Jain Katha Sahitya Ek Paryavekshan

This document, "Jain Katha Sahitya: Ek Paryavekshan" (Jain Narrative Literature: An Overview) by Jayantvijay ("Madhukar"), explores the profound significance and rich characteristics of Jain narrative literature.

The Importance of Stories: The author begins by emphasizing the universal human attraction to stories, stating that every person carries a story within them, expressed through their actions. Literature across all cultures and languages is largely comprised of narrative, which is often the most popular and engaging aspect. This holds true for religious literature as well, where narratives are crucial for conveying moral and spiritual teachings in an accessible way. Stories act as a bridge, making profound philosophical and religious concepts understandable and relatable, offering sweet solace and guiding conduct.

Jain Narrative Literature: Jain narrative literature is presented as a significant branch of literature, dedicated to the moral and spiritual upliftment of the individual. Its scope extends beyond collective life to touch every soul. This literature, inspired, preserved, and enriched by Jain tradition, is abundant in various Indian languages, significantly contributing to their literary heritage. While Jain literature covers a wide spectrum of knowledge, including science and philosophy, its narrative component is particularly important for its popularity and accessibility. Many Jain scriptures, such as "Naya Dhamma Kaha," "Uvasagadasao," "Antagadadasa," "Anuttarovpayatik," and "Vipaka Sutra," are inherently narrative. Other scriptures also contain allegories and stories that are both emotionally resonant and impactful.

Vastness and Diversity: Jain narrative literature is described as immensely vast, comprehensive, and multilingual. It encompasses epic poems, biographical narratives, general poetry, and classical poetry, all adhering to poetic principles. Beyond these, it includes folk tales, historical accounts, literary stories, novels, and illustrative stories that touch every aspect of human life. These can be independent narratives or interconnected series, ranging from short anecdotes to extensive tales. The author reiterates that Jain narrative literature is expansive in its vision, covering virtually every domain of human existence.

Characteristics of Jain Narratives: The narratives are rooted in realism and colored by idealism. They consistently highlight the ultimate goal of human life as liberation (moksha) and the necessity of detachment from the world to achieve it. While virtuous actions are pleasant and preferable to sin, the renunciation of even the desire for merit is essential for realizing the pure self.

Key characteristics include:

• Descriptive Style with Emotional Depth: While descriptive, the stories convey human emotions, their ebb and flow, the gradual development of life, and profound messages of humanity.
• Cultural Significance: Jain narratives are vital to understanding Indian civilization and culture, capable of freeing humans from barbarity and cruelty and elevating them to spiritual and ethical heights.
• Authenticity and Originality: The plots are authentically Indian, often indigenous and original, reflecting glimpses of folk culture and the actual languages spoken in different regions and eras. The language is fluent and easy to comprehend.
• Elucidation of Karma: The doctrine of karma is clearly explained, emphasizing that every being must face the consequences of their actions. No creature is exempt. The concept of rebirth makes the expression of karma theory even more potent.
• Emphasis on the Present: The present is central, with the past serving to explain or provide reasons for current joys and sorrows. The past is subordinate, connected to the present, and the underlying principles are conveyed through narratives rather than direct sermons.
• Universal Benevolence: Jain narratives embody the principle of "sarvabhūtahita" (welfare of all beings), reflecting the spiritual developmental tenets of Jainism. There is no room for caste or class distinctions.
• Emphasis on Vows and Conduct: Renunciation, vows, self-control, and good conduct are prominently featured. Numerous stories illustrate the importance and application of vows, inspiring readers towards spirituality and purity.
• Universal Appeal: Certain aspects of Jain narratives have universal appeal, influencing storytellers worldwide. These beneficial stories encompass both the spiritual and the worldly, presenting a balanced view of life.

