He Prabhu Shu Kahu

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "He Prabhu Shu Kahu" (O Lord, What Shall I Say?) in English:

Book Title: He Prabhu Shu Kahu (O Lord, What Shall I Say?) Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj, Rakeshbhai Zaveri (compilation/explanation) Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004854/1

This book, "He Prabhu Shu Kahu," is a collection of twenty couplets (Dohas) originally composed by Paramkrupāludev Shrimad Rajchandraji, presented with explanations and reflections by Atmanandji Maharaj and Rakeshbhai Zaveri. The work is deeply rooted in the devotional path (Bhakti Marg) within Jainism and focuses on self-reflection and earnest prayer to the Divine.

Core Theme and Purpose:

The central theme of "He Prabhu Shu Kahu" is the profound realization of one's own spiritual shortcomings and imperfections in the presence of the Divine (Prabhu). The text is a sincere and humble confession of the devotee's inadequacies, their dependence on divine grace, and their earnest yearning for spiritual progress. It serves as a powerful tool for self-examination and cultivating a deeper, more sincere devotion.

Structure and Content:

The book is primarily comprised of twenty Dohas (couplets) that express the devotee's inner state. Each Doha is followed by an "Artha" (meaning/explanation) and a section titled "Mara Antar Ne Puchhu Aa Prashna" (I Ask My Inner Self These Questions). This structure encourages active engagement and personal introspection.

Key Themes Explored in the Dohas:

The twenty Dohas systematically address various aspects of spiritual deficiency and the devotee's dependence on the Lord. The overarching sentiment is one of humility, acknowledging the vast gulf between the devotee's current state and the ideal spiritual state. The recurring themes include:

• Self-Awareness of Imperfections: The devotee repeatedly confesses to having "infinite faults" (anant dosh), lacking pure intentions (shuddha bhav), and not fully embodying the Lord's form or qualities.
• Lack of True Devotion: There's an admission of not having firm faith in the Lord, not possessing genuine reverence for the Guru, and not being fully surrendered or seeking refuge.
• Spiritual Apathy: The devotee highlights the absence of spiritual fervor, the lack of attachment to the Lord's virtues, and the indifference towards spiritual practices and the company of the virtuous.
• Attachment to the Worldly: The text points out the lack of detachment from worldly possessions, the indulgence in sensory pleasures, and the inability to find dissatisfaction with mundane life.
• Inability to Follow the Guru's Teachings: A significant portion focuses on the failure to internalize and act upon the Guru's commands, a lack of unwavering faith in the Guru, and shortcomings in showing proper respect and humility.
• The Need for Divine Grace: The overwhelming message is that without the Lord's intervention and grace, the devotee cannot overcome their flaws or achieve spiritual liberation. The devotee pleads for the Lord to "take their hand."
• The Importance of the Guru: The Dohas emphasize that true spiritual progress is impossible without seeking refuge in the Guru and that the Guru is the very embodiment of the Divine. The devotee prays for the unwavering conviction that the Guru is indeed the Lord.
• The Nature of True Sadhana (Spiritual Practice): The text implicitly distinguishes between superficial practices and true sadhana, which requires inner transformation and adherence to the Guru's guidance. Practices done without proper understanding and the Guru's support are seen as binding rather than liberating.
• The Realization of Utter Helplessness: The culmination of these self-assessments is the profound understanding that "What can this fallen one do?" without divine help and sincere introspection. The devotee must first accept their "lowest of the low" status before any spiritual practice can be effective.

The "Mara Antar Ne Puchhu Aa Prashna" Section:

This section for each Doha is crucial. It directly prompts the reader to reflect on their own life and actions, asking specific questions that apply the principles of the Doha to their personal experience. This interactive element makes the text a practical guide for spiritual growth. For example, after a Doha about the lack of pure intention, the questions might be: "In my good activities, how does impurity creep in?" or "In which of my activities should I maintain connection with the Lord?"

Significance and Recommended Practice:

The book, as stated by Param Pujya Prabhuji, describes these twenty Dohas as being "like mantras." They are to be recited frequently, even hundreds or thousands of times, as they are filled with benefits. The text stresses the importance of reciting them daily throughout one's life, alongside other essential practices like "Kshamapana no Path" (chapter of forgiveness), "Chha Pad" (Six Steps), "Yama-Niyama" (controls and observances), and "Atmāsiddhi" (Self-Realization). This consistent practice is believed to lead to a peaceful death (samādhi maraṇ) and the attainment of right faith (samakit).

Origin and Context:

The text clarifies that Paramkrupāludev Shrimad Rajchandraji composed approximately twenty independent religious poems during his lifetime, some in Hindi. These poems reflect his intense spiritual efforts towards liberation. "He Prabhu! He Prabhu! Shu Kahu" was created in Bhadarwa month of VS 1947 in Ralaj, alongside other significant poems. The composition is noted for its simple yet profound language, its capacity to deeply penetrate the heart, and its ability to inspire introspection. The book also mentions that the initial wording might have been "He Hari! He Hari!" but was later changed to "He Prabhu!"

In Essence:

"He Prabhu Shu Kahu" is a profound and emotionally resonant Jain text that guides the seeker towards a sincere and humble path of devotion. Through its poetic verses and introspective questions, it encourages a deep self-assessment, leading to a greater appreciation of one's own limitations and an unwavering reliance on the grace and guidance of the Divine and the Guru. It is a cornerstone text for anyone aspiring to walk the path of spiritual liberation in the Jain tradition.