths – sadhu, sadhvi, shravak, shravika
Sayam-sambudhdhanam – the self enlightened ones
Purisuttamanam – supreme among all humans
Purisasihanam – like the lions among human-beings
Purisavar Pundariyanam – like the best White lotus among the humans
Purisa-var-gandhahaththinam – like the best elephant among the humans
Loguttamanam – topmost in the Universe
Loga-Nahanam – the Masters of the Universe
Loga-Hianam – beneficent to all the lives in the Universe
Loga-Paivanam – like a lamp in the Universe
Loga-Pajjoagaranam – like sun enlightening the Universe
Abhayadayanam – donors of security or protection
Chakhkhudayanam – bestowers of vision in the form of knowledge
Maggadayanam – demonstrators of the right religious path
Saran Dayanam – givers of shelter
Jivdayanam – savers of souls
Bohidayanam – preachers of right faith
Dhammadayanam – the showers of religious path
Dhammadesayanam – the preachers of religion
Dhammanayaganam – the leaders of religion
Dhammasarhinam – charioteers of religion
Dhammavar – prime in the religion
Chauranta-Chakka-Vattinam – the great emperors (chakravati) for ending the souls transmigration from four birth cycles
DivoTanam – an island for the souls sinking in the life ocean who are protection incarnate (removers of grief)
Sarana Gai Paiththanam – saviours in four birth-cycle of the souls in the life ocean
Appadihayavara – who cannot be killed or obstructed the best
Nanadansana-Dharanam – bearers of absolute knowledge and vision
Viatta-Chhaumanam – gone is whose ignorance
Jinanam – victors of likes and dislikes
Javayanam – causing others to win their likes and dislikes
Tinnanam – who have crossed the ocean of life
Tarayanam – the one who makes others also attain salvation
Budhdhanam – the self enlightened ones
Bohayanam – inspirers of enlightened faith to others
Muttanam – self liberated from karmas
Moaganam – liberators of others from eight karmas
Savvannunam – the Omniscient Bhagwans
Savvadarisinam – who has a vision to see all
Siva – above all
Mayala – firm like a mountain
Maruya – free from diseases
Mananta – endless
Makhkhaya – undestructable
Mapunaravitti – where there is no return to the 4 gatis
Siddhi gai – the position to liberation
Namdheyam – by that immortal name
Thanam – and place
Sampattanam – who have achieved
Namo Jinanam – I bow down, Oh ! Bhagwan Jineshwar
Jiya Bhayanam – conqueror of all fears
Pragati: Why do we recite Namothu nam twice?
Teacher: The first namothu nam is paying respect to Sidh Bhagwan and the second is paying respect to Arihant Bhagwan.
Preksha: In Logassu also we are praising the liberated soul , the same we are achieving in the recitation of Nammothu nam, so how are the 2 different from each other?
Teacher: In Logassu we are praising the present Tirthankars by their names and qualities but in Nammothu nam we are praising the past , present and future Arihants and Siddhs by their qualities and not names.
DAY 8 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teachers “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place and sit for a whole new subject Jain Dharam
Teacher: Today we are going to learn about Gati? Who knows what is gati?
Pranati— Mam, mummy was saying if we eat non-vegetarian we will go to Narak gati, is this the same gati you are referring to.
Teacher: Yes Pranati, thats the one i am referring to. Gati(station) is where a living being comes to live in different forms. A living being when it dies he/she can take birth has a plant/animal/water/fire/air/earth(TIRYANCH GATI), human being(MANUSHYA GATI), a member of heaven(DEV GATI) or as a member of hell(NARAK GATI)
Priyansh: What happens in these 4 Gatis?
Teacher: So well, to start with let me explain you about Narak Gati
The way planet Earth has 7 continents Narak gati has 7 levels. Each level of narak is different.Some levels are very cold and some are very hot. The cold and hot weather cannot be expressed, imagined or felt. There are 10 types of suffering that the people in hell face.
SUFFERINGS Extreme cold weather Extreme hot weather Endless hunger Endless thirst Endless itching Endless slavery Endless fear Endless sorrow Endless Burning Sensation Unbearable Diseases
Reason for birth in Narak is:
Eating Non vegetarian Food Killing a 5 sensed body Any kind of Addiction Excessive attachment towards objects
Prerana:How are the other stations? Is the misery the same in all Stations? How is life in Tiryanchlok?
Teacher: Tiryanchlok is nothing but a place where souls, due to their karmas, are born like animals, plants, small microbes, birds etc. All souls(compared to other stations) have taken birth in this station maximum number of times. In this station you will find 1 to 5 senses bodies.
Some have only 1 sense organ whereas some have more than one.
Riaan: Is these the 5 senses organs which we learnt in science? Mam: Yes son, these are the same 5 organs:
Sense organs Senses
Ears Sound
Eyes Sight
Nose Smell
Tongue Taste
Skin Touch
Jainism has classified the Tiryanchlok according to their sense organs:
5 sense organs—ear, eyes, nose, tongue, skin(lion, dog etc)
4 sense organs - eyes, nose, tongue, skin (flies, buterfly, etc.)
3 sense organs - nose, tongue, skin (ants, lice, etc.)
2 sense organs - tongue, skin (shellfish, worms, etc.)
1 sense organ - Skin DAY 9 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teachers “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place and sit to know more about Thiryanchlok
Pranati: Which are the 1 sense bodies ?
Teacher: These are earth, water, fire, air and plants. They breathe and absorb food and water through their skin.
Earth (Prithvikaya) living bodies are---soil(where movement of people is less), stone, metal ore, marble, diamond, salt, mountains.
All these are comprised of innumerable souls.
For example a mountain is not one soul, instead its made up of innumerable souls (all these souls have only 1 sense organ).
Water(Apkaya) living bodies---well, ocean, pond, river, rain, dew drops, snow etc. Even these are made up of innumerable souls.
Fire(Tahukaya) living bodies---electricity, a lit candle, agarbatti, diyas, gas, burner, battery operated objects etc.
Air(Vayukaya) living bodies---Air is something which no one can see but can feel it. Air can be felt when we turn on the fan, while playing musical instruments, during thunder and lighting, while swinging a swing etc.
Plants (Vanaspathikaya) living bodies ----fruits, vegetables, tree, plants, seeds, leaves, branches, etc
Luksh: Can you tell me which all animals and birds are a part of 5 sense body being?
Teacher: 5 sense living beings are divided into 5 groups, they are:
a) Who live in water(Jalchar)----fish, crocodile etc.
b) Who live on earth(Sthalchar)----Horse, elephant, cow etc.
c) Who fly in air(khechar)---- parrot, sparrow, eagle, bat etc.
d) Who moves with their chest(Urparisarp)- snake, etc.
e) Who move with their shoulders(Bhujparisarp)-rat, lizard, squirrel etc.
Priyansh: What should I do by which I don’t get a ticket to Tiryanchlok?
Teacher: We should not cunningly cheat anyone We should not cheat and lie to anyone We should not hide the truth from anyone We should not cheat and do fraud with anyone.
DAY 10 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place and sit and are waiting to know which Station are they from.
Luksh: Which station are we in?
Teacher: We are in Manushyalok (the station of human beings). Bhagwan Mahavir had told, getting a life of a human is like one of the 7 wonders of the world.
Prerana: Why is it so difficult to get this life?
Teacher: A person gets this life only due to his/her good deeds. This is considered the greatest station among all.
Preksha: Why is it the greatest station?
Teacher:
Freedom from cycle of Rebirth— to obtain salvation a person has to take birth in this station. In no other station a person can attain salvation. A person can become a Tirthankar if born in this station. Ability to live an ascetic life—tiryanchlok bodies can become a shravak but only a manushyalok body can become a Sadhu and a shravak.
