Karunras Kadambakam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Karunras Kadambakam," Book 1 (Prakrit Khand), based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Karunras Kadambakam (A Garland of the Essence of Compassion) Author: Kasturvijay Gani (Compiler/Editor of the Prakrit section) Publisher: Jivanbhai Chotalal Sanghvi

Overall Nature of the Work: "Karunras Kadambakam" is not an original, continuous composition by a single author. Instead, it is a compilation of 129 smaller and larger works collected from various Jain authors, primarily focusing on the theme of Karunras (the sentiment of compassion or pathos). The work is divided into two main sections: one in Prakrit (Paiy) and one in Sanskrit. This summary focuses on the Prakrit section, which contains 85 works in Prakrit and 44 in Sanskrit. The compilation spans a significant period, with Prakrit works estimated to be from around 550 BCE to 1270 CE, and Sanskrit works from 420 CE to 164 CE.

Objective of the Compilation: The primary aim of this collection is to bring attention to the rich and diverse literary contributions in Prakrit and Sanskrit languages that embody the sentiment of compassion. The compiler notes that while Jainism has made significant contributions to Indian culture and literature through these languages, many of these works remain relatively unknown or unappreciated. This collection serves as a sample to highlight this aspect of Jain literature and encourage further study and appreciation.

Themes and Causes of Karuna Rasa: The text explains that suffering (dukkha) is inherent to existence with a physical body. Human beings are susceptible to physical and mental suffering. Common causes of pathos highlighted include:

• Separation from the beloved (Priya Viyog): Loss or absence of loved ones.
• Encounter with the unpleasant (Anishta Samyog): Experiencing undesirable situations or people.
• Misfortune of loved ones: The downfall, suffering, or death of relatives and acquaintances.
• Unattainable desires and unwanted associations: The inability to achieve desired things or being associated with unpleasant ones. These various causes, especially the separation from cherished people or things, inspire poets to compose lamentations and expressions of grief.

Content Overview:

The compilation is meticulously organized, with the Prakrit section containing 85 works and the Sanskrit section containing 44. The introduction provides detailed insights into the origins and themes of many individual works.

Prakrit Section (Paiy Khand):

• Sources: The 85 Prakrit works are drawn from various Jain Agamas and other literary sources.

• Agamic Sources: The first three works are extracted from major Jain scriptures:

  1. Viyaha-pannatti (Bhagavati Sutra): The fifth Anga of Jainism, attributed to Ganadhar Sudharmaswami. It includes the poignant story of Jamali's renunciation and his mother's lament.
  2. Naya-dhamma-kaha (Naya-dhamma-kaha): The sixth Anga, also attributed to Sudharmaswami. It features the artificial lament of the presiding deity of Ratnadeepa to save Jinpalita from her clutches.
  3. Pajusana-kappa: Considered part of the ninth Purva, attributed to Shrutakewali Shrutakevali Bhadrabahu Swami. This section includes the lament of Queen Trishala, mother of Lord Mahavir, when he remained motionless in her womb.

• Other Notable Sources:

  • Paumachariya (Purnacarya): A Jain Ramayana by Vimalasuri, from which works 4-11 are extracted. These verses describe the grief of Lakshmana upon his death, Rama's lament, Anjana's sorrow, and Sagara's grief over his sons' demise, among other episodes. The text draws parallels between these lamentations and verses from Kalidasa's Raghuvansha (Aj Vilap) and Kumarasambhava (Rati Vilap).
  • Vasudevahindi: A large work in Prakrit by Shrisanghadasa Kshamasramana and Shridharma Senaganimahattara. Works 12-16 are from here, detailing the lament of mothers and fathers for their sons, Dasharatha's regret, Bharata's distress, and the agony of Rajkanya Vegavati.
  • Sriyakshini Mahattara's Dhammasuna: Works 17-20 are from this source, featuring Ratnavati's lament upon hearing of her husband's death, Dhanashri's artificial grief, the death of Bhatt, and Shantimati's remembrance-induced sorrow.
  • Surasundari Charita: Works 21-25 by Shridhaneshwar Suri, dating to 1095 VS (738 CE).
  • Uttaradhyayana Sutra Vritti: Works 26-32 from the commentary by Shre Nemichandra Suri (1120 VS / 1063 CE), including Indra's lament on Parshvanatha's Nirvana, Jarajumar's repentance, Balarama's grief over Krishna, and the lament of Rajimati upon Neminatha's renunciation.
  • Mahavir Charita: Works 33-47 by Shre Gunachandra Gani (1139 VS / 1082 CE), detailing Mahavir Swami's past lives and events, including Nandivardhana's sorrow, Vaishyayanputra's mother's lament, and Chandana's grief.
  • Puspamala Vritti: Works 48-58 by Shre Hemachandra Suri (pre-1164 VS / 1107 CE), covering various themes like the loss of Vijaya's wife, Nagadatta's accusation, and the lament of the citizens during the burning of Dwarka.
  • Bhavabhavaana Vritti: Works 53-58 by Shre Hemachandra Suri (1170 VS / 1113 CE), containing stories of sorrow and consolation.
  • Uvadesapad Ullpatti Vritti: Works 60-66 by Shre Munisuri (1174 VS / 1117 CE), depicting various scenarios of loss and grief.
  • Suparshvanath Charita: Works 68-76 by Shre Lakshmana Gani (1199 VS / 1142 CE), including Indra's lament on Suparshvanatha's Nirvana, Dhanakumar's plea to his father, and the sorrow of various characters upon separation or death.
  • Kumarapal Pratybodha: Works 77-84 by Shre Somaprabha Suri (1241 VS / 1184 CE), featuring themes of separation, loss, and regret.
  • Saddhikriya Vritti: Work 85 by Shre Haribhadra Suri (died 1327 VS / 1270 CE), detailing the grief of Suvahu Kumara upon renunciation.

