Jain Ras Vimarsh - Book Summary

This book, "Jain Raas Vimarsh," is a collection of research essays presented at the 21st Jain Literature Festival held in Pavapuri, Rajasthan, from March 23rd to 25th, 2012. Edited by Dr. Abhay Doshi, Dr. Diksha Savla, and Dr. Seema Ramhiya, and published by Shri Veer Tatva Prakashak Mandal and Shri Roop-Manek Bhashali Charitable Trust, the book delves into the rich and diverse world of Jain Raas literature.

The text is structured into several sections, each exploring a different facet of Raas literature:

Introduction and Dedication: The book begins with a dedication to Acharya Vijay Dharmsurishwarji M.S. (Kashiwala) and Agamprabhakar Munishri Punyavijayji M.S., acknowledging their monumental efforts in preserving and promoting scriptural knowledge. The introduction by Dhanvant Shah, the coordinator of the Jain Literature Festival, highlights the significance of scriptural study in Jainism, referencing Gyan Panchami and the enduring legacy of written literature in transmitting religious and philosophical truths across generations. It also praises the Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay for its centennial contribution to Jain education and its role in publishing Jain scriptures and supporting Jain literature. The introduction also acknowledges the generous sponsorship of the Shri Roop-Manek Bhanshali Charitable Trust for the 20th, 21st, and 22nd Jain Literature Festivals, enabling the publication of these research papers.

Section 1: Raas Literature - A Discussion on its Form: This section provides a foundational understanding of Raas literature. It traces the origins of the 'Raas' as a literary form, mentioning its presence in ancient texts like Harivamsha Purana and its connection to dance and music. The section details the evolution of Raas from its early, concise, and performative forms to longer, narrative, and text-based compositions. It identifies key Raas poets from medieval times such as Samaysundarji, Jinhansuri, Udayaratna, Gyanvimal Suri, Rishabhdasji, and Mohanvijayji, who contributed extensively to this genre. The text classifies Raas into four main types:

Narrative (Kathatmak): Focusing on stories of characters like Bharateshwar, Bahubali, Chandanbala, and Nemnath.
Biographical (Charitratmak): Centered around the lives of historical figures like Gadusha, Pethadsha, Samar Visaldev, and Vastupal-Tejpal.
Instructive (Bodhatmak): Conveying moral and ethical teachings, exemplified by Jeevdaya, Mohavivek, and Karmavipaka Raas.
Miscellaneous (Prakirna): Including themes like the glory of pilgrimage sites, rituals, daily conduct, health sciences, and prosody.

The section further elaborates on the common characteristics of Raas literature, including:

Mangalacharan: Opening with invocations to Jinadev, Saraswati, gurus, and deities.
Namkaran: Mentioning the subject matter and purpose of the Raas at the beginning.
Katha: The main narrative.
Avantar Katha: Sub-plots or subsidiary stories.
Varnan: Descriptions of various aspects.
Guru Parampara: Mention of the lineage of gurus.
Falshruthi: The benefits of reciting or listening to the Raas.
Prakriti-Prakash: The poet's name and their spiritual lineage.
Varnan: The place and time of composition.
Kavicharan: The poet's humility and expressions of well-wishes for all.
Chand: The use of various meters, with Chaupai and Doha being most prevalent.
Dhal: The practice of indicating the melody or raga for singing.
Vistar: The evolution from short Raas to epic-like compositions.

Collection of Research Essays on Jain Raas: The subsequent sections present a compilation of research papers presented at the 21st Jain Sahitya Samaroh. These papers cover a wide range of Raas works and themes, including:

Kathatmak Raas and Aitihasik Raas (Narrative and Historical Raas): This section includes analyses of Raas works such as "Panch Pandav Charitra Ras" (Shalibhadra Suri), "Taitliputra Ras" (Sahajsundar), "Mrugavati Charitra Ras" (Samaysundarji), "Valkalgiri Ras," "Naladmati Ras" (Samaysundarji), "Ambad Ras" (Abhay Doshi), "Shripal Ras" (Dhanvant Shah, Parem Kadiye), and historical Raas like "Kochhar Vanik no Ras" (Dayaratna) and "Kumar Pal Ras" (Rishabhdasji).
Tirth-Vishayak Nibandh (Essays on Pilgrimage Sites): This section features essays on Raas literature related to pilgrimage sites, such as "Revantgiri Ras" (Rupa Chawada) and "Shatrunjay Mandan Ras" (Reshma Patel).
Prakirna (Miscellaneous): This section includes essays on various other aspects of Raas literature, including "Dravygunparyay no Ras" (Dr. Kokila Shah), discussions on auspicious and inauspicious omens in "Shakunshastra Chopai" (Dr. Ajit Thaker), and a comparative study of the "Teetlitra Ras" by Dr. Shital Shah.
Hindi Essays: This section presents essays in Hindi on works like "Adinath Ras" (Dr. Vir Sagar Jain), "Nemishwar Ras" (Dr. Kuldeep Kumar), and "Ashadhbhuti Ras" (Dr. Gangaram Garg).

Biographical Insights: The book also includes a detailed biographical sketch of the parents and elder brother of the publication's patrons, Shri Vallabhbhai and Mangalbhai Bhanshali, highlighting their dedication to learning and spirituality. The life of their father, Shri Rupchandji Bhasali, is particularly detailed, showcasing his dedication to Jain principles, his involvement in social service, his extensive studies in various subjects, his practice of Ayurveda, his commitment to truth and integrity, and his philanthropic activities. His profound faith in Acharya Vijay Dharmasurishwarji and his adherence to Jain principles throughout his long life are emphasized.

