Bramhavilas - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bramhavilas" by Nathuram Premi, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Bramhavilas Author: Nathuram Premi (Revised) Original Author (of Bramhavilas): Bhagvatidasji (Deceased) Publisher: Jain Granth Ratnakar Karyalay, Bombay Edition: First Edition, 1000 copies

Overview:

"Bramhavilas" is a collection of Jain devotional and philosophical poetry, originally compiled and authored by the revered Jain poet Bhagvatidasji. This particular edition has been revised and published by Nathuram Premi under the auspices of the Jain Granth Ratnakar Karyalay. The book is presented as a valuable contribution to Jain literature, focusing on themes of renunciation, Vedanta, ethics, and devotion, in contrast to contemporary poetry that often catered to sensual or materialistic themes.

Introduction (Prastavana):

The introduction by Nathuram Premi highlights the prevalent trend of poetry in Hindi at the time, which was largely focused on sensual love (Shringar Ras) and devoid of spiritual or ethical content. He quotes verses from Bhudhar Dasji to illustrate this point and laments the focus on worldly pleasures.

Premi expresses his pleasure that Jain poets have actively striven to introduce Vedanta, renunciation, and devotion into Hindi literature. He emphasizes that Jain scriptures and poets have consistently avoided themes that lead to worldly entanglement, citing works like "Samsar," "Pravachan Char," "Vanarsi Vilas," "Dhyan Vilas," "Bramhavilas," "Bhudhar Vilas," "Budhjan Shatasai," and "Vrindavan Shatasai" as examples.

He then introduces the original author, Bhagvatidasji, stating that he was a poet of considerable repute, likely born and lived in Agra. His father was Lalji, of the Oswal caste, and his clan was Kataria. While his exact birth and death dates are unknown, his poetry suggests he lived during the period of Emperor Aurangzeb and was active between VS 1731 and 1755. Premi mentions a legend that Bhagvatidasji, along with Keshodasji and Dadu Panthi Baba Sundardasji, were disciples of the same guru. A story is recounted where Bhagvatidasji critiqued Keshodasji's "Rasikpriya" with a poignant verse highlighting the physical and transient nature of beauty.

Premi acknowledges that "Bramhavilas" is essentially a collection of Bhagvatidasji's poems written at various times, and it also includes some verses by his friend Mansinghji. He notes Bhagvatidasji's proficiency in multiple languages including Sanskrit, Hindi, Persian, Gujarati, Marwari, and Bengali, evident from the vocabulary and occasional poems in those languages. He also speculates that Marwari might have been his mother tongue due to the Oswal community's origins in Marwar.

Premi concludes by mentioning the effort involved in revising and preparing the text for publication, the reliance on four manuscript copies (dating from VS 1780 to VS 1953), and the hope that readers will find the book beneficial. He apologizes for any errors that might have crept in due to his limited knowledge.

Contents of the Book (Sūcīpatra - Index):

The index reveals a vast collection of poems and treatises on various Jain philosophical and ethical topics, covering a wide range of subjects. Some notable sections include:

Punya Pachisika (Twenty-five verses on Merit/Virtue)
Shat Ashtottari (One hundred and eight verses)
Dravya Sangrah (Collection of Substances)
Chetan Karma Charitra (The Chronicle of the Soul and Karma)
Akshara Vattisika (Alphabetical Verses)
Jin Puja Atak (Eight verses on Jin Worship)
Footkar Kavita (Miscellaneous Poems)
Chaturvishati Jin Stuti (Praise of the 24 Jinas)
Paramatma ki Jaymala (Garland of Victory for the Supreme Soul)
Tirthankar Jaymala (Garland of Victory for the Tirthankaras)
Muniraj Jaymala (Garland of Victory for Ascetics)
Shikshavali (Teachings)
Paramartha Pad Pankti (Lines on the Supreme Goal)
Guru Shishya Prashnottari (Questions and Answers between Guru and Disciple)
Mithyatva Vidhvansan Chaturdashi (Destruction of False Belief in Fourteen Verses)
Jin Gun Sala (Gallery of Jin Virtues)
Vishay Aur Parameshti Namaskar (Sensual Matters and Salutations to the Supreme Beings)
Lokakash Kshetra Pariman Katha (Narrative of the Spatial Dimensions of the Universe)
Madhuvinduk ki Upadesika (A Teach-ing Story of the Honey Bee)
Siddh Chaturdashi (The Fourteenth of the Siddhas)
Nirvan Kand Bhasha (Vernacular Explanation of Nirvana)
Ekadash Gun Sthan Panth Varnan (Description of the Path through Eleven Stages of Spiritual Progress)
Kala Ashtak (Eight Verses on Time)
Upades Pachisika (Twenty-five verses of counsel)
Nandishwar Dwip ki Jaymala (Garland of Victory for Nandishwar Island)
Karma Bandh ke Dash Bhed (Ten Types of Karma Bondage)
Sapta Bhangi Vani (The Doctrine of the Sevenfold Logic)
Subuddhi Chaturvashi (Twenty-four verses of Good Intellect)
Akritrim Chaityalaya ki Jaymala (Garland of Victory for Uncreated Shrines)
Pandraah Patra ki Chaupai (Quatrains on Fifteen Types of Recipients)
Brahma Brahma Nirnay Chaturdashi (The Fourteenth of Brahma and the Decision about Brahma)
Anitya Pachisika (Twenty-five verses on Impermanence)
Ashta Karma ki Chaupai (Quatrains on the Eight Karmas)
Supanth Kupanth Pachisika (Twenty-five verses on the Right and Wrong Paths)
Moham Ashtak (Eight verses on Delusion)
Ashray Chaturdashi (The Fourteenth of Refuge)
Ragaadi Nirnay Ashtak (Decision on Attachment, Aversion, etc., in Eight Verses)
Punya Pap Jagamool Pachisika (Twenty-five verses on the Roots of Merit and Demerit in the World)
Vavis Pari Pah (Twenty-two Types of Austerities)
Muni Ahar Vidhi (Rules for Ascetics' Food)
Jin Dharma Pachisika (Twenty-five verses on Jin Dharma)
Anadi Vattasika (The Eternal Cycle)
Samuddhat Swaroop (The Nature of Samudghata)
Mridu Ashtak (Eight Verses on Gentleness)
Samyaktva Pachisika (Twenty-five verses on Right Faith)
Vairagya Pachisika (Twenty-five verses on Renunciation)
Paramatma Chhattis (Thirty-six verses on the Supreme Soul)
Nataka Pachasi (Eighty-five verses on Drama/Theatricality)
Upadan Nimitta Samvad (Dialogue between Material and Instrumental Causes)
Chaturvinshatithi Tirthankar Jaymala (Garland of Victory for the 24 Tirthankaras)
Panchindriya Samvad (Dialogue of the Five Senses)
Ishwar Nirnay Pachisika (Twenty-five verses on the Decision about God)
Karta Akarta Pachisika (Twenty-five verses on the Doer and Non-Doer)
Drushtant Pachisika (Twenty-five illustrative examples)
Man Vattisika (Thirty-two verses on the Mind)
Swam Vattisika (Thirty-two verses on the Self)
Sucha Vattisika (Thirty-two verses on the Needle/Point)
Jyotish ke Chhand (Astronomical Verses)
Pad Rag Prabhati (Morning Devotional Songs)
Footkar Kavita (Miscellaneous Poems)
Paramatma Shatak (Hundred Verses on the Supreme Soul)
Chitra Kavita (Picture Poems)
Granth Karta Parichay (Introduction to the Author)

Key Themes and Content (Based on Sample Pages):

The initial pages focus on Punya Pachisika (verses on merit/virtue) and Shat Ashtottari (108 verses). These sections, along with the introductions and index, clearly establish the book's spiritual and philosophical intent. The verses sampled emphasize:

Renunciation and Detachment: The poems frequently advise against attachment to worldly possessions, sensual pleasures, and the body, highlighting their impermanent nature.
The Nature of the Soul: There is a strong emphasis on the eternal, pure, and conscious nature of the soul (Atma or Chetan), distinct from the physical body and karmic impurities.
The Path to Liberation: The verses guide the reader towards self-realization, detachment, and the practice of virtues and austerities as the means to achieve liberation (Moksha).
Critique of Worldliness: The poet criticizes those who are engrossed in worldly pursuits, ignore spiritual teachings, and are attached to fleeting pleasures.
Veneration of Jain Principles: The text upholds the teachings of the Jinas (Tirthankaras) and the core tenets of Jainism, such as non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.
Ethical Guidance: Poems offer practical advice on conduct, morality, and the consequences of actions (karma).
The Power of Knowledge and Devotion: The verses highlight the importance of right knowledge (Samyak Gyan) and devotion (Bhakti) in achieving spiritual progress.

The sampling from Dravya Sangrah and Cheton Karma Charitra indicates a deep dive into Jain metaphysical principles, including the nature of substances (dravya), soul-karma interactions, and the stages of spiritual development. The detailed index suggests the book aims to be a comprehensive guide to Jain philosophy and practice.

Overall Purpose:

"Bramhavilas" serves as a spiritual guide, aiming to uplift the reader from worldly concerns and lead them towards self-realization and liberation. It uses eloquent poetry to convey profound Jain teachings, encouraging ethical living, spiritual discipline, and unwavering devotion to the Jinas. The revised edition by Nathuram Premi ensures this timeless wisdom is accessible to a contemporary audience.