Krodh Man Maya Loabh Chaupai

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Krodh Man Maya Loabh Chaupai" by Pandit Shri Kirtivijayji, edited by Punyashri Ramnikvijayji Gani, in English:

Book Title: Krodh Man Maya Loabh Chaupai (Couplets on Anger, Pride, Deceit, and Greed)

Author: Pandit Shri Kirtivijayji

Editor: Punyashri Ramnikvijayji Gani

Publisher: (Associated with Mahavir Jain Vidyalay Suvarna Mahotsav Granth, Part 1)

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/230155/1

Overall Purpose:

This devotional poem, "Krodh Man Maya Loabh Chaupai," is a didactic work that aims to describe the negative qualities (avgun) associated with the four primary passions or vices (kasayas): Krodh (Anger), Maan (Pride), Maya (Deceit), and Lobh (Greed). The text serves as a strong admonition against these vices, urging readers to seek liberation from them. It is praised for its simplicity in understanding and its sweet, melodious reading experience, enriched with references to various scriptural stories and anecdotes.

Author and Creation:

The author of this work is Pandit Shri Kirtivijayji Maharaj. He composed this poem in Samvat 1835 in the Vagad region. Limited information is available about this scholar or his other works; the text presented here is based on a single, scattered handwritten page.

Content Summary by Section:

• Introduction (Page 1):

  • The poem begins with an invocation to Goddess Saraswati and pays homage to the twenty Tirthankaras.
  • It then declares its intention to expound upon the meaning of Krodh, Maan, Maya, and Lobh with a steadfast mind.

• Krodh (Anger) (Page 1 & 2):

  • Negative Consequences: Anger is depicted as a consuming fire that burns away one's efforts and penance. It leads to the accumulation of vast karma, destroys good deeds, dries up the essence of equanimity (samatāras).
  • Behavioral Manifestations: An angry person disregards parents and gurus, and overcomes their senses. Anger leads to intense suffering, akin to poison.
  • Scriptural References: The text cites several examples from Jain and Hindu scriptures where anger caused destruction and downfall:
    • The anger of two brothers leading to conflict.
    • The battle between Bharat and Bahubali being fueled by anger.
    • The story of Achankari Bhatta.
    • The illicit affair of a wife with her husband's friend.
    • The incident involving Arjunal-Mali where their actions were influenced by negative emotions.
    • The ability to engage in deceit and cunning actions.
    • The downfall to lower realms (durgati).
    • The wrath of Parashurama wielding his axe.
    • Lord Shiva being disturbed.
    • The hardening of Brahmadata due to anger.
    • The incident of a Brahmin causing harm.
    • The manipulation of a mother-in-law and sister-in-law against their daughter-in-law (Subhadra).
    • The binding of karmas, imprisonment within one's home, and a king's suffering.
    • The turmoil and confusion caused by anger, leading to forgetfulness of important things.
    • The actions of Kunik and the downfall of Bhaji Visala.
    • The conflict between Lakshman and Rama, and Ravana's downfall.
  • Concluding Warning: The poem emphasizes that anger is a significant force that should not be engaged with. It reiterates that anger binds much karma and leads to a fall into lower births. Therefore, everyone should abandon anger to attain unimpeded happiness and understanding.

• Maan (Pride) (Page 2):

  • Those Who Abandon Pride: Those who shed pride are described as strong and noble.
  • Consequences of Pride: Pride leads one to ride a horse (symbolic of arrogance), fall into misery, be born into low castes, and fail to acquire humility. It causes one to deviate from the path of virtue and wander through various states of existence.
  • Scriptural References: Examples of pride leading to downfall are given:
    • The stories of Prince Samb and Pradyumna, and Sthala.
    • The unwavering pride of King Bali.
    • The arrogance associated with the disguise of Lord Krishna as a Brahmin.
    • The destructive power of arrogance.
    • The story of Viramati and Chandan's actions.
    • The incident involving Premal and Surajkund.
    • The suffering of Duryodhana.
    • The comparison to the helplessness of a snake.
  • Spiritual Impact: Pride prevents one from attaining Dharma and constantly binds karma. It makes humans arrogant and leads them to wander in the cycle of birth and death. Those who abandon pride are truly happy.
  • Exhortation: The text encourages virtuous people to listen and understand the consequences of pride, advising them to abandon it.

• Maya (Deceit) (Page 2 & 3):

  • Nature of Deceit: Maya is described as the gateway to hell and the land of impurity. It nurtures karma and is associated with deceit and trickery.
  • Consequences of Deceit: Deceit leads to a degraded state of existence. It causes people to lie and engage in deceitful acts.
  • Scriptural References:
    • The story of Mallinath where deceit was involved.
    • The association of deceit with great people.
    • The mention of deceit causing bad fortunes.
    • The story of Ashadhbhuta Muni where deceit led to the loss of Ladu.
    • Deceit is compared to a great attraction, the fall of the sun and moon (symbolizing chaos), a net of traps, and a lioness.
  • Spiritual Impact: Deceit fosters arrogance, leads to a loss of spiritual merit (punya), and prevents the practice of human dharma. It leads to the corruption of character, dishonesty, and the eventual death of life through deceitful means. It causes separation and loss for all living beings.
  • Summary: The poem concludes by stating that deceit entraps souls and causes their destruction.

• Lobh (Greed) (Page 3):

  • Consequences of Greed: Greed corrupts all aspects of life. It causes many to fall into ruin. Greed breeds more greed and leads to the downfall of men and women.
  • Spiritual Impairment: A greedy person is trapped and does not know Dharma.
  • Scriptural References:
    • The story of Sagardatta falling into the sea due to greed.
    • Subhum being obstructed due to greed.
    • Greed leads to hoarding wealth and behaving like a bee attracted to nectar, without spending.
    • Greed can lead to rebirth in the same state of existence (Vagula bhava).
    • Greed drives people to travel to distant lands and leads to the ruin of men and women.
  • Hope and Advice: However, the text offers a glimmer of hope: by abandoning greed, one can attain merit (punya) and practice Dharma with ease. It encourages Shravakas (Jain lay followers) to embrace their dharma with enthusiasm.
  • Universal Impact: Greed affects all beings, big and small, and they continuously engage in actions driven by it.
  • Path to Liberation: The poem suggests that by relinquishing greed, one can shed their fallen state and undertake generous acts like pilgrimage.
  • Concluding Verse: The poem concludes by reiterating that this work was composed in the Vagad region in Samvat 1835. It is a prayer for seeing the divine, respecting gurus and wise people, and praises "Kirtivijay" for singing these virtues. It promises eternal prosperity and freedom from the torments of hell.

Conclusion:

"Krodh Man Maya Loabh Chaupai" is a powerful and accessible Jain text that uses vivid descriptions and scriptural examples to illustrate the detrimental effects of the four cardinal vices: anger, pride, deceit, and greed. It serves as a clear guide for spiritual aspirants, encouraging them to overcome these passions to achieve lasting happiness and liberation.