Ketlik Prachin Kavyakrutio - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ketlik Prachin Kavyakrutio" (Some Ancient Poetic Works) edited by Pujya Panyas Shri Ramanikvijayji Gani:

This book, compiled by Pujya Panyas Shri Ramanikvijayji Gani, presents a collection of ancient Jain poetic works discovered in manuscript form within Jain libraries. The editor notes that while many such works have been published, a significant number still remain in manuscript, often found on scattered single pages. He diligently copies these poetic compositions whenever he encounters them. This particular collection features six poems. The first four are attributed to known authors, while the last two are of unknown authorship.

The book then proceeds to present the poems:

1. Shri Kalyan Kamal Krit Nemnath Fāg (Fāgu composed by Shri Kalyan Kamal on Nemnath): This poem is a "Fāgu," a type of lyrical poetry often sung during festivals, specifically celebrating the life and renunciation of Nemnath, the 22nd Jain Tirthankara.

The poem begins with an invocation to Goddess Saraswati and then to Nemjin (Nemnath), highlighting the bliss derived from remembering him.
It depicts Rajmati, Nemnath's queen, longing for him during the spring festival.
The narrative describes Nemkumar (Nemnath as a prince) going to the forest with his friends, where Gopīs (cowherd maidens) dance. The imagery includes sprinkling colors, a reference to Satyabhama and Rukmini, and a brief mention of Rishabhadeva's pastimes before his renunciation.
The poem then shifts to the conversation between Rajmati and Nemnath, where Rajmati expresses her distress and longing. Nemnath explains his vow and the need for renunciation.
The narrative continues with the wedding preparations of the Yadavas, the ceremony itself, and the departure of the bridegroom's party.
Nemnath's inner turmoil and his eventual decision to renounce worldly life are portrayed, leading to his arrival at Girnar.
Rajmati's intense sorrow and her physical suffering due to separation from Nemnath are described, with friends trying to console her.
The poem mentions Krishna and Balarama trying to mediate and Nemnath's resolve.
Ultimately, Nemnath, filled with detachment, takes to the path of renunciation, achieving liberation along with the other liberated souls. The poem concludes with a reference to Kalyan Kamal as the composer.

2. Shri Vachak Gunlabh Rachita Vāyrāg Upai (The Path of Detachment composed by Vachak Gunlabh): This section appears to be a didactic poem or a series of verses focusing on spiritual guidance and the path of detachment (Vairagya).

It emphasizes the importance of sincere guru service with a steady mind, proper understanding of true faith (Samakit), and the means to cross the difficult cycle of birth and death.
It praises the devotion to Arihants (Tirthankaras), the virtues of gurus, and understanding the essence of compassion for living beings.
The poem highlights the superiority of Samakit over the wish-fulfilling jewel (Chintamani).
It describes the qualities of Arihants (free from eighteen flaws) and the process of overcoming karma through meditating on the Tirthankaras.
The virtues of the guru are compared to the full moon, and the guru's ability to remove forty-two flaws is mentioned.
The poem stresses adherence to the vows of Samiti (proper conduct) and Gupta (restraint), wearing the armor of chastity, and bowing to the guru with devotion.
It uses the analogy of a drowning person being pulled out by the guru to illustrate the importance of serving a good guru.
The poem then delves into the suffering caused by attachment and worldly desires, using metaphors like a donkey's back or a burning cloth.
It discusses the various forms of life and the importance of compassion, stating that without it, all existence is meaningless.
The poem advises against unnecessary sin, emphasizing that all actions have consequences.
It condemns eating at night, comparing those who do so to animals without horns or tails, and those who consume food during the night are described as being filled with ignorance and sin.
It advocates for observing fasts and refraining from extramarital relations.
The ephemeral nature of worldly possessions and bodily adornments is highlighted, contrasting them with the inner impurity of the body.
The poem warns against the dangers of lust and the suffering it brings, comparing it to a fish in shallow water.
It advises against consuming food that has been in contact with impure substances or carrying seeds.
The transient nature of the world is compared to a water droplet.
The poem touches upon the suffering of life and the inability to express it, using the analogy of birds returning to their nests at sunset and the fleeting nature of relationships.
It questions the reality of relationships and the impermanence of life, stating that what is created eventually perishes.
The poem advises to avoid deceit and to rely on spiritual practices for support in the afterlife.
It encourages the practice of charity, self-discipline, austerities, and contemplation for attaining liberation.
The poem concludes by stating that listening to these teachings will bring peace and lead to a good destination, and attributes these words to Vachak Gunlabh.

3. Shri Vijaybhadra Krit Upashamras Chaupai (Chaupai on the Rasa of Equanimity by Shri Vijaybhadra): This section is a "Chaupai," a four-line stanza form, focusing on the importance of "Upasham Ras" (the sentiment or essence of equanimity and tranquility).

It begins by stating that devotion to Arihants is essential and that without equanimity, suffering cannot be overcome.
Equanimity is described as armor against harsh words.
The poem emphasizes that without forgiveness in the heart, one cannot achieve true righteousness.
It asserts that austerities, penance, and discipline are useless without equanimity, and all past karma is nullified by equanimity.
The poem advises to consider insults as harmless and to respond with sweetness.
It suggests that past actions may lead to misunderstandings, but one should not dwell on such words.
The importance of controlling the mind and practicing equanimity is stressed as the way to attain the bliss of liberation.
It advises to let go of attachments and to seek forgiveness and forgive others.
The poem highlights the virtue of enduring hardships like the earth and living by the Jina's teachings day and night.
Equanimity is declared to be the essence of all religions.
The poem states that as much as one cultivates equanimity, that much is their religion. If one lacks equanimity, they will suffer greatly from karma.
To achieve liberation, one must endure the words of others.
To avoid unfavorable destinations, one must cultivate inner equanimity.
The poem concludes by stating that by embracing equanimity, one can attain liberation, and attributes the composition to Vijaybhadra.

4. Shri Jinprabh Suri Krit Padmavati Chaturshādika (Four-verse composition on Padmavati by Shri Jinprabh Suri): This section comprises several verses dedicated to the Jain goddess Padmavati, an Yakshini associated with Lord Parshvanatha.

The verses begin by invoking the Jain teachings and praising Goddess Padmavati, emphasizing the rarity and value of human birth.
They mention devotion to Lord Parshvanatha and the auspicious qualities of Padmavati, who dispels obstacles.
The verses describe her beauty and power, her lotus-like eyes, and the jewels adorning her.
Padmavati is depicted as the dispeller of darkness, the bestower of boons, and the one who grants victory.
Her adornments, such as anklets, bracelets, and necklaces, are described.
The power of Padmavati to fulfill desires is highlighted, and the verses speak of her as the mother of the universe.
The poem mentions her divine weapons and her radiant form.
Devotees are encouraged to worship her, and it is stated that by her grace, all wishes are fulfilled.
The verses also mention other deities and the efficacy of chanting her name.
The poem describes her as a wish-fulfilling jewel and a source of immense power.
It lists various supernatural beings and demons who are fearful of her.
The verses highlight her ability to grant success in various endeavors, including protection, victory, and prosperity.
Padmavati is depicted as a powerful protector who can overcome all obstacles and enemies.
The poem mentions the importance of chanting her name with devotion for achieving desired outcomes.
It describes her as a celestial being who bestows prosperity and fulfills the wishes of her devotees.
The verses also mention specific rituals and offerings to the goddess.
The poem concludes by stating that by pleasing Padmavati, one can achieve spiritual and worldly success, and it is attributed to Jinprabh Suri.

5. Ajñātakavit Krit Ādijin Vīnanati Stava (Hymn of Supplication to the First Jin by an Unknown Poet): This is a devotional hymn addressed to the first Jain Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhadeva (Adijin).

The hymn begins with a plea to the first Jin, expressing devotion and seeking protection from negative emotions like lust, anger, and greed.
It speaks of the four-fold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen) and the joy of remembering the Lord.
The poet expresses his desire to offer divine offerings and to have a constant connection with Adijin.
He speaks of decorating the path and filling squares with pearls, signifying the joy of devotion.
The hymn praises the tongue that sings the Lord's praises and the eyes that behold his form.
It acknowledges Marudevi as the fortunate mother of Adijin, who saved him from the ocean of existence.
The poem mentions Marudevi's other children and celebrates the victory of Adijin.
The poet implores Adijin for grace and asks for his protection in all lifetimes.

6. Ajñātak Kavit Krit Hitashiksha Chaturshadi (Four-verse teaching of beneficial advice by an Unknown Poet): This section offers a series of didactic verses providing moral and spiritual guidance.

It begins with an invocation to Goddess Saraswati for support in understanding these teachings.
The verses offer wise counsel on various aspects of life:
- Righteousness: The religious person follows the Jina's dharma, the action-oriented person follows actions, the yogi follows meditation, and the Brahmin follows Brahman.
- Virtues: The sun follows its course, the excellent person follows truth, the distressed person wanders in misfortune, and the happy person reaches the city of liberation.
- Merit and Courage: Good fortune comes to those with great merit, friendship comes to the courageous, power belongs to God, and good is what is done for oneself.
- Family Life: The wife obeys the husband, children obey parents, prosperity comes from those who serve, and the meditator is one who is free from worry.
- Good Conduct: The sinful person steals others' wealth, the disciple follows the guru's instructions, the layman upholds true faith, and the good guru saves and guides.
- Devotion: The king is just, the meditator worships Arihant, the ascetic exhausts karma, and the carpenter doesn't hide anything.
- Qualities: Beauty belongs to the beautiful, charity is good, meditation is good, pure meditation is good, and knowledge is good, leading to omniscience.
- Practices: Seeing the Tirthankaras is like seeing the jewel of liberation, the celibate abstains from women, the revered person serves the guru, and the one who crosses is the one who crosses the ocean of existence.
- Auspiciousness: The idol seen by the eye brings joy, the letter is like nectar, the ascetic is endowed with forgiveness, the knowledgeable person is the soul, and the city is good if it has a great soul.
- Other Virtues: Water is protected, wealth is earned justly, humans are not swayed by pride, and life is lived according to the Jina's command.
- Charity and Truth: Charity is earned through compassion, truthfulness is important, and the wise person does not wander in ignorance.
- Religious Observance: The traveler follows the path, devotion is achieved through victory, alms are received by monks, and the layman attains liberation.
- Husband and Wife: The wife does not go astray, the good man does not cry in distress, the deluded person loses both worlds, and the one who practices righteousness is happy.
The collection ends with these didactic verses.

In essence, "Ketlik Prachin Kavyakrutio" serves as a valuable repository of ancient Jain poetic literature, offering insights into devotional practices, philosophical teachings, and the life and legends of Jain Tirthankaras, preserved and presented by the dedicated efforts of Pujya Panyas Shri Ramanikvijayji Gani.