Hindi Jain Sahitya Parishilan Part 01

This comprehensive summary details the contents of "Hindi Jain Sahitya Parishilan Part 01" by Nemichandra Shastri, published by Bharatiya Gyanpith. The book is an analytical study of Hindi Jain literature, focusing on its evolution, major works, and underlying philosophical and aesthetic principles.

Overall Scope: The book provides an in-depth examination of Hindi Jain literature, highlighting its rich history and significant contributions across various genres. It aims to showcase the depth and beauty of this tradition, which is often overlooked in mainstream literary criticism.

Key Themes and Sections:

• Introduction to Hindi Jain Literature (Pratham Adhyay):

  • Origin of Hindi Jain Literature: The text emphasizes that literature is a means of realizing eternal truths and has always been influenced by universal human desires and ideologies. It notes the internal sameness of emotions and struggles across all world literatures due to shared human experiences.
  • Philosophical Foundation: Jain literature is rooted in Jain philosophy, particularly its emphasis on self-surrender, detachment from worldly pleasures, and the pursuit of the soul's liberation. It explores the philosophical concepts of the soul (Jiva), non-soul (Ajeeva), influx (Ashrava), bondage (Bandha), stoppage (Samvara), liberation (Nirjara), and salvation (Moksha). The text explains the three states of the soul: Bahiratman (external soul), Antaratman (internal soul), and Paramatma (supreme soul), achieved through the practice of Samyagdarshan (right faith), Samyagjnana (right knowledge), and Samyakcharitra (right conduct).
  • Jain Ethics: The core ethical principles of Jainism—Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession)—are discussed, with Ahimsa being the paramount virtue. The text delves into the different types of violence (Dravyahinsa and Bhavahinsa) and their implications.
  • Syadvada: The principle of Syadvada (the doctrine of manifold aspects) is presented as a key Jain philosophical contribution that promotes tolerance, liberality, and unity in thought and expression, crucial for achieving a non-violent way of life.
  • Influence on Human Values: The literature is seen as promoting values like self-reliance, self-realization, compassion, equality, and the transcendence of materialism.

• Ancient Poetic Literature (Puraatan Kavya Sahitya) (Dwitiya Adhyay):

  • From Apabhramsha to Old Hindi: The chapter traces the development of Jain poetry from Apabhramsha to Old Hindi, Brajbhasha, and Rajasthani. It highlights how Jain poets utilized vernacular languages to express their spiritual and ethical messages.
  • Prambandh Kavya (Narrative Poetry): The significance of narrative poetry, often based on ancient Jain stories of Tirthankaras and other great figures, is discussed. The influence of Apabhramsha narrative poems like "Paumchariu" and "Harivansh Charit" on later Hindi epics like "Padmavat" and "Ramcharitmanas" is a major focus. The author provides detailed analysis of "Paumchariu" (Jain Ramayana), "Harivansh Charit," and "Bhavishyadatta Katha," discussing their plot, characterization, emotional depth, and narrative techniques.
  • Influence on Later Poets: The text emphasizes the profound impact of Jain Apabhramsha poets like Swayambhudeva and Pushpadanta on prominent Hindi poets like Jayasi, Tulsidas, and Surdas, noting similarities in themes, structure, and stylistic elements.
  • Mahakavya (Epic Poetry): Jain epics like Swayambhudeva's "Paumchariu" and Pushpadanta's "Mahapurana" (Tisatha Mahapurush Gunaalankar) are analyzed for their epic qualities, narrative structure, portrayal of characters, and the integration of spiritual and ethical themes.
  • Khandakavya (Lyrical Poetry): Short narrative poems like "Nagkumar Charit," "Yashodhar Charit," and various "Rasa" works are discussed for their thematic focus on specific episodes or ethical lessons, often drawing from Jain legends.
  • Character and Narrative Poetry (Charitra aur Kathakavya): The chapter reviews various biographical and narrative works that recount the lives of Jain saints, kings, and heroes, highlighting their moral and spiritual significance.

• Hindi-Jain Geetikaavya (Ghazal and Devotional Songs) (Dwitiya Adhyay continued):

  • Musicality and Emotional Expression: This section analyzes Jain devotional songs (pads, bhajans, lavanis) for their musicality, lyrical quality, and their ability to convey deep emotions. It discusses the use of various ragas and talas in these compositions.
  • Self-Reflection and Individuality: The poems are examined for their introspective nature, personal experiences, and the expression of individual spiritual journeys.
  • Key Poets: The works of prominent poets like Banarasi Das, Daulat Ram, Budhjan, Bhagwati Das, Anandghan, Yashovijay, Bhudhar Das, and Dhyan Ray are analyzed, focusing on their unique styles, themes (devotion, detachment, self-realization), and contributions to the genre.
  • Comparison with Other Bhakti Traditions: The devotional poetry of Jainism is compared with that of Kabir, Surdas, Tulsidas, and Mira Bai, highlighting similarities in philosophical underpinnings and devotional intensity, while also noting distinct Jain characteristics.

