Kavi Sahajsundarni Ras Krutio - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kavi Sahajsundarni Ras Krutio" by Niranjan Shwetktu Vora:

Book Title: Kavi Sahajsundarni Ras Krutio (The Ras Compositions of Poet Sahajsundar) Author: Niranjan Shwetktu Vora Publisher: Prakrit Vidyamandal Publication Year: March 1989 Content: This book is a collection and scholarly compilation of various "Ras" (narrative poems, often with a devotional or ethical theme) composed by the medieval Jain poet Sahajsundar.

Overview of Poet Sahajsundar:

Sahajsundar was a Jain monk belonging to the Upkesh Gachchha, a disciple of Devakallol.
His exact birth and death dates are not definitively known, but his works are available from around 1457 CE to 1519 CE, placing his active period in the 16th century CE.
He was a prolific poet who wrote in various genres like Ras, Samvad (dialogue), Chhand (verse), Stavan (praise), and Sajjhay (devotional songs).
Many of his works remain unpublished.
His poetry is characterized by its religious edification, high literary quality, use of various figures of speech (alankars), popular meters, simple and understandable language, and a focus on the essential truths of life.
His "Ras" compositions, largely based on traditional Jain narratives, have clear plots, vivid descriptions that enhance the story without disrupting it, and engaging dialogues.
He effectively portrays emotional transitions and the essence of detachment (vairagya) through his writing.

Key Compositions Compiled in the Book:

Soodasaheli Ras (Ras of Soodasaheli):
- Story Summary: The story revolves around Saheli, the beautiful and virtuous daughter of King MakarKet, who dreams of Shukraj, a prince from Vidyadharpuri. Separated in the dream, Saheli pines for Shukraj. A parrot (Sood) becomes her confidante and messenger. The parrot, in its true form, is Shukraj himself, cursed by a Vidyadhari queen. The story culminates in their reunion, their struggle with the parrot-human duality due to the curse, and eventual transformation back to human form through the nectar of a special tree. They face challenges, overcome them with the guidance of a Jain Acharya, and ultimately attain happiness. The narrative highlights themes of love, destiny, curses, divine intervention, and the path to spiritual liberation.
Netliputra Ras (Ras of Netliputra):
- Story Summary: This Ras narrates the story of King Kanakrath, whose minister is Netliputra. The king is obsessed with securing the throne for his lineage, even to the extent of crippling his own sons. To escape this cruel fate, Netliputra, with the help of Queen Padmavati, secretly raises the prince Makaradhvaj. The story also involves Netliputra's wife, Pithila, who later becomes a nun. The narrative explores themes of royal ambition, parental cruelty, the consequences of actions, the path of righteousness, and spiritual awakening. Netliputra eventually renounces the world and attains Keval Gyan (omniscience).
Pardeshi Raja ko Ras (Ras of the Foreign King):
- Story Summary: The story is about a foreign king who rules in Tambika. He is irreligious, unjust, and lives a life of indulgence. His wise minister, Chitrasar, tries to guide him. The king has friendly relations with King Jitshatru of Shravasti. Chitrasar is sent to Jitshatru's kingdom, where he meets the Jain monk Keshi Gandhar. Chitrasar invites Keshi Gandhar to his kingdom, where the monk engages in a debate with the foreign king about religion. The king, initially influenced by the monk, is later poisoned by his wife, who is jealous of his conversion. He dies forgiving her and ascends to the heavens. The story emphasizes the importance of righteousness and the consequences of irreligious life.
Ratnasar Kumar Ras (Ras of Prince Ratnasar):
- Story Summary: Prince Ratnasar, the son of King Ratnangad and Queen Ratnaprabha, is sent to study under a guru. He befriends a parrot (Sood), which imparts the mantra of Saraswati, making him proficient in all knowledge. The prince faces various challenges, including a test from his guru and king, and even encounters a powerful elephant. He meets and marries Chandrakala, daughter of the king of Shripur, and through his valor and lineage, marries several other princesses. He returns to his kingdom with 13 queens and eventually abdicates the throne to become a monk, achieving Keval Gyan after years of penance. The story highlights the importance of knowledge, courage, filial devotion, and spiritual pursuit.
Iriyavahi Vichar Ras (Ras on the Conduct of Movement):
- This section likely deals with the Jain principle of Iriyavahi (prudent and mindful movement to avoid harm to living beings). It emphasizes the importance of careful conduct in walking, speaking, and acting, and the need for awareness to prevent harming subtle beings. It discusses the philosophy behind avoiding sin through mindful actions, drawing parallels from nature and human behavior.
Sadhubhadraji ni Sajjhay: (Devotional Song of Sadhubhadra)
- This is a devotional song praising Sadhubhadra, a significant figure in Jainism known for his wisdom and piety.
Nindavar ki Sajjhan: (Devotional Song on Avoiding Slander)
- This devotional song likely focuses on the sin of speaking ill of others and emphasizes the importance of practicing virtue and refraining from slander.
Keyogi Git: (Song of the Yogi)
- This composition likely describes the practices and state of a yogi, possibly in the context of Jain asceticism and spiritual discipline.

Editorial and Publishing Information:

The book was compiled by Niranjan Vora, who received training in manuscript studies from the Prakrit Vidyamandal.
The publication was supported by the Shri Murti Pujak Jain Bheding Trust and the Prakrit Vidyamandal.
Dr. Harivallabh Bhayani provided guidance and wrote the foreword.
The book contains an introduction, the life and works of Sahajsundar, summaries of the Ras compositions, and the original text of the compiled works.
The publication aims to make accessible the rich, but often unpublished, medieval Jain literature to a wider audience.

Overall Theme: The collection highlights the literary and spiritual contributions of Poet Sahajsundar. His works offer moral and ethical guidance, narrate captivating stories from Jain tradition, and exemplify the beauty of medieval Gujarati Jain literature. The compilation is a valuable resource for understanding Jain devotional literature and the cultural history of the period.