Daulat Bhajan Saurabh

The book "Daulat Bhajan Saurabh" by Tarachandra Jain, published by Jain Vidyasansthan Rajasthan, is a collection of devotional songs (bhajans, stutis, and vinatis) composed by the spiritual poet Daulatram (1798-1866). The publisher aims to present Jain philosophy, religion, and culture in a simple and engaging style through the "Sarvodaya Pustakmala" series, of which this is the nineteenth volume.

The book's introduction emphasizes the profound impact of the Tirthankaras in establishing values like non-violence and equality, which enabled individuals to transcend basic needs and fostered societal cooperation. Their compassionate teachings led to societal reforms, including vegetarianism, spiritual humanism, and the use of vernacular languages for propagating life values. The introduction explains that devotion, starting with gratitude towards the Tirthankaras, culminates in the attainment of detachment (Vitraagta).

The collection features 124 bhajans by Daulatram, covering various themes:

• The Importance and Nature of the Guru: Gurus are essential guides for spiritual development. The book describes ideal gurus as those who have renounced passion and aversion, destroy delusion through deep meditation, practice severe austeries, maintain equanimity towards all beings and objects, follow the principles of samiti (careful conduct) and gupti (restraint), and are devoted to self-contemplation and liberation.
• The Nature of the Soul: The soul is described as unique, wondrous, and the means to transcend the world. It is distinct from the physical body and the material world, possessing knowledge as its inherent nature.
• The Futility of Sensory Indulgences: The book repeatedly emphasizes that sensory pleasures are endless and unsatisfying, comparing them to snakes that repeatedly bite. It highlights how attachment to senses leads to suffering and hinders spiritual growth, urging readers to abandon the path of sensual desires.
• The Danger of Delusion and Attachment: Delusion (Moh) is identified as the greatest enemy, causing wandering through different life forms. It is likened to intoxicating liquor that makes one forget oneself and a magician's illusion that ensnares the soul. Attachment to external objects leads to the loss of the soul's purity.
• The Separation of the Body and Soul: The body is described as a source of suffering, impure, and temporary. It is distinct from the soul, which is conscious. Attachment to the body leads to accumulating sins and prevents spiritual progress.
• The Impermanence of the World: The world is depicted as transient, like a banana trunk or a temporary inn where people come and go.
• The Scarcity of Opportunities: The human birth and the opportunity to follow Jainism are presented as rare and valuable. The book urges readers to utilize this precious time wisely for spiritual advancement, warning against wasting it on fleeting pleasures.
• Reproof by the Guru: When the soul remains ignorant despite repeated explanations, the guru may resort to admonishment to awaken it.
• Self-Reflection: The text encourages introspection, acknowledging one's forgetfulness of the true self, the influence of delusion, and the failure to follow the guru's teachings. It calls for a turning towards self-interest and the path of liberation.
• The Glory of Tirthankaras and Divine Sound (Divyadhvani): The book extols the virtues of the Tirthankaras, who have achieved omniscience and are free from passions. Their presence brings solace and guidance. Their divine speech (Divyadhvani) is described as illuminating the path to liberation, dispelling ignorance and sin.
• The Aspirations of the Virtuous Soul: Inspired by the teachings, the soul yearns for liberation, detachment from worldly possessions, and the attainment of a state similar to the Tirthankaras.
• Praise of Tirthankaras: The bhajans include specific praises for various Tirthankaras, highlighting their unique attributes and the benefits of their devotion.

The book's author, Tarachandra Jain, is credited for translating the Hindi bhajans. The publication is supported by various individuals and entities within the Jain community. The text also includes a biographical note on the poet Daulatram, detailing his life, his famous work "Chhahdhala," and his significant contributions to Jain literature. The detailed index lists the bhajans by number and page, making the content easily accessible.