Dhamvilas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dhamvilas" by Dyantrai Kavi, based on the provided pages:

Title: Dhamvilas (also referred to as Dyanvilas) Author: Dyantrai Kavi Publisher: Shri Jain Granth Ratnakar Karyalaya, Bombay Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/035338/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

Dhamvilas, a substantial work by the renowned Jain poet Dyantrai Kavi, is a collection of devotional and instructive verses primarily focusing on Jain philosophy, principles, and the path to spiritual liberation (moksha). The book aims to guide the reader towards spiritual enlightenment through a vast array of poetic compositions, each offering unique insights and moral teachings.

Key Aspects and Structure:

The book is a compilation of various poetic works by Dyantrai Kavi. The table of contents (Page 5-6) reveals a diverse range of compositions, each dedicated to different spiritual themes and aspects of Jainism. These include:

• Devotional Praises (Stutis/Stavans): Numerous stutis dedicated to various Tirthankaras like Adinath, Ajitnath, Shantinath, Mahavir, and Parshvanath, as well as general praise for Jinendra (the enlightened beings). These verses often highlight the infinite virtues and auspicious qualities of the Tirthankaras.
• Instructional Teachings (Upadeshas): Sections like "Upadesh Shatak" (Hundred Teachings), "Sukh Battisi" (Thirty-two Verses on Happiness), and "Vivek Baisi" (Twenty Verses on Discretion) offer guidance on ethical conduct, renunciation, discernment, and the pursuit of true happiness.
• Philosophical Exploration (Tattvas): Works like "Tattvasar Bhasha" (Essence of Truth in Language) and "Dravyaadi Chaubol-Pachisi" (Twenty-five Verses on Substance and Its Attributes) delve into fundamental Jain metaphysical concepts.
• Moral Guidance: Compositions on topics like "Vyasan Tyag" (Renunciation of Vices) and "Dan Bavani" (Hundred Verses on Charity) emphasize the importance of righteous living and avoiding detrimental habits.
• Spiritual Practices and States: Verses on "Samadhi Maran" (Meditative Death), "Ekibhav Stotra" (Hymn of Unity), and "Sajjan Gun Dashak" (Ten Virtues of the Virtuous) describe spiritual states and practices.
• Various Metrical Forms: The text showcases a mastery of diverse poetic meters such as Chhappay, Savaiya (including Mattagayand and Sundari variations), Karakha, Kundaliya, Kavit, and others, demonstrating the author's poetic prowess.

Publisher's Note (Page 3-4):

The publisher, Nathuram Premi, explains that the compilation of "Dhamvilas" began about two years prior to its publication. He apologizes for some inaccuracies due to his ill health during the printing process, promising to rectify them in a future edition, along with providing an introduction to Dyantrai Kavi and a critique of his work. The publisher also mentions that parts of "Dhamvilas" have been published separately, such as "Jain Pad Sangrah" (Part 4), "Prakrit Dravya Sangrah" (in verse translation), and "Charcha Shatak." This indicates that "Dhamvilas" is a comprehensive collection of Dyantrai Kavi's writings.

Author's Background (Implied):

Dyantrai Kavi is presented as a prolific and respected Jain poet. The inclusion of his works in this compilation, along with the publisher's intention to elaborate on his life and work in a future edition, suggests his significance in Jain literature. The publisher's personal connection and respect for the author are evident.

Key Themes and Teachings:

• Devotion to Tirthankaras: A strong emphasis on venerating and remembering the Tirthankaras, seen as guides on the path to salvation.
• Importance of Righteous Conduct: Emphasis on ethical living, renunciation of worldly attachments and vices, and the practice of virtues like charity, compassion, and discretion.
• Understanding Jain Philosophy: Explanation of core Jain concepts like substance (dravya), attributes (guna), modes (paryay), the soul (jiva), non-soul (ajiva), karma, and the path to liberation.
• Spiritual Discipline: Encouragement of practices like meditation, devotion, and the cultivation of inner qualities.
• Renunciation of Worldly Pleasures: A consistent theme urging detachment from transient worldly possessions and pleasures, which are seen as sources of suffering.
• The Goal of Liberation: The ultimate aim highlighted throughout the text is the attainment of Moksha, the release from the cycle of birth and death.

Linguistic Style:

The text is primarily in Hindi, employing a rich and devotional poetic language. The author demonstrates a skillful command of various meters and expressive vocabulary to convey spiritual and moral messages effectively.

Overall Significance:

Dhamvilas is a valuable repository of Jain devotional and philosophical literature, showcasing the poetic genius of Dyantrai Kavi. It serves as a spiritual guide, offering solace, wisdom, and a pathway towards self-realization within the Jain tradition. The comprehensive nature of the collection makes it an important resource for understanding the breadth of Dyantrai Kavi's contributions to Jain literature.