Bhaktamar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhaktamar" by Acharya Mahapragna, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Bhaktamar: Antastalno Sparsh (Touching the Inner Depths) Author: Acharya Mahapragna Publisher: Anekant Bharati Prakashan, Ahmedabad

Core Message and Introduction:

The book "Bhaktamar: Antastalno Sparsh" is a commentary and exploration of the Bhaktamar Stotra, a revered Jain hymn. Acharya Mahapragna emphasizes that this stotra is designed to instill self-confidence, strengthen faith, and bolster mental fortitude. He advises readers not to seek miracles but to understand the underlying principles. The text focuses on the concept of "Parinamik Bhav" (resultant states of being) as the key to personal transformation. The Bhaktamar Stotra, composed by Acharya Mantung, is presented as a powerful tool for liberation from bonds and problems, capable of generating immense self-belief.

The Bhaktamar Stotra: Context and Significance:

• Tradition: The tradition of chanting stotras, stavan, and stutis is ancient in Jainism, with examples like Chaturvingsati Stava (Praise of the 24 Tirthankaras) mentioned.
• Popularity: Bhaktamar holds a highly significant and universally accepted place in Jain tradition, recited with faith by thousands daily for overcoming obstacles.
• Authorship and Time: Acharya Mantung, the author of the Bhaktamar Stotra, is believed to have lived around the 7th century CE, contemporary to figures like Harsha, Bana, and A.B. Kirth. There are differing views on whether Mantung was initially a Shvetambar or Digambar monk.
• Textual Variations: The Bhaktamar Stotra has 48 verses in the Digambar tradition and 44 in the Shvetambar tradition, with four additional verses found independently. The Shvetambar tradition omits verses related to four Pratíharyas (divine emblems) and includes verses for others, potentially explaining the difference in verse count.
• Content: The primary subject matter of the Bhaktamar Stotra is the praise of Lord Rishabh (Adinath), the first Tirthankara.

Key Themes and Interpretations by Acharya Mahapragna:

Acharya Mahapragna's commentary delves deep into the philosophical and spiritual essence of each verse, offering profound insights:

1. Vandan and Sankalp (Salutation and Resolve):

   • The first verse describes the act of bowing to Lord Rishabh's feet, emphasizing the significance of respecting the foundation (feet) which represents the "root" of existence.
   • The second verse expresses the resolve to praise Lord Rishabh, highlighting the importance of faith and surrender.
   • The text discusses why homage is paid to the feet rather than the head, attributing it to the feet being the basis of life and representing humility. It also touches upon the energetic points in the feet and their connection to the body's centers.

2. Overcoming Internal Conflicts:

   • Acharya Mahapragna explores the internal struggle of the aspirant, comparing the initial hesitation due to lack of intelligence or perceived inadequacy to a child trying to catch the moon's reflection.
   • He stresses the power of surrender and devotion (Bhakti), which can overcome intellectual limitations and empower an individual.
   • The concept of "Samarpan" (dedication) is highlighted as a source of divine strength, enabling one to achieve the seemingly impossible.

3. The Synthesis of Intellect and Emotion:

   • The commentary emphasizes that life is governed by both intellect and emotion. Strong emotions, like devotion, can empower even those with limited intellect.
   • The text uses the example of a doe protecting its fawn to illustrate how love and devotion can override fear and other limitations.
   • The importance of balancing intellect and emotion is stressed, cautioning against impulsive actions driven solely by overwhelming emotion.

4. The Value of Praise (Stuti):

   • Praise is presented as a powerful practice that destroys accumulated karma and leads to knowledge, right perception, and right conduct (Jnana, Darshana, Charitra), ultimately leading to liberation (Bodhi).
   • The power of praise is compared to the sun dispelling darkness, highlighting how the praise of a Sama-yogi (one who has attained equanimity) like Lord Rishabh can instantly purify and eliminate karmic impurities.

5. The Power of Renunciation (Akinkinchanyani):

   • The commentary discusses the principle of "Akinkinchanyani" (renunciation of possessions) as a path to true wealth and leadership.
   • It explains that true mastery and leadership come from detachment and letting go, allowing one to become boundless and influential.

6. The Radiance of Pure Consciousness:

   • The text describes Lord Rishabh's inherent radiance and purity, free from the afflictions of attachment (Raga) and hatred (Dvesha).
   • This purity is likened to a flame free from smoke and oil, illuminating the entire universe. The concept of "Nirdhumvarti" (smokeless wick) and "Apurnajala" (unending water) signifies the Tirthankara's eternal and inexhaustible spiritual prowess.

7. The Unsurpassed Nature of Lord Rishabh:

   • Acharya Mahapragna compares Lord Rishabh to the sun and moon, finding them inadequate. Lord Rishabh's brilliance is eternal, unaffected by worldly limitations like Rahu or clouds, and illuminates the entire universe. His countenance is described as "Apurva Shashank" (unprecedented moon), radiating unparalleled coolness and peace.

8. The Cultivation of Knowledge and Light:

   • The text links the contemplation of Lord Rishabh's divine form to the attainment of inner knowledge and light. The eternal radiance of the Tirthankara serves as a beacon for spiritual aspirants.

9. The Power of Devotion and Faith:

   • The commentary repeatedly emphasizes that true transformation comes not just from reciting verses but from cultivating deep faith, devotion, and internalizing the message.

10. The Significance of the Tirthankara's Form:

    • The text delves into the divine appearance of the Tirthankara, including the effulgent aura (Abhamandal) and the calming effect of their presence. The beauty described is not merely physical but a manifestation of inner purity and spiritual attainment.

11. The Synthesis of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Context:

    • Acharya Mahapragna skillfully connects ancient Jain concepts to modern understanding, illustrating how principles of physics, psychology, and even biological phenomena can be seen as reflections of deeper spiritual truths.

12. The Importance of Praise and the Power of Names:

    • The commentary highlights how praising virtuous beings can lead to the internalization of their qualities. It also explores the significance of various epithets used to describe Lord Rishabh.

13. The "Mantra" of Fearlessness:

    • The text presents the Bhaktamar Stotra as a powerful "mantra" for overcoming all kinds of fears, including those stemming from animals (elephants, lions, snakes), natural calamities (fire, floods), and even imprisonment. The underlying principle is that unwavering faith and devotion to the Tirthankara grant fearlessness.

14. The Power of Transformation and Inner Purity:

    • The commentary emphasizes that true transformation comes from inner purification and the cultivation of virtues like non-violence, compassion, and equanimity. These inner qualities radiate outwards, creating a protective aura.

15. The Power of the Name (Bhakti):

    • The text underscores that the mere utterance of the Tirthankara's name, especially with devotion and faith, can bring about profound positive changes, including overcoming diseases and breaking physical and mental chains.

16. The Principle of "Parinamik Bhav" (Resultant States):

    • Acharya Mahapragna reiterates that adhering to righteous conduct and understanding "Parinamik Bhav" is the key to navigating life's challenges and achieving desired outcomes.

In essence, "Bhaktamar: Antastalno Sparsh" is a spiritual guide that uses the Bhaktamar Stotra as a vehicle to teach profound Jain philosophy, emphasizing the power of faith, devotion, inner strength, and righteous conduct for achieving liberation and true well-being.