Anitya Bhavna

This Jain text is titled "Anitya Bhavna" (अनित्य भावना), authored by Jugalkishor Mukhtar and published by Jain Granth Ratnakar Karyalay. It is a Hindi poetic translation of the Sanskrit work "Anitya Panchashatka" by Shri Padmanandi Suri. The book was first published in May 1914.

The core theme of "Anitya Bhavna" is the contemplation of impermanence and non-attachment. The author, Jugalkishor Mukhtar, states in the preface that this text is a great benefit to worldly people, providing solace and peace to those suffering from grief due to separation from loved ones or possessions. Reading it helps dispel indifference and sorrow, bringing cheerfulness and clarity of mind. It reveals the true nature of worldly life and its possessions, awakening discernment, patience, and courage. The text is particularly valuable for those who succumb to grief and become inactive, losing their focus on spiritual and material pursuits.

The author's intention was to make the wisdom of the original Sanskrit text accessible to the Hindi-speaking audience, as its original language limited its reach. He aimed to translate the essence and spirit of Acharya Padmanandi's verses while keeping the language clear and understandable.

The book is structured as a series of verses (dohas and other poetic meters) that reflect on various aspects of impermanence:

• The fleeting nature of the body: The verses describe the body as fragile, subject to decay, illness, and eventual death, comparing it to a water bubble or a lotus petal by the fire. It is an impure and temporary dwelling.
• The impermanence of worldly pleasures and possessions: Material wealth, beauty, sensual pleasures, and even loved ones are transient, like the glance of an intoxicated woman or a dream. Attachment to these leads to sorrow.
• The inevitability of death: Birth is inevitably followed by death. No one can escape the clutches of time and death, regardless of their status or power. The verses emphasize that clinging to life and loved ones is futile.
• The consequences of excessive grief: Excessive lamentation over the loss of loved ones is deemed unproductive and harmful, leading to the loss of one's own spiritual and material well-being.
• The role of karma: The text highlights that loss and suffering are often the fruits of past karma. Understanding this can help in accepting difficult situations without undue sorrow.
• The illusion of permanence: The world and its phenomena are constantly changing, like the moon waxing and waning, or clouds driven by wind. To perceive them as permanent is an illusion.
• The transient nature of relationships: Friendships and familial bonds are temporary, like birds gathering on a tree at night and dispersing in the morning.
• The importance of spiritual knowledge: The text points to the path of true knowledge, guided by enlightened teachers and scriptures, as the way to overcome the darkness of ignorance and suffering.
• The futility of attachment: Whether it's the loss of loved ones or possessions, attachment leads to sorrow. The verses urge the reader to detach from these transient things.
• The need for equanimity: By understanding the true nature of reality as impermanent, one can cultivate equanimity (samata) and detach from worldly desires and aversions.
• The cyclical nature of existence: Life and death are a continuous cycle, with beings moving from one existence to another. This cycle is driven by karma.
• The destructive nature of grief: Grief is compared to a fire that consumes one's well-being, virtue, and spiritual progress.
• The illusion of control: Despite human efforts, the ultimate control rests with time and karma.
• The impermanence of even divine powers: Even powerful beings like gods and mythical figures are subject to the laws of time and karma.
• The suffering of attachment: The text vividly portrays the pain caused by attachment to family, wealth, and the body, especially in the face of inevitable loss.
• The illusion of the material world: The world is depicted as fleeting and insubstantial, like an illusion or a mirage.
• The true refuge: The only lasting refuge is in spiritual practice, understanding the self, and detachment.
• The destructive cycle of attachment and grief: The verses warn against the vicious cycle of attachment leading to grief, which in turn leads to further suffering and karmic entanglement.
• The ultimate goal: The text encourages the reader to reflect on the impermanent nature of all things and to dedicate themselves to spiritual practices that lead to liberation (moksha).

The book is presented with a dedication to Tyagi Baba Bhagirathji Varni, acknowledging his virtuous qualities. The translator expresses his gratitude to Seth Hirachand Nemichandji for the inspiration behind this translation.

In essence, "Anitya Bhavna" serves as a guide for spiritual introspection, urging readers to shed their attachment to the transient world and focus on attaining lasting peace and liberation through self-knowledge and detachment.