Analysis of Individual Raas Works: The book then proceeds to provide detailed analyses of numerous Raas works. Each essay offers a summary of the Raas, discusses its author, composition period, language style, key themes, literary devices, and religious or philosophical significance. For instance:

Panch Pandav Charitra Ras (Shalibhadra Suri): This essay by Dr. Nalini Shah discusses the narrative structure, use of meters, and the Jain retelling of the Mahabharata epic.
Teitli Ras: Dr. Shital Manish Shah analyzes this work, highlighting its author Sahajsundar and the linguistic nuances.
Mrigavati Charitra Ras (Samaysundarji): Diksha Savla explores the story of Mrigavati, emphasizing themes of penance, spiritual realization, and the importance of adherence to religious teachings.
Valkalgiri Ras: Dr. Meeta J. Vyas details the narrative of Vakkalgiri, focusing on themes of fate and spiritual discipline.
Nal Damayanti Ras (Samaysundarji): Dr. Urvashi M. Pandya provides a comparative analysis of this Raas with the epic Mahabharata and the story of Nala and Damayanti, highlighting its Jain interpretation.
Ambad Ras (Dr. Abhay Doshi): This essay introduces the exquisite work of Ambad Ras, known for its unique blend of humor and profound spiritual insights.
Shridhanaji Ras: Nitaben Madhukar Mehta discusses the narrative of Shridhanaji, emphasizing the rewards of righteousness and generosity.
Sursundari Ras: Dr. Pravin C. Shah explores the life of Sursundari, highlighting her devotion, penance, and ultimate spiritual liberation.
Kshudrak Kumar Ras: This essay discusses the story of Kshudrak Kumar and his spiritual journey.
Dhamil Kumar Ras: Shri Kant Dhruv presents an overview of this Raas, focusing on the theme of penance and its significance.
Haribal Machhi Ras (Kavi Bhavratna - Bhavprabh Suri): Deepa Mehta analyzes this Raas, highlighting its focus on compassion and the ethical teachings of Jainism.
Sadhu Vandana Ras: Dr. Rashmibhai Jethalal Zaveri examines this devotional work, which venerates various saints and their spiritual accomplishments.
Anjana Sati no Ras: Smt. Kokila Shah summarizes the story of Sati Anjana, emphasizing her chastity and devotion.
Shri Somvimal Suri Ras: Manoj Ajitchandra Upadhyay introduces the life and teachings of Somvimal Suri.
Pardeshi Raja no Ras: Sudhaben Gandhi discusses the story of the foreign king.
Kochhar Vyavhari no Ras: Shri Paurik V. Shah analyzes the Raas of Kochhar Vyavhari, a merchant known for his adherence to Jain principles.
Kumar Pal Ras (Rishabhdasji): Dr. Utpala Kantilal Modi explores the life of King Kumarpal, his conversion to Jainism, and his contributions to the religion, as narrated by the poet Rishabhdas.
Shri Hiravijaysuri Ras: Parulben Bharatkumar Gandhi presents the life and influence of the great Acharya Hiravijaysuri, focusing on his interactions with Emperor Akbar.
Jagdu Ras: Dr. Shobhana R. Shah examines the story of Jagdusha, a renowned philanthropist and merchant, highlighting his charitable deeds and the moral lessons embedded in his life.
Gurunupur Amruthveli Ras: Kanhai Shah provides an introduction to this devotional Raas dedicated to the Guru's virtues.
Shripal Ras: Dr. Dhanvant Shah, Prof. Avaleli, and Dr. Prafulla Vora analyze this epic Raas, its artistic presentation, and its profound spiritual and philosophical themes. They discuss its contribution to Jain literature and its resonance with the principles of Karma and spiritual discipline.
Shakunshastra Chopai: Dr. Ajit Thaker reviews this work, exploring its insights into ancient Indian beliefs about omens and their psychological impact.
Dravygunparyay no Ras: Dr. Kokila Hemchand Shah discusses this philosophical Raas, explaining its exploration of substance, attributes, and transformations, and its significance in Jain metaphysics.
Shraddhavidhi Ras: Dr. Ratanben Khimji Chadwa analyzes this Raas, highlighting its practical guidance for lay Jains on conduct and rituals.
Pujavidhi Ras: Dr. Parvati Nenshi Khirani details the rituals and practices described in this Raas, emphasizing its devotional aspect.
Upadesh Rasayan Ras: Dr. Milind Sanatkumar Joshi introduces this instructive Raas, focusing on its ethical teachings and moral lessons.
Adinath Ras: Prof. (Dr.) Veer Sagar Jain provides a comprehensive study of this Raas, focusing on the life of the first Tirthankar, Adinath.
Nemishwar Ras: Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Vachak analyzes this Raas, exploring its blend of Rajasthani and Gujarati linguistic influences and its depiction of the Tirthankar Nemnath.
Ashadhbhuti Ras: Literature and cultural evaluator Dr. Gangaram Garg delves into the cultural and literary aspects of Ashadhbhuti Ras, while also offering critical insights.
Shri Nemishwar Ras: Smt. Sumitra P. Tolia presents a heartfelt exploration of this Raas dedicated to Nemishwar.
Brahm Gulal Munikatha: Prof. Pratapkumar J. Tolia describes this tale from the Digambar tradition.
Shripal Ras: This comprehensive analysis by Dr. Dhanvant Shah, Prof. Avaleli, and Dr. Prafulla Vora showcases the grandeur of the publication, its artistic merit, and its spiritual depth.
Anubhav: The concluding section offers personal reflections on the profound impact of these Raas traditions.

Overall, "Jain Raas Vimarsh" serves as an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of Jain literature, offering a deep dive into the historical, cultural, religious, and artistic dimensions of Raas literature. It highlights the efforts of scholars and institutions in preserving and promoting this rich literary heritage.