• Historical Geetikaavya (Historical Ballads) (Tritiya Adhyay):

  • Preservation of History and Culture: This chapter focuses on Jain historical ballads that chronicle significant events, the lives of saints and kings, and the spread of Jainism. These songs are presented as valuable historical records and cultural artifacts.
  • Narratives of Saints and Rulers: The text discusses songs recounting the deeds of Jain monks, acharyas, and royal patrons, emphasizing their sacrifices, miracles, and contributions to the faith. It highlights how these ballads fostered religious devotion and a sense of historical pride.
  • Influence of Historical Context: The influence of the socio-political environment, including interactions with Mughal rulers and other historical figures, is explored through these songs, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of Jain traditions.

• Spiritual Allegorical Poetry (Aadhyatmik Rupak Kavya) (Chaturtha Adhyay):

  • Allegory as a Tool for Spiritual Teaching: This section explores Jain allegorical works where abstract spiritual concepts are represented through concrete narratives and characters. These allegories serve to convey complex philosophical ideas in an accessible manner.
  • Key Allegorical Works: The analysis includes prominent works like Banarasi Das's "Natak Samaysar" and "Ardha Kathanak," Bhagwati Das's "Chetan Karma Charitra" and "Madhu Binduk Chaupai," and Bhudhar Das's "Bhav Sindhu Chaturdashi." These works are discussed for their innovative use of symbolism, characterization, and narrative to illustrate Jain spiritual principles.
  • Exploration of Human Psychology: The allegories are examined for their deep exploration of human psychology, focusing on the interplay of virtues and vices, the struggle between good and evil within the individual, and the path to spiritual purification.

• Prakirnak Kavya (Miscellaneous Poetry) (Panchama Adhyay):

  • Moral and Didactic Literature: This chapter covers miscellaneous Jain poetic works that focus on ethics, morality, and worldly wisdom. These poems aim to guide individuals towards righteous living and spiritual growth.
  • Didactic Works: The analysis includes collections of maxims, proverbs, and moral teachings by poets like Banarasi Das ("Suktindakavaly," "Gyan Vani"), Bhagwati Das ("Nitya Panchashika"), Dhyan Ray ("Sanyog Vartaka," "Nyan Vachani"), Bhudhar Das ("Jain Shatak"), Budhjan ("Budhjan Satasai"), and Daulat Ram ("Chhe-Dhala").
  • Emphasis on Virtues and Restraint: The text highlights the emphasis on virtues like Ahimsa, Satya, Aparigraha, and the importance of controlling desires, overcoming vices like anger, greed, and ego, and cultivating detachment from worldly pleasures.
  • Practical Guidance for Life: These works offer practical advice for navigating life's challenges, fostering inner peace, and achieving spiritual well-being.

• Autobiographical Poetry (Aatmakatha Kavya) (Shathama Adhyay):

  • Banarasi Das's Ardha Kathanak: A significant portion of this chapter is dedicated to Banarasi Das's "Ardha Kathanak," considered the first autobiographical work in Hindi literature. The text provides a detailed account of its historical context, the author's life experiences (including business ventures, personal struggles, spiritual awakening, and interactions with contemporary figures), its literary merit, and its candid portrayal of the author's strengths and weaknesses. The author's honesty and scientific approach to self-analysis are particularly praised.

• Riti-Sahitya (Ritualistic/Classical Literature) (Saptama Adhyay):

  • Jain Contribution to Classical Hindi Poetry: This section discusses the Jain contribution to the Riti period of Hindi literature. While acknowledging the general trend of eroticism and ornamentation in Riti poetry, it highlights how Jain poets, like Banarasi Das, maintained a spiritual and ethical focus, often critiquing the excesses of mainstream Riti literature.
  • Analysis of Rasas (Aesthetic Emotions): The chapter examines the Jain interpretation of Rasas (aesthetic emotions), particularly their emphasis on Shantarasa (the sentiment of peace and detachment) as the paramount rasa, contrasting it with the Shringar rasa (erotic sentiment) prevalent in other Riti works. Banarasi Das's innovative concept of the permanent states (Sthayi Bhavas) for each rasa is detailed.
  • Alankara (Rhetoric): The use of figures of speech (Alankaras) in Jain poetry is discussed, with a focus on how Jain poets employed them to enhance spiritual expression rather than mere decorative effect.
  • Chhanda Shastra (Prosody): The contribution of Jain scholars to the study of prosody is noted, with references to works on meters and poetic structures.
  • Kosha (Lexicography): The chapter mentions Jain poets' efforts in compiling dictionaries and lexicons, contributing to the richness of Hindi vocabulary.

Overall Contribution: "Hindi Jain Sahitya Parishilan Part 01" serves as a vital resource for understanding the breadth and depth of Hindi Jain literature. It underscores the philosophical sophistication, ethical teachings, and artistic achievements of Jain writers, demonstrating their significant role in shaping Indian literary and cultural traditions. The book aims to bring to light the often-unacknowledged contributions of Jain scholars and poets.