Anandghan Stavano - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anandghan Stavano" by T. U. Mehta, published by Umedchand and Kusumbaben Charitable Trust, Ahmedabad.

The book is a critical analysis and commentary on the devotional songs (Stavano) of Anandghanji, a renowned Jain mystic poet and philosopher, also known as Avadhoot.

Overall Theme and Author's Intent:

The book aims to present the profound philosophical and devotional insights of Anandghanji's Stavano to a wider audience. The author, T. U. Mehta, highlights Anandghanji's unique ability to blend the philosophical depth of the poet Akha with the devotional fervor of Meera Bai. Mehta emphasizes that Anandghanji's work, while deeply rooted in Jain tradition and primarily known within the Jain community, offers universal spiritual wisdom that deserves broader appreciation. The commentary aims to make the esoteric meanings of Anandghanji's Stavano accessible, especially to the Gujarati-speaking community, and to bridge any potential gap in understanding due to the poet's mixed Gujarati-Marwadi language.

Anandghanji's Identity and Philosophy:

Mystic and Avadhoot: Anandghanji, originally named Labhanandji, adopted Anandghan as his spiritual name. He is described as a yogi deeply rooted in self-realization and an Avadhoot (one who is detached from worldly affairs and lives in a state of spiritual bliss).
Profound Understanding of Jain Philosophy: Mehta asserts that Anandghanji possessed an extraordinary understanding of core Jain philosophical principles without any narrowness.
Spontaneous Devotional Expression: His Stavano are seen as spontaneous outpouring of his heart, composed during his visits to various Tirthankara temples.
Balance of Philosophy and Devotion: While deeply philosophical, his Stavano are imbued with devotional sentiment. He explains karmic rituals through the lens of spiritual devotion.
Non-Sectarianism: Anandghanji transcended sectarian divides, believing that a true Jain should not be bound by rigid rituals or customs. He expresses this in his verses, questioning the fixation on sectarian differences when the essence of truth remains paramount.
Praise of Virtues, Not Just Individuals: His Stavano are directed towards the Tirthankaras, but the focus is on praising the virtues they embodied rather than mere individual worship. The ultimate prayer is for self-realization.

Key Jain Principles Discussed in the Commentary:

The commentary delves into fundamental Jain principles as expounded in Anandghanji's Stavano, including:

The Soul (Atma/Jiva): The central tenet of Jain philosophy is the soul, which has the potential to attain the state of Paramatma (Supreme Soul). External forces are not responsible for one's spiritual progress or downfall; it is the soul itself that determines its destiny.
Ajeeva (Non-Soul): The concept of non-soul substances, especially karma, which are intertwined with the soul from time immemorial, leading to the cycle of birth and death.
Stages of Spiritual Evolution: The text explains the progression of the soul through three stages:
- Bahir-Atma (External Soul): The soul engrossed in worldly, external matters, identified with the body and senses.
- Antar-Atma (Internal Soul): The soul beginning to discern between the self and the non-self, turning inward.
- Paramatma (Supreme Soul): The soul that has achieved complete self-realization, becoming pure, omniscient, and detached.
Karma Theory: The nature of karma, its binding, its effects, and the process of liberation through the shedding of karma.
Syadvada and Nayavada: The Jain principles of manifold perspectives and relative viewpoints, emphasizing that truth is multifaceted and can be understood from different angles. This is crucial for understanding the seemingly contradictory attributes of the divine.
Bhakti (Devotion) in Jainism: The commentary clarifies that devotion is integral to Jainism, not as supplication to an external deity, but as a means of developing inner reverence and aspiration for the virtues embodied by the Tirthankaras. This devotion is a precursor to right faith (Samyak Darshan), which is the first jewel of liberation.
Pooja (Worship): The distinction between Dravya Pooja (worship with external substances) and Bhava Pooja (worship with inner feelings and devotion). Bhava Pooja is emphasized as the more profound and essential form of worship.

Structure and Content of the Stavano (as analyzed in the commentary):

The book analyzes 22 of Anandghanji's Stavano, dedicated to the first 22 Tirthankaras. The commentary provides the meaning and critical analysis of each Stavana. Examples from the commentary:

Stavana 1 (Rishabh Jin): Focuses on devotional love and the longing for union with the pure soul.
Stavana 2 (Ajitnath Jin): Discusses the difficulty in finding the right spiritual path and the obstacles faced by the seeker.
Stavana 3 (Sambhavnath Jin): Elaborates on the stages of spiritual progress and the qualities required for the journey.
Stavana 4 (Abhinandan Jin): Addresses the rarity of true spiritual insight and the challenges posed by sectarianism and ego.
Stavana 5 (Sumatinath Jin): Explains the three states of the soul (Bahir-Atma, Antar-Atma, Paramatma) and the path to self-realization.
Stavana 6 (Padmaprabhu Jin): Delves into the intricate Jain theory of karma, explaining its types and their impact.
Stavana 7 (Suparshvanath Jin): Describes the sublime attributes of the Tirthankaras and the purpose of devotion.
Stavana 8 (Chandraprabh Jin): Explores the rarity of human birth and the prerequisite conditions for spiritual realization.
Stavana 9 (Suvidhinath Jin): Emphasizes the importance of inner devotion (Bhava Pooja) over mere external rituals.
Stavana 10 (Sheetalnath Jin): Explains the principle of Syadvada, highlighting how seemingly contradictory attributes can coexist from different perspectives.
Stavana 11 (Shreyansanath Jin): Stresses the importance of self-realization and the superiority of Bhava Adhyatma (spiritual practice focused on inner transformation) over external forms of worship.
Stavana 12 (Vasupujya Jin): Discusses the nuances of Nishchaya Naya (ultimate truth) and Vyavahara Naya (conventional truth) in understanding the soul.
Stavana 13 (Vimalnath Jin): Expresses the ecstatic joy of realizing the pure soul and the subsequent detachment from worldly desires.
Stavana 14 (Anantanath Jin): Critiques ritualistic worship that lacks inner devotion and leads to continued cycles of rebirth.
Stavana 15 (Dharmanath Jin): Explores the true meaning of Dharma and the importance of taking refuge in the Tirthankaras to break the cycle of karma.
Stavana 16 (Shantinath Jin): Discusses the nature of true peace and the path to its attainment through self-realization, detachment, and understanding of Jain principles.
Stavana 17 (Kunthunath Jin): Delves into the uncontrollable nature of the mind and the challenges of spiritual practice, drawing parallels with Arjuna's dilemma in the Bhagavad Gita.
Stavana 18 (Aranath Jin): Explains the Jain concept of 'Samaya' (time/doctrine) and distinguishes between self-knowledge (Swa-Samaya) and alien knowledge (Para-Samaya).
Stavana 19 (Mallinath Jin): Analyzes the eighteen impurities (doshas) that hinder spiritual progress and how the Tirthankaras overcome them to attain supreme virtues.
Stavana 20 (Munisuvrata Jin): Critically examines various Indian philosophical schools (Samkhya, Yoga, Vedanta, Buddhism, Charvaka) from a Jain perspective, highlighting the unique and comprehensive nature of Jain philosophy.
Stavana 21 (Naminath Jin): Further elaborates on the Syadvada and Nayavada principles, showing how different philosophical viewpoints can be integrated from a Jain perspective.
Stavana 22 (Neminath Jin): This Stavana is presented in an upalambha (chiding/accusatory) style, recounting the story of Rajamati's emotional turmoil and her ultimate spiritual transformation after Neminath's renunciation.

Author's Background:

The author, T. U. Mehta, is a retired Chief Justice of the Himachal High Court and an active participant in public affairs in Gujarat. He is also the president of the B. N. Pra. Sangh and an editor for the monthly "Vishva Vatsalya." Mehta is a scholar of Jainism and other world religions, and this book is one of his many works exploring Jain philosophy and spirituality, translated into Gujarati.

In essence, "Anandghan Stavano" by T. U. Mehta is a scholarly and devotional exploration of a significant body of Jain literature, making the profound teachings of Anandghanji accessible and relevant to contemporary readers.