Kural Kavya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kural Kavya" by G.R. Jain, based on the provided catalog link and page content:

Title: Kural Kavya (also referred to as Kural Kavya in the text)

Author: G.R. Jain (Publisher's listing). The original author is identified as "Shri Elaacharya Ji" (मूल लेखक श्री एलाचार्य जी), also referred to as Kundakundacharya (कुन्दकन्याचार्य / कुन्दकुन्दाचार्य) by some scholars. The text asserts that crediting Tiruvalluvar is speculative and based on legend.

Publisher: Vitrag Vani Trust Registered, Sailasagar, Tikamgadh (MP)

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/090260/1

Overview:

"Kural Kavya" is presented as a highly significant and unique ethical treatise that guides humanity on the path of righteousness. It is described as an ancient and renowned poetic work from the Tamil language, translated into Sanskrit and Hindi (verse and prose). Its popularity is immense, with translations existing in numerous European languages. In South India, it is revered as the "Tamil Veda" or "Pancham Veda." The work derives its name from a specific poetic meter called "Kural Venba."

Key Assertions and Arguments:

• Jain Origin: The text strongly argues that the "Kural Kavya" is entirely steeped in Jain philosophy and beliefs. It points to the use of specific terms like "Ahimsa," "Daya," "Sanyam," "Pashu-bali-nishedh" (prohibition of animal sacrifice), "Sarvagya Jitenriya" (omniscient and self-controlled), and "Jin Dharmachakra" (wheel of Jain Dharma) as definitive proof of its Jain authorship.
• Authorship of Kundakundacharya: After extensive research, the text asserts that the author is "Elaacharya Ji," whose alternate name is Kundakundacharya. It quotes Devsen Acharya's "Darshansar" which mentions Kundakundacharya by several names, including Padmanandi, Vakragrivacharya, Lasyacharya, and Guddapichhacharya. It states that Kundakundacharya was a disciple of Bhadrabahu II after Veer Nirvana Samvat 492.
• Rejection of Tiruvalluvar Authorship: The text explicitly refutes the popular attribution of "Kural" to Tiruvalluvar, calling it a fabrication and suspect, possibly based on folklore.
• Cultural Significance and Translations: The text highlights the widespread appeal of "Kural Kavya," noting its translation into numerous languages and its acceptance by various religious communities who see their own ethical principles reflected in it.
• Editorial and Publication Efforts: The summary mentions the significant efforts of Pandit Govindray Jain Shastri of Mehrauni, District Lalitpur (UP), who translated and published the work in Hindi and Sanskrit verse and prose. It also notes its subsequent re-publication by Shri Kanya Bharti Mandir, Delhi, inspired by Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, which saw multiple successful editions. The current publication is a joint effort by All India Digamber Jain Vidvat Parishad and Vitrag Vani Trust, Tikamgadh, to commemorate the 2600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir Swami.

Structure and Content:

The "Kural Kavya" is structured into 108 chapters (parichhed), with each chapter containing 10 verses (padyas), totaling 1080 verses. The verses are presented in a beautiful and impactful style, covering a wide range of topics essential for building a healthy society and nation.

Key Themes and Chapters (as indicated in the table of contents):

The table of contents reveals a comprehensive ethical framework, covering both personal and societal aspects. Some of the key themes and chapters include:

• Divine Praise and Reverence: Ishwar Stuti (ईश्वर स्तुति)
• Natural Phenomena: Megh Mahima (मेघ महिमा - Glory of Clouds)
• Spiritual Conduct: Muni Mahima (मुनि महिमा - Glory of Monks), Dharma Mahima (धर्म महिमा - Glory of Dharma)
• Household and Family Life: Grihasthashram (गृहस्थाश्रम - Householder's Life), Sahadharmimi (सहधर्मिणी - Wife), Santan (सन्तान - Progeny)
• Social Virtues: Prem (प्रेम - Love), Atithi Satkar (अतिथि सत्कार - Guest Hospitality), Madhur Bhashan (मधुर भाषण - Sweet Speech), Krutagnata (कृतज्ञता - Gratitude), Nyay Sheetalta (न्याय शीलता - Justice), Sanyam (संयम - Restraint), Sadachar (सदाचार - Good Conduct), Parastri Tyag (परस्त्री त्याग - Renunciation of Other's Wives), Kshama (क्षमा - Forgiveness), Irshya Tyag (ईर्ष्या त्याग - Renunciation of Jealousy), Nirlobhita (निर्लोभिता - Non-greed), Paishunya Parihar (पैशुन्य परिहार - Avoidance of Slander), Vyarth Bhashan (व्यर्थ भाषण - Idle Talk), Pap Bhiti (पाप भीति - Fear of Sin), Paropkar (परोपकार - Altruism), Dan (दान - Charity), Kirti (कीर्ति - Fame), Daya (दया - Compassion), Niramish Jivan (निरामिश जीवन - Vegetarianism/Non-flesh diet), Tap (तप - Austerity), Dhurtata (धूर्तता - Cunning), Nishkapat Vyavahar (निष्कपट व्यवहार - Sincere Conduct), Satyabhashan (सत्यभाषण - Truthful Speech), Krodh Tyag (क्रोध त्याग - Renunciation of Anger), Updrav Tyag (उपद्रव त्याग - Renunciation of Mischief), Ahimsa (अहिंसा - Non-violence), Sansar Ki Anityata (संसार की अनित्यता - Impermanence of the World), Tyag (त्याग - Renunciation), Satyasyanubhuti (सत्यस्यानुभूति - Realization of Truth), Kamnayak Daman (कामनाया दमन - Control of Desires), Bhavitavyata (भवितव्यता - Destiny), Raja (राजा - King), Shiksha (शिक्षा - Education), Shiksha Ki Upeksha (शिक्षा की उपेक्षा - Neglect of Education), Pravachan Shravan (प्रवचन श्रवण - Listening to Discourses), Buddhi (बुद्धि - Intelligence), Dosha Nivrutti (दोष निवृत्ति - Removal of Faults), etc.

The table of contents is extensive, covering a vast array of subjects that contribute to a virtuous and successful life. The individual verses are presented with a focus on ethical principles, moral conduct, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.

Publication Context:

This particular edition is published to coincide with the 2600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir Swami, emphasizing the enduring relevance of the text's teachings for the present day and its role in promoting public welfare. The publisher, Vitrag Vani Trust, has a history of publishing over 40 such esteemed works.

In essence, "Kural Kavya" is presented as a profound and comprehensive Jain ethical and moral guide, attributed to the esteemed Acharya Kundakundacharya, offering timeless wisdom for individual and societal well-being.