Bhuvan Sarashtak

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhuvan Sarashtak" in English:

Book Title: Bhuvan Sarashtak Author(s): Bhuvantilaksuri, Virsenvijay Publisher: Bhuvan Bhadrankar Sahitya Prakashan Kendra Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022198/1

Overall Theme:

"Bhuvan Sarashtak" is a significant Jain text that focuses on the spiritual and ethical guidance for adherents of Jainism. The title itself, "Bhuvan Sarashtak," suggests a collection of eight verses or chapters ("Ashtak") related to the "Bhuvan" (world or abode of beings), implying a discourse on worldly existence, its challenges, and the path to liberation. The book is a compilation of insights and teachings aimed at fostering spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and the ultimate goal of moksha (liberation).

Key Aspects and Content Summary:

The book is structured as a collection of eight "Ashtakas" (sets of eight verses), each addressing a specific aspect of spiritual practice and understanding. While the provided text contains introductory material, dedications, an index, and the verses themselves in Gujarati, the core message revolves around:

• The Importance of Literature and Knowledge: The initial pages emphasize the value of literature, stating that while basic necessities sustain life, literature teaches the "art of living." It highlights the necessity of literature that guides one on how to live a meaningful, auspicious, and successful life, leading to self-welfare and spiritual upliftment. The power of the pen is exalted as being capable of creating mental and spiritual revolutions.

• Homage and Dedication: The text begins with prayers and salutations to Jain Tirthankaras (specifically Lord Sambhavnath) and revered spiritual teachers, acknowledging their contributions and seeking their blessings.

• Author and Commentator: It clearly states that the original composition is by Acharya Shri Bhuvantilaksuri, a highly accomplished scholar and poet. The commentary and explication of these verses are provided by Muni Shri Virsenvijayji, a disciple of Acharya Shri Bhadrakarsurishwarji and a student of Pandit Shri Shantamoorthy Punyavijayji. This lineage indicates the scholarly and spiritual depth of the work.

• Publisher and Context: The publisher is identified as Bhuvan Bhadrankar Sahitya Prakashan Kendra, based in Madras. The publication dates indicate its modern relevance.

• The "Ashtakas" (Eight Sets of Verses): The index reveals the thematic focus of each "Ashtak":

  1. Ku Vichar Tyag Ashtakam (Cessation of Bad Thoughts): This section likely emphasizes the importance of abandoning negative, harmful, or unwholesome thoughts that lead to suffering.
  2. Par Bhasha Parihar Ashtakam (Abandonment of External/Other Languages/Discourses): This may refer to the importance of focusing on self-knowledge and spiritual discourse, rather than getting lost in external gossip or unproductive conversations.
  3. Mamata Tyag Ashtakam (Renunciation of Attachment/Possessiveness): This is a core Jain principle, advocating for detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and even one's own body, which are seen as sources of attachment and suffering.
  4. Sukrit Labh Ashtakam (Gain of Good Deeds): This focuses on the accumulation of merit through virtuous actions and their beneficial outcomes.
  5. Vishay Parityag Ashtakam (Renunciation of Sensory Objects): This emphasizes the need to control and detach from the allure of sensory pleasures, which are transient and lead to further attachment.
  6. Jina Sharana Ashtakam (Taking Refuge in Jain Tirthankaras): This highlights the importance of seeking refuge and guidance from the Tirthankaras, who are seen as the ultimate guides to liberation.
  7. Vikatha Varjana Ashtakam (Abstinence from Gossip/Idle Talk): This focuses on avoiding unnecessary conversations, gossip, and frivolous talk, which are considered detrimental to spiritual progress.
  8. Jinasharan Ashtakam (Taking Refuge in the Jain Path/Teachings): This emphasizes devotion and adherence to the path and teachings of Jainism.
  9. Samyak Darshana Ashtakam (The Eightfold Path of Right Faith): This likely delves into the principles of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, which are foundational to Jain spiritual practice.
  10. Dhyana Ashtakam (Meditation): This section would focus on the practice of meditation and contemplation as a means to achieve spiritual realization and detachment.

• Verse Excerpts and Their Meaning: The provided text includes the actual verses and their explanations. For example:

  • Verse on Namaskar: It elaborates on the significance of the Namaskar Mantra, emphasizing that bowing with devotion leads to the attainment of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, ultimately paving the way to liberation. It stresses that mere outward formality without devotion is like a flower without fragrance.
  • Verse on Dharma (Righteousness): It urges the seeker to constantly practice righteousness for self-welfare, forgetting sins and worldly attachments (wealth, family, home), and warns against being misled by greed and fleeting thoughts.
  • Verse on Renunciation: It describes the world as a blazing fire and states that true happiness can only be found through renunciation, not through attachment.
  • Verse on Vacuity of Sensory Pleasures: It highlights that desires for worldly pleasures are a source of suffering and that one trapped in the cycle of attachment cannot achieve natural happiness.
  • Verse on the Fleeting Nature of Life and the Importance of Dharma: It warns against wasting one's precious human life, which is obtained after immense effort, on unwholesome thoughts and sensual pleasures that lead to suffering.

• Philosophical Underpinnings: The "Bhuvan Sarashtak" draws heavily on core Jain philosophical concepts, including:

  • Karma: The omnipresence and impact of karma on the cycle of birth and death.
  • Anekanta Vada (Many-sidedness): The idea that truth has multiple facets, and understanding this leads to tolerance and wisdom.
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): The paramount importance of non-violence in thought, word, and deed.
  • Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): The necessity of detachment from worldly things.
  • Anekanta: The concept of many-sided truth and the need for balanced perspective.
  • The Path to Moksha: The ultimate goal is liberation from the cycle of birth and death through spiritual practice, self-discipline, and devotion.

Significance:

"Bhuvan Sarashtak" serves as a spiritual guide, offering profound insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of worldly existence and progressing on the path to liberation. It encourages introspection, ethical conduct, and unwavering devotion to the principles of Jainism. The commentary by Muni Virsenvijayji makes these profound teachings accessible and relevant to contemporary readers. The emphasis on the author's poetic prowess and the compiler's reverence for the tradition underscores the value and aesthetic quality of the work.