Jain Sahitya Samaroha Guchha 3

The book "Jain Sahitya Samaroh Guchha 3" (Collection 3 of Jain Literature Conferences), authored by Ramanlal C. Shah and published by Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, is a compilation of reports, essays, and speeches presented at various Jain literature conferences organized by the Mahavir Jain Vidyalay. This volume, published in May 1995, is the third in a series that documents these significant literary gatherings.

The Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, established with the vision of providing education and accommodation for students, also aims to contribute significantly to Jain literature and research. The Vidyalay has a rich library and a substantial collection of Jain manuscripts. It has undertaken ambitious projects, such as the research and publication of Jain Agamas, with the guidance of eminent scholars like Muni Shri Punyavijayji Maharaj and Muni Shri Jambuijayji Maharaj.

The Jain Sahitya Samaroh initiative was launched in 1977 during the Golden Jubilee of the Mahavir Jain Vidyalay. Since its inception, thirteen such conferences have been held in various locations across India, including Mumbai, Mahuva, Surat, Songadh, Mandvi (Kutch), Khambhat, Palanpur, Sametshikhar, Palitana, Bater Jinalay (Kutch), Charup (Patna), and Rajgrihi. This widespread organization reflects the enthusiastic support received for the endeavor.

This particular volume, Guchha 3, follows the previously published Guchhas 1 and 2, which contained selected essays from the first seven Jain Literature Conferences. Guchha 3 specifically includes reports from the 8th to the 12th conferences. The editorial policy generally adheres to publishing only one essay per author to allow for broader participation and to manage costs, as these publications are not primarily driven by commercial return.

The book acknowledges the contributions of various individuals involved in its creation, including the editor, Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah, the publisher Shri Vasanji Lakhamsi Shah (Chairman, Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay Jinagam Trust), the printer Shailesh Printry, and the copy editor Shri Chimanlal M. Shah-Kaladhar.

The publication aims to further the study and research of Jain literature, fostering intellectual discourse and encouraging new writers in the field. The book is expected to be well-received by scholars and enthusiasts of Jain literature.

The detailed table of contents reveals the structure of the book, which includes:

• Reports: Detailed accounts of the 8th to 12th Jain Literature Conferences, including their inaugural sessions, key discussions, and the papers presented.
• Essays: A collection of scholarly articles covering a wide range of topics within Jainism, such as philosophy, literature, history, ethics, and the relevance of Jain principles in contemporary times. Specific essays mentioned include:
  • "Teen Chhatra" (Three Umbrellas) by P.P. Shri Yashodevsuriswarji Maharaj, which delves into a specific iconographic detail related to Tirthankaras.
  • "Panch Samvay Karan ane Char Sadhana Karan" (Five Combinational Causes and Four Causative Means) by Pt. Pannalal Jagjivanadas Gandhi, a philosophical discourse on causality.
  • "Divya Dhwani" (Divine Voice) by Ramanlal C. Shah, exploring a significant aspect of Tirthankaras' spiritual discourse.
  • Essays on the literary work of Mohanlal Dalichand Desai, the relevance of Jainism in the 21st century by Kumarapal Desai, and the dreams of Trishala Mata (mother of Lord Mahavir) by Taraben R. Shah.
  • Discussions on Jain texts like "Gunratnakar Chhand" by Kantilal B. Shah, and "Bharateshwar-Bahubali Ras" by Balwant Jani, analyzing its depiction of omens.
  • Comparative studies on Jainism and other traditions, such as the Tamil saint poet Avvaiyar by Nemchand M. Gala.
  • Essays on ethical principles like "Lajja-Shravak Jivan ni Lakshman Rekha" (The Boundary Line of Modesty in Jain Layman's Life) by Malkanchand R. Shah.
  • Discussions on Jain literature and philosophy like "Sukadi Orasiya Samvad Ras" by Devabalaben Sanghvi, and "Atmārāmji nu Puja-Sahitya" (The Puja Literature of Atmārāmji) by Kavin Shah.
  • A study on Gujarati Jain journalism by Chimanlal M. Shah-Kaladhar.

In essence, "Jain Sahitya Samaroh Guchha 3" serves as a valuable record of intellectual exchange within the Jain community, highlighting the ongoing efforts to preserve, promote, and study the rich literary heritage of Jainism.