Jain Stuti - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Stuti" by Bhanubhai K Bhansali, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Stuti (Jain Praise/Devotion) Author: Bhanubhai K Bhansali Publisher: Bhanubhai K Bhansali (also mentioning Veer Vani Prakashan Kendra) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004815/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Jain Stuti" is a collection of devotional hymns, prayers, and teachings from the Jain tradition, compiled and presented by Bhanubhai K Bhansali. The book emphasizes the importance of daily prayer and spiritual discipline for personal growth and inner peace. It aims to provide the Jain community with a comprehensive resource for worship and reflection, covering various aspects of Jain philosophy, history, and practice.

Key Themes and Sections:

Devotion to Lord Mahavir: The title itself signifies devotion, and the book prominently features praise and reverence for Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara and the central figure of Jainism.
Importance of Prayer: The "Editor's Statement" (Page 4) highlights prayer as a crucial aspect of life for spiritual development ("dhadtar" - character building). It quotes Jain scriptures stating that glorifying the Tirthankaras' virtues can lead to the attainment of the Tirthankara lineage. The text also acknowledges scientific acceptance of prayer's power and its ability to heal diseases and overcome difficulties.
Comprehensive Collection of Stotras and Hymns: The book contains a wide array of Jain devotional literature. The table of contents (Page 6) and various sections reveal the inclusion of:
- Major Sadhus Vandana (Praise of Monks): A lengthy section on pages 42-53 and 43-47 detailing the lives and virtues of numerous monks and ascetics who attained liberation.
- Minor Sadhus Vandana (Praise of Monks): Pages 54-56, offering further reverence to ascetics.
- Shri Bhaktamar Stotra: The entire Bhaktamar Stotra, a highly revered and powerful Jain hymn, is included from page 18 to page 41, with detailed commentary in Gujarati. The Bhaktamar is presented as a source of spiritual strength and salvation.
- Shri Vardhaman Bhaktamar Stotram: Pages 62-84, offering another version or commentary on Bhaktamar, specifically praising Lord Mahavir.
- "Puchchhisuṇu" (Questioning and Praise): Pages 84-97, presented as a significant text, possibly a Ganadhara-composed hymn to Lord Mahavir, emphasizing its eternal nature and miraculous effects.
- Various other hymns: Including Shri Chintamani Parshvanath Stotra (pages 56-62), Shri Shantinath Stotra, Shri Jin-stuti, Shri Vees Jineni Stuti, and many others, covering different Tirthankaras and Jain principles.
- Lists of Key Figures: The book includes lists of:
  - Names of 24 Tirthankaras (Page 148)
  - Names of current Tirthankaras in Mahavideh Kshetra (Page 148)
  - Names of 11 Ganadharas (disciples of Lord Mahavir) (Page 149)
  - Names of prominent lay disciples (Shravakas and Shravikas) (Page 149)
  - Names of prominent female ascetics (Satis) (Page 149)
- Philosophical and Ritualistic Content:
  - Chapters from Dasavaikalik Sutra and Uttaradhyayan Sutra: Portions of these foundational Jain scriptures are included, offering ethical and disciplinary guidance.
  - "Pap nu Prayaschit" (Expiation of Sins): Guidance on seeking forgiveness and rectifying transgressions (Page 206).
  - "Jivraashi ni Sajhay" (Lay of Living Beings): A poetic discourse on the cycle of life and the nature of souls (Page 211, 247-253).
  - "Bhav Prakramana" (Mental Repentance): A section focusing on inner reflection and remorse for past actions (Page 140-145).
  - "Tapascharya nu Phal" (Results of Austerities): Details the benefits and fruits of practicing austerities (Page 150-154).
  - "Gyan Panchami ni Aradhana" (Worship of Gyan Panchami): Explains the significance and practice of this specific day of knowledge worship (Page 156-157).
  - "Pausadh Paldvani Vidhi" (Method of Observing Paushadh): Instructions for observing this fasting day (Page 273-274).
  - "Ayambil Nav Divas ni Vidhi" (Method of Ayambil for Nine Days): Instructions for a specific period of fasting (Page 275-278).
  - "Shri Nāvkar no Chhed" (The Essence of the Navkar Mantra): Likely explaining the core significance of the Navkar Mantra (Page 248).
  - "Bhavana" (Meditations/Reflections): Inclusion of various bhavanas like Maitri (friendship), etc. (Page 215, 268-270).
  - "Pachakkhan Vidhi" (Method of Vow Taking): Instructions on how to take vows (Page 336-346).
  - "Nityakram" (Daily Rituals): Mention of daily prayer and its importance.
  - "Dharmadhyan ni Kaushalya" (Skill in Religious Meditation): Pages 137-140, providing guidance on meditation.
  - "Shri Gautam Prashna" (Gautam's Questions): A dialogue between Lord Mahavir and his chief disciple Gautam Swami, addressing karmic consequences (Page 131-136).
  - "Divāli Jāpnī Vidhi" (Diwali Chanting Method): Rituals for Diwali (Page 158).
  - "Supātra Dān Vibhāg" (Classification of Worthy Recipients of Charity): Explaining the concept of giving charity to deserving individuals (Page 158-161).
  - "Tapascharya nu Phala" (Fruits of Austerities): Detailed explanation of the benefits of various austerities (Page 150-154).
  - "Ālochanā" (Confession/Repentance): Various forms of confession, including "Tapas ni Alochana" (Page 223, 163-168) and "Samvatsari ni Ālochana" (Page 277-282).
  - "Ank-shat" (Numerical Tables): Page 11-16, which appear to be tables related to numerical calculations or possibly astrological or spiritual sequences, though their specific purpose isn't fully clear from the provided text.
  - "Anupūrvī" (Successive Order): Pages 104-105, providing a guide for reciting the Navkar Mantra.
  - "Pachakkhan Vidhi" (Method of Vow Taking): (Page 336-346)
Emphasis on Virtues: The text implicitly and explicitly promotes virtues like compassion, non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, moderation, and detachment.
Inspiration from Jain History: The detailed accounts of monks, ascetics, and queens who achieved spiritual heights serve as inspirational examples for the readers.
Practical Guidance: The inclusion of sections like "Pachakkhan Vidhi," "Pausadh Paldvani Vidhi," and "Ayambil Nav Divas ni Vidhi" provides practical instructions for religious observances.
Commentary and Explanation: The detailed "Bhavarth" (meaning) provided for many verses, especially for the Bhaktamar Stotra, helps readers understand the deeper spiritual significance of the prayers.

Publisher and Edition:

The book is published by Bhanubhai K Bhansali and is the tenth edition (Page 3). It is noted for daily prayer ("upayog daroj prarthana karvi"). The publication date is linked to Samvat 2047 / CE 1991 / Veer Samvat 2518.

Overall Tone and Spirit:

The tone of the book is deeply devotional and reverent. It aims to foster a sense of piety, encourage consistent spiritual practice, and provide solace and guidance to the Jain community. The editor's heartfelt gratitude to those who supported the publication and the readers' positive feedback underscores the book's impact and accessibility.