Bhaktamar Tubhyam Namaha - Book Summary

Based on the provided Jain text "Bhaktamar Tubhyam Namaha" by Dr. Rekha Vora, here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Bhaktamar Tubhyam Namah Author: Dr. Rekha Vrajlal Vora Publisher: Jaibhikkhu Sahitya Trust

Overall Summary:

"Bhaktamar Tubhyam Namah" is a scholarly work that delves deeply into the profound Jain text, the Bhaktamar Stotra. Authored by Dr. Rekha Vrajlal Vora and published by Jaibhikkhu Sahitya Trust, this book is the result of extensive research and a PhD dissertation on Jain Stotra Sahitya and the Bhaktamar Stotra. The work aims to present a comprehensive study of the Bhaktamar Stotra, exploring its literal meaning (vachyartha) as well as its deeper, hidden meanings (gudartha).

Key Themes and Content:

Introduction to Jain Stotra Sahitya: The book begins by contextualizing the Bhaktamar Stotra within the broader landscape of Jain stotra literature, providing an overview of its historical development and significance.
Acarya Mantunga Suri and the Bhaktamar Stotra: It explores the life and biography of Acarya Mantunga Suri, the composer of the Bhaktamar Stotra, and narrates the legendary story behind the composition of this powerful stotra. The text also briefly outlines the life of Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara, in whose praise the stotra is believed to have been composed.
The Nature and Significance of the Bhaktamar Stotra: The book highlights the multifaceted nature of the Bhaktamar Stotra, emphasizing that it is not merely a prayer but also an articulation of the devotee's heart and a gradual spiritual journey. It elucidates how the stotra's verses, while praising the Tirthankara's virtues, also serve to awaken the devotee's own latent spiritual qualities. The text examines the stotra's ability to provide solace, protection from calamities, inspire devotion, and challenge seekers to internalize the Tirthankara's virtues.
The Creative and Spiritual Elements: Dr. Vora emphasizes the unique blend of poetic beauty (kavyatva) and spiritual depth (adhyatma) within the Bhaktamar Stotra. She notes that the stotra's serene portrayal of the Tirthankara's nature is unparalleled and has ignited a special interest in her.
Extensive Research and Sources: The author expresses gratitude to various institutions and libraries that provided access to crucial resources like books, photocopies, and manuscripts. This highlights the book's basis in thorough academic research, referencing around 100 books.
The Stotra as a Spiritual Journey: The book posits that the Bhaktamar Stotra is not just a divine hymn but also a reflection of the devotee's inner transformation. Through the stotra, the devotee aims to internalize the Tirthankara's virtues, fostering their growth within their own soul.
Addressing Various Perspectives: The work aims to be comprehensive by exploring the Bhaktamar Stotra from multiple viewpoints: that of a scholar, a researcher, a spiritual seeker, a devotee, and an aspirant for liberation (mumukshu).
Theological and Mystical Interpretations: The book delves into the layers of meaning within each verse, including the hidden mantras, yantras, and tantras embedded within the stotra, providing detailed information on these aspects.
Linguistic and Translational Aspects: It touches upon the metrical structure (Vasantatilaka meter), the Gujarati translation of the stotra, and its transliteration into various languages like Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Urdu, Bengali, and English.
The Power of Faith and Surrender: The text underscores the Jain philosophy that faith in the Divine eliminates fear and that surrendering to the Tirthankara's feet leads to profound devotion and the realization of spiritual goals. It outlines five steps to spiritual achievement as presented by Acarya Mantunga Suri: faith, action, cessation of negative thoughts, focusing on the positive, and realizing the divine within.
Parental Dedication: The book is dedicated to the author's parents, Shri Vrajlal Popatlal Vora and Matushri Sharadaben Vrajlal Vora, expressing deep gratitude for their nurturing and instilling religious values. The author mentions that her mother's dream was to see her PhD thesis published, a dream now realized with this book.
Acknowledgements and Gratitude: Dr. Vora extends her gratitude to her PhD guide, Prof. Dr. Kalaben Shah, for her invaluable mentorship, as well as to various scholars, institutions, and family members who supported her research and publication efforts.

In essence, "Bhaktamar Tubhyam Namah" is presented as a definitive study of the Bhaktamar Stotra, meticulously researched and passionately presented, offering readers a deep understanding of its historical context, spiritual essence, linguistic nuances, and enduring relevance.