Gyanvimalsuri Krut Stabak

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gyanvimalsuri Krut Stabak" by Kumarpal Desai, based on the provided information:

Book Title: Shri Gyanvimalsuri Krut Stabak (Meaning: Stabak composed by Shri Gyanvimalsuri) Author(s): Kumarpal Desai (Editor) Publisher: Kaushal Prakashan, Ahmedabad Publication Year: 1989 Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032279/1

Overall Summary:

"Shri Gyanvimalsuri Krut Stabak" is a scholarly work edited by Dr. Kumarpal Desai, presenting a critical edition of the "Stabak" (commentary/explanation) written by the Jain monk Acharya Gyanvimalsuri on Anandghan's "Anandghan Bavisi." Anandghan's "Anandghan Bavisi" is a significant work in Jain philosophy, detailing stages of spiritual practice and self-realization. Gyanvimalsuri, a learned scholar of Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Gujarati, composed his "Stabak" in the 18th century (Vikram Samvat 1769) to elucidate the profound spiritual meanings within Anandghan's verses.

The book serves as a valuable resource for understanding medieval Gujarati prose, specifically the "Stabak" or "Taba" tradition, which involves providing explanations in simple Gujarati language above the original Sanskrit or Prakrit verses. The editor, Kumarpal Desai, has meticulously researched the work, referencing manuscripts and providing a scholarly introduction that delves into the life and times of Gyanvimalsuri, the nature of "Stabak" literature, and the linguistic features of the text. The "Stabak" itself consists of commentaries on each of Anandghan's 24 devotional songs (stanzas), offering deep spiritual insights and interpretations.

Key Highlights and Contents:

1. Editor's Role (Kumarpal Desai): Dr. Kumarpal Desai is recognized for his extensive research and dedication to uncovering and preserving ancient Gujarati literature. This work is presented as a small offering (Aachman Rup) from his larger research on medieval Gujarati prose, which he found in abundance in manuscript libraries, often unilluminated. He emphasizes the unique style and linguistic beauty of medieval Gujarati prose, untouched by English influence.

2. The "Stabak" Tradition: The book explains that "Stabak" or "Taba" is a form of commentary prevalent in Jain literature, where explanations are written in smaller script above the main text's lines. The term "Stabak" itself reflects the clustered nature of these explanations. This tradition is distinct from "Balavabodh," which offers a brief explanation in Gujarati prose. "Taba" literature is found not only in Jain Agamas but also in other Jain philosophical and narrative texts.

3. Anandghan Bavisi: The "Anandghan Bavisi" is described as a unique and rare work that outlines the progressive stages of spiritual Sadhana (practice). It is considered a valuable source for Jain philosophers and thinkers seeking to understand self-realization.

4. Acharya Gyanvimalsuri:

   • Life and Works: Gyanvimalsuri (originally Nayavimal) was a prominent Jain scholar of the 18th century (VS 1727-1782). He was proficient in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Gujarati, composing numerous works in all three languages. His Sanskrit works include "Prashnavarsootravrutti" and "Sansaravanaprastutivrutti." He also composed various Gujarati poems (Ras), hymns (Stavan), devotional songs (Sajhja), and prose works. He was renowned for his poetic talent and deep spiritual understanding.
   • Connection to Anandghan: Gyanvimalsuri held great respect for Anandghan and meditated for six months to receive Anandghan's stanzas before composing his "Stabak" on them. This "Stabak" was written about forty years after Anandghan's passing, indicating the high regard for Anandghan's work even among his contemporaries.
   • Miracles and Recognition: An anecdote highlights his deep knowledge and poetic skill, which earned him the title "Gyanvimal" from his Acharya.

5. The "Stabak" Text:

   • Manuscript: The oldest available manuscript of Gyanvimalsuri's "Stabak" is from Vikram Samvat 1769, housed at the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Sanskrit Vidyamandir in Ahmedabad. This manuscript served as the primary source for the critical edition.
   • Structure: The "Stabak" follows the original verses of Anandghan's Bavisi, with Gyanvimalsuri's explanations provided in a specific format above each line. The book includes an introduction to Gyanvimalsuri, the nature of "Stabak," the manuscript's details, and the linguistic analysis of the text. It also provides explanations for specific terms and a brief introduction to the scriptures and scholars mentioned.
   • Linguistic Features: The language of the "Stabak" exhibits a blend of older and newer Gujarati linguistic forms, reflecting the transitionary period. It shows influences from Sanskrit and Prakrit and occasionally includes Persian words. The editor meticulously analyzes these linguistic nuances, including variations in verb conjugations, noun declensions, and case endings.

6. Other Commentaries on Anandghan Bavisi: The book also mentions other scholars who commented on Anandghan's work, such as Gyansar (VS 1866) whose commentary is more extensive, and briefly mentions Upadhyay Yashovijayji as potentially having written a "Bani" (commentary) on it, though no manuscript has been found. It also critiques an earlier abridged version of Gyanvimalsuri's "Taba" published by Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia, stating that it was too condensed and altered the original language.

7. Structure of the Book:

   • Upodghat (Introduction): Detailed introduction covering Anandghan Bavisi, the "Stabak" tradition, other commentaries, the author's introduction (Gyanvimalsuri), manuscript details, and linguistic analysis.
   • Stabak: The main body of the text, presenting the commentary on Anandghan's verses.
   • Stabakna Shabdarath: Glossary of words used in the "Stabak" with their meanings.
   • Vishesh Nam: Special terms or names mentioned.

8. Content of the Stabak (Commentaries on Anandghan's Stanzas): The book includes the "Stabak" for 24 stanzas (stavans) of Anandghan's work, starting with Shri Rishabh Jin Stavan and concluding with Shri Mahavir Jin Stavan. Each "Stabak" provides Gyanvimalsuri's interpretation and explanation of the spiritual and philosophical content of Anandghan's verses, often relating them to Jain principles and logic.

Significance:

"Gyanvimalsuri Krut Stabak" is a significant contribution to the study of Jain literature, medieval Gujarati prose, and the history of religious commentary. It showcases the scholarly efforts of Kumarpal Desai in preserving and making accessible a valuable piece of heritage. The work provides deep insights into the philosophical underpinnings of Jainism as expressed through Anandghan's devotional poetry and Gyanvimalsuri's learned commentary.