Dharmratna Durlabhatwam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dharmaratna Durlabhatwam" by Muni Kalyankirtivijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Dharmaratna Durlabhatwam (The Rarity of the Jewel of Dharma) Author: Muni Kalyankirtivijay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Overall Theme: The text emphasizes the extreme rarity of attaining the "jewel of Dharma" (religious merit and righteous conduct) in human life, even more so than obtaining a mythical wish-fulfilling gem. It uses allegorical stories to illustrate this point and encourages the cultivation of virtues as the path to achieving this precious attainment.

Introduction to Muni Yashovijayji: The introduction highlights the author of the original work (not Kalyankirtivijay, but Muni Yashovijayji, a highly learned disciple of Acharya Vijaynemisurishwarji). It details his humble beginnings as an orphan from a shepherd community. Despite a slow start in learning, struggling even with the basic Namaskara mantra, his persistence and the Acharya's recognition of his potential led to his initiation. Post-initiation, his intellectual capacity bloomed, allowing him to memorize 100 verses daily. He achieved unparalleled scholarship in various fields of knowledge and possessed mastery over Sanskrit, enabling him to engage in verse-based discussions with learned scholars. He authored works like "Stutikalpalata" and "Pravartak Yatrapravas," along with many Sanskrit and Prakrit poems. Sadly, he passed away at a young age due to tuberculosis, leaving a void in the Jain tradition for a highly promising scholar.

Content and Structure of "Dharmaratna Durlabhatwam": The book aims to illustrate the extreme rarity of obtaining the jewel of Dharma, using the analogy of the Chintamani (wish-fulfilling gem).

• First Seven Verses (1-7): These verses expound the glory and importance of Dharma. They describe how Dharma leads to kingdoms, strength, becoming like the divine Baladeva, kings, emperors, powerful individuals, gods, Indra, and even revered ascetics and Tirthankaras. Dharma is presented as the source of happiness, progress, and ultimately, liberation (moksha). Without Dharma, true happiness is unattainable.

• Verses 8-47: The Story of Jayadeva and the Cowherd: This section uses an extended allegorical narrative to demonstrate the rarity of the Chintamani gem.

  • The Setting: The story begins by describing Hastinapur, a prosperous city, and introduces a wealthy and virtuous merchant named Nagadeva and his pure-hearted wife Vasundhara.
  • Jayadeva: Their son, Jayadeva, is depicted as highly intelligent, virtuous, and knowledgeable, having studied various subjects diligently from a young age. He is shown to be skilled and diligent.
  • The Chintamani: Jayadeva is associated with a Chintamani gem. However, due to his ignorance and lack of proper understanding of its nature, he perceives it as a mere pebble and counts other stones as if they were valuable gems. He wanders through the city, looking for the true gem, but mistakenly dismisses the Chintamani itself.
  • Encounter with the Cowherd: Jayadeva meets a simple-minded cowherd who possesses a round, beautiful stone. Jayadeva, recognizing it as the Chintamani, asks the cowherd about its purpose. The cowherd, ignorant of its true value, states he uses it for his children's amusement.
  • Jayadeva's Guidance: Jayadeva, understanding the cowherd's lack of knowledge, tries to guide him. He explains that the gem needs to be adored and worshipped to yield its wish-fulfilling power. He instructs the cowherd on the proper rituals, including fasting, purification, and offering flowers and incense.
  • The Cowherd's Misunderstanding: The cowherd, being foolish and lacking merit, misunderstands and believes the gem will simply grant him simple desires like "badar-karbara" (perhaps small fruits or berries). He remains ignorant of its true potential.
  • Jayadeva's Acquisition and Reward: Jayadeva, recognizing the cowherd's persistent ignorance and the gem's potential, eventually takes possession of the Chintamani. He then worships it correctly, and it fulfills his wishes. Through the gem's power and his own merit, Jayadeva prospers, marries the virtuous Ratnavati (daughter of a wise merchant), and is celebrated and honored by all, becoming a recipient of all enjoyments.

• Verses 48-53: The Moral (Upanaya):

  • Analogy to Dharma: These concluding verses draw the parallel between the Chintamani and the jewel of Dharma. Just as the Chintamani is difficult to obtain, the jewel of Dharma is even more rare.
  • True Attainment: The text states that while the divine beings and great souls attain their exalted status through their efforts and merits, man can achieve this through the grace of Dharma.
  • The Cowherd's Loss vs. Jayadeva's Gain: The cowherd, despite possessing the gem, could not benefit from it due to his ignorance and lack of merit. The merchant's son (Jayadeva) gained the gem's full benefits due to his diligence, merit, and proper veneration.
  • The Importance of Virtues: Similarly, a person devoid of virtues cannot attain the jewel of Dharma. Only those endowed with virtues can achieve it.
  • Call to Action: The text concludes by urging the reader that if they desire the jewel of Dharma after hearing this illustration, they should constantly strive to cultivate virtues.

Key Features of the Work:

• Language: The original work is in "Pranjal Prakrit."
• Structure: It contains 53 verses. Verse 9 is in the Malini meter, while the rest are in the Anushtup meter.
• Sanskrit Rendering: The author himself has provided a Sanskrit translation (Chhaya) for each verse.
• Authenticity: The entire work is available in the original handwriting of Pravartakji Maharaj.

In Essence: "Dharmaratna Durlabhatwam" is a profound exploration of spiritual rarity, using the allegory of the Chintamani gem to underscore the arduous journey of acquiring true Dharma. It emphasizes that mere possession is insufficient; it is the cultivation of virtues, understanding, and devotion that unlocks the true potential of spiritual attainment. The text serves as a powerful reminder and encouragement for individuals to actively pursue virtuous conduct in their lives to achieve the ultimate spiritual treasure.