The document then lists 19 specific characteristics of Jain narratives, including:

1. Primacy of the sentiment of world welfare.
2. Depiction of life's ultimate goal and the doctrine of karma.
3. Beautiful portrayal of the transience of worldly possessions.
4. Balanced representation of idealism and realism.
5. Engaging explanation of merit and demerit (punya-papa).
6. Enjoyable narrative flow and satisfying conclusions.
7. Abundance of spiritual contemplation.
8. Simple exposition of deep theoretical subjects through popular examples.
9. Illustrations of the relaxation of caste restrictions to demonstrate Jainism's liberality.
10. Unparalleled expression of ancient Indian glory and impartial historical interpretation.
11. Appropriate use of aphorisms and imagination, and diverse application of metaphors and symbols.
12. Generous use of vocabulary from various languages and dialects.
13. Natural inclusion and description of traditions, festivals, and auspicious practices.
14. Depiction of human natural tendencies and inclinations.
15. Absence of artificiality and abundance of the Shanta Rasa (sentiment of peace).
16. Aspiration for the growth of the present time along with the past.
17. Inspiration to awaken human effort.
18. Message to become tolerant of suffering.
19. Proper explanation of Jainism's ethical principles.
20. Dynamic description of broad culture alongside the culture of specific communities.
21. Unique expression of Indian pride and grandeur.

The author concludes that Jain narrative literature possesses unique and original characteristics, making it a valuable treasure within world literature.

The Generosity of Jain Storytellers: Jain storytellers have been generous in their approach, drawing sources from any field and presenting plots, characters, and events in a captivating and objective manner. They have followed traditions of inspirational and morally upright narratives to spread Jainism, considering stories the most accessible and effective medium. Their stories are in simple language, reflecting the prevailing folk languages of their time, and have achieved the pinnacle of narrative art through prose, poetry, or a combination.

The Style of Jain Storytelling: The methodology of Jain storytellers is distinctive. They begin with auspicious recitations, often a religious verse or phrase, before commencing the narrative. The initial part typically introduces the main characters, their residences, and often virtuous kings or rulers, praising their governance, the beauty of the region, and the disposition of its inhabitants. A harmonious blend of characters and subject matter allows the listener or reader to see themselves in the story, becoming so engrossed that they feel it's their own life being narrated. At the end, they offer guidance towards the righteous path. When characters exhibit ideals, devotion, or austerity, they seek liberation, and in response, core Jain principles or relevant doctrines are explained, often through illustrative examples from the characters' lives, guiding them away from erroneous paths towards liberation. They sever worldly ties and connect with the soul, concluding the story with instructive lines and a happy resolution.

Jain Narratives and Folk Culture/Society: Indian folk culture is depicted as religious and embracing noble ideals. It resonates with detachment, compassion, generosity, service, sacrifice, and non-violence, resisting change even when change is demanded. It is seen as protecting humanity, and altering its fundamental elements is considered an negation of existence.

Jain narratives accurately portray folk culture, and their popularity stems from this adoption. Culture is the expression of inner and outer life, encompassing all material, social, and spiritual values. Societal construction is based on moral beliefs, values, rules, and activities accepted by all members of a community. While folk culture may not be formally documented or bound by regulations, it is transmitted across generations as a mental heritage and belief, remaining fundamentally unchanged despite evolving customs and civilizations.

While Jain narratives are primarily focused on self-development rather than social or political environments, they contain numerous sensitive accounts that, along with historical facts, provide readers with a detailed understanding of the social customs, values, trade, and conduct of the time. Examples include the prominence of trade and agriculture, the lack of attraction to employment, long-distance trade across oceans, the exchange of goods, and the duty to use wealth for charity and religious activities.

Society was well-organized, with mutual aid and respect for elders being commonplace. People enjoyed a prosperous and happy life, with sufficient agricultural income and affordable food. Prosperity was evident everywhere. Adornment was common for both men and women. Food included milk, curd, ghee, various pulses, fragrant rice, and sweets. Various games were played for recreation, and social festivals and specific occasions were celebrated with great joy.

The legal system was strict, with severe punishments for criminals, even capital punishment for theft. Women held respected positions. Polygamy was prevalent. Daughters studied various arts and were free to choose their life partners, preferring those who passed difficult tests. Wealthy individuals often gifted considerable property to their sons-in-law at the time of their daughters' marriages. Swayamvara (choice of husband by the bride) existed but was conducted under the observation of parents and elders.

These narratives thus present a pleasant picture of contemporary civilization and social order.

