Jay Lakshmi Prachin Stavanmala - Book Summary

The book "Jay Lakshmi Prachin Stavanmala" (Jay Lakshmi Ancient Chants Collection) is a compilation of devotional hymns and a biographical sketch, inspired by the teachings of Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabhsuriji.

Here's a breakdown of its content:

Purpose and Inspiration: The book is presented as a guide for spiritual development, emphasizing that human life is precious not for worldly pleasures but for self-improvement and attaining divine consciousness. It highlights the path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga) as a powerful means for spiritual progress.
Content Overview:
- Chants (Stavans): The core of the book is a collection of ancient devotional hymns (stavans) composed by revered Jain monks and scholars. These include:
  - Chovisis (24 Hymns): A collection of 24 hymns dedicated to various Tirthankaras, attributed to prominent figures like Anandghanji, Yashvijayji, Jinvijayji, Mohanvijayji, Padm vijayji, and Manvijayji. These hymns likely express devotion, praise the virtues of the Tirthankaras, and offer philosophical insights.
  - Dashavaikalik Sutra Sajhay: The book also features "Sajhay" (a form of devotional singing or recitation) related to the Dashavaikalik Sutra, specifically covering eleven "Dhalas" (chapters or sections). The Dashavaikalik Sutra is a significant Jain scripture focusing on the conduct and discipline of monks.
- Biographical Sketch: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the life story of Sadhvi Shri Lakshmishriji Maharaj Saheb. This biography highlights:
  - Her early life, birth in a Gujarati Oswal family in Kutch.
  - Her spiritual awakening after a personal tragedy (the untimely death of her husband).
  - Her initiation into the Jain monastic order under the guidance of Sadhvi Shri Jamnashriji Maharaj Saheb and later as a disciple of Sadhvi Shri Jayshriji Maharaj Saheb.
  - Her journey and extensive travels across various regions of India, spreading Jain principles and engaging in spiritual practices.
  - Her dedication to penance, knowledge, and devotion.
  - The establishment of her own lineage and the initiation of numerous disciples.
  - Her eventual peaceful demise after a life dedicated to Jainism.
- Devotional Songs: The book also includes devotional songs composed by Sadhvi Samtashriji, the inspirer of this compilation, likely reflecting her own guru devotion.
Compilation and Publication:
- Inspiration: The publication was inspired by Pujya Samtashriji Maharaj Saheb.
- Publisher: Pukhraj Amichandji Kothari, published by Shri Jain Shreyaskar Mandal, Mehsana.
- Edition: First edition, published in Veer Samvat 2488 (1978 AD) and Vikram Samvat 2018 (1961 AD). The catalog link provides a first edition published in Veer Samvat 2488 (1978 AD).
- Foreword: A foreword by Professor Pukhrajji Amichandji Kothari of Shri Yashvijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala, Mehsana, provides context and expresses gratitude to all those who contributed to the publication.
Key Themes:
- Guru Devotion: The emphasis on the lineage of gurus (Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabhsuriji, Sadhvi Shri Jamnashriji, Sadhvi Shri Jayshriji, Sadhvi Shri Lakshmishriji, and Sadhvi Samtashriji) highlights the importance of the guru-disciple relationship in Jainism.
- Spiritual Pursuit: The book advocates for a life dedicated to spiritual growth, detachment from worldly affairs, and the pursuit of liberation (Moksha).
- Jain Philosophy and Practice: The chants and the biography implicitly or explicitly convey core Jain principles such as non-violence (ahimsa), detachment (vairagya), penance (tapas), and the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct (Samkit, Gyan, Charitra).

In essence, "Jay Lakshmi Prachin Stavanmala" is a spiritually rich collection that aims to inspire readers with devotional hymns and the exemplary life of a revered Sadhvi, promoting the path of Jain spiritualism.