Be Sarasvati Stotra - Book Summary

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The "Be Sarasvati Stotra," compiled by Muni Ratnakirtivijay and published by ZZ_Anusandhan, is presented with the intention of sharing a less-known treasure of hymns dedicated to Goddess Sarasvati, the presiding deity of knowledge and scripture. The compiler humbly acknowledges his youthful understanding but presents this work under the guidance of his revered gurus, seeking forgiveness for any shortcomings from learned individuals.

About the Stotra and its Manuscript:

First Manuscript: The primary stotra, written on two pages, is estimated to be from the 15th century. It is attributed to "Jani Megh," though the exact year of composition or the author's full identity is not mentioned. The compiler infers, based on the style and its potential connection to yogic practices and mantra-yantra rituals, that it might be a specific tradition (āmnāya) of a yogic practitioner. The stotra is perceived as undoubtedly powerful. The presence of the word "nirgrantha" (a term often associated with Jain ascetics) in the sixth verse suggests the possibility of a Jain author.
Second Stotra ("Jinavāktuti"): This stotra, also known as "Jinavāktuti" (Praise of the Jina's Speech), is written on a small, separate leaf and is believed to be from the 18th century. It describes Sarasvati (also referred to as Śrutadevi, the goddess of learning) according to Jain traditions, focusing on her form, names, and qualities. No author or specific date of creation is mentioned for this manuscript either. The composition itself is considered mature and profound.

Content and Themes of the Stotras:

The stotras glorify Sarasvati as the divine source of all knowledge, speech, and learning. Key themes and descriptions include:

Sarasvati's Divine Form and Power:
- She is depicted with a radiant form, coiled like a serpent (Kundalini) and activated by the "Humkara" sound.
- She pierces through the six chakras, illuminating the mind and merging with the divine.
- Her essence is described as emanating from a divine source, leading to poetic mastery for those who meditate upon her.
- She is associated with the moon, the lotus, and celestial beauty, her face being compared to the moon itself.
- She is the source of ambrosia (Amrita) and nectar, bestowing immense bliss.
- She is described as residing within the heart lotus, showering nectar, and bestowing eloquence even to those who are otherwise unversed in speech.
- She is depicted with white attire, adorned with pearls, holding a veena, a book, and a rosary of pearls, sitting on a white lotus.
- Meditating on her appearance brings forth a desire for pure actions and the skill of creating perfect cycles of thought and expression.
- She is the light of knowledge, associated with the Vedas and the essence of speech (Shabdabrahma), leading to ultimate union with the Supreme.
Sarasvati as the Embodiment of Jain Teachings:
- The "Jinavāktuti" specifically emphasizes her connection to Jainism, referring to her as the "speech of the Arhats" (Arhadvāṇī) and the "Goddess of the Scripture" (Śrutadevatā).
- She is described as the embodiment of auspiciousness, encompassing all languages, and possessing thirty-five virtues.
- She is the source of ambrosia and the remover of worldly existence, the ruler of the universe.
- She is the embodiment of the "Brahma-bīja" (primordial sound) and the "Vāgbhavātmikā" (essence of speech), granting the triple jewels of knowledge, perception, and conduct.
- She emanates from the lotus-like face of the Arhat, a moon to the lotuses of the fortunate ones, profound in doctrine and understanding of the nine realities.
- She is the destroyer of ignorance and the dwelling place of those who speak wisely.
- She is eternal, true, and luminous, a benefactor of the world, the giver of siddhis (powers) and the ultimate seed.
- She is filled with supreme glory, connected to the Gaṇadharas (chief disciples of Jinas), and the giver of the meaning of the Siddhanta.
- She is the best of speakers of Syādvāda (Jain logic) and the one who ferries beings across the ocean of existence, being the sun that dispels the darkness of ignorance.
Mantra and Yantra Aspects:
- The text includes descriptions of the specific sounds and letters forming her mantra and yantra (sacred diagram).
- The stotra mentions the meditative process involving the visualization of Kundalini, chakras, and the divine form.
- It details a specific yantra for Sarasvati, involving seeds of speech, the "Hamsa" seed, and other components.
- The text emphasizes the power of meditation on Sarasvati, especially in specific locations like Kashmir, for gaining intellectual prowess and wisdom.
- It describes a process of meditation on a thousand-petaled lotus in the navel and heart, visualizing the goddess in her benevolent form.
Benefits of Recitation and Meditation:
- Those who meditate on her are described as becoming great poets and achieving mastery of speech.
- Reciting her mantras and meditating on her bestows eloquence, wisdom, and intellectual clarity.
- It is believed to lead to success, spiritual insight, and the attainment of the highest truths.

Colophon:

The manuscript concludes with a plea for forgiveness for any errors in the script or pronunciation, addressed to the Divine Mother. The colophon states, "Written by Jani Megh. For reading by Sumati Dheer Gani." It also includes salutations to Arhadvāṇī, the Goddess of Scripture, and other divine entities associated with Jainism.

In essence, the "Be Sarasvati Stotra" is a compilation of hymns and meditative practices dedicated to Goddess Sarasvati, with a particular emphasis on her veneration within the Jain tradition as the source of scriptural knowledge and spiritual eloquence.