Jinalankar Ek Prachin Stotra Kavya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jinalankar Ek Prachin Stotra Kavya" by Shyam Joshi:

The article introduces "Jinalankar," an ancient Stotra Kavya (hymn-poem), authored by Shyam Joshi. The author begins by clarifying the meaning of the word "Jina." While commonly associated with Lord Mahavir, in the context of this poem, "Jina" refers to one who has conquered their senses, a core tenet of Shramanic culture. This emphasis on sensory control is a shared ideal across various spiritual traditions that have adopted this philosophy.

"Jinalankar" is identified as an Attakatha (commentary or narrative adjunct) in the Brahmi tradition, part of the Buddhist literature distinct from the Tripitakas. It was once studied and recited in prominent monasteries in Burma (now Myanmar). The poet is identified as Buddharakkhita, a scholar born in Sri Lanka (426 BCE). He was the head of the Buddhist monks' council in Tamraparni (Sri Lanka) and, according to the commentary, held the title of "Bhandarika," meaning "treasurer" or one who possesses the "Jinalankar" treasure.

The poem's content follows the life story of Gautama Buddha:

• It begins with a mangalacharan (auspicious invocation) and a descriptive couplet.
• The poet highlights the purity and uniqueness of Buddha's actions.
• It recounts the story of Sumedha making a bridge with his body before Dipankara Buddha, signifying Buddha's aspiration for enlightenment.
• The poem describes Buddha's conception and entry into his mother's womb, with the entire universe celebrating his birth.
• It then narrates Gautama's marriage to Yashodhara, his royal life, and the birth of his son.
• Following these events, Gautama experiences detachment and the desire for liberation, leading him to renounce worldly life and embark on the path to Nirvana.
• The poet showcases his poetic skill through various rhyming couplets and riddles.
• A detailed account of Gautama's journey and his battle with Mara under the Bodhi tree is presented, culminating in Mara's defeat. The dialogue between Gautama and Mara is described as particularly engaging.
• After this victory, Buddha attains enlightenment, and deities offer him support (like a canopy and robe).
• In the Isipatan (Sarnath) forest, at the request of Brahma, he initiates the Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra Pravartan).
• The poem also celebrates the virtues of warfare and rituals, noting the significant natural wealth described during this period.
• Finally, the poet expresses a personal desire to become a "Jina" in future lives.

Key aspects of the poem's structure and style:

• Originally consisting of 300 verses, approximately 250 are available today.
• The existing commentary is by Buddhadatta, a contemporary of the famous commentator Buddhagosha. It's believed the poet himself might have written a commentary, and Buddhadatta's work helped preserve the text.
• Buddhadatta copied and commented on "Jinalankar" before returning to Magadha from Sri Lanka.
• The poem employs eleven different metrical patterns, with a majority using meters like Indravajra and Upajaditi. Irregular verse composition is rare.
• Indian scholars highly regard the rhetorical value of "Jinalankar."
• Its strengths include word elegance, rich and effective style, rhythmic quality, and metrical diversity.
• The article asserts that "Jinalankar" holds a similar esteemed position in Pali poetry as "Milinda Panha" does in Pali prose.
• Dating back to the 4th century BCE, the poem exhibits a sophisticated style akin to Sanskrit poetry, prioritizing intellectual depth over simple eloquence. Examples are provided to illustrate this point, including intricate wordplay, alliteration, and palindrome-like verses.
• The poet demonstrates his mastery of the Prakrit language by creating complex, Sanskrit-like structures, showcasing the potential for artificiality within the language.
• The poem is described as bhakti-rasatmak (devotional), where the poet's linguistic prowess is evident while narrating Buddha's life.
• The author suggests that the regular recitation of this poem offers vocal exercises and training, promoting clear and healthy speech, irrespective of the reader's religious affiliation.
• Reading the lives of great personalities is considered beneficial for all, and "Jinalankar" is presented as a beautiful hymn to a "Jina" saint.
• The concluding sentiment echoes the poet's prayer: "I will become a Jina in future lives." The article also touches upon the importance of the presence of saints, their teachings, and the company of the monastic community during times of death, likening them to potent medicine.