In Tiryanch lok you cannot get salvation, in heaven you don’t have the ability to ‘DO’ Dharam(fasting, samaiyak) and people in hell are compelled to suffer. Hence it is told it is an ‘EXTINCT’ to be a human.
Priyansh: How is life in the 4th station ‘Heaven’?
Teacher: Heaven is the opposite of Hell. The comfort in heaven is equivalent to the suffering in hell.
Prerana: Who lives in heaven?
Teacher: Heaven is divided into various levels. In these levels there are different “Devlok”(houses) of Devtas of different caste. The castes are:
10 Bhavanpathi Dev 15 Parmadharmik dev 16 Vaanvyantar Dev 10 Jrimbhak Dev 10 Jyotishi Dev 12 Vaimaanik Dev 3 Kilvishi Dev 9 Lokantikh dev 9 Graiveyak Dev 5 Anuttar viman dev
So in total there are 99 castes of Devtas.
Luksh: What is the speciality of this station which is not in other station?
Teacher:
Unlike Manushyalok all souls enjoy a lavish life in this station. Though there is a class of high-low in Devtas also, even then they all live a lavish lifestyle. All Devtas have the power to do anything they wish to. For example if any Devta wishes to carry a mountain, they can. All Devtas can change their look anytime. For example if a soul wants to look like a lion, they can. They have a Vekriya (a body made of fine particle) body due to which they can change their appearance.
(Note: Human body is an Audharik(a body made up of coarse particle) body hence it cannot change its appearance).
Devtas never get tired and nor they sweat. Devtas don’t sleep or eat. Whenever they are hungry they absorb food from the environment which makes their hunger vanish. Devtas eyes don’t blink and nor we can see their shadow. They have the power to know their previous birth and future birth too.
Preksha: After all this heavenly living why did you say Manushlok is the greatest station?
Teacher: As you know the ultimate happiness is in “salvation” which cannot be obtained in this station “heaven”. If a Devta wishes to do Dharam (samaiyak, fast) or wants to become a sadhu or a shravak they cannot, hence we don’t call this the greatest station.
Luksh: What deeds do we need to do, to be born in Manushya lok and Devlok?
Teacher:
Let me tell you the story of Shalibadra
Once upon a time, there lived a poor mother and her son in a small village. One day, there was a festival in the village and all the kids, including the poor son gathered to play. After playing, everyone started to eat kheer. This poor boy did not have anything with him. He felt bad and ran back to his mother. He asked her if she would make him the kheer since all the children were eating it. His mother did not want to see him cry. So she went to the neighbor’s house and borrowed some milk, sugar and rice to make the kheer for her son. She poured the keeir into a dish and left to get the water from the well. As the boy was about to start eating, He saw a sadhu at the door for gochri. Without any hesitation, the hungry boy offered him the kheer. His good intention brought him good karmas, and in his next life, he was born as a famous Shalibhadra.
Shalibhadra’s mother was Bhadra Shethani and his father was Gobhadra Sheth. Shalibadra had 32 beautiful wives. His mother never let him out of his palace in a fear that he might become a Sadhu like his father.
One day, some merchants from Nepal came to sell some very expensive saris. They went to king Shrenik’s court where the king told them that he could not afford to use his citizens’ money for such expensive saris. When Bhadra Shethani came to know about this, she sent for those merchants. Bhadra Shethani asked, “What do you have?” They said they had sixteen saris. She said, “Only sixteen? I need thirty-two saris because I have thirty-two daughter-in-laws”.The merchants were surprised that without any second thought she bought all sixteen saris. They were further dazed to see her tearing such precious saris into two pieces in front of them and giving a piece to each of her daughters-in-laws to wipe their feet. When King Shrenik came to know the Saree were bought by Shalibadra he decided to go to his palace and honour him.When King Shrenik reached there, he realized that his palace was nothing compared to Shalibhadra’s palace.When Shalibhadra’s mom called Shalibadra, he thought there was some sort of merchandise that his mother wanted to show him. So he said, “I do not want to see that but go ahead and buy it.” His mother said, “This is not the merchandise. He is our king, our master, and you need to come down to greet and honor him.” The word “master” started ringing in his ears. He wondered, “Why should I have a master over me. I should be the master of myself.” While thinking like this, he came down, and paid respects to the king.
He kept on thinking that he was not free because there was someone over him. He decided at that moment to become a Sadhu and told his family about the decision. His mother and wives tried to convince him to spend some more time with them and maybe later think about it. But he did not listen. At last, he agreed that instead of leaving all thirty-two wives at once, he will leave one wife at a time, and then he would definitely become a Sadhu. He started to do that the very same day.
A few days passed by. One day, his sister Subhadra was giving her husband Dhanna a bath and suddenly tears rolled down from her eyes and fell on him. He looked up, and saw his loving wife crying. He asked her what had happened. She told him that her brother had decided to be a monk and he had been leaving one wife every day. Dhanna laughed and told Subhadra, “Her brother was a coward. If he wanted to leave his wives, why wait?” Subhadra was upset to hear that, and told her husband, “It is easier said than done.” This sparked an awareness in Dhanna’s mind, and he told her, “I am leaving all eight of you right now, and I am leaving right now to be a monk.” Subhadra was taken by a surprise. She told him that he must be joking. But Dhanna said, “It is too late now. I am determined to be a monk. If you all want to join me you are welcome.” Seeing Dhanna determined, Subhadra and the rest of his seven wives, also decided to become nuns.
Now, Dhanna came to his brother-in-law Shalibhadra’s place and challenged him, “Hey coward! If you really want to leave the family and become a monk, then what are you waiting for? Join me.”
Shalibhadra heard and accepted the challenge. He told his wives, “Sorry, but I am leaving you all today.” He went down to join his brother-in-law. His wives joined him too. All of them went to Bhagwan Mahavir and took deeksha.
What an incredible ending to such a luxurious life! After observing the penance as monk, he was born as an angel in Svarthsiddha viman. From there, he would be born in Mahavidehkshetra and ultimately attain liberation, moksha
Day 11 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place and are filled with zeal and enthusiasm to learn about a subject which they are not taught in school.
Teacher: As we learnt in last class about Gati I explained you about the 5 sense organs too. The living bodies are divided as per their sense organs. If a living body has 1 sense organ they are called Ekendriya...
Pranati: sorry to interrupt Mam but how can a living body live with only 1 sense organ?
Teacher: Very good question Pranati, i will explain you by asking you all a question.
How does a blind man do their work? How does a handicapped person perform all their duties?
The way these people do similarly 1 sensed bodied living beings perform all their duties with that 1 sense only. They see, hear, feel, eat, smell all by this 1 sense organ “skin”
So are you all clear with this concept.
Children: Yes mam
Teacher: ok so there are 5 Jaatis 1. Ekindriya- 1 sensed ---Sparshendriya (touch) 2. Beindriya—2 sensed--- sparshendriya(touch) and raseindriya(taste) 3. Teindriya—3 sensed--- Sparshendriya(touch), Rasneindriya(taste) and Granendriya(smell) 4. Chaurendriya—4 sensed—Sparshendriya(touch), Rasneindriya(taste), Granendriya(smell) and Chakshuindriya(sight) 5. Panchendriya—5 sensed—Sparshendriya(touch), Rasneindriya(taste), Granendriya(smell), Chakshuindriya(sight) and Shotendriya(sound).
Teacher: As there are 5 JAATIS similarly there are 5 “KAAYAS” ?
Prerana: What’s kaaya?
