Madhyakalin Hindi Sahitya Me Varnit Sadguru Satsang Ki Mahtta

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Madhyakalin Hindi Sahitya me Varnit Sadguru Satsang ki Mahtta" by Pushpalata Jain, focusing on the significance of the company of a true Guru (Sadguru Satsang) in medieval Hindi literature:

The book delves into the profound importance of Sadguru Satsang (the company and guidance of a true spiritual master) as depicted in medieval Hindi literature, encompassing both Jain and non-Jain traditions.

Core Argument: The text establishes that for the success of spiritual practice and the attainment of ultimate liberation, the guidance and association of a Sadguru are paramount. All beneficial teachings and spiritual progress stem from this association.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Guru as the Source of Spiritual Knowledge:

  • The text highlights the extensive use of various terms for spiritual guides like Acharya, Buddha, Pujya, Dharmacharya, Upadhyay, Bhante, Bhadant, Sadguru, and Guru in Jain and Vedic literature.
  • Jain Acharyas consider even the Arhats and Siddhas as Gurus, emphasizing the reverence and importance of Guru bhakti.
  • The scriptures preach that through the Guru's grace, individuals can break free from the bonds of delusion and attachment (mithyatva, ragadi) and realize their true, pure soul.

• The Guru's Transformative Power:

  • Liberation from Ignorance and Vice: The Sadguru's teachings are described as capable of destroying all illusions and guiding the soul towards liberation. They act as a lamp in the darkness of ignorance.
  • Purification of the Mind: Like a goldsmith refining gold, the Sadguru removes impurities and defects from the disciple's mind, making it pure and lustrous.
  • Spiritual Vision: The Guru enables the disciple to discern the difference between the self and the non-self (atma-paramatma bhed), leading to self-realization.

• Comparison of Gurus Across Traditions:

  • Jain Saints: Jain sadhaks like Ram Singh and Anand Tilak acknowledge the Guru's significance. Anand Tilak views the Guru as a guide who reveals the distinction between the self and the other, akin to Jinvara, Siddha, and Shiva.
  • Kabir: Kabir elevates the Guru above even God (Govinda), stating that only through the Guru's grace can one have a vision of Govinda. He emphasizes the Guru's role in removing vices and illuminating the soul with knowledge.
  • Surdas: Surdas stresses the indispensable nature of a Guru in devotional practices. He compares the Guru to Hari, stating that Hari is pleased when the Guru is pleased, and without the Guru, true grace is impossible. The Gopis, unable to understand Yogic knowledge from Uddhav, long to be taken to Mathura to learn from their Guru, Shyam.
  • Tulsidas: Tulsidas also considers the Guru essential for crossing the ocean of worldly existence. He equates the Guru with Brahma and Vishnu, stating that one cannot be liberated without the Guru. The Guru is portrayed as the helmsman who makes even difficult tasks achievable.
  • Jaisi: The Sufi poet Jaisi expresses deep devotion to his Pir (Guru), viewing him as a lamp of love. The Hiraman parrot symbolizes the Guru, and Jaisi believes the Guru ignites the spark of longing (viraha) in the disciple's heart.
  • Other Bhakti Poets: Sahjobai, Dadu, and Nanak also uphold the Guru's supreme importance, with some even considering the Guru superior to God. Sundardas reiterates that the path is not visible without the Guru.

• Jain Poets' Perspective on the Guru:

  • Medieval Hindi Jain poets accorded the Guru a status equivalent to that of the Arhat. In the Pancaparamethi (five supreme beings), the Guru is considered the primary cause.
  • They viewed the Guru as compassionate, the remover of suffering and poverty, and equivalent to God in human form. The Guru's teachings are likened to the sun dispelling the darkness of ignorance.
  • Kushlabh considers the attainment of eternal happiness a result of the Guru's grace. Rüpchand also highlights the Guru's beneficial role, comparing his teachings to a cloud that benefits all beings. Banarasi Das calls the Guru a unique ship for crossing the ocean of existence.

• The Significance of Satsang (Company of the Holy/Guru):

  • Transformative Influence: The company of the Guru (Satsang) has a powerful, transformative effect, akin to madder dye coloring cloth or a touchstone turning base metal into gold. It can turn a crow into a swan and break the bonds of past lives (as seen in Raidas).
  • Spiritual Growth: Satsang leads to the destruction of bad intellect, the reduction of delusion, the increase of fame and discernment, politeness, enthusiasm, and the eradication of misfortunes. It is the root of joy and auspiciousness.
  • Examples of Satsang's Effects:
    • Kabir considers those who have attained Satsang fortunate.
    • Dariyadas compares Satsang to madder dye.
    • Navalram likens it to a Chandrakant jewel.
    • Mira desires to engage in Hari's discourse through Satsang.
    • Surdas warns against the company of the wicked, comparing them to a black blanket that cannot be dyed another color.
    • Banarasi Das lists numerous benefits of Satsang, including the destruction of ignorance, the increase of wisdom, and the attainment of peace.
    • Bhudhar Das emphasizes the rarity of human birth and Satsang, urging devotion to Arhat.
    • Various analogies are used to illustrate the positive impact of Satsang, such as:
      • The moon's radiance reflecting on a gem.
      • A bee attracted to a blooming lotus.
      • The transformation of base metal into gold by a touchstone.
      • A boat carrying burdens across water.
      • The cooling effect of sandalwood on a snake.
      • The purification of iron by a touchstone.
      • A jewel's brilliance amplified by proximity to another jewel.
      • The transformation of a silk cloth by madder dye.
      • The whiteness of cloth by a washerman.
      • The removal of disease by medicine.
      • The creation of pearls from raindrops falling into oysters.
      • The sweetness of sugarcane and the bitterness of neem, influenced by their context.
  • Types of Sangati (Company): Kavir Chhatrapati, for instance, categorizes company into excellent, medium, and base.

Conclusion: The book strongly argues that throughout medieval Hindi literature, the Sadguru and the Satsang were consistently portrayed as the ultimate enablers of spiritual progress and liberation. The authors across different traditions, including Jainism, utilized powerful metaphors and allegories to convey the Guru's indispensable role in guiding humanity towards truth and salvation. The Jain poets, in particular, elevated the Guru to a divine status, deeply integrating the concept of Guru bhakti into their devotional poetry.