Hindi Sahitya Me Satsai Parampara

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text "Hindi Sahitya me Satsai Parampara" by Dilip Patel, focusing on the English translation of the key points:

The book "Hindi Sahitya me Satsai Parampara" by Dr. Dilip Patel, published as part of the Srimad Jayantsensuri Abhinandan Granth, explores the rich tradition of "Satsai" literature in Hindi poetry.

Core Concept of Satsai:

• The terms "Satsai" and "Satsaiya" are derived from the Sanskrit words "Saptashati" and "Saptashatika," both referring to collections of seven hundred verses.
• This preference for a specific number, like seven hundred, stems from Indian cultural and spiritual inclinations, which often associate auspiciousness and completeness with certain numerical figures (e.g., seven for colors, days, sages; eight for accomplishments; nine for treasures).

Origins and Influences:

• The tradition of "Satsai" has its roots in earlier Sanskrit and Prakrit literature.
• Notable precursors include Hall Kavi's "Gaha Satasai" (in Maharashtrian Prakrit) and Govardhanacharya's "Arya Saptashati" (in Sanskrit). These works served as significant inspirations for the Hindi Satsai tradition.
• A key difference highlighted is that while Sanskrit/Prakrit "Saptashati" compilations often feature verses from various poets, Hindi "Satsais" typically consist of verses composed by a single poet.
• The naming convention in Sanskrit/Prakrit "Saptashati" was often based on the predominant meter used (e.g., "Arya" in "Arya Saptashati"). In contrast, Hindi "Satsais" are predominantly composed in the "Doha" meter, and their names are often derived from the names of their authors (e.g., Tulsi-Satsai, Rahim-Satsai, Bihari-Satsai).

Evolution of Naming and Themes:

• The practice of naming Satsais after their authors was prevalent until the medieval period.
• In modern times, Satsais are often named based on the themes they address (e.g., Veer Satsai, Vasant Satsai).

Notable Hindi Satsais and Classification:

• The Hindi Satsai tradition is described as extensive, with records of twenty-seven such works from the Bhakti era to the modern period.
• The article lists several prominent Satsais, including:
  • Tulsi-Satsai
  • Rahim-Satsai
  • Vrinda-Satsai
  • Bihari-Satsai
  • Matiram-Satsai
  • And others like Vir-Satsai, Kisan Satsai, etc.
• Historically, "Tulsi-Satsai" is considered the first, though it is more of a compilation than a work composed as a Satsai.
• Thematically, Hindi Satsais can be broadly categorized into two types:
  1. Sukti Satsai (Epigrammatic/Didactic Satsai): These focus on conveying insightful, poignant, and often witty observations about life, ethics, and wisdom. They aim to provide guidance and impact the reader's mind deeply.
  2. Shringar Satsai (Erotic/Romantic Satsai): These primarily focus on the Shringar Rasa (the erotic or romantic sentiment), depicting various aspects of love, union, separation, and the beauty of the beloved.

Key Figures and Their Contributions:

• Bihari-Satsai: Considered the most significant and esteemed work in the Hindi Satsai tradition. It is highlighted as a masterpiece of Shringar Rasa, depicting both union and separation with great detail and artistic skill.
  • Each Doha (couplet) in Bihari-Satsai is regarded as a gem of Hindi literature, known for its conciseness yet profound impact.
  • Bihari's strength lies in his depiction of love's playfulness and the detailed portrayal of the beloved's beauty.
  • The use of alankaras (figures of speech) like anupras, veepsa, and utpreksha is a distinctive feature of Bihari-Satsai.
  • Its language (Braj Bhasha) is praised for its clarity, word selection, eloquence, suggestiveness, imagery, and musicality.
• Sukti Satsai Examples:
  • Tulsi-Satsai: Contains couplets by Goswami Tulsidas on devotion and ethics, covering themes of worship, devotion to Rama, self-realization, karma, and politics.
  • Rahim-Satsai: Features poignant aphorisms by Rahim on various aspects of worldly life.
  • Vrinda-Satsai: A collection of wise and sophisticated aphorisms by the court poet Vrinda, characterized by simple, idiomatic language and life experiences.
• Shringar Satsai Examples: Besides Bihari-Satsai, Matiram-Satsai, Rasnidhi-Satsai, Ram-Satsai, and Vikram-Satsai are also mentioned.

Jain Influence and Ahimsa:

• The text acknowledges the presence of several Jain poets in the medieval period (e.g., Banarasidas, Yashovijay, Gyanataray, Budhjan) whose poetry incorporated philosophical insights, devotion, and the ethical principles of Jainism.
• Key Jain themes prevalent in their works include the opposition to the seven deadly sins (Saptavyasan) and four passions (Kashays), and the inspiration to follow the ten virtues (Dashadharma).
• The concept of Ahimsa (non-violence) is particularly emphasized in Hindi Jain poetry, presented from both theoretical and emotional perspectives.
• Ahimsa is logically and intellectually explained as the fundamental principle, highlighting the futility and impracticality of violence.
• Budhjan Satsai, a significant ethical work, is highlighted in this context.
• The text also references a Satsai written by Shrimad Jayantsensuri 'Madhukar', acknowledging its unique position and literary merit, though noting that a detailed discussion would require a separate essay.
• The article concludes with a brief mention of a meditative practice based on the Navkar Mantra, linking it to achieving mental stability and understanding the true essence of a mantra.

In essence, the book provides a historical and thematic overview of the Satsai tradition in Hindi literature, tracing its origins, identifying key works and poets, and highlighting the diverse subjects covered, with a particular emphasis on the profound impact of Bihari-Satsai and the influence of Jain ethical principles, especially Ahimsa, on the tradition.