• Linguistic and Grammatical Insights: The introduction also delves into various linguistic aspects observed in the Prakrit texts, such as the use of the "Kriyativpattyartha" (conditional verb usage), "Saptami Saptami" (locative absolute), similarities with Gujarati grammar, use of short vowels for 'e' and 'o', use of tadbhita suffixes, peculiar verb forms, uncommon noun forms, use of pronouns without case endings, the use of 'maru' for 'marm' (meaning 'mine' or 'my'), and instances of sandhi (vowel elision). It also touches upon native words (Deshya), onomatopoeic words, and the use of the term "Aryaputra."

Sanskrit Section:

• Sources: The 44 Sanskrit works are also drawn from significant texts.
• Key Sources:
  • Shatrunjaya Mahatmya: By Shridhaneshwar Suri (477 VS / 420 CE), including the lament of Marudevi, Bahubali's regret, and Srinivas's sorrow.
  • Upamiti Bhava-Prpanchā Kathā: By Shresiddharshi Suri (962 VS / 905 CE), featuring the grief of Vasava's son, Ripukampan's sorrow, and Dhana Vahan's lament.
  • Trijashti Shalakapurusha Charitra: By Shre Hemachandra Suri (1216-1220 VS / 1159-1163 CE), a monumental work from which many verses are drawn, covering the sorrow of Lalitanga, the grief of Veer Vanik, Nal's repentance, and Devata's lament at the time of death.
  • Padmananda Mahakavya: By Shre Amarchandra Suri (pre-1277 VS / 1220 CE), including the lament of Vijay Sen Suri for his guru.
  • Vijay Prashasti Kavya: By Shre Hemavijaya Gani (pre-1658 VS / 1601 CE), also related to the guru's demise.
  • Subodhika Vritti: By Upadhyaya Shre Vinaya Vijaya Gani (1696 VS / 1639 CE), containing verses on Nandivardhana's grief and Gautam Swami's lament.
  • Ratnakara Panchavimsatika: By Shre Ratnakara Suri, whose identity is uncertain, but the work is noted for self-criticism.

Key Figures and Their Laments: The text features laments from numerous significant figures in Jain tradition, including:

• Jamali's mother, Trishala, Nandivardhana, Chandana, Mahavir Swami's maternal uncle's wife (Dharini) – all related to events surrounding Lord Mahavir.
• Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman – from the Jain Ramayana narrative.
• Krishna, Balarama, Jarajumar – from the Mahabharata-related stories.
• Nala and Damayanti, Chandrasena and Vijaya, Nagadatta and Nagarvasu – from various literary narratives.
• Indra, the presiding deity of Ratnadeepa, and other celestial beings – expressing grief over the departure of Tirthankaras.

Scholarly Contributions: The introduction also pays tribute to the scholars involved in the project:

• Upadhyaya Shre Kasturvijay Gani: Compiler and editor of the Prakrit section, a disciple of Shre Vijay Vigyan Suri.
• Muni Shubhankar Vijay: Compiler of the Sanskrit section, a grand-disciple of Kasturvijay Gani.
• Professor Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia: Authored the Gujarati introduction, providing historical context and analysis.

Financial Support: The publication of this work was supported by donations, including ₹251 from the family of Seth Harji bhai Rajaji, and contributions from early subscribers.

Overall Significance: "Karunras Kadambakam" is a valuable resource for understanding the depth and breadth of Jain literature, particularly its exploration of human emotions like grief, loss, and repentance. It provides access to numerous verses and stories that showcase the literary prowess of Jain monks and scholars across centuries. The introduction's detailed analysis of linguistic features and the historical context of the cited works make it an important scholarly contribution.