Bhudhar Bhajan Saurabh

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhudhar Bhajan Saurabh," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Bhudhar Bhajan Saurabh (The Fragrant Collection of Bhudhar's Devotional Songs) Author: Tarachand Jain (Translator), Bhudar Das Ji (Original Poet) Publisher: Jain Vidyasansthan Rajasthan

Overview:

"Bhudhar Bhajan Saurabh" is a collection of 85 devotional songs (bhajans, stutis, and vinay) composed in the vernacular language by the revered Jain poet Bhudar Das Ji. The book, translated and published by Jain Vidyasansthan Rajasthan, aims to foster devotional love towards the Jinas (Tirthankaras) and, through this devotion, inspire ethical and spiritual development in individuals, ultimately contributing to the welfare of all living beings.

Core Themes and Philosophy:

The book emphasizes the following key themes, presented through the lens of Bhudar Das Ji's poetry and elaborated upon in the introductory and explanatory sections:

• The Significance of Tirthankaras and Jain Teachings: The preface highlights that the Tirthankaras, through their compassionate teachings of non-violence (ahimsa) and equanimity (samata), created noble life values that enable individuals to transcend worldly desires and understand the importance of mutual cooperation in society. Their teachings led to widespread positive changes like vegetarianism, spiritual humanism, awareness of non-violence towards all beings, gender equality, religious freedom, and the use of vernacular languages for spiritual communication.

• The Nature and Purpose of Devotion (Bhakti):

  • Gratitude as the Starting Point: Devotion begins with expressing gratitude to the pure, welfare-oriented Tirthankaras.
  • Goal of Detachment (Vairagya): The ultimate aim of devotion is to achieve detachment (vairagya) and become like the Tirthankaras. Living life in their style is the highest form of gratitude.
  • From Attachment to Detachment: Bhakti transforms an individual by leading them from attachment to worldly objects and people to a detached, equanimous life. When devotees compare themselves to the Jinas, they realize the Jinas' greatness and their own insignificance, drawing inspiration from them.
  • Detachment as the Highest Form of Love: Devotion to the detached (vitaraag) Jinas inspires the devotee to become detached. The Jinas act as a support, guiding the devotee towards self-realization and inner bliss. In the perfection of devotion, the attachment to the vitaraag gradually disappears.
  • "Udatt Raag" (Noble Attachment): The initial attachment to the vitaraag is a "noble attachment" that reduces worldly attachment and mental stress. This noble attachment helps destroy past bad habits and fosters beneficial activities, leading to merit and the destruction of accumulated sins.

• The Role of the Guru: The introduction stresses the indispensability of a Guru's guidance for spiritual and moral development. The Guru teaches the rarity of the human form, the fleeting nature of life, and the need to avoid wasting opportunities on worldly pleasures. They guide disciples to control their senses, leave bad habits, and remember God.

• Transience of Life and the World: The book repeatedly reminds readers of the impermanence of life, the body, and worldly possessions. The body is compared to a tree, a leaky pitcher, an old spinning wheel, and temporary possessions are likened to sugar candy in water – all transient.

• The Importance of Right Conduct (Sadachar): The teachings emphasize purifying the inner self, abandoning deceit, cultivating contentment and equanimity, controlling the mind and senses, renouncing seven deadly sins and eight kinds of pride, and developing compassion. Specific virtues highlighted include treating others' possessions and women as invaluable and sacred, respectively, and understanding others' pain as one's own. Universal love, compassion, truthfulness, and avoiding theft are also encouraged.

• Spiritual Inspiration: The poems urge listeners to abandon superficial matters and focus on divine remembrance. The "Namokar Mantra" is presented as a powerful mantra to be held in the mind.

• Veneration of the Jinas: The collection celebrates the qualities and deeds of various Tirthankaras, including Adinath (Rishabhdev), Ajitnath, Shantinath, Neminath, and Parshvanath. The Jinas are praised as saviors, destroyers of ignorance and suffering, and guides to liberation. Their physical attributes and the symbols associated with them are also mentioned.

• The Criterion of True Religion: The book defines true Devotion (Dev) as those who are free from the 18 impurities, true Guru as those free from greed, and true Dharma as that which is free from violence and filled with compassion for all beings. These are presented as the ultimate refuge.

• The Value of Festivals and Pilgrimages: The poet uses themes of festivals and pilgrimages to connect people with Dharma and the soul, highlighting the joy and spiritual merit associated with visiting sacred places like Hastinapur.

• The Story of Rajul and Neminath: Several bhajans narrate the emotional journey of Rajul, the fiancée of Lord Neminath, and her deep devotion and pain during his renunciation. Her longing for Neminath and her ultimate acceptance of his path are depicted.

• The Power of the Namokar Mantra: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the glory and efficacy of the Namokar Mantra, citing numerous stories of its power to overcome obstacles, destroy sins, and lead to spiritual attainment.

• The Guru's Role as a Healer and Guide: The poems describe the Guru as a physician who cures the disease of illusion, a ferryman who helps cross the ocean of existence, and a dispeller of doubts.

Key Sections and Contents (as seen in the Table of Contents and bhajans):

The book includes:

• An introduction by Dr. Kamlchand Sogani.
• A biographical sketch of Mahakavi Bhudar Das Ji, highlighting his works like "Pashvapurana" and "Jainashatak."
• 85 individual bhajans, each with a title and often a description of the melody (Raag).
• A comprehensive table of contents listing the bhajans by number, title, and page number.
• A list of bhajans by their devotional themes and the Tirthankaras they address.
• Discussions on the importance of guru, the nature of devotion, the transient world, right conduct, and spiritual inspiration.
• The bhajans cover themes such as:
  • Praise of the Tirthankaras.
  • The rarity of the human birth.
  • The impermanence of life and the world.
  • The necessity of devotion and ethical living.
  • The role of the Guru.
  • The power of the Namokar Mantra.
  • The story of Rajul and Neminath.
  • The twelve reflections (Bhavana).

Conclusion:

"Bhudhar Bhajan Saurabh" is a significant work that offers profound spiritual and ethical guidance through its collection of devotional poetry. It aims to uplift the reader's spiritual consciousness, foster a deep connection with the Jinas, and inspire a life of virtue, compassion, and ultimate liberation, as envisioned by the Jain tradition.