Hindi Jain Sahityame Rahasya Bhavna

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "हिन्दी जैन साहित्य में रहस्य भावना" (Hindi Jain Sahitya mein Rahasya Bhavna) by Dr. Pushplata Jain, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: हिन्दी जैन साहित्य में रहस्य भावना (Hindi Jain Literature and Mystical Sentiment) Author: Dr. Pushplata Jain Publisher: Sanmati Prachya Shodh Samsthan, Nagpur (and Kala Evam Dharma Shodh Sansthan, Varanasi) ISBN: 81-85783-32-2 Year of Publication: 2008

Core Concept of Mysticism (Rahasyavad): The book defines mysticism as the "ultimate realization of spirituality" (अध्यात्म की चरम सीमा की अनुभूति). It's a state where the soul becomes pure divinity, attains detachment (वीतरागी), and experiences bliss.

Scope and Structure of the Book: The book is a comprehensive analysis of mystical thought and sentiment in Hindi Jain literature. It is divided into eight chapters (परिवर्त) and covers a wide spectrum:

• Literary History: It delves into the periodization of Hindi literature, its cultural background, and the trends in Jain poetry during the early and medieval periods.
• Mystical Sentiment: It analyzes the nature of mystical sentiment, the factors that hinder and facilitate it, and presents a comparative study of Jain mysticism with devotional (saguna), formless (nirguna), Sufi, and modern mystical traditions.
• Research Methodology: The author emphasizes that the work is a blend of factual study, critical analysis, and research, drawing conclusions from the works of both Jain and non-Jain poets, offering novel insights and thoughtful perspectives.

Key Themes and Chapters:

• Chapter 1: Periodization and Cultural Background: This chapter discusses the various chronological divisions of Hindi literature and the broader cultural context, including political, religious (Vedic, Jain, Buddhist), and social backgrounds. It proposes a specific timeframe for the medieval period in Hindi literature concerning Jain works.
• Chapter 2: Early Hindi Jain Poetic Trends: This chapter explores the influence of Apabhramsha on Hindi, its linguistic characteristics, and the contribution of Jain scholars to the development of early Hindi literature. It also discusses the Jain contribution to the tradition of Hindi Gitikavya (lyrical poetry).
• Chapter 3: Medieval Hindi Jain Poetic Trends: This chapter outlines the various poetic forms and genres prevalent in medieval Jain literature, including Prabandh Kavya (narrative poetry) like Charit Kavya (biographical poetry), Puranic Kavya, Rasa literature, Rupak Kavya (allegorical poetry), and devotional/spiritual works like Stavan, Puja, Chundadi Kavya, Fagu, and Barahmasa.
• Chapter 4: Mystical Sentiment - An Analysis: This chapter focuses on defining mysticism, exploring its various meanings and expressions from Indian and Western perspectives. It identifies key elements of mystical sentiment, including its ultimate goals (saadhya), means (saadhan), and practitioners (saadhak). It also distinguishes between mysticism and spirituality and examines different types of mystical traditions.
• Chapter 5: Hindrances to Mystical Sentiment: This chapter identifies factors that impede mystical realization, such as worldly desires, attachment to the body, the web of karma, delusion (mithyattva), negative emotions (kashay), illusion (moha), outward show, and the restless nature of the mind.
• Chapter 6: Facilitators of Mystical Sentiment: This chapter discusses the elements that aid mystical realization, including the importance of a true Guru (sadguru), self-reflection (aatma-sambodhan), introspection (aatma-chintan), understanding the relationship between the soul and the supreme soul (aatma-paramatma), the distinction between soul and matter (bhed-vigyan), and the practice of the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya - samyag-darshan, samyag-gyan, samyag-charitra).
• Chapter 7: Mystical Propensities: This chapter explores various expressions of mystical sentiment found in Jain literature, such as Prapatti Bhava (devotional surrender), Sahaja Sadhana (effortless practice) and Samrasata (equanimity/union), emotional mysticism, spiritual Holi, and the concept of Panch Kalyanaka (the five auspicious events in a Tirthankara's life).
• Chapter 8: Comparative Study of Mystical Propensities: This chapter provides a comparative analysis of Jain mysticism with that of other traditions, including devotional (saguna), formless (nirguna), and Sufi mysticism, highlighting similarities and differences based on the works of over 500 poets.

Jain Perspective on Mysticism: A crucial distinction highlighted in the book is that while other mystical traditions often focus on the union of the soul with God (Brahma), Jain mysticism emphasizes the soul becoming divine (जीव का ही ब्रह्म हो जाना) by overcoming its impurities and karma. This unique perspective addresses some criticisms and misconceptions about Jain mysticism.

Contributions of Jain Scholars: The book underscores the significant contribution of Jain acharyas to the development of early and medieval Hindi literature, particularly in preserving and enriching the Apabhramsha and early Hindi literary traditions. It mentions numerous Jain poets and scholars whose works have contributed to the rich tapestry of Hindi Jain literature.

Overall Significance: "Hindi Jain Sahitya mein Rahasya Bhavna" aims to provide a holistic understanding of the mystical current in Hindi poetry, particularly within the Jain tradition. It aims to shed light on lesser-known Jain poets and their contributions, offering a new perspective on the evolution and understanding of mysticism in Indian literature. The book is dedicated to the author's mother-in-law, Shrimati Tulsa Devi Gorelal Jain, for her loving support.

This summary covers the main points presented in the provided pages, outlining the book's academic rigor, its historical and literary context, and its central thesis on the nature and expression of mystical sentiment within Hindi Jain literature.