The Travel of Jain Narratives: Humans travel to see diverse countries, places, or for livelihood, interacting with local inhabitants. They carry their language, attire, customs, and memorized literature. Preachers, being itinerant, carry this literature to other regions, where it is received and interpreted according to the local perspective. The welcome Jain narratives received in various parts of India and abroad is attributed to this phenomenon.

Over time, narratives underwent changes, with character names being altered and cultural influences adapting them, but the core intent remained unchanged. Scholars like Max Müller and Hertel have demonstrated the continuous flow of Indian narratives westward since ancient times, where they were modified to suit the local environment. European scholar B.C.H. Tan has acknowledged the close resemblance between Jain story collections and European tales.

Comparative study is essential for tracing the origins of narrative diffusion and their original forms. Currently, it can be said that stories travel globally, entertaining and educating people.

Introduction to Duty-Bound Story Collections (Katha Kosh): As mentioned earlier, Jain acharyas used narratives to propagate Jain principles. Agamas contain many such stories, and their commentaries further elaborate on developed narrative literature, including religious, worldly, and historical accounts. Following this tradition, later Jain acharyas compiled numerous separate works, known as "Katha Kosh" (story collections). The document briefly introduces some of these:

1. Brihat Katha Kosh: By Harishena, compiled in V.S. 955 in Varthamanpur, Kathiawad. Contains 147 stories, approximately 12,500 verses. Some parts show translation from Prakrit.
2. Katha Kosh: Narratives of pious individuals achieving the fruits of four practices. Simple Sanskrit prose with Sanskrit and Prakrit quotes. By Acharya Prabha Chandra, believed to be contemporary with Jayasingh Dev of Dharanagar.
3. Katha Kosh Prakaran: In original and commentary form. Contains 30 gathas, with detailed prose narratives in Prakrit. By Jineshwar Suri, completed in V.S. 1108.
4. Kathanak Kosh: A Prakrit text with 239 gathas, quoting from Agamas and other languages. Written in the latter half of the 11th century by Jineshwar Suri, disciple of Vardhansuri.
5. Kathanak Kosh: A prose-poetry composition, with Sanskrit and Prakrit verses. Contains 27 stories about lay followers' donations, worship, virtues, vices, gambling, etc. By an unknown author, composed in the late 4th quarter of the 11th century.
6. Maharatna Kosh (Katha Ratna Kosh): Contains 50 stories in two parts, covering the nine stages of right faith and common virtues (33 stories), and twelve vows, etc. (17 stories). Written in Prakrit verses, with some prose parts. By Devendra Suri, completed in V.S. 1958.

The document mentions a classification of Jain narratives into four categories:

1. Religious narratives.
2. Economic narratives.
3. Narratives related to desires (kama).
4. Narratives related to liberation (moksha). It clarifies that even economic and desire-related narratives have the ultimate goal of liberation as their primary focus. Jain narratives prioritize religious practices like detachment, sacrifice, and austerity, aiming to promote spiritual development and Jain principles.

Another classification is based on characters:

1. King/Queen narratives.
2. Prince/Princess narratives.
3. Narratives of the aristocratic class.
4. Animal/Bird narratives.

It further lists 24 categories of Jain narratives based on themes:

1. Vows
2. Renunciation
3. Charity
4. Abandonment of Seven Deadly Sins
5. Twelve Reflections
6. Three Jewels (Ratnatraya)
7. Dharma of the Land (Deshadharma)
8. Mantras
9. Stotras (hymns)
10. Festivals
11. Miracles
12. Scholarly Debates
13. Ethics
14. Conquest of Hardships
15. Business
16. Intelligence Tests
17. Related to Measurement, etc.
18. Religious
19. Historical
20. Social
21. Inspirational
22. Entertainment
23. Fictional
24. Miscellaneous

This classification is presented as a framework. The author summarizes by stating that Jain narratives express Jain culture and civilization in various forms, depicting both the positive and negative aspects of human life and ultimately establishing idealism by emphasizing the positive outcomes. While scholars of other traditions prioritized Sanskrit, Jain scholars enriched their narrative literature with Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and regional languages, presenting Jain narratives as a beautiful bouquet of Jain culture.