Guruswadhyaya Tatha Bhas - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the book "Guruswadhyaya tatha Bhas" by Suyashchandravijay and Sujaschandravijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Guruswadhyaya tatha Bhas Author(s): Suyashchandravijay, Sujaschandravijay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Language: Gujarati (with Hindi transliteration for some terms and context)

This document, from "Anusandhan-59" (June 2012), presents summaries and excerpts from two Jain works by the authors Suyashchandravijay and Sujaschandravijay, focusing on the life and legacy of Acharya Indranandisuri.

Part 1: Guruswadhyaya (गुरुस्वाध्याय)

Introduction: The term "Sajhjhaya" (सज्झाय) is a Gujarati equivalent of the Prakrit word for "Swadhyay" (स्वाध्याय), which signifies self-study or recitation of religious texts. The work "Guruswadhyaya" is described as a historically significant composition.
Content Overview:
- The initial verses of the work praise the lineage of Jain Acharyas, starting from Sudharmaswami (the first successor of Lord Mahavir) down to the author's own preceptor, Shri Indranandisuri.
- From the 13th stanza onwards, the author provides a detailed and engaging biographical account of Acharya Indranandisuri, covering key events such as his birth, initiation, conferment of titles, and consecration ceremonies.
- The concluding verses offer comparisons of the guru's greatness and describe the author's own tradition.
Biography of Indranandisuri (based on this work):
- Birth: Born in Samvat 1418 (1418 AD) on Margashirsha Shuddha Saptami (7th lunar day of the dark fortnight in the month of Margashirsha) in Purapattan (likely Puradalpur) in the Marudhar (Marwar) region. His parents were Champakshah, a merchant, and Sitadevi. He was named Devraj at birth.
- Initiation: In Samvat 1508 (1508 AD), due to his spiritual inclination, he was initiated by Udayanandisuri and given the name 'Indranandi'. He was sent to study under Somjaysuri, a great logician and disciple of Ratnamandansuri, who was part of the Ratnashekharsuri's lineage.
- Acharya Consecration: In Samvat 1530 (1530 AD), Shri Somjaysuri conferred upon Muni Indranandi the title of 'Gani' (a learned scholar) in Siddhpur. In Samvat 1541 (1541 AD), along with a large Jain community (Sangh) led by Harichand, the treasurer of Sāṇand in Ahmedabad, and accompanied by Acharya Lakshmisagar and his retinue, they visited the pilgrimage city of Idar. At Idar, after paying homage to the first Tirthankar (Yugadidev) and bowing to Lakshmisagar, the head of the Gachchha (sect), Indranandi Gani was elevated to the position of Ganadhar (Acharya) amidst various celebrations, including performances and donations.
- Later Life and Activities:
  - He arrived in Ahmedabad, where the Dosipanchayat commissioned him to consecrate idols and consecrate Kalasha (ornamental pots) made of 13 seers of gold.
  - In Viranagar, Minister Devdas welcomed him and, along with 63 lay disciples, took vows of chastity.
  - He visited Vatapadra (Vadodara), where Minister Ganga celebrated his Acharya title.
  - In Anahillwad, Vastupal organized a consecration ceremony and offered wealth and respect to the Sangh.
  - During his time, Sanghapatis (leaders of the community) Karmaṇa and Harṣāgara established libraries by commissioning the writing of books.
  - In Patan, he conferred the title of Gani upon Shri Saubhāgyanandi and Pramod Sunder. Sanghapatis like Shri Rāj spent considerable wealth and satisfied 84 Gachchhas with various gifts. On this occasion, Sanghapatis like Somdatt arranged for the construction of 27 Upāshrayashālās (monastic resting places), wrote the Kalpasutra with ornamental details, and created other religious artifacts. The text also speculates that "ratna" (रत्न) might refer to precious stones used in these constructions. Many individuals, both men and women, also took initiation during this period, receiving titles like Pandit, Upadhyaya, Pravartini, and Gani.
- Demise: After engaging in numerous activities that enhanced the glory of Jainism, Acharya Indranandisuri passed away in Patan on Margashirsha Shuddha Trayodashi (13th lunar day of the dark fortnight in Margashirsha) in Samvat 1567 (1567 AD).
Significance of the Work:
- Historical: Despite its brevity, the work is historically important, providing details about consecration ceremonies by the Dosipanchayat and Vastupal, and the 27 Upāshrayashālās built by Somdatt. These are considered crucial links in historical records.
- Social: It highlights social customs like celebrating a birth with a festival and naming ceremony, sending disciples to study under other gurus, the practice of offering gifts in gratitude during specific events, and the cremation of the deceased ascetic's body.
- Linguistic: The work is valuable for its use of contemporary terms like "maḍi," "sāvaṭū," "jangaparā," and "saṁ" (मडि, सावटू, जङ्गपरा, सइं), which are significant from a linguistic perspective.

Part 2: Bhas (भास)

Nature of the Work: The author has composed another work dedicated to Acharya Indranandi, titled "Bhas." While it is expected to be a biographical account, this work primarily focuses on Acharya Indranandisuri's qualities, with little specific biographical information except for his father's name. The work is described as "ordinary" (सामान्य).
Content: The author presents the guru's virtues through the words of a female companion ("sahiyar").
Poet's Identity and Other Works:
- The author, Lavanyasama, is a renowned poet whose works like "Rangaratnakar Chhand" and "Vimalaprabandh" are exceptional examples of his poetic skill. Readers are directed to the introductions of these works by Shivalal Jesalpurani or Bhogilal Sandesara for more details about the poet.
- The author has approximately 41 other unpublished works. A general mention of these is provided, with a recommendation to consult Darshanaben Kothari's "Sahityasuchi" for detailed information.
List of Works by the Author: A list of 42 works by the poet is provided, indicating their respective page numbers or counts. These include various "Swadhyayas," "Geets," and "Stavans" covering diverse spiritual themes, historical figures, and moral teachings.
Glossary: The document includes a glossary of specific words used in the text, categorised for the first work (Guruswadhyaya) and the second work (Bhas), providing their meanings or context.

Excerpt from Guruswadhyaya (Page 5 onwards):

This section provides the beginning of the "Guruswadhyaya" text itself, praising Saraswati, Lord Mahavir's lineage of Acharyas, and specifically highlighting Indranandisuri as a "Yugaprahāṇa" (युगप्रहाणो - leader of an era) with immense glory. It then details his birth, education, initiation, and the significant events of his life, corroborating the summary provided earlier.

Excerpt from Sri Indranandisuri Bhas (Page 9 onwards):

This section begins the text of the "Sri Indranandisuri Bhas." It starts with salutations to Saraswati and Somjaysuri. The poem then addresses a female companion ("heli") and expresses joy at the gathering to sing praises of Acharya Indranandisuri. It describes the auspicious occasion, the beauty of the companions, and the respectful veneration of the Acharya. The verses liken the Acharya's virtuous speech to rain bringing life to the earth and his presence as a source of well-being, dispelling suffering. It also praises his wisdom, character, and compassion. The work concludes with a dedication to Acharya Somjaysuri and a final salutation to Indranandisuri.

In essence, this document offers a scholarly overview and partial textual rendering of two important Jain works that celebrate and document the life, lineage, and teachings of Acharya Indranandisuri, a significant figure in Jain history. The "Guruswadhyaya" is highlighted for its historical and social insights, while the "Bhas" focuses on the Acharya's virtues and the poet's devotional expression.