Dyanat Bhajan Saurabh

"Dyanat Bhajan Saurabh" is a collection of spiritual songs (bhajans), praises (stutis), and prayers (vintiyan) composed by the esteemed Jain poet Dyanatray (1676-1728). Published by Jain Vidyasansthan, Rajkot, under the "Sarvodaya Pustakmala" series, this book is the twenty-first in the collection, following other popular bhajan collections. The book aims to enrich the devotional life of its readers, fostering their moral and spiritual development while encouraging their engagement in the welfare of all living beings.

The core message of the collection revolves around the significance of devotion (bhakti) as a pathway to spiritual liberation (vītarāgtā). Devotion, starting with gratitude towards the Tirthankaras (spiritual guides), culminates in attaining detachment and self-realization. The text emphasizes that living life in alignment with the Tirthankaras' teachings is the highest form of devotion.

The book highlights how attachment to sensory desires hinders spiritual growth, trapping individuals in animalistic tendencies. Devotion to the Tirthankaras, who have conquered their senses, serves as a catalyst for aspiring devotees to transcend their senses and embrace equanimity. By comparing themselves to these revered beings, individuals gain humility and are inspired towards spiritual progress. The path of devotion ultimately leads one to self-realization and divine bliss.

"Dyanat Bhajan Saurabh" contains 328 devotional pieces covering a wide range of themes:

• Tirthankaras: The collection extensively praises the Tirthankaras, detailing their nature, glory, and celebrating their births, marriages, renunciations, and ultimate liberation (moksha). It specifically mentions and praises Rishabhdev, Ajitnath, Abhinandannath, Suparshvanath, Chandraprabh, Sheetlanath, Vasupujya, Shantinath, Kunkunath, Arhanath, Neminath, Parshvanath, Mahavir, Bahubali, and figures like Ganadhar Gautam Swami and Kevali Jambuswami. The poignant pleas of Rajul, the betrothed of Neminath, are also eloquently captured.
• Jinvani (Sacred Teachings): The collection extols the divine words of the Tirthankaras, highlighting their power to dispel ignorance and illuminate the path to liberation. The importance of understanding and following the Jinvani, especially in the current era (Pancham Kal), is stressed, as these scriptures serve as guiding lights.
• Gurus and Sadhus: The profound role of gurus and sadhus in guiding devotees towards the Tirthankaras' teachings is acknowledged. Their ability to impart spiritual knowledge and their exemplary lives, characterized by detachment, patience, and adherence to vows, are celebrated.
• Knowledge (Gyan): The text underscores the indispensability of knowledge. It states that without knowledge, rituals like chanting, donation, and penance are futile. True knowledge leads to self-awareness, detachment, and freedom from mental stress. It also emphasizes that knowledge fosters positive societal contributions and helps overcome past negative tendencies.
• Self-Reflection and Enlightenment: The collection encourages self-address and introspection, urging readers to remember their divine nature and follow the path of righteousness. It stresses the importance of controlling the mind, embracing virtue, and remembering that true happiness lies within.
• The Impermanence of Worldly Pleasures: The ephemeral nature of sensory pleasures and worldly attachments is repeatedly highlighted. These are depicted as sources of suffering, like a stone boat that drowns one in the ocean of existence.
• The Frailty of the Body and the Ego: The text offers reflections on the transient and impure nature of the physical body, emphasizing that it is merely a temporary vessel. It cautions against pride and ego, urging readers to recognize the soul as distinct from the body.
• The Illusions of Moha and Kashaya: The collection delves into the detrimental effects of attachment (moha), anger, pride, deceit, and greed (kashaya), portraying them as significant obstacles to spiritual progress.
• The Value of Human Life: The rarity and preciousness of human birth are emphasized, urging readers to utilize this opportune moment for spiritual advancement rather than wasting it on fleeting worldly pursuits.
• The Importance of Dharma and Righteous Conduct: The text consistently promotes righteous conduct, including charity, ethical behavior, penance, self-control, forgiveness, patience, compassion, and good company. These virtues are presented as essential for both individual and societal well-being.
• Critique of False Beliefs: The collection also touches upon the futility of worshipping deities based on misconceptions and highlights the superficiality of certain rituals without genuine inner transformation.
• Spiritual Allegories: Notably, the book features creative allegorical representations, such as the "Holi of Consciousness," where spiritual practices are depicted through the vibrant festival, and the use of narratives from the Ramayana to convey spiritual lessons.

The translations of Dyanatrayji's verses into Hindi have been gratefully acknowledged to Shri Tarachand Jain, Advocate, Jaipur. The publication is lauded for its efforts to make Jain scriptures and philosophy accessible to a wider audience.