Baldev Munini Sazzaya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Baldev Munini Sazzaya" by Rasila Kadia, based on the provided catalog link and page content:

Book Title: Baldev Munini Sazzaya Author: Rasila Kadia Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

This text is a "Sazzaya," a type of devotional song or narrative poetry popular in Jain literature. It details the life and spiritual journey of the revered Jain monk, Muni Baldev.

Part 1: Introduction (Pratiparichay)

• Physical Description of the Manuscript: The manuscript is described as being in a dilapidated condition.

  • Dimensions: 10.5 cm x 26 cm.
  • Number of Letters: 39.
  • Number of Lines: 10.
  • Number of Copies: 1.
  • Condition: Fragile.
  • Layout: Margins are left on the sides, but no lines are drawn.
  • Script: The letters are large, clear, beautiful, and uniform.
  • Beginning: The text begins with a slight decoration.
  • Attribution: There is no mention of the creator or scribe at the end.
  • Dating: Although the era (Samvat) is not written, the manuscript is estimated to be from the 18th century.
  • Potential Clue: The word 'Sakal' appearing in the last line might indicate the author's name.

• Content Summary:

  • The Sazzaya is about the ascetic Mahamuni Baldevmuni.

  • He takes his initiation (diksha) and performs severe penance (tapasya) in a forest adorned with the Tungiya peak.

  • He breaks his fast (parin) only when a woodcutter (kathiyaro) offers him food.

  • In the forest, wild animals attain spiritual understanding (bodh).

  • Following the principle of "As the company, so the color" (Sang tevo rang), some of these animals become devotees (shravak).

  • Some animals undertake fasting unto death (anashan), some abstain from meat, and some attain previous birth memory knowledge (jati-smaran jnan).

  • A Significant Incident: During a period of month-long fasting (mas-khamana), the Muni goes to the city for alms (gochari). A beautiful woman by a well becomes so captivated by his appearance that she mistakenly drops her son into the well instead of her pitcher to fetch water.

  • The Muni realizes that his beauty is best suited for the animals in the forest and returns to the forest.

  • The Final Episode: At this time, a woodcutter is performing penance in the forest and offers the Muni food. A blue deer (neel mrig) is watching this. Suddenly, a tree branch falls, and the woodcutter, the deer, and the Muni are crushed beneath it.

  • Through the merit of this event, Muni Baldev attains the fifth heaven (panchama devaloka).

  • The Sazzaya beautifully depicts the life of Muni Baldev in eight verses (kadi).

Part 2: The Verses (Sazzaya - 8 Verses)

This section provides the actual verses of the Sazzaya, offering poetic descriptions of the events summarized above. The verses detail:

• Muni Baldev's penance in the forest near Tungiyagiri.
• His spiritual influence on various animals (tiger, deer, rabbit, lion, cheetah), leading them to become devotees, undertake fasting, and gain spiritual knowledge.
• The incident in the city where a woman is so mesmerized by his beauty that she mistakes her son for a pitcher.
• The Muni's realization and return to the forest.
• The final incident where he, along with a woodcutter and a blue deer, are crushed by a falling branch, leading to his ascent to the fifth heaven.

Part 3: Meanings of Difficult Words (Aghra Shabdon-na Arth)

This section provides definitions for some of the less common words used in the Sazzaya:

• Daruchhedak: Woodcutter
• Shashlu: Rabbit
• Chitara: Cheetah
• Bodhpamadvu: To enlighten or to make understand
• Koop-kanthay: At the edge of the well
• Nimish athava palkaro: In an instant or a blink of an eye
• Dabaigaya: Were crushed
• Bhave buzavai: To extinguish or to quench (in this context, perhaps understanding or desire)
• Mashi: Pot (pitcher)
• Champia: Fell
• Sambar: Provisions or supplies (likely referring to the strength gained from the food for the journey).

Overall Theme:

"Baldev Munini Sazzaya" is a devotional narrative that highlights the extreme asceticism, spiritual influence, and ultimate salvation of Muni Baldev. It emphasizes the power of penance, the transformative nature of spiritual company, and the concept of karma and rebirth in Jain philosophy. The story also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of worldly attachment and sensual desires.