Teacher: The literal meaning of Kaya is “body”. A body which has 1 sense, 2 senses, 3 senses, 4 senses and 5 senses.Hence kaya is divided into 2 parts
kaya
movable non movable
2 and 3 sensed 4 and 5 sensed 1 sensed body body body
Non movable body are called ekendriya. These have only 1 sense that is touch(sparshendriya). There are 5 types of Ekendriya: 1. Prithvikaya (earthly bodies) 2. Apkaya (water) 3. Taukaya(fire) 4. Vayukaya(air) 5. Vanaspatikaya(plants, trees, fruits, vegetables etc)
Movable bodies are called beindriya(2 sensed body), Taeindriya(3 sensed body), Chaurendriya(4 sensed body) and panchenindriya(5 sensed body).
So totally kaya is 6 1. Prithvikaya 2. Apkaya 3. Taukaya 4. Vayukaya 5. Vanaspati kaya 6. Traskaya
Preksha: These are the same ones which we learnt under Tiryanch Gati?
Teacher: Yes they are same. Ok now that you know about them let’s take a simple quiz.
Guess which Kaya is it:
Day 12 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place they are excited to know what new are they going to learn today.
Teacher: Every Shravak should follow Vows. These Vows(anuvrat) are very important.
Pranati: VOWS!! What VOWS? What vows are these? Are these the marriage vows?
Teacher: These are not marriage vows. These are vows which are followed by a Shravak/Shravika. There are 12 vows. The 12 vows are: Thulaao Paanaaevaayaao Vermanam Thulaao Musaavaayaao Vermanam Thulaao Adinnaadaanaao Vermanam Thulaao Maihunaao Vermanam Thulaao Pariggahaao Vermanam Thulaao Dishaavrat Thulaao Upabhogparibhogvihim Pacckkhaayamaanae Thulaao Anattaadand Vermanam Thulaao Saamaayik Vrat Thulaao Deshaavakaashik Vrat Thulaao Pratipoorna Paushad Vrat Thulaao Atithisamvibhag Vrat
Preksha: What do you mean by these?
Teacher: Thulaao means A big version of Anuvrat means “a small vow”, Paanaaevaayaao means “AHIMSA” ,Vermanam means “To leave” and Vrat means “To be Binded to Follow” .So, it means not to hurt any living being purposely. There are 5 ATICHAAR to remember when we walk on the path of Ahimsa.
Riaan: What do you mean by ATICHAAR?
Teacher: ATICHAAR means main points which describe the topic properly. The main points are: 1) Bandhe (slavery) --- It means to take away freedom. There are 2 types of living being: Daupad and Chaupad Daupad: Are living being with 2 legs for example human. Hence to treat human beings as slaves is Hinsa. For example we keep servants, watchman etc but we should not treat them has slaves. Chaupad: Are living being with 4 legs for example animals. Hence to treat animals has slaves is Hinsa.
To take away someone’s freedom means: To make them work for you forcefully To tie animals and hurt them. To forcefully get someone married To give big punishment for a small crime To cage birds
A real Shravak is one who treats the people well and takes good care of them.
Payal: What is the 2nd point?
Teacher: 2) Vahe (to hurt) – ‘To hurt’ in this context refers to physical action. We should not be cruel to human beings or animals. Sometimes the cowboy hits the herd of animal if they go on the wrong track that is not by cruelty but it’s only to bring them in the right track. If a person hits someone purposely and tries to break his/her hand or any part of the body such a person cannot be called a Shravak.
The 3rd point is: 3) Chavicchaeae(to tear open)—It means to tear open any part of the body of living beings. Sometimea people are cruel and they remove the skin of animals to make leather products. By doing this you are not a Shravak. But if a Dr does an operation for the recovery of a patient who is unwell is allowed in a Shravak dharam.
Pratiksha: What if a Shravak does not tear open an animal skin but uses leather?
Teacher: To this question I want to ask you a question Hriday, Will you eat non vegetarian if it’s prepared by someone else?
Pratiksha: Of course not, how can i!!!
Teacher: Similarly if a Shravak uses leather products he is not following the Ahimsa path. Leather is made from an animal skin. If we use leather it means we are appreciating the act of hurting animals.
Pratiksha: Hmmm!! Well said!! Whats the 4th point?
Teacher: the 4th point is: 4) Aibhaare(overload)— We should not overload human beings and animals. Many times people put extra weight on animals like camels, ox, donkeys etc which makes the animal weak and tired. Similarly even human beings are given extra work in office which makes them stay back till late evening in office to complete their work. These acts are against Shravak Dharam.
Prerana: What if a person wants to work overtime in office?
Teacher: If a person is willing to work extra time without any force he/she can allow them to work.
Pranav: If parents demand good marks from their kids and make them study to achieve it, is that also overload?
Teacher: Yes, we are overloading a child because if a child is interested in studying he/she tend to show interest in studies. Infact, parents don’t even let a child to choose their own subjects and course in college or school. These kinds of acts suppress the child and making them weak internally.
Pranay: What is the 5th point?
Teacher: Bhathpaan vocchaeae(To preclude them from eating and drinking)— A person should never run away from the responsibility of serving people. It means to be generous and provide food and water. If someone is thirsty or hungry we should feed them. If a person is working for you we should let them have their meals timely.
Aacharya Jawaharlalji Marasa has told in his book (Shri Jawahar kirnawali—part 1) “When a person cannot make a wing for a fly what right does he has to hurt or kill a fly”
Pinky: According to some people we should not drink milk or use milk products?
Teacher: It’s better if we avoid because nowadays the milk extracted is from injected cows which is also Hinsa. So we should avoid but if we cannot avoid we should keep our limitations.
So in short, we should not do the following things: We should not use leather We should not over load animals and humans. We should not keep animals or human beings hungry or thirsty We should not tie animals forcefully We should not be cruel towards animals and human being. We should not eat non vegetarian food.
Day 13 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place to know about the second Vow.
Pallavi: What is Thulaao Musaavaayaao Vermanam ?
Teacher: This vow speaks about truth. If a person speaks the truth people worship them like god.
In Sri PRASHNAVYAKARAN Sutra it is told: “Truth is god”
In Bhagwad Gita it is told: “Truth is Dharam”
In Quran it is told: “Satya Allah Hai”
Truth gives birth to Dharam in turn Dharam makes a person courteous and Philantrophist. Truth is a meditation it’s obtained by practicing.
In “Shree PrashnaVyaakaran Sutra” it’s told that people who walk in the path of truth have such divine powers that even the Devtas from heaven bow down in front of them.
Pratiksha: If a truth hurts someone should we even then, speak the truth?
Teacher: To call a dwarf a dwarf, to call a eunuch a eunuch, To call a blind man a blind man, to call a deaf person a deaf person is not correct because we are hurting the feelings of them.
Truth never says to hurt someone.
There are 5 ATICHAAR in this also:
1. Sahasabhakhaane 2. Rahasabhakhaane 3. Sadaar mantbheye 4. Mosovayese 5. Kudlehakaarne
Payal: What do you mean by them?
Teacher: Sahasabhakhaane- To blame someone intentionally. For example at home when there are 3 daughter in laws. They purposely spoil others work and blame each other for mistakes.
Rahasabhakhaane—To talk about strangers. For example If a boy and a girl are walking together people tend to speak false about them though they don’t know them.
Sadaar Mantbheye—To tell the secret of our beloved to others.
Mosovayese—To give a false speech or advice. If a person as come for advice and right direction we lead them to the wrong by our false words it’s mosuvayese.
Kudlehakaarne—to write false. For example If a journalist writes false about someone, If someone does false registration, To copy something which already as a copyright etc is kudlehakarne.
Hence if a person follows this Vrat properly they will automatically get free from other paap. A very well known quote “1 lie leads to 100 lies and 1 truth leads to a good life.”
So follow truth because truth leads to:
Truth-----dharma-----salvation
Day 14 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place to know about the 3rd Vow.
Teacher: The 3rd Anuvrat is Thulaao Adinnaadaanaao Vermanam . It means to steal. Adata means “Not Given”, Aadaan means “ To Take”. Hence it means to take something which is not given. Do you know when a person steals?
Pratibha: Huh, may be when it’s in his/her habit.
Teacher: Yes this could be one of the reasons but there are many reasons like: 1) Greed 2) Love of Fame 3) Ignorance 4) Necessity 5) Habit
Hence a person who steals or helps in stealing is very far away from Dharma.
Pinky: How is Dharma and stealing correlated?
Teacher: A stealer will never be focused. A stealers mind, soul and senses will never be united. Whereas if a person is following the path of Dharma his/her senses, mind and soul will be focused and united. A stealer will never be able to distinguish between good and bad, which is very important in the path of Dharma.
Pranshav: Are they any ATICHAAR for this too?
Teacher: Even this Vrat has 5 ATICHAAR, they are: Tenaahaday—means to take things which are stolen. For example knowingly buy smuggled goods.
The next ATICHAAR is: Takkarpaahoge—means to motivate people to steal. This could be by helping them in stealing or by praising them for stealing. A Shravak should take care that he should not support stealers and nor they should motivate them to steal. For example in school or at home if the child says I took an eraser of my partner(unintentionally) without informing we should not support them or keep quiet. Infact we should explain them what is right and wrong. Virudhrajjaaikkame—means to break the norms of the country. If the country norms are “No Smoking” in public place. This should be followed by all. For example to sit in a train or bus without ticket comes under this ATICHAAR.
Koodtulla koodmaane—means to measure wrongly or to give wrong decisions. For example grocery shops usually weighs less to gain profits, a panchayat gives wrong decision as they are bribed, in schools and colleges sometimes the teachers are partial and they make even the weak student pass, many companies steal power and water or also show less consumption of power etc. such acts come under this ATICHAAR.
Tappadiroovagvavhare--means to mix things and give. For example to mix sand in Jeera, to mix coconut or peanut oil or vegetable ghee in pure cow ghee, to give made in china and say its made in Italy etc. This is done to save cost and earn profits.
A Made in China bed sold as made in Italy at the price of Italy products.
Luksh: Mam, if I take a nail cutter from my parents room without permission, is that also stealing?
Teacher: In stealing there are certain exceptions like if we take things of our near and dear ones without informing at that time( but inform later) is not considered as stealing also if we buy a product during discounts or offers given by the shops is not stealing.
Day 15 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place to know about the 4th Vow.
Teacher: The 4th Anuvrat is Thulaao Maihunaao Vermanam . It is very different from the first 3. Infact Shree PRASHNA VYAKARAN SUTRA says: “Celibacy is a main part of Dharma It is a root of dharma If the root is correct the branches will bloom. The branches are Courtesy, Forgiveness etc..”
Pranati: What is Celibacy?
Teacher: Celibacy means practice of self-imposed chastity. The broader meaning is; I will Guard, Study and Medidate about Insemination, Wisdom and Soul.
Preksha: What are the benefits of following celibacy?
Teacher: The main benefit is that it makes a person focussed which unites the senses, mind and soul. If these are united you are very close to Salvation. Celibacy increases human power. They say a human can become so powerful that he/she can change the universe. A person following Celibacy gets power automatically to do good for people. To name a few:
Hanumanji--- had the power of picking the Dhron mountain to cure Lakshman.
Bhishmapitama—He was so powerful that he destroyed Devta Parsuram whose chariot was Earth, the four Vedas as his horses, the Upanishads as his reins, Vayu (wind) as his Charioteer and the Vedic goddesses Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati as his armor.
Hriday: Thank you Pranayji for that information. I hope even I am able to walk in this path.
Pranshav: Does this Anuvrat also have any ATICHAAR?
Teacher: Yes son, there are 5 Atichaar:
1) Itariya-parigahiya-gamane—It means other than your wife(who you have married in front of everyone with all norms) you cannot have sexual relations. In this context a child marriage is also prohbited to have sexual relations until he/she is not 18 years. Sometimes people say they have paid and made someone their wife for a short period. Even this is not allowed until the marriage is with all norms and traditions. It is for svadaar and sabtaar. 2) Aparigrah-gamane—It means you cannot keep any kind of relation with other married ladies, unmarried girls and Prostitute. A Divorcee, Widow and Fiance is also banned. 3) Anangakeedhaa—For Sexual relations nature has given a man and woman a sexual part of their body. A person should use only that part and no other parts. Usage of any other part of the body for sexual relation is banned. 4) Parvivaahakarane--- To take the vow of not marrying anyone again after the death of your partner. Also not to involve yourself in getting others married. This does not mean that you can keep a relation with someone who you have not married. Marriage is anything done lawfully. Hence a person abides himself to that relation and promises that he will be loyal to his partner before and after death. 5) Kaam-Bhog-Teeva-Abhilaasha—Not abstaining ones self from sexual relations is wrong upon that if a person takes Medicines to Increase their feeling of doing more is also wrong. Hence both are to be avoided. Payal: I never knew there was so much to an Celibacy life. I am so happy I learnt something very important.
Teacher: So true son Even “Shree Prashnavyakaran Sutra” says: “Himalaya is the largest mountain and similarly Celibacy life is the biggest Vrat and Dharma”.
Day 16 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place to know about the 5th Vow.
Teacher: Today we will learn about The 5th Anuvrat, Thulaao Pariggahaao Vermanam . Parigraha means to have attachment towards objects. To be attached to what we have and to wish for what we don’t have is Parigraha. A well said quote:
“Wishes lead to Re-incarnation and killing of wishes leads to Salvation”.
Pranay: Can Parigraha lead to Hinsa?
Teacher: According to Shree Prashnavyakaran Sutra: “People do Hinsa due to Parigraha People Lie due to Parigraha People Steal due to Parigraha”
Parigraha is the root cause of our varied thoughts.
In Shree Uttaradhyayana Sutra Bhagwan Mahavir told his Disciple Gautam that: “Where there are wishes there will be Anger, Pride, Allure and Greed”
Pratibha: Does this Vow also have any ATICHAAR?
Teacher: There are 5 ATICHAAR: Kheth Vathu Pamanaaikkame-Agriculture land , house property, other properties you have not kept any limitations Hirna Suvana Pamanaaikkame—Gold, silver, other jewellery you have not kept any limitations Dhan Dhanaa Pamanaaikkame—Wealth in the form of kind and money you have not kept any limitations Dupya Chupya Pamanaaikkame—Servants, helpers, office staff,Labours, animals for work etc you have not kept any limitations Kuviya Pamanaaikkame—Steel, Copper, Other metals you have not kept any limitations
In some very direct words: “We have all killed each other as enemies. So why should we be attached to each other?"
Pinky: Mam, in the 1st to 4th Vrat you told us not to kill, lie, steal and also to follow Celibacy. How are we suppose to follow this vow?
Teacher: In this vow we are suppose to stop using or keep a limit of using objects. Attachment should be limited so that we are not focused on such things. We should limit ourselves in buying, using and keeping things.
For example I will not keep more than 1 kg silver and gold for my personal use throughout my life.
There is a well saying: ‘Attachment is the origin, the root of suffering; hence it is the cause of suffering.’
In the streets of Polaspur, a six year old child named Avanta was playing with a few friends. He was the son of King Vijay and Queen Shrimati. While playing around, he saw Gautamswami, bare-foot and bald, who was out getting gochri. Avanta ran to him and invited him to come to his home to get food, which would make his mother and him happy. Gautamswami agreed and they left to go to the castle. She greeted him with full devotion and uttered, “Mathaenam Vandami (my salutation to you).” She introduced Gautamswami as a disciple of Bhagwan Mahavir to Avanta. She asked Avanta to go and get his favorite food to offer to Gautamswami. Avanta brought ladoos and started pouring them in a pot even though Gautamswami said he didn’t need that many. As Gautamswami started leaving, Avanta said, “Your bag is heavy, let me carry it for you.”
Gautamswami said, “Avanta, I cannot give it to you, because it can only be carried by those who have taken diksha.”
Avanta asked, “What is diksha?”
Gautam Swami explained to him that when someone wants to take a spiritual path he must give up his house, family, and all other social and economical ties. Then he becomes a Sadhu, and this process is called diksha. People take diksha to avoid the himsa (violence) that occurs in householder’s life. Avanta became curious and asked, “Gurudev, you do not do sins! But don’t you need to eat? Don’t you need a place to live? All these cause sins.”
Gautamswami was pleased with the child’s interest to learn, so he explained, “We take food, but we do not accept food which is made especially for us. We stay in a place, but we do not own it, and we do not stay there for more than a few days. We do not keep money, and we do not take part in business or any organizations. Avanta said, “Gurudev, in that case, I want to take diksha.”
In a short time, Avanta and Gautamswami reached where Bhagwan Mahavir was giving sermon.. Avanta once again expressed his desire to accept diksha to Bhagwan Mahavir. Bhagwan Mahavir said, “We can not give you diksha without your parents’ permission”. Avanta replied, “That is easy, I will go home and get their permission and come back.”
So Avanta went home. He told his mother, “Mom, I want to take diksha. Remember you used to say that our social life is full of violence, and causes sins? Gautamswami and Bhagwan Mahavir also said the same. I want to be free of sins. Therefore, please give me permission to take diksha.”
His mother was very happy to hear this. But she wanted to test Avanta more. She said, “Son, why are you in such a hurry? Wait for sometime. You need to take care of us when we get old, and have your own family too.”
Avanta said, “Mother, I learned from Bhagwan Mahavir that no one is young and no one is old. I also learned that no one knows what is going to happen tomorrow. No one knows who will die first or last. So why wait and miss this opportunity which has come my way.”
His mother felt very happy that her son had fully understood what diksha meant, and what his goal was.
We will give you permission to take diksha.”
After a few days, he was given diksha, and became a Bhagwan called “Balmuni (young Bhagwan) Avanta.”
Some time later, one day, Balmuni Avanta saw some children playing in a water puddle with a paper boat. He became excited about playing, and forgot that as a Sadhu he cannot play with water. He took the lid off the utensil he had and started sailing it as a boat. He was saying, “Look, my boat is also sailing.” Meanwhile other Sadhus came there and saw him playing with water. They came to him and said, “Balmuni, what are you doing? Did you forget that as a Sadhu you cannot play with water? By playing with water, we caused harm to many water beings. We have taken a vow not to hurt any living beings. This is very bad. You have violated your vow and accumulated sins.”
Balmuni Avanta realized his mistake. He immediately started repenting, He began thinking, “What did I do? I have destroyed so many living beings. How can I be free of these sins? How can I show my face to Bhagwan Mahavir? Oh living beings, I have harmed you. Please forgive me of my sins. I will never commit these sins again.” This sincere repentance did good for him. All of his destructive karmas were destroyed and he attained Kevalgyan (omniscience or perfect knowledge).
After this, Kevali Avanta Muni went to Bhagwan Mahavir’s assembly, and started walking towards the other Kevalis who were sitting there. Some senior munis noticed this, and they started telling him, “Oh, Avantaji!! Where are you going? That is the place for Kevalis to sit. Come over here where the other Sadhus are sitting.”
Bhagwan Mahavir interrupted them and said, “Avanta Muni is no ordinary Sadhu now. While reciting Iriyavahiyam Sutra, he destroyed all of his ghati (destructive) karmas, and became a Kevali.”
The Sadhus realized their mistake and thought, “There is no age barrier to be a kevali.”
After finishing the rest of his life, Balmuni Avanta attained salvation.
Day 17 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place to know about the sixth Vow.
Teacher: Today we will learn about The 6th Anuvrat, Dishaavrat. Disha means Direction.
Preksha: What directions are you referring to?
Teacher: There are 3 directions that Bhagwan Mahavir has told: Upward Downward Middleward
Pranay: What is Middleward???
Teacher: Middleward is the 4 main directions North, South, East and West and the 4 corner directions North-East, south-East, South-West and North-West.
Pranav: Then what’s upward and downward directions?
Teacher: Anything that is above our head is upward direction and anything that is below our feet is downward direction. Examples for Upward Direction Hot Air Balloon Mountain Climbing
Examples for Downward Direction
Under Water Diving research in underground tunnel
Luksh: How are we suppose to limit ourselves in these 3 directions?
Teacher: To limit oneself in these directions is done on daily, monthly or yearly basis.
For example You are living in Ahmedabad and you will take a daily/monthly/yearly vow of not travelling more than 25 kilometers in all directions. riaan: What if I have to go to Mumbai?
Teacher: In that case when you know you have to go to Mumbai you can take the vow that other than Mumbai no other direction you would go (for the number of days you are travelling).
In simple terms it means we should restrict ourselves with directions so that we can follow Dharma.
Pratibha: How is this Vow related to Dharam?
Teacher: Air has innumerable living things which are not visible through naked eye. Man's eye has been developed to see things within his own scope. It has been constructed to see through lesser densities that contain living things of lesser scope.
Man's eye has been built to see through the air but not to see the different living things within the air.
Hence when we travel we are destroying these living things. Speed kills living things. Anything that moves faster will kill more number of living things.
Payal: In that case we should not move anywhere?
Teacher: I agree every movement kills living things in air but as humans we cannot stop doing things , we can only restrict ourselves.
Pranati: How many Atichaar are there in this Vow?
Teacher: There are 5 Atichaars:
1. Udha-disi-pamanaik-kamme--- To go in upward direction beyond your restriction. For example if you have taken vow of not travelling in helicopter or aeroplane but you do so. If you have taken a vow of going only upto a certain height only but if you break the same its not allowed. 2. Aho-disi-pamanaik-kamme-- To go in downward direction beyond your restriction. Like upward direction the same thing is for downward direction. This is for basements, underground tunnels, under water diving etc. 3. Tiriya-disi-pamanaik-kamme-- To go in middleward direction beyond your restriction. 4. Khethvudi—To increase the distance (beyond your restriction) in any direction, for example if you have restricted yourself to go in south, west, north and east direction to 50 miles, but you increase your miles in west by 10 and decrease in south by 10 because you realise you travel more in west and less in south. This kind of changes is not allowed. 5. Sae-antaradaa—Even after knowing you are going in wrong direction you yet go is not allowed.
Day 17 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place to know about the 7th Vow.
Pratiksha: What is the 7th Vow ,mam?
Teacher: The 7th Vow is Thulaao Upabhogparibhogvihim Pacckkhaayamaanae. Upbhog means things that are in use only once such as water, food etc and Paribhog means things that are in use more than once such as clothes, ornaments etc. Upbhog is related to food items and paribhog is production related.
Prerana: What do you mean by food related ?
Teacher: Upbhog paribhog is divided into 2 heads: Food related Karma Related Food related has 5 Atichaars. They are: a) Sachitaa-haare—If you have taken a vow of not consuming Sachit food and if you break the vow its an atichaar. Hence if you do such a thing you are not following the 7th Vow.
b) Sachit-padibada-haare-To Keep Achit food on Sachit. For example taking Prasad on a green leaf.
c) Appa-uli-Osahi-Bhakknayaa—To Eat something that’s Mishra. Anything that’s not fully riped or fully cooked is Mishra. d) d) Duppa-uli-Osahi-Bhakknayaa—To eat something that is extra riped or rotten.
e) Tuchosahi-Bhakknayaa—Things that have very less eating item that fulfils the hunger and have more waste which has to be thrown.
Hriday: What’s Karma related Atichaar then?
Mam: There are 15 Atichaar Karma Related. They are called Karmadaan. They are related to those type of manufacturing and trading a Shravak should not do.They are: a) Ingaal-kamme—Production of coal either by purchasing the jungle or taking the jungle on rent or lease.
b) Vana-kamme—To cut woods from forest and to sell c) Saadee-kamme—To make vehicles or its spare parts.
d) Baadee-kamme—To give animals, or vehicles on rent to be used as a means of
transport. e) Fodee-kamme—To use plough, pick, gun powder or bomb to dig the earth to dig out
rocks, stones, metals and minerals. f) Danta-vaanijjae—To trade elephant teeth, shells, bones etc.
Bone- made Elephant teeth- made
g) Lakkha-vaanijae—To trade sealing wax. h) Rasa-vaanijae—To trade intoxicated items like Alcohol, Drugs etc. i) Keshvaanijae—To trade hair j) Visvaanijae—To trade for Poisonous items like All Out, Hit, pesticides etc. k) Jant-peelan-kamme—To make machines which extacts oil etc l) Nilanchan-kamme—To make animals Eunachs m) Davaggi-Daavanyaa- To burn the areas to make it a clear plot n) Sardaha-Talaya-pari- Sosanayaa—To empty ponds, rivers for agriculture purpose o) Asahi-Posanayaa—To do business of Prostitution
Day 18 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place to know about the 8th Vow.
Teacher: Now comes the 8th Anuvrat, Thulaao Anattaadand Vermanam
Pratyusha: What do you mean by it?
Teacher: Artha means ‘Purpose’ whereas Anartha means ‘Without Purpose’. Dand means ‘to hurt living things’. So Arthadand is with purpose or reason we hurt living things and Anarthadand means without reason or purpose to hurt living beings.
In short to find pleasure in someone’s suffering is Anarthadand.
A person shooting for fun---Anarthadand
A farmer farming (business) ----Arthadand
Pranav: But, it’s not necessary what we think is Arthadand can be Anarthadand for another person?
Teacher: You are absolutely correct Hriday. This Differentiation between the two differs from every human being. Hence every human has to make his/her own decision on what’s meaningful work and what not meaningful work. Any work that is unnecessary and causes Hinsa should be avoided. Hence there are 4 types of Anarthadand: Apdhyaan---It means to be surrounded with bad thoughts while meditating. Pramadacharit—A person is surrounded by Ego, Greed, Anger, Laziness and Stubbornness. To do work carelessly. To avoid Dharmik work and to involve in other lazy, non Dharmik works. Hinsapradaan—To give weapons such as knife, gun, iron rod etc to another person so that he can hurt someone. Paapopadesh—To give lectures on topics which can make a person do Hinsa or Paap. For example people tell if you sacrifice a goat your wishes will be granted, people advice to others to construct a house/mall etc etc.
Luksh: Does this vow have any Atichaar?
Teacher: There are 5 Atichaars:
1) Kandappe—to use sarcasm words which arouses the desires and emotions of a person. This should not be done by a Shravak. 2) Kokkuea-- To act like a clown or jester. To distort your facial parts to make people laugh. A Shravak should not behave like a clown or jester.
3) Moharia-- It means to talk too much. To talk something that is meaningless. To gabble and to talk more than required. A Shravak should talk sensible and meaningful things only. 4) Sanjutaa-Higarnae—To use or collect household appliances only if its required and if it has a purpose. For example the mortar and pestal is for grinding but we use the pestal for hitting etc.
Mortar and pestal Grain Grinder Scissors
Broom Stick Idli Grinder Knife
5) upabhog-Paribhog-eritae---As explained in the 7th vrat about Upbog Paribhog. If anything is used or taken without any reason , this kind of act should not be done by a Shravak. For example: Eating for taste even after your stomach is full, trying different clothes as a pass time etc etc.
Riaan: So in short 8th Vow means we should know the difference between necessity and pastime. I hope i got you right mam.
Teacher: Yes child, you should do things that’s needed and avoid things that are unwanted.
Day 19 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place to know about the 9th Vow.
Pinky: What does the 9th Vow say?
Teacher: The 9th vow is Thulaao Saamaayik Vrat . The name itself is explanatory. In our Dharma Samaayik should be a part of our routine. Every Shravak should do atleast 1 Shudh Samaayik daily.
About Saamayik I have already explained you in the before paatshala. This Anuvrat also has 5 Atichaars, they are:
Mannduppnihaane—Not to get bad thoughts in Saamayik. There are 10 dosh Mann ke Dosh: 1. Avivek—To be irrational and insensible in your thoughts during a Samayik. 2. Yashovancha—To think about fame 3. Labhvancha—To do Samayik for a benefit. For example ‘money’. 4. Garv—To feel proud 5. Bhay—To feel scared 6. Nidaan—to think that Samayik is done for getting our wishes come true. 7. Sanshaya—To doubt on the reason of doing a Samayik. 8. Rosh—To get angry thoughts. 9. Avinay— To be impolite towards our Dev Guru and Dharma. 10. Abahumaan—To disrespect our Dev, Guru and Dharma.
Vayduppnihaane—Not to speak evil in Saamayik. There are 10 dosh Vachan ke dosh: 1. Kuvachan—To speak nasty statements. 2. Sasaakaar—to talk without thinking. 3. Swachand—To sing dirty songs. 4. Sankshep—To tell all the Samayik lessons in short. 5. Kalaha—to speak aggressively. 6. Viktha—to gossip or talk on other subjects which is not related to dharma. 7. Haasya—To make fun of someone or to crack jokes. 8. Ashudh—To tell the lessons incorrectly. 9. Nirpaeksha—To speak without thinking. 10. Muman—to murmur.
Kayaduppnihaane—Not to do evil that is hurt or kill anyone by my action in Saamayik. There are 12 dosh Kaaya ke Dosh: 1. Kuaasan—To put one leg on another. 2. ChalAasan—to keep changing your place. 3. Chaldrishti—To look here and there. 4. Savadhya kriya—To do household work. 5. Aalamban—To take rest on wall 6. Aakunchan Prasaaran—To stretch hands and legs. 7. Aalasya—To twist the body due to laziness 8. Motan—To break Knuckles 9. Vimaasan—To keep your hand on forehead or cheek. 10. Mal—to remove dirt from the body. 11. Nidra—To sleep 12. Varyavritya—To get service done from others. To ask someone to get a chair , book etc
Saamaaiyass Sai Akarnayaa—To forget the time when you took Saamayik Saamaaiyass Anvattityass Karnayaa—To get up from Saamayik before the completion of it.
Day 20 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place to know about the tenth Vow.
Parvati: What is the 10th Anuvrat?
Teacher: The 10th Anuvrat is, Thulaao Deshaavakaashik Vrat.
Pranati: what do you mean by it?
Teacher: To leave all work related to your body for 24 hours and to do self analysis, self attribute assessment and overall reflection.
To be more precise we can say it is a way to keep restrictions in everything we do, To follow the 14 niyam, Dayaa and samvar is Deshavakaashik Vrat.
Preksha: Mam, what do you mean by 14 niyam, Dayaa and Samvar?
Teacher:14 niyam(rules) To leave or restrict Sachit items To limit the number of items we eat(tooth paste, food items, mouth freshners, water etc) To leave butter and honey(this 2 is called Maha vigay) and to restrict on milk, curd, ghee, oil and sweets(these are called Vigay) To leave leather and to restrict on footwear To restrict on Mouth freshners To restrict clothing To restrict on perfumes, Ethar etc To restrict on Vehicles To restrict on things to sleep and sit(cot, chair etc) To restrict on things used on face(face wash, cream, make up, besan milk etc) To follow BrahmAacharya or to restrict on Maithun To restrict on directions To restrict on water for drinking, water for bath, water for other use To restrict on number of meals and quantity of meals.
Dayaa means to do 11 Samayik in 24 hours and Samvar means to sit in Samayik position for less than 48 minutes. You can sit for 5 minutes or 40 minutes or 47 minutes too.
Pratiksha: Hmmm, are there any Atichaars in this Anuvrat?
Teacher: yes, there are 5 Atichaars in which they have taken a vow for 24 hours 1. Aanyanppaaoge—If you have a restriction of a place or area and if you send someone beyond the limit to get the object is atichaar. For example you have taken a vow to not travel out of india, but you need a particular handbag which is available in USA, for which you send another person to get it for you.
2. Paesvanppaaoge—If you have a restriction of a place or area and if you call someone beyond the limit to give the object is Atichaar . For example you don’t travel abroad but you keep sending food items to your relatives living abroad with others. Also if you forcefully get some work done from another person is Atichaar. For example you have taken a vow of not to eat Sachit items, and you have prepared a raw salad you force others to taste even if they don’t want to eat.
3. Sadaanuvaaye—If you have restricted yourself to a place or area and you have also restricted yourself to not ask someone to send or bring objects ,in such a case if you engage in non verbal communication which makes the other person understands what we want is Atichaar. For example making sounds like tsk or coughing or laughing to make others understand.
4. Ruvaanuvaaye- If you have restricted yourself to a place or area and you have also restricted yourself of not to ask someone to send or bring objects in such a case if you do actions which makes the other person understand what we want is Atichaar.
5 Bahiyaappugal Pakkhevae- If you have restricted yourself to a place or area and you have also restricted yourself of not to ask someone to send or bring objects in such a case if you throw objects like stone etc to reach out to the person is Atichaar.
Teacher: i hope you all have understood the 10th Anuvrat properly. Ok let me tell you the story of Great Sati Chandanbala
There was once a princess named Vasumati. She was the daughter of King Mamhivahan and Queen Dharinee of Champa. She was a very beautiful princess.
One day, war broke out between the king of Champa and the nearby state called Kausambi. It was a sad war. Vasumati’s father could not win the war, so he had to run away in despair. When Vasumati and her mother came to know that they had lost the war, they also decided to escape to save their own lives. While they were running away through the woods, a soldier from the enemy’s army spotted them. The soldier captured both of them. Both Vasumati and her mother were scared. They didn’t know what he would do to them. He told the older lady (mother) that he would marry her, and that he would sell Vasumati. After hearing that, the queen went into shock and died. He took Vasumati to Kausambi to sell her.
When Vasumati’s turn came to be sold as a slave, the merchant Dhanavah happened to be passing by. He saw Vasumati being sold, and felt that she wasn’t an ordinary girl. He thought she might have been separated from her parents, and felt if she was sold like a slave, what would be her fate? So, out of compassion for her, he bought her and took her home and freed her from slavery. On the way home, he asked her, "Who are you, and what happened to your parents? Please don’t be afraid of me. I will treat you as my daughter."
When they got home, the merchant told his wife, Moola, about Vasumati. "My dear," he said, "I have brought this girl home. She is not speaking anything about her past. Please, treat her like our daughter." Vasumati was relieved. She thanked the merchant and his wife with respect. They named her Chandana.
Moola, the Merchant wife had evil thoughts about Chandan and her husband. She thought that he would marry her because of her beauty. Therefore, Moola was never comfortable with Chandana around. One sunny day, when the merchant came from the shop, the servant who usually washed his feet was not there. Chandana noticed this, and felt delighted to get a chance to wash his feet for all the good things he had done for her. While she was busy washing the merchant’s feet, her hair slipped out of the buckle. The merchant saw this and felt that her hair might get dirty. He lifted her hair and clipped it on the back of her head. Moola saw all this and was outraged. She felt that her doubts about Chandana were true. Moola decided to get rid of her as soon as she got a chance. After a little while, the merchant went to his shop. After realizing that the merchant was gone, the merchant’s wife took the chance to get rid of Chandana. Right away, she called the barber to cut off all her beautiful hair. Then she tied Chandana’s legs with heavy chains, and then locked her into one of her rooms, away from the main area. She told all the other servants not to tell the merchant where Chandana was, or she would do the same to them. Then, Moola left to go to her parent,s house. In the evening, when the merchant came back, he didn’t see either Moola or Chandana around. He became worried about Chandana and Moola. Anxiously, he asked the other servants about both of them. The servants told him that Moola was at her parent’s house. The merchant thought that Chandana might be working or playing around in her room.. On the third day, he still didn’t see her around. Now, he was getting really worried and anxious. He then asked the servants in a worried tone, "Where is my daughter, Chandana? An older servant, thought, "I am an old woman and will die anyway because of age. What worse could Moola do anyway?" So out of compassion for Chandana and the sympathy for the merchant, she told him all about what Moola did to Chandana.
She took the merchant to the room where Chandana was locked in. He unlocked the door and saw Chandana. He was shocked when he saw her. He told Chandana, "My daughter, I will get you out of here. You must be hungry, let me find some food for you." He went to the kitchen to find food for her. He found that there was no food left, but only some dry lentils in a pan. The merchant decided to feed her that for the time being. So, he took them to Chandana. He told her that he was going to get a blacksmith to cut off the heavy chains and he left.
Chandana then thought of offering lentils to someone else before she started. She got up, and walked to the door, and stood there with one foot out and the other in.
To her surprise she found Bhagwan Mahavir coming near her room. please, accept this food which is suitable for you and please oblige me." Bhagwan Mahavir looked at her and noticed that one of his pre-decided conditions was still missing. So, without accepting food, he kept on going. [His conditions were, 1) The person who would be offering should be a princess, 2) she should be bald headed, 3) she should be in chains, 4) while offering uncooked lentils, her one foot should be inside the house and other one outside the house, 5) and she should be in tears.] So, you might have realized that she met all conditions except tears in her eyes, and therefore, Bhagwan Mahavir went on. Chandana felt very sad and tears started running down her face. She, in her crying voice, once again, requested to accept the food. Bhagwan Mahavir turned back and saw tears in her eyes. Mahavir came back to accept the food knowing that all his conditions were met. She put the lentils in Bhagwan Mahavir’s hand and felt satisfied.
Bhagwan Mahavir fasted for five months and twenty-five days. The Devtas celebrated the end of the fasting by Bhagwan Mahavir. By the Devtas power, Chandana’s chains were broken, her hair grew back to normal, and she was dressed as a princess. She became the disciple of Bhagwan Mahavir and got salvation.
Day 21 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place to know about the 11th Vow.
Teacher: The 11th vrat is Thulaao Pratipoorna Paushad Vrat
Payal: What do you mean by Paushad?
Teacher: Paushad means to follow the rules and regulations of dharma, and to stay in a Paushadshala for 24 hours say from sunrise of current day till sunrise of next day. pinky: Can a person start the Paushad vrat one hour after sunrise?
Teacher: yes, a person can start the Paushad vrat one after sunrise but he/she should finish the vrat only after 1 hour after sunrise of next day.
Pratiksha: If a person cannot follow the Paushad vrat for 24 hours can he/she follow the vrat for less than 24 hours.
Teacher: Yes, but the person should follow the vrat for atleast 5 prahar(1/4th part of day before sunset is 1 prahar and entire night is 4 prahar).
Preksha: Can a person have water before he starts the 5 prahar Paushad?
Teacher: No, he/she should fast without food and water as done in 8 prahar Paushad.
Prerana: What is Paushadshala?
Teacher: Paushadshala is a place where there is no use of electricity and there is silence and peace around. It is more like an Upaashraya. It can be at home in a separate room/hall/block/floor where there are no gents/ladies together. In a Paushadshala all Paushad related things should be available, there should not be electricity, cot etc.
According to Shri Sthanang Sutra, Paushad is one of the 4 resting places for a shravak.
There are 4 types of Paushad: 1. Aahar Paushad- to fast for 24hours without food and water. 2. Sharir Paushad. As the word says, it is leaving all materialistic things used on our body like cosmetics,face packs,moisturizers,oil and so on. Also not to take bath, or wash hands, feet, face etc. 3 BrahmAacharya Paushad which means to follow celibacy. 4 Avyapaar Paushad which means to leave behind all work.
Pranav: Does this have any Atichaars?
Teacher: There are 5 atichaars: 1. Ap-padi-layhiya du-padi-layhiya seja-santaarae-- In Paushad you are suppose to check by sight all your belongings that is muhpatti,aasan, cloth used for Sleeping, table on which books are kept etc twice a day. Once after sunrise and once before sunset if this checking is not done or not done properly its an Atichaar.
2. Ap-pamajiya du-pamajiya seja santarae-- This rule has to be followed at night where persons have to use a rajoharan or punjani to clean or remove any living thing softly without hurting it.eg: punjani to clean the area of sleeping etc, if this checking is not done or not done properly its an Atichaar.
3. Ap-padi-layhiya du-padi-layhiya ucchar paasvan bhumi-- In the event of disposing deficate(day time), first inspect the place (by sight) to see that no living being is there which might get hurt and then dispose it. If not disposed in this manner, it will become an Atichaar.
4. Ap-pamajiyam du-pamajiyam ucchaar paasvan bhumi-- it is similar to the previous atichaar where before disposing deficate in the night, the inspection is done using a rajoharan.
5. Possaova-vassasa sammam annanu pala naiya-- If the rules and regulations of Paushad vrat is not followed properly or any of the 18 flaws are committed during Paushad its an Atichaar.
Pranshav: What are these 18 Flaws?
Teacher: 18 flaws(dosh) are, 6 of which are committed before taking Paushad and the remaining 12 are committed after taking Paushad.
6 of the Paushad flaws that are committed before taking Paushad are: a. since one has to fast the next day, he/she indulges in eating more. b. taking extra care in cleaning the body as he/she has to do Paushad the next day. c. in Paushad, one has to be celibate and therefore a person involves himself in non brahmAacharya actions the previous day. d. cut nails and hair the previous day as he/she has to do Paushad the next day. e. washes clothes as he/she has to do Paushad the next day. f. wears jewellery with the intention to show off during Paushad to others.
Pranati: I don’t understand one thing, why is cutting nails and Hair, considered a flaw?
Teacher: In Paushad people cannot comb their hair, hence they cut their hair so that there are no knots also people generally file their nails and trim their nails so that it does not get dirty or spoilt in heat.
Luksh: What are the 12 flaws committed during Paushad?
Teacher: 12 of the flaws committed during Paushad are:
a. To get our work done from somebody else who is not in Samvar, samayik or Paushad vrat. b. to rub hands, legs or any part of the body to remove faeces of our body etc . c. to sleep during the daytime. d. to scratch body parts without using punjani. e.to dispose deficate without inspecting the area by sight(during day) and by with punjani or rajoharan(at night). f. to condemn/criticise i.e to talk bad behind others back. g.to scare people. h.to talk about worldly matters. i.to stare at the opposite gender. j.to talk without muhapatti. k.to fight with anyone. l.to call anyone with relationship(eg: papa please come here, uncle can you explain me this concept etc).
Day 22 DHARMIK PAATSHALA As the kids enter the Upashray they say Nisihi Nisihi, they greet their teacher “Jai Jinendra “ and they take their place to know about the 12th Vow.
Teacher: The next vrat is the 12th vrat which is Thulaao Atithisamvibhag Vrat . This vrat is different from the other 11 vrats. In this vrat, we are talking about people and not ourselves.
Firstly, Athithi means a guest and Samvibhag means to divide. So if a household gives away anything that was made for him to a Sadhu is Athithi Samvibhaag. Hence, a household can offer14 kind of things without asking anything in return, such an act is a form of DAAN which is a type of punya. Hence this vrat is benefitting us.
Preksha: What kind of things can we offer to a sadhu?
Teacher: There are 14 kinds of things we can offer to a sadhu but those 14 things should be there primarily for our use: a) Ashna- all kinds of food items such as rice, chappati, sweets etc b) Paan-water ( only the 21 or similar types and boiled water as mentioned in the 24th edition) c) Khaadya/khaadim—items such as dryfruits. d) Swaadya/Swaadim—all mouth freshners like supari, saunf etc e) Vastra-cloth made of either khadi or lattha in creamish-white color f) Paatra—vessel made up of mud, wood or white pumpkin outer skin(dried). g) Kambal- blanket( generally used in winter made of wool ) h) Paad-prochan- punjani and rajoharan i) Peetha- small stools made of wood to sit (height of maximum 1 inch). j) Falak- its similar to peetha but is used for sleeping (more like a cot). k) Shaiyaa- place of shelter i.e one’s own/rented house or owned/rented upashraya. l) Santara- is the thing on which you sit or sleep. It could be dry grass also. m) Aoushad- medicines made with 1 material n) Beshaj—medicines made of many materials like jaribhutti, chawanpraash etc.
To offer these things without buying, renting and preparing especially for a sadhu is known as Truthful offering.
Pratibha: I guess this vrat also has Atichaars. Please tell us about them.
Teacher: You are right Hriday. There are 5 Atichaars in this vrat. a) Sachit nikhe-vanaya Achit vastu sachit par rakhi ho. This means offering an achit vastu on a sachit vastu. For example
Raw cucumber pieces in curd Prasad on green leaf orange juice with a fresh mint leaf for decoration
b) Sachit peeha-naiya Achit vastu sachit vastu se dhaaki ho. This means that covering an achit vastu by a sachit vastu. For eg. To place tomatoes on the covered milk. c) Kalaahi-kamme Sadhu ko bhiksha dene ka samay taal diya ho. This means that one has postponed the time to offer a sadhu because of laziness or an inexcusable excuse. Also to give expired medicines, food items etc. d) Parvah-vayase- Aap sushata hote hue bhi kisi aur se daan dilwaya ho. This means that one makes somebody else give daan on their behalf even though they are capable of giving it themselves.for eg: a sadhu enters when one is resting and because he does not feel like moving he asks someone else to give daan on his behalf. Also sometimes if you don’t want to give something you will say it does not belong to me. e) Machariaa. Ershah bhav se daan diya ho. This means giving daan for selfish needs like if you give daan, your business will benefit and hence you gave daan. Also to feel proud that you gave Daan.