Ek Anukarnatmaka Stuti Rachna

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ek Anukarnatmaka Stuti Rachna" in English, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Ek Anukarnatmaka Stuti Rachna (An Imitative Hymn Composition) Authors: Suyashchandravijay, Sujaschandravijay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Overview:

This text is a Jain hymn composition that consciously imitates the famous Sanskrit hymn "Bhaja Govindam" by Adi Shankaracharya. The primary aim of the text is to convey the Jain philosophical perspective, particularly emphasizing the impermanence and futility of worldly pursuits and the importance of spiritual devotion.

Key Themes and Content:

• Imitation of "Bhaja Govindam": The composition explicitly acknowledges its inspiration from "Bhaja Govindam," noting the similar structure, number of verses, and adherence to metrical patterns (rag). The authors observe that while "Bhaja Govindam" describes the impermanence of the world, this Jain version also highlights similar themes, aiming to reveal the essence of the self (Atman).
• Worldly Impermanence and Attachment: The hymn repeatedly stresses the transient nature of worldly possessions, relationships, and even life itself. It argues that family members (mother, brother, father, wife), friends, and enemies are not permanent sources of solace or support. They are all bound by self-interest.
• The Nature of the Self: The text encourages the reader to recognize their own agency and responsibility. It states, "You yourself are the doer, you yourself are the enjoyer, you yourself are the one who frees yourself from karma." It also points out that the self is subject to suffering (diseased, sorrowful) in worldly existence.
• The Preciousness of Human Birth: The hymn emphasizes that gaining a human birth, which allows for spiritual liberation, is a rare and valuable achievement in the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
• The Fleetingness of Life and Youth: Analogies are used to illustrate how quickly life and youth pass away. Life is compared to water slipping through cupped hands, and youth to the fleeting shade of a cloud. Worldly pleasures (bhogas) are likened to grass, and life itself to water in a puddle. The body is seen as prone to decay and transformation, like a bubble.
• Renunciation of Worldly Desires: The text advises abandoning attachment to lustful desires and worldly pleasures, which are ultimately impure and unsatisfying. Instead, it urges the reader to cultivate attachment to Dharma (righteousness) and spiritual wealth.
• Stages of Life and Spiritual Neglect: The hymn touches upon the stages of life, lamenting that in childhood, frivolous play was indulged in, and in youth, hardships were endured, but true spiritual devotion (to the Tirthankaras) was not pursued.
• Call to Spiritual Action: The core message is a strong call to action. It implores the reader to turn their mind away from sins, embrace Dharma with joy, practice pure charity, gain knowledge of the teachings of the Jinas (Jain Tirthankaras), abandon evil conduct that leads to unfortunate rebirths, and cultivate good conduct.
• Devotion and Liberation: The final verses emphasize the importance of devotion, penance, and adhering to the teachings of the Tirthankaras as the means to attain liberation (moksha). It encourages the virtuous to bow down to and serve the glorious attributes of the Tirthankaras.

Authorship and Context:

• The authors are identified as Muni Sujaschandravijay and Suyashchandravijay.
• The text appears to be an early composition by the authors, as indicated by the comment that "some verses may have metrical flaws."
• The name "Gunachandra" in the final verse is suggested as a possible name of the poet.
• The contribution of the Surendranagar Jain Sangh Gyana Bhandar in providing a Xerox copy for editing is gratefully acknowledged.
• The manuscript was written by Sitaram Gormallji of Jodhpur for the reading of Muni Manivijayji.

Significance:

"Ek Anukarnatmaka Stuti Rachna" is a significant Jain text as it demonstrates the Jain tradition's engagement with broader Indian philosophical and literary traditions by adapting and reinterpreting popular devotional works from other schools of thought. It serves as a valuable example of how Jain teachings can be expressed through familiar literary forms to convey profound spiritual messages.