Dharmlabh Shastra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the Dharmalabh Shastra:

The text introduces Dharmalabh Shastra, a rare and newly discovered work authored by Mahopadhyaya Meghavijayaji, a prominent scholar of the 18th century. He was a disciple of Shri Krupavijayaji within the Tapagacch tradition and a devoted follower of Shri Vijayaprabhasuri. The author of this introductory piece had previously written an article in 1968 about Meghavijayaji's life and works, covering his vast literary output across various genres.

Discovery and Description of the Manuscript:

The author recently found a manuscript of Dharmalabh Shastra, also referred to as Samudrik Pradip. This manuscript is described as follows:

• Size: 25.5 x 11 cm
• Number of Folios: 39
• Lines per Page: 19
• Letters per Line: 55
• Condition: Folio 10 is damaged and incomplete. The manuscript lacks a colophon (writing colophon/inscription), but the writing suggests it's from near the time of its composition. The copy is pure, revised, and includes annotations that clarify and strengthen the text's ideas, rather than just providing synonyms.

Analysis of the Title:

• "Dharmalabh Shastra": The word "Dharmalabh" is a common blessing among Svetambara Murtipujak monks. The text itself is related to Prashna Shastra (the science of divination based on questions). The name "Dharmalabh Shastra" is deemed appropriate because it focuses on achieving Dharma, which translates to spiritual profit, increase, and desired outcomes through various means, with "Dharmalabh" being the ultimate goal and the other practices serving as supporting elements.
• "Samudrik Pradip": The term "Samudrik" usually refers to palmistry or the science of physiognomy. While the title Samudrik Pradip could be considered logical in a broader sense of understanding auspicious signs, the text itself contains very little discussion of conventional palmistry. Therefore, the author believes "Dharmalabh Shastra" was the author's intended title.

Author's Expertise and Scholarly Period:

Mahopadhyaya Meghavijayaji was a versatile scholar whose creative period spanned from 1709 to 1760. He was an unassailable expert in grammar, poetry, and lexicography. Beyond these traditional fields, he possessed extraordinary knowledge in meteorology (Vārṣā-vijñāna), palmistry (hastarekhā-vijñāna), predictive astrology (phalita-jyotiṣa-vijñāna), and the literature of mantras, tantras, and yantras.

Dating and Context of the Work:

Meghavijayaji did not mention the exact year or place of composition. However, the colophon of the 3rd verse mentions Acharya Vijayaratnasuri, the successor to Acharya Vijayaprabhasuri. Historical records place Vijayaratnasuri's period as Acharya from 1732 to 1773 (according to "Pattavali Samuchchaya Vol. 1") or 1749 to 1774 (according to Dr. Shivaprasad's "History of Tapagacch"). The manuscript contains predominantly horoscopes from the year 1745 (VS). Based on this, the author concludes that the work was likely composed around 1745 VS.

Specific Chapters and Their Content:

• Sixth Chapter: This chapter deals with a horoscope cast for King Bhim. The text notes the existence of several historical figures named Bhimsinh and suggests that Maharana Bhimsinh, son of Maharana Rajsingh of Mewar, might be the contemporary Bhim mentioned, as Maharana Rajsingh passed away in 1737 VS. This Bhim was known for his bravery and participated in battles. The author posits that he might have been a devotee of Meghavijayaji, leading to the casting of his horoscope in 1745 VS.
• Chapters 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11: These chapters feature horoscopes and predictions for individuals named Uttamchandra, Minister Rajmall, Som Shreshthi, Jaymall, Mulraj, and Chhatrasinh, respectively. The locations of these individuals are not specified, suggesting Meghavijayaji had a wide social network. These names are likely not fictional but refer to his specific devotees.
• Seventh Chapter: This chapter is related to Mahopadhyaya Meghavijayaji himself. The commentary on the invocation verse indicates that Meghavijayaji received the title of Mahopadhyaya on or before Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya, 1731 VS.
• Mentions of Other Works: The text also references Hastasanjeevan and its commentary, as well as Jyotisha texts by Keshav.

Author's Devotion:

Meghavijayaji was an ardent devotee of Lord Shankheshwar Parshvanath, installed and worshipped by Lord Vasudev Krishna. He believed that all forms of spiritual profit (Dharma) were attained through the grace of Lord Parshvanath.

Significance and Publication Worthiness:

The Dharmalabh Shastra, based on horoscopes, is a previously unavailable text. From the perspective of predictive knowledge and astrology, it is considered a valuable, highly useful, and publication-worthy work.

Beginning of the Text (Mangalacharan and First Chapter):

The text includes the invocation (Mangalacharan) and the first chapter of the Dharmalabh Shastra. The invocation praises Lord Nabhi, the Omniscient, and the supreme being, Arhat. It specifically venerates Lord Parshvanath, established by Shri Shankheshwar, and worshipped by Keshav and other divine beings. It also mentions the lineage of gurus, starting with Shri Pujyapad Vijayprabh Suri, and their disciples, highlighting Meghavijayaji as the author who created this work for the welfare of the young. The invocation emphasizes the concept of Dharmalabh as receiving spiritual benefits through devotion and understanding astrological principles.

Structure of the Chapters:

Each of the subsequent chapters (from the second to the fourteenth) is presented with its Mangalacharan and a brief descriptive statement (Prashasti) that often links the chapter's content to Lord Parshvanath, Keshav, and the specific individual for whom the horoscope was cast. The chapters are numbered and indicate the subject of the horoscope cast.

Concluding Remarks (Rachana Prashasti):

The concluding remarks highlight the rarity and difficulty of obtaining Dharmalabh (spiritual profit) and the importance of proper conduct (Samayik Darshan, Bodh, Sadhu Charan) in achieving it, as stated by the omniscient Jina. It pays homage to the Gurus of Tapagacch, including Vijayadin, Suryachandra, and others. The author acknowledges any errors made due to his own limited intellect and requests that Jain devotees correct them for the sake of Dharma. It also states that the Dharmalabh Shastra is written in approximately 2500 Anushtubh verses and wishes for its longevity. The final line confirms the completion of the fourteenth and final chapter of the Dharmalabh Shastra by Mahopadhyaya Shri Meghavijayagani.