Madhyakalin Hindi Jain Sahitya Me Rahasya Bhavna - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Madhyakalin Hindi Jain Sahitya me Rahasya Bhavna" by Pushpalata Jain, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Madhyakalin Hindi Jain Sahitya me Rahasya Bhavna (Mystic Sentiment in Medieval Hindi Jain Literature) Author: Pushpalata Jain Publisher: Sanmati Vidyapith, Nagpur Summary:

This book, a doctoral dissertation submitted to Nagpur University in 1975, is a detailed academic study of the concept and expression of "Rahasya Bhavna" (mystic sentiment or spiritual yearning) within medieval Hindi Jain literature. Pushpalata Jain meticulously traces the historical, cultural, and religious backdrop of this literary tradition and analyzes its various manifestations.

Key Themes and Structure of the Book:

The book is divided into eight main chapters (Parivart), along with an introduction, appendices, and a preface by Dr. Narendra Manavat.

Chapter 1: Periodization and Cultural Background of Medieval Hindi Literature:
- Establishes the timeframe for medieval Hindi literature, generally from the 7th to the 19th century (V.S. 1400 to 1900), with a focus on the period when religious and spiritual themes were prevalent.
- Discusses the socio-political and religious landscape of medieval India, including the influence of Vedic, Jain, and Buddhist traditions, as well as the impact of foreign invasions and rulers.
- Highlights the cultural context that fostered the creation of Jain literature, emphasizing the patronage provided by various dynasties to Jain scholars and poets.
Chapter 2: Trends in Early Hindi Jain Literature (Adikalin):
- Explores the early stages of Hindi Jain literature, acknowledging the significant influence of Apabhramsha language and literature.
- Discusses the transition from Apabhramsha to early Hindi, citing poets like Swayambhu, Pushpadant, Shantibhadra Suri, and Jinvallabh Suri.
- Analyzes the linguistic characteristics and early poetic forms that laid the foundation for later developments.
Chapter 3: Trends in Medieval Hindi Jain Literature:
- This chapter delves into the diverse literary forms and genres prevalent in medieval Hindi Jain literature.
- It categorizes the literature into:
  - Prabandh Kavya: Epic poems, narrative poems, Puranic accounts, character sketches, Rasa literature.
  - Roopak Kavya: Allegorical works, such as those depicting festivals like Holi or weddings, and metaphorical narratives.
  - Adhyatmik and Bhakti-mulak Kavya: Spiritual and devotional literature, including hymns (Stavan), worship songs (Puja), prayers (Chaupai), marriage songs (Jaymal), celebratory songs (Chaupai, Phalgu, Chunri, Veli), narrative poems (Barhamasa, Sankhyatmak), and miscellaneous genres.
- Emphasizes that the primary purpose behind these literary expressions was spiritual, leading to a natural and unadorned language rather than overtly ornamental prose.
Chapter 4: Analysis of Mystic Sentiment (Rahasya Bhavna):
- Defines "Rahasya" and "Rahasyavad" (Mysticism), exploring their etymology and usage in different contexts (philosophical, spiritual, literary).
- Compares and contrasts Jain and non-Jain mystic traditions. A key point of distinction is Jainism's emphasis on the soul becoming divine rather than merely merging with a divine entity.
- Presents the author's definition of Rahasya Bhavna as a spiritual endeavor through which the seeker merges with the Supreme Being based on self-experience.
- Identifies the three stages of the soul in Jain philosophy (Bahiratama, Antaratma, Paramatma) as the framework for analyzing mystic practices.
Chapter 5: Obstacles to Mystic Sentiment:
- Identifies factors hindering the attainment of mystic realization, analyzed within the Jain philosophical context.
- These obstacles include: worldly desires (vishay vasna), attachment to the body (sharirik mamtva), karmic bondage (karmajal), false beliefs (mithyatva), passions (kashay), delusion (moh), outward show (bahyāḍambar), and the restlessness of the mind (man ki chanchalta).
- These elements keep the soul in the "Bahiratama" state, preventing spiritual progress.
Chapter 6: Aids to Mystic Sentiment:
- Details the factors that facilitate mystic sentiment, again analyzed through the lens of medieval Hindi Jain literature.
- Key aids include: the guidance of a true Guru (sadguru), recognizing the rarity of human birth (narbhav durlabhata), self-reflection (atmasambodhan, atmachintan), purification of the mind (chittashuddhi), discernment (bhedavigyan), and the three jewels of Jainism (Ratnatraya: right faith, right knowledge, right conduct).
- These elements help the soul progress towards the "Antaratma" state.
Chapter 7: Manifestations of Mystic Sentiment:
- Explores the various literary expressions of mystic sentiment, focusing on the devotional and emotional aspects that arise when the soul progresses towards the "Paramatma" state.
- These include devotional surrender (Prapatti Bhavna), nine-fold devotion (Navdha Bhakti), effortless spiritual practice (Sahaj Yoga Sadhana) and equanimity (Samrasata).
- The chapter also analyzes spiritual love and metaphorical representations like spiritual Holi and seasonal songs (Phagu, Barhamasa) used to convey mystic experiences.
Chapter 8: Comparative Study of Mystic Sentiments:
- Presents a comparative analysis of medieval Jain mystic sentiments with those found in non-Jain traditions (Shaiva, Vaishnava, Sufi, and general Bhakti movements).
- It examines the commonalities and differences in their approaches to obstacles, aids, devotional practices, and the ultimate goal of self-realization and union with the divine.
- It concludes that while there are shared themes, Jain mysticism uniquely emphasizes the soul's inherent divinity and its journey to self-realization without relying on an external creator deity. The emphasis is on the soul becoming divine rather than merging with it.

Key Scholarly Contributions:

Jain Perspective on Mysticism: The book clarifies that Jain mysticism is not about the soul merging with a separate God but about the soul realizing its own inherent divinity and becoming liberated from karmic impurities to attain omniscience and bliss, thus becoming divine.
Categorization of Literary Forms: It provides a comprehensive categorization of medieval Hindi Jain literary genres, highlighting their spiritual purpose.
Linguistic and Cultural Analysis: The study delves into the linguistic evolution from Apabhramsha to early Hindi and the cultural influences that shaped Jain literature.
Comparative Study: It offers a valuable comparative study of Jain mysticism with other Indian spiritual traditions, emphasizing Jainism's unique philosophical underpinnings.
Identification of Obstacles and Aids: The systematic analysis of factors hindering and aiding mystic realization provides a practical framework within the Jain context.

Overall Significance:

"Madhyakalin Hindi Jain Sahitya me Rahasya Bhavna" is a significant scholarly work that illuminates a rich but often overlooked facet of medieval Indian literature. It demonstrates how the Jain tradition, despite its distinct philosophical tenets, engaged with and contributed to the broader discourse on mystic sentiment in Indian literature. The book highlights the profound spiritual depth and artistic sophistication of medieval Hindi Jain poets and their contribution to the understanding of "Rahasya Bhavna" as a path to self-realization.