Mahavir Thui

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavir Thui," based on the provided pages:

Title: Mahavir Thui (Meaning: "Mahavir's Praise" or "Mahavir's Song")

Author/Translator/Publisher: Sumtilal Jivraj Shah, B.A. (originally from Wadhwan)

Basis: This text is a poetic translation based on the Sixth Chapter of the Suyagadanga Sutra, one of the fundamental texts of Jainism.

Purpose and Context:

• The book is a poetic Gujarati translation of a hymn or praise of Lord Mahavir, which is originally found in the Suyagadanga Sutra in the Ardha Magadhi language.
• The translator, Sumtilal Jivraj Shah, states that this is his third attempt at poetic translation. He was inspired to undertake this translation after encountering a Magadhi poem titled "Mahavir Stuti" published by Shri Maidan Tejmal Shethia of Bikaner.
• He sought and received a preface for the book from the esteemed Pandit Muni Shri Ratnachandraji of the Limbdi Sampradaya, who is a renowned scholar and orator ("Shatavadhani").
• The translator acknowledges that a complete description of Lord Mahavir's powers is beyond human capacity, even for great figures like Shrimad Sudharmaswami. He also recognizes that the original text, being in Ardha Magadhi, might be difficult for ordinary people to understand or pronounce correctly.
• He emphasizes that the original text should be treated with respect and not read or sung in impure clothing or places.
• He hopes that the translation will be appreciated by the Jain community and welcomes suggestions for improvement.

Content Overview:

The book begins with introductory pages, including title pages, publisher details, and the translator's heartfelt "Few Words from the Translator" (Anuvadak na Be Bol).

Translator's Words:

• Motivation: Inspired by another Jain hymn, he felt compelled to translate this specific praise of Mahavir.
• Collaboration: He sent his translation to Pandit Muni Shri Ratnachandraji for a preface, who kindly agreed.
• Nature of the Work: He admits that the descriptions of Mahavir's qualities might seem repetitive to a superficial reader, but upon deep contemplation, each statement by the Gadhara (chief disciples of the Tirthankara) has distinct and clear meaning.
• Challenges: Translating the profound descriptions of Mahavir's power from Ardha Magadhi into simple Gujarati was difficult, and he asks for understanding regarding any imperfections.
• Respect: He reiterates the importance of respecting the sacred text.
• Call for Engagement: He expresses his happiness if the translation resonates with the Jain community and invites feedback.

Preface by Pandit Muni Shri Ratnachandraji:

• Mahavir's Uniqueness: The preface highlights Lord Mahavir as an unparalleled spiritual founder whose renunciation and steadfastness are beyond comparison.
• Uniqueness of Tirthankaras: Just as only a sea can be compared to a sea, only a Tirthankara can be compared to a Tirthankara.
• Examples of Mahavir's Virtues: The preface details Mahavir's extraordinary qualities through various examples:
  • Patience/Endurance (Sahanshilta): He bore the stings of bees that remained in his body for four months without irritation, demonstrating immense patience.
  • Forgiveness (Kshama): He did not show anger or resentment even when goatherds pierced his ears with nails.
  • Self-Control (Sanyam): He remained undisturbed by the alluring attempts of celestial beings, showing incredible self-control.
  • Heroism/Bravery (Veerta): He single-handedly endured immense hardships (parishaha) without seeking any external help, even from Indra, emphasizing the strength of self-reliance.
• Mahavir's Life: The preface briefly recounts Mahavir's birth in Kundagrama, his service to his parents, his time as a householder, his renunciation at age 31, his twelve and a half years of severe penance, and his attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience) on the banks of the Rujupalika river.
• The Gadhara's Praise: It mentions that Gadhara (chief disciples) like Sudharmaswami praised Mahavir's qualities in the Suyagadanga Sutra, and this translation aims to make these praises accessible.
• Structure of the Translation: The original hymn has 29 verses (Gathas). The Gujarati translation expands these into 57 verses, with some original verses being translated into two or three Gujarati verses to capture their essence and make them accessible.

The Hymn (from Page 10 onwards): The core of the book is the poetic translation of the praise of Lord Mahavir. The hymn begins with a dialogue where Sudharmaswami, the principal disciple, is asked by Jambu Swami (the fifth Gadhara) about the path to cross the ocean of existence and the origin of the dharma taught by Lord Mahavir.

The subsequent verses then go on to describe Lord Mahavir's attributes, often using similes and metaphors from nature and the cosmos to illustrate his greatness:

• Divine Qualities: Omniscience, omnipotence, compassion for all beings, perfect knowledge, pure conduct, transcendence of worldly attachments, victory over birth and death.
• Comparisons:
  • His wisdom is compared to the vast ocean.
  • His intellect is likened to the unmeasurable ocean.
  • His knowledge shines like a pure lamp.
  • His spiritual power is compared to Mount Meru, unmatched by any other mountain.
  • His divine sound and teachings are compared to the echoes of a mountain.
  • His brilliance is like the sun.
  • His virtues are compared to the splendor of Mount Meru.
  • His presence is like the sun illuminating the ten directions.
  • His equanimity and detachment are praised.
  • His purity is like the white color of the Shankha (conch shell) or the moon.
  • His liberation from karmic impurities is highlighted.
  • His wisdom and conduct are considered supreme, comparable to the divine tree Shalmali and the celestial Nandana garden.
  • His voice is like the roaring clouds.
  • His coolness is like the moon.
  • His fragrance is like the sandalwood.
  • He is compared to the divine elephant Airavata, the celestial Garuda, and the lion.
  • His supreme virtues are likened to Vashudeva, the lotus, and the Chakravarti emperor.
  • His strength is compared to the immense strength of the Ashtapada elephant.
  • His virtues are seen as unique and unparalleled.
  • He embodies the highest forms of giving (Abhaya Dana - fearlessness), truth (Nirvaydya - blameless), and austerity (Brahmacharya - celibacy).
  • His teachings lead to the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha).
  • He overcame internal enemies like anger, pride, greed, and hatred.
  • He understood all philosophies and paths of the world.
  • He showed the path to the destruction of karmic enemies.
  • He fully understood the nature of all realms (human, hellish).
  • His teachings lead to ultimate bliss and liberation.

Overall Impression:

"Mahavir Thui" is a devotional work that aims to convey the profound glory and virtues of Lord Mahavir Swami in an accessible Gujarati poetic form. It draws upon ancient Jain scriptures, particularly the Suyagadanga Sutra, and seeks to inspire faith and understanding among Jain followers by presenting the Tirthankara's unparalleled spiritual achievements and character through evocative language and comparisons. The translator's personal journey and the scholarly preface add depth and context to this devotional endeavor.