Apbhramsa Kavyatrayi Ek Anushilan

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Apbhramsa Kavyatrayi Ek Anushilan" by Devendramuni Shastri:

This document is an analytical study (Anushilan) of the "Apabhramsa Kavyatrayi" (Triad of Apabhramsa Poetry) by Dr. Devendra Kumar Shastri. The study focuses on the life and works of Acharya Jinavallabha Suri and his lineage, particularly Jinadatta Suri and Jinachandra Suri.

Key Points:

• Lineage and Authorship: The text highlights the importance of Acharya Jinavallabha Suri, a prominent figure in the Khartara Gachha (a Jain sect). He is described as a multi-faceted scholar and poet who enriched Indian literature not only in Sanskrit and Prakrit but also in Apabhramsa, the vernacular language of the time. The study emphasizes that Apabhramsa was a common language, making it suitable for devotional poetry and eulogies.
• "Apabhramsa Kavyatrayi" (Triad of Apabhramsa Poetry): This collection, edited by the renowned Jain scholar Shrilalchandra Bhagwandas Gandhi, comprises three significant works by Jinadatta Suri, a descendant of Jinavallabha Suri. The collection was published in 1927 by the Oriental Institute, Baroda.
• The Three Works:
  1. Charchari: This is a short (47 verses) and beautiful composition written in the folk language and style. Its purpose was to be sung while dancing, celebrating the virtues of Jinavallabha Suri. The text mentions that this composition was created in the Jinanalaya (temple) of Bhagwan Dharmanath in Vyaghrapura. The creation of Charcharis in Apabhramsa was driven by the desire to express emotions in a popular style and use an understandable dialect. The author discovered Jinavallabha Suri's Apabhramsa songs in Chittorgarh, indicating the transmission of poetic talent through the guru lineage.
  2. Upadesha Rasayan Ras: This work, with commentary by Jinapala Upadhyaya, is written in the "Paddhadi Bandha" (a metrical style). Jinadatta Suri composed this to awaken discernment of popular trends. It describes the characteristics of a true guru and the principles of righteous conduct.
     • Qualities of a True Guru: A true guru speaks the truth, dispels the fear of other debaters, protects all beings as their own, and guides others to the path of liberation.
     • Practices in Temples: The text details approved practices in Jain temples, contrasting them with forbidden activities. Activities like water sports (Maghamala), playing with swings, and specific dances (Lagudaras) are prohibited within temples. Even domestic chores are not to be performed there.
     • Religious Performances: While religious dances and dramas were performed in temples, they were not for mere entertainment. They aimed to evoke feelings of detachment and renunciation. Performances included depictions of the lives of great figures like Bharata and Sagar.
     • Social Commentary: The text also offers social commentary, emphasizing that marriages should be arranged within families of similar disposition to preserve "Samyaktva" (right faith). It advocates for the proper use of wealth for religious activities and stresses that human life is short, making devotion to the guru crucial for its success.
  3. Kalaswarup Kulakam: This is a short, 32-verse composition that is powerful in its subject matter and emotional expression. It is considered highly beneficial for the common people and is written in a simple, evocative style, also accompanied by a commentary by Suraprabha Upadhyaya.
     • Critique of False Asceticism: The author criticizes those who appear as renunciates (e.g., by shaving their heads) but are still consumed by attachment and aversion. Similarly, many who study and expound scriptures do not grasp the ultimate truth.
     • The Illusion of Worldly Pursuits: The author uses a powerful metaphor of the thorn apple flower, beautiful and alluring on the plant, but which appears desolate when its essence is consumed. This signifies how worldly attractions, while superficially appealing, lead to emptiness.
     • Importance of Unity: The text ends with a powerful call for unity, likening the Jain community to the sturdy binding of a broom. Just as individual straws cannot sweep effectively, disunity weakens the community. It urges all followers to unite like the straws of a broom, bound together, to serve humanity and religion effectively. This message is attributed to Jinanand Suri, a disciple of Jinachandra Suri, and remains relevant for inspiring collective action.

Overall Significance:

"Apbhramsa Kavyatrayi Ek Anushilan" by Dr. Devendra Kumar Shastri provides a scholarly insight into the Apabhramsa literary tradition within Jainism, highlighting the contributions of Acharyas like Jinavallabha Suri and Jinadatta Suri. It illuminates not only their literary prowess but also their socio-religious teachings, emphasizing the importance of true spiritual guidance, righteous conduct, and the need for unity